Alabama vs Michigan – Picks and Predictions
The 2023 Sugar Bowl brings us a matchup between top-ranked, undefeated Big Ten champion Michigan (13-0) and championship week party-crasher Alabama (12-1). Betting markets for the game will be widely available on College Football betting apps including odds for money lines, spreads, totals, props, and a range of parlay options.
Head-to-Head: Alabama vs Michigan
With Alabama toppling the Georgia Bulldogs – and greatly upsetting the College Football Playoff applecart in the process – Michigan enters the postseason as the presumptive favorite to win it all. The team clamped down on Iowa in the Big Ten championship game, winning 26-0 to secure the top spot in the CFP. The offense ranks 14th in points per game (36.7), while the defense is the class of college football, having allowed the second-fewest yards (240.3) and fewest points (9.5) per game.
The Crimson Tide – far removed from their 24-34 loss to Texas on September 9 – also entered the playoff on a hot note after knocking off Georgia. The offense has averaged the 19th-most points per game (35.1) on the season while their defense has allowed the 17th-fewest (18.4). Quarterback Jalen Milroe has thrown 23 touchdowns and converted 12 more on the ground, leading an offense that ranked 4th in yards per completion (15.5) and attempt (9.8), and finished the season with a staggering 177.5 passer rating.
These teams last met in the 2020 Citrus Bowl, which Alabama won 35-16. Their last meeting prior to that was in the 2012 regular season, when Alabama won 41-14.
How to Bet on Alabama vs Michigan
Betting markets for the Rose Bowl will be available at all online sportsbooks across America. Make sure you browse your available options to find the best odds for the bets you want to make, as well as any unique props or betting promotions regarding the big game.
In addition, check in on each team’s player availability before finalizing any big bets. College Football Playoff games don’t generally come with the same opt-out concerns as other bowl games, but injuries are still a hazard worth knowing about before betting.
Alabama vs Michigan Odds
- Money Line: Alabama +106, Michigan -128
- Spread: Michigan -1.5
- Total: o/u 44.5
Betting Tips for Alabama vs Michigan
- Michigan has hit the 1H moneyline in 11 of their last 12 games.
- Alabama is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games.
- Michigan is 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games.
- The Over is 7-1-1 in Alabama’s last 9 games.
- The 1H Game Total Over has hit in 5 of Alabama’s last 6 games.
Alabama vs Michigan Predictions
Even knowing the reason for head coach Jim Harbaugh’s suspension – that is, his team was involved in a sign-stealing scheme that violated NCAA rules about scouting opponents off-campus – it’s hard to ignore the margins of victory in each of Michigan’s games this season with Harbaugh on the sideline. Harbaugh returned from a three-game suspension to coach Michigan to their 26-0 victory against Iowa. Prior to the suspension, he coached a team that scored at least 30 points in every contest while allowing no more than 13.
Alabama represents a more difficult opponent than what Michigan faced through that stretch, but the Wolverines defeated Ohio State (30-24) and Penn State (24-15) without Harbaugh on the sideline. The Crimson Tide and head coach Nick Saban are being given their due respect by the oddsmakers, but the Wolverines have done nothing but take care of business this season and could very well make these lines look silly.
Prediction: Michigan -1.5
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