One of these two teams was expected to enter this game undefeated and in the driver’s seat in its half of the SEC, the other one was certainly not. The Alabama Crimson Tide continue to be an unstoppable force crushing everything in their path. They have registered three comfortable wins this season and look set to roll over an SEC West that looks a lot easier than it did at the start of the year. The other team in this game, the Vanderbilt Commodores, were not expected to be in this spot. However, their defense has led them to a 3-0 start to the season and they look set to at least make a bowl. This might be the first time that the Commodores have ever been somewhat optimistic heading into a game against mighty Alabama.
This matchup in Week 4 of the regular season will take place on Saturday, September 23, 2017,
at 3:30 p.m. ET at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. This game will be broadcast on CBS.
College Football Opening Odds at BookMaker.eu
Alabama -18.5
Vanderbilt +18.5
Odds Analysis
The Crimson Tide covered their first game of the season with ease, handling Florida State on the strength of their suffocating defense. However, they didn’t come close to covering against two West Coast opponents these past two weeks, sleepwalking their way to double digit victories nonetheless.
Vanderbilt didn’t cover as a 50-point favorite against Alabama A&M, but easily covered single digits against both Middle Tennessee State and Kansas State to kick off the year. The Commodores defense has been pivotal in their start and that has led to all three games cruising under the proscribed total.
Matchup to Watch
Amazingly, Vanderbilt has the best scoring defense in college football heading into this game. The Commodores have allowed 13 points through three games and that’s pretty impressive no matter who you play. This defense is proving it was more than Zach Cunningham as they are holding opponents to just 206.7 yards of offense on the season and have the best pass defense in the country too statistically speaking.
This unit might be able to give Alabama some trouble. Although the Crimson Tide have looked fine on offense the past two weeks, Florida State showed that this offense has some cracks in the first game of the season. Jalen Hurts isn’t as great of a passer when he isn’t allowed to use his legs to scramble and Vandy’s defense will look to key on that.
Player to Watch
The one playmaker that Alabama does have on offense that Vanderbilt might not have an answer for is Calvin Ridley. Ridley doesn’t put up the numbers that most receivers with his skillset would at any other school, but steps up when called upon and can make this offense explosive single-handedly.
He only caught three passes against Colorado State last week, but one was a 78-yard touchdown strike that helped Alabama distance itself early. Ridley has the natural ability of a superstar and should be a first round pick in the NFL Draft whenever he decides to go pro. He has the potential to undo Vandy’s defense.
Free ATS Pick
This is a very interesting line. You can be sure that Alabama will be a much bigger moneyline favorite than any other 19-point favorite will be this weekend, but it’s not hard to see a scenario where Vanderbilt covers. The defense is rock solid and if Ridley doesn’t explode for some big plays, Alabama might have a very hard time moving the football.
Don’t be a surprised to see one of the lowest totals you will see all season in this game. It’s very possible that this one could have an over/under in the high 30s as both defenses are great and both offenses prefer to play possession football. We’re going to call for Vandy to do just enough to cover in a very low scoring game.
College Football Odds: Crimson Tide 21, Commodores 3
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