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The Alabama Crimson Tide and Miami Hurricanes will face off in the first full week of college football action on Saturday. It's time to continue our CFB odds series and make an Alabama-Miami prediction and pick.
This is one of the best games on the schedule in Week 1. Alabama is coming off another incredible season, going undefeated and winning another national championship. As always, the expectations are set sky-high for the Crimson Tide as we enter the 2021 season. Anything less than a playoff berth will be considered a letdown.
No one expects as much from the Hurricanes, but Miami is expected to contend in the ACC. They manage to dodge the Clemson Tigers this year, so Alabama is the toughest test they'll face this season. This should be a great game, so let's get into the pick.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the odds for Saturday's game.
CFB Odds: Alabama-Miami Odds
Alabama Crimson Tide -19 1/2 (-110)
Miami Hurricanes +19 1/2 (-110)
Over 61 points (-110)
Under 61 points (-110)
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Why Alabama Could Cover The Spread
Despite a slew of departures in the offseason, the Crimson Tide remain one of the elite teams in college football. Their offense has fully restocked the talent that it had last season and should be a top-10 unit in the country this year. Former five-star recruit Bryce Young is set to make his first start at quarterback, and he has quite the supporting cast. Receiver John Metchie is back for another campaign, and he's sure to be one of the best pass-catchers in the nation. Running back Brian Robinson continues the line of great Tide runners to give Young another weapon out of the backfield. Perhaps more important than all of those pieces is the offensive line. Star tackle Evan Neal anchors this unit that is full of former four- and five-star recruits.
This loaded offensive unit is matched up with a Miami defense that doesn't look up to par after being hit hard by departures in the offseason. Star edge rushers Quincy Roche, Jaelen Phillips, and Gregory Rousseau all left for the NFL, turning what was a huge strength into a weakness for the Canes. The linebackers aren't particularly strong, and the secondary lacks standout talent. An offense as strong as Alabama's should have a field day against this defense.
Why Miami Could Cover The Spread
In order for Miami to cover, the offense will have to put on a show. Quarterback D'Eriq King was fantastic last year before tearing his ACL, and he should be back at full health for this contest. Miami managed to land receiver Charleston Rambo in the transfer portal, giving King a dynamic downfield threat. Receivers Mike Harley and Key'Shawn Smith create a solid wide receiver group. The offensive line had its struggles last season, but they should improve thanks to experience and a full offseason of work.
Alabama's defense will easily be a top-20 unit in the nation after allowing under 20 points per game last season, but they are due for some regression. The Tide lost a leader at every level of the defense, as Christian Barmore, Dylan Moses, and Patrick Surtain II all left for the NFL. Alabama has done a great job of restocking their talent, but some regression should be expected. Playing at a neutral field should help the Canes run their offense and try to keep up when the Tide turn this game into a track meet.
Final Alabama-Miami Prediction & Pick
The over is a tempting pick, but there are too many question marks about Miami's offense. The better selection is Alabama to cover. Miami's defense should struggle to rush the passer and stop the run all game, and the Hurricanes' offensive line is suspect against an Alabama front that should be one of the best in the nation.
FINAL PICK: Alabama Crimson Tide -19.5 (-110)
