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Wisconsin vs. Alabama Free CFB Pick & Handicapping Preview 9-5-2014

Week 1: Badgers vs Crimson Tide Odds

College football betting sees the Wisconsin Badgers taking on the Alabama Crimson Tide Saturday, Sept. 5 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football predictions.

Wisconsin (0-0) vs. Alabama (0-0)
Week 1
Date: Saturday, Sept. 5
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: AT&T Stadium – Arlington, TX
NCAA Football Spread: Alabama -10
NCAA Betting Total: 52
NCAA Moneyline Odds: Alabama -110
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Click here to view… CFB ATS Stats & Expert NCAAF Betting Insight!

This contest between No. 20 Wisconsin and No. 3 Alabama will be the opening week’s matchup that attracts all eyes. Anytime Alabama takes on a premier opponent that becomes the case, but we’re also looking at the first College Football Gameday contest of ESPN’s season.

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This game will take place on a neutral field in Arlington, Texas. Alabama will have the advantage entering the contest, as indicated by the 10-point spread in its favor, but the Badgers will look to come into a neutral location with motivation as an underdog that needs this win to prove it’s legitimate early in the year.

Wisconsin

The bad news for Wisconsin is, of course, that it faces a perennial contender in Week 1 of the 2015-16 college football season. The good news is that it has a legitimate chance of winning this contest, which is something most programs around the country wouldn’t be able to say.

At this point in the process, it looks as if quarterback Joel Stave, who has obviously faced some struggles over the past could of seasons, is looking good in camp. The hope is that his offseason improvements can translate to the regular season, and there’s no better way to put that to the test than going up against one of the best defenses the nation has to offer.

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QB aside, Wisconsin likes to attack with the ground game first. They have the unfortunate task of replacing Heisman candidate Melvin Gordon, but Corey Clement seems to be the right guy to complete the job.

As consistent as the run game should be, you can’t be one-dimensional against the Crimson Tide. Getting the passing game going early will further open up the running game, and it will be essential when it comes to keeping the defense honest and on its toes.

Wisconsin also has the luxury of going up against an Alabama team that is playing its first game without Amari Cooper and Blake Sims. That won’t make the Badgers favorites by any means, but it does help that the Tide will have to make some adjustments against a legitimate squad instead of a traditional cupcake.

Alabama

Despite the loss of both Coopers and Sims, Alabama still has one of the greatest advantages in all of college football: cohesiveness. With Nick Saban at the helm, this team practices the way it plays on Saturdays, and so far, practices have been sharp according to most reports.

Although it’s a new season, you know this group still has its loss to Ohio State on its mind. The power of motivation is strong with this group, and you can’t overlook that against a top-tier (or at least second-tier) opponent.

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The Crimson Tide’s biggest advantage will be upfront. The Badgers didn’t stand a chance against the Buckeyes’ in last season’s Big Ten Championship Game, and that could prove to be problematic for them once again against an Alabama Squad.

NCAA football handicapping trends

Over is 13-3-1 in ALA last 17 neutral site games.
Over is 7-2-1 in ALA last 10 games on fieldturf.
ALA are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games in September.

Week 1 NCAA Football Prediction: Alabama -10

It’s true that Alabama will have to adjust to life after Cooper and Sims, but that shouldn’t actually be too big of a problem, as the team won’t have to throw the ball too much. The Crimson Tide shouldn’t have a problem utilizing running back Derrick Henry. If that narrative comes to fruition, Alabama should be okay in this one.

4* Free NCAA Betting Pick: Alabama -10

A double-digit win may seem like a lot for a marquee matchup in Week 1, but we’re giving Alabama the edge in this one.

We’ll be providing 4* free College football predictions on the blog all season long, and check out our EXPERTS for guaranteed premium CFB Football picks!

CappersPicks.com has College football odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find NCAA football lines up for early games as well.

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