Crimson Tide vs Sooners Gambling Odds
The 2014 Sugar Bowl features two teams that want a little redemption. Five years ago in the Sugar Bowl, the Alabama Crimson Tide were flat out embarrassed by the Utah Utes 31-17.
Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1) vs Oklahoma Sooners (10-2)
When: Thursday, January 2nd, 2014, 8:30 PM ET
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Spread: Alabama -15
O/U: 51.1
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Last year, in the Cotton Bowl, the Oklahoma Sooners played the newly inducted SEC team in the Texas A&M Aggies and were blown out 41-13.
If that wasn’t enough, Bob Stoops has made some comments about the SEC mainly being overhyped. His Oklahoma Sooners have a chance to make a big statement by knocking off the king of the SEC for the past few years now in the Alabama Crimson Tide.
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One of the big keys is who will start for Oklahoma? That’s the big key coming into this one. The Sooners have three quarterbacks that could play and probably all three will see playing time. I’ll say this, I don’t think it really matters who plays. I don’t think Blake Bell is all that good; Trevor Knight and Kendall Thompson are talented, but they lack experience. I believe a team like Alabama will eat them up.
This is an Alabama defense that allowed 11.3 points per game. This is an Oklahoma offense that struggled the majority of the season. When you look at the Sooners final game of the season, they upset Oklahoma State and you see on the box score 33 points. You might think, wow, they put up a lot of points on that Cowboys defense. But, really, when you watch the game and look in depth at the box score the majority of their points came from defense and special teams.
Basically, what I’m saying is Oklahoma is going to need Alabama to shoot themselves in the foot a few times. I don’t see Oklahoma’s offense moving up and down the field lighting up the scoreboard.
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On the other side of the ball, Oklahoma has a defense that is fairly leaky. They have had their fair share of games where they are getting lit up and where they look like a strong sturdy defense. You may see both of those defenses in this game. Alabama has an efficient offense, but it isn’t the most explosive offense in the nation.
I’m looking for Alabama to struggle a little bit, but eventually get their sea legs under them. Eventually, Oklahoma’s defense will break.
Danny’s FREE College Football Pick:
Overall, this is an interesting game. I don’t think you have to worry about a let down from Alabama. Nick Saban won’t allow it. Plus, they are playing a team that features a coach that made some bulletin material comments. I believe Alabama comes out and plays a great game.
All in all, I just don’t see Alabama’s defense giving up many points. I’m banking on Oklahoma’s offense struggling and Oklahoma’s going to need a few breaks. A couple of touchdowns on defense and special teams to win this game and cover this spread. It’s a tough hill to climb for the Sooners and I believe the best pick is Alabama covering.
Pick: Alabama Crimson Tide -15
Prediction: Alabama 34 – Oklahoma 13
