The Alabama Crimson Ride welcome in the Florida Atlantic Owls in college football action Saturday. The game is scheduled for a noon start time and it will be televised nationally on the SEC Network. The odds for the game have Alabama as a huge favorite in this one.
Alabama beat West Virginia on a neutral site last week, but they weren't the Crimson Tide we've grown accustomed to seeing the past half decade. They're laying 40 points in this one against a bad Florida Atlantic team and should have no problem rolling over the Owls, even if they are sleep walking through this game.
West Virginia last week showed if you spread Alabama out and don't allow them to tackle in space, they can give up chunks of yards. Clint Trickett tossed for 365 yards in the loss to the Tide, but could only lead the Mountaineers to 23 points.
There is supposed to be some rain in the forecast for this one in Tuscaloosa, so that could have an impact.
Blake Sims got the starting nod over Jake Coker last week, but head coach Nick Saban said the No. 1 spot at quarterback is still open. In other words, Coker should get some snaps in this one. It might not matter who the quarterback is for the most part this season for the Tide, handing the football off to T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry can make the job a bit easier. The Alabama offensive line has to get better overall and they should as the season moves along.
In case you were wondering, Alabama won the only meeting prior to this game against Florida Atlantic in 2012, 40-17. They scored on their opening six possessions in that game and then shifted down into cruise control.
Alabama has been very good at home under Saban, but also hasn't lost a home opener since the 2001 season when UCLA knocked them off by a field goal.
If the Tide are just sleep walking through this one, Florida Atlantic could be a team that picks up an ATS win. The Owls have covered 11 of their 13 and head coach Charlie Partridge is looking to build a winner in the Sunshine State. It's obviously not going to be easy, but playing teams like Alabama and building up their athletic budget can certainly help.
Last week the Owls were crushed by Nebraska, giving up 55 points to the Huskers and almost 800 yards in Lincoln.
Jaquez Johnson, the starting quarterback for the Owls, got banged up last week. His status is still uncertain for this one, which doesn't make things easier for Florida Atlantic.
If the Tide want to name the score, they will have that ability here. But with Saban's team looking to get a win, avoid injuries and not embarrass anyone, the Owls could cover the 40 here and lost by just five touchdowns.
Free Pick: Alabama 45, Florida Atlantic 7
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