College Football Odds: SEC Week 10 picks against the spread
Oct 24, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Daron Payne (94) and defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) tackle Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
- Date: Saturday November 7, 2015
- Time: 8PM Eastern
- Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
- TV Channel: CBS
- Spread: Alabama -6
- Over/Under Total: 47.5
The game of the week in the SEC is also the toughest to call picking against the spread, especially since the 7-1, No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide are nearly a touchdown favorite against the undefeated No. 2 LSU Tigers.
LSU running back Leonard Fournette has been the best player in the nation so far this season, and leads the country with 1,352 rushing yards and 169.0 rushing yards per game. Fournette has run for at least 150 yards and one touchdown in each game this season, has scored 15 TDs in all, and has averaged 7.7 yards per carry this season.
However, with the exception of Florida, Fournette hasn’t faced a top-notched defense. Alabama has allowed an SEC-best 78.5 rushing yards per game this season, and ball carriers have gained just 2.6 yards per attempt this year.
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The Crimson Tide have shown vulnerability at times, especially in a 43-37 loss to Ole Miss in which Alabama turned the football over five times – including twice on special teams – and a 19-14 victory over Tennessee. The Vols didn’t exactly gash the Tide, but Tennessee was successful moving the football in the first quarter with a strong 11-play, 50-yard opening drive that ended in a missed field goal and a quick-strike four-play 75-yard touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter to take a 14-13 lead
LSU also has a strong defense that has allowed 315.9 total yards per game, and just 93.8 rushing yards per contest. However, much like how the Tigers haven’t been challenged by a defense as strong as Alabama’s, LSU also hasn’t faced a running back or offensive line as good as Derrick Henry (1,044 rushing yards, 14 TD) and the Tide. Because Alabama can run the football and stop the run, expect the Crimson Tide to win – and cover.
Chime in with your predictions for the SEC this weekend and whether you agree that Alabama wins and covers against LSU in the game of the week.