Washington vs. Alabama College Football Playoff Predictions 12/31/16

Washington vs. Alabama Playoff Pick

The Alabama Crimson Tide are double-digit favorites against Washington today at 3:00PM ET in the Peach Bowl. Are they a good bet to cover?

According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, the Crimson Tide are 14-point favorites versus the Huskies while the over/under currently sits at 52 points. At one point Alabama was as high as -16 at some sports books, but sharp money on Washington pushed the spread back down. There has also been significant movement on the total, opening at 55 before being bet down a full three points.

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WASHINGTON KEY TRENDS: The Huskies are 6-2 against the spread in their last eight games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game. They’re also 18-7-1 at the betting window in their last 26 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game, are 4-0 against the number in their last four games played in December, and are 6-1 ATS in their last seven non-conference matchups.

ALABAMA KEY TRENDS: The Crimson Tide are 6-2 against the spread in their last eight games overall, are 5-2 against the number in their last seven non-conference games, and are 13-6 against the number in their last 19 games when played at a neutral site. They’re also 13-4 at the betting window in their last 17 games versus a team with a winning record and have covered in five of their last seven games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.

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OUR PREDICTION: The Huskies have the defense to contain Jalen Hurts, just as LSU did back in early November when the Tigers held the Crimson Tide to 10 points. But just as LSU discovered, it doesn’t matter if Washington can slow down Hurts and the Alabama offense if the Huskies can’t move the ball offensively. LSU was shut out in that November game, as Alabama limited the Tigers to 125 total yards of offense, including 33 rushing yards. Jake Browning has to have a big game and unfortunately for Washington, I don’t see it happening. Browning was a mess against USC, which held the Huskie quarterback to 259 yards on 17-of-36 passing with one touchdown and two picks. Browning looked lost against the Trojans – how well do you think he’ll play against a Tide defense that is historically great this season? It may take until the fourth quarter, but I like the Tide to eventually pull away.

 

CHICK-FIL-A PEACH BOWL PREDICTION: ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE -14