The nation’s No. 1 team returns to action today as Alabama meets SEC newcomer Missouri at Faurot Field in Columbia (3:30pm ET start time, CBS). College Football Saturday odds have the visiting Crimson Tide listed as a -21 against the spread favorite; the game total is set at 43.5 points. Mizzou is a +900 moneyline play ($100 wins $900) to avoid its fourth conference loss of the season.
Alabama had, arguably, its worst performance of the season its last time out as it just edged (tongue in cheek) Ole Miss 33-14 in Tuscaloosa. Obviously the Tide won comfortably, but they were a long ways from covering the 31 point spread. The Rebels also aided the Crimson Tide cause by throwing three interceptions.
The Jekyll and Hyde Tigers should provide a wonderful opportunity for Alabama to get back in the butt kicking saddle as it were. Missouri is 3-3 on the season, but it is 0-3 in SEC play after last weekend’s ugly 19-15 home loss to Vanderbilt.
The Tigers outgained the Commodores by 100 yards and limited Vandy to a 2.1 yards per carry average, but they still found a way to puke the game away. They will not have to worry that sort of thing today, though. Based upon the Tigers performance this season and, of course, Alabama’s tremendous roster, Missouri will, in all probability, never be in this game.
Still, betting the Tide here at -21 is a bit of a risk. Alabama sets up its offense with great special teams play and turnovers, so it could easily crest the number; however, Nick Saban and Gary Pinkel were college teammates and Saban will not intentionally embarrass his friend. In other words, the back door could be wide open for the Tigers in this game.
Alabama vs Missouri College Football Odds:
Alabama Crimson Tide -21 (-110), Over 43.5 (-110), -1300 (Moneyline)
Missouri Tigers +21 (-110), Under 43.5 (-110), +900 (Moneyline)
College Football Free Picks: LSU at South Carolina Betting
What college football bettors need to know about LSU Tigers at South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday (10/13/12) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Bryan Leonard with Marco D'Angelo and host Scott Spreitzer.
-25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
Get a Free College Football Pick from professional handicapper Scott Spreitzer at the Pregame Forum! Click Here now.