Alabama is Hunting for Another Title

When you hear the SEC brought up in football conversation, it is almost automatic that teams like Alabama, LSU and Auburn jump to mind.

The Southeastern Conference is one of the best in football — if not the best in the majority of the last decade. Leading the way are the teams from the SEC West division, led in turn by Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide.

Alabama is expected to have complete control of the conference this season as they hunt for another title to add to their impressive collection of six over the past 10 seasons.

Quarterback Mac Jones came in for the injured Tua Tagovailoa last year and did a fine job of leading the Tide’s offense. Even if he doesn’t get the starting nod, it would be five-star freshman Bryce Young taking snaps behind center. Either way, the Crimson Tide have what many consider to be the best offensive line in the country, two future NFL receivers in Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith, and agile running back Najee Harris.

The defense should stay healthier this year, which will help Alabama get back on track after missing the College Football Playoff last season. The run defense should be stout, especially with Dylan Moses returning at linebacker. The defensive line will be more than capable as well. If there’s a question mark at all, it’s in the secondary where all the starters will be relatively new with the exception of standout cornerback Patrick Surtain II.

The division should easily fall into the hands of the Tide, and the conference title could potentially be theirs as well when they most likely meet up with Florida or Georgia.

Roll Tide

As you can tell from above, we’re high on Alabama this year. That’s why we think they are going to go over their projected win total of eight games with odds at -145 for over and +115 for under.

Even when the Crimson Tide graduates starters or loses them to the NFL Draft, it is almost guaranteed that those who step in to fill their shoes are some of the best recruits in the country. Last season, Alabama lost nine starters to the NFL, but the returning talent is solid.

The top name back on the roster is Harris, who had 20 touchdowns and over 1,500 yards last year. Out wide will be Smith, who hauled in 14 touchdowns in 2019 on 68 catches and 1,258 yards.

The majority of the offensive line and defensive line are back, as are half of the linebackers.

At the quarterback position, Jones will likely take the starting role after throwing 14 touchdowns to three interceptions in relief of Tagovailoa last season. But, as we mentioned above, even if he fails to earn the starting nod, the idea of Young at QB isn’t a hard pill to swallow.

The Tide should control the SEC West, and out of their schedule only Georgia is projected to win seven games.

Expect Alabama to win at least nine games, but even if they somehow drop two games this season, the bet would still be a push. But we do think the Crimson Tide goes over on their projected total in 2020.

LSU is going to struggle to meet expectations

The Tigers are practically a new team after having one of the best offenses ever in 2019, and taking home the 2019-20 National Championship. This season, LSU is going to have new starters at quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, running back and the majority of the offensive line. On defense, there will be new starters at all the linebacker positions and four spots in the secondary.

Out of those, it’s the QB spot that is the most worrisome. Myles Brennan is stepping into a role vacated by Joe Burrow’s departure to the NFL. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he’s not had the opportunity to get to know his team as well as anyone would like, especially with spring football canceled.

Standing in the way of the Tigers winning more than six games are Alabama, Florida, Texas A&M and Auburn. Those are tough enough, but games against Mississippi State and Ole Miss are far from automatic wins, either.

With all of the new starters and a tough West division schedule, we just don’t see LSU doing better than six wins in their 10-game slate. That’s why we think the under has less risk for bettors.

Totals odds for the SEC West

Alabama – 8 wins (-145 over/+115 under)

Texas A&M – 7 wins (-115 over/under)

Auburn – 6.5 wins (-115 over/under)

LSU – 6.5 wins (-155 over/+125 under)

Ole Miss – 4 wins (-115 over/under)

Mississippi State – 4 wins (+130 over/-160 under)

Arkansas – 1.5 wins (+110 over/-140 under)