CFB Week 2 Pick – Alabama Will Cover The Spread Against Penn State
By Drew Sharper
12-points is a big spread against a ranked opponent, but No. 1 Alabama has the right formula to cover against No. 18 Penn State on Saturday night.
Alabama is a 12-point favorite against Penn State according to oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com. The over/under for the game has been set at 44.
Alabama didn’t play in a lined game last week but the Crimson Tide are 19-9 against the spread in all games over the last three seasons. Alabama is also 16-8 ATS as a favorite while hitting the under in 12-of-14 games when it is a home favorite of 10.5-to-14 points since 1992.
Penn State also didn’t play in a lined game last weekend, but the Nittany Lions are 7-1 against the spread in road games over the last three seasons. However, Penn State is just 4-8 ATS as underdogs of 10.5-to-21 points since 1992. The Nittany Lions have also hit the under in 11-of-12 games during that stretch.
The under seems like the clear play on Saturday and we like that as both teams are known for strong defenses. The key in this game comes down to Penn State playing true freshman quarterback Robert Bolden. In just his second start, it is a tall task for him to walk into Alabama and perform like a veteran. Nick Saban will have a game plan ready to confuse him and force him into mistakes, which will allow Alabama to win comfortably and allow it to cover.
OUR COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 2 PICK: ALABAMA -12 and UNDER 44