Nobody is giving the Notre Dame Fighting Irish a chance. Everyone is calling their College Football Playoff matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide a certain blowout. Considering how dominant Alabama has been this season that sentiment is understandable. Notre Dame’s blowout loss to the Clemson Tigers in the ACC championship game adds fuel to the fire. Also factoring in was the last meeting between these two teams. On January 7, 2013, Alabama annihilated Notre Dame 42-14 in the national championship game. While that was eight years ago not much has really changed. Notre Dame is still good. While Alabama is historically great.
2021 Rose Bowl Game
College Football Playoff Semifinal
Matchup: Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
When: Friday, January 1, 2021, 4 p.m. ET
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
TV: ESPN
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Notre Dame Fighting Irish +20
Alabama Crimson Tide -20
Total: 66
Notre Dame vs. Alabama BookMaker Wagering Analysis
On this occasion, the masses are beating a path to bet on Alabama. Many are praising the Crimson Tide for being the most dominant team of the Nick Saban era. Bargain hunters can’t help but look at all of those points for Notre Dame. Yet one legitimate question remains. Is it enough?
Crimson Tide Rolls Like Never Before
Nick Saban has done the impossible at Alabama. He has surpassed the late great legend Paul “Bear” Bryant as the greatest college football coach of all-time. Considering the reverence that Alabama has for Bryant, that’s no easy accomplishment. Saban has posted five national championships at Tuscaloosa. Alabama is tied with Clemson for the most CFP appearances at six each. The Crimson Tide has made four national championship game appearances with two wins. Last year an upset loss in the Iron Bowl to the Auburn Tigers kept Alabama out of the CFP. This year they have roared back with a vengeance.
Alabama is 11-0 straight up, 8-3 against the spread, and 7-4 over the total. Overall, the Crimson Tide ranked 2nd for scoring offense and 20th for points allowed. On December 19 the Crimson Tide beat the Florida Gators in the SEC championship game 52-46 as 16.5-point overlays.
Oddsmakers are fully cognizant of public gambling demands on Alabama. Thus, they jack up the price on the Crimson Tide to try and scare off the masses. Despite that Alabama has been paying as reliably as a social security check.
Alabama boasts three top-tier Heisman Trophy candidates. Junior Mac Jones posted a 202.3 QB rating with 19 touchdowns and 12.0 yards per pass. Senior Najee Harris ran for 1262 yards, 5.9 yards per rush, and 24 TDs. While senior DeVonta Smith caught 98 passes for 1511 yards, 15.4 yards per catch, and 17 TDs.
The Book on Notre Dame’s Success is at Quarterback
Notre Dame is 10-1 straight up but just 5-6 against the spread. The Fighting Irish are 6-5 over the total. Notre Dame is coming off a 34-10 loss to Clemson in the ACC championship game on December 19 as 11.5-point dogs. The Fighting Irish faced the impossible task of trying to beat Clemson for the second time in six weeks. Notre Dame ranks 22nd for scoring offense and 14th for points allowed.
Senior quarterback Ian Book threw for 15 touchdown passes and just two picks. While not a video game number type quarterback, Book is a winner. Sophomore Kyren Williams ran for 1061 yards, 5.4 yards per rush, and 12 touchdowns. Senior Javon McKinley caught 40 passes for 697 yards, 17.4 yards per catch, and 3 TDs.
Notre Dame vs. Alabama BookMaker Free Pick
The price for this matchup is high for a reason. Notre Dame is totally outclassed. The Fighting Irish can’t begin to match the Crimson Tide in overall firepower.
Notre Dame vs. Alabama BookMaker Best Bet: Alabama Crimson Tide
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