5. Alabama at Mississippi State
LINE: Alabama -17.5
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
ATS PICK: Alabama
– Bet on this, BetMGM latest line
This is here because 1) the line dropped from Bama -21 because there’s a chance Tua Tagovailoa isn’t playing, and 2) if he is, you’re getting Christmas in November with the 17.5, and 3) Alabama is going to beat Mississippi State by more than 17.5 points even if Mac Jones is at quarterback.
The Mississippi State defense just isn’t that good.
No matter who’s under center, the Bama running game is about to go off.
The Tide offensive line had an awful game against LSU, and it was still able to pave the way for a massive day from Najee Harris. Whether it’s to protect Tua’s ankle, or to help out Jones, the ground attack should blast away for more than 200 yards on a Bulldog defense that’s allowing close to five yards per carry.
The MSU secondary? It stomped on Arkansas two weeks ago, but before that it allowed close over 12 yards per throw in losses to Auburn, Tennessee, LSU and Texas A&M.
Granted, most of the cowbell problems have been on the road, but Alabama is in a playoff push and Jerry Jeudy is way due for a massive performance after his drops against the Tigers. The O isn’t going to let up knowing that it needs to hang large numbers on the board the rest of the way out.
LSU beat MSU in Starkville by 23. Auburn won by 33, and Texas A&M won by 19.
It’s Alabama in a game it’s going to care about. You’ll be fine.