Alabama Crimson Tide: Uphill Battle in BCS Odds

Will standout junior quarterback A.J. McCarron, supported by a vaunted offensive line, be enough to guide the reigning champion Alabama Crimson Tide to the first repeat national title during the BCS odds era? That’s one of the primary storylines SEC fans will look out for on the college football big board during the 2012-13 season. They may have lost the services of 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist Trent Richardson, but an increased emphasis on the passing game might not be the end of the world.

Although critics have struggled to put a finger on exactly where Bama might fall in relation to the stronger, more intimidating LSU Tigers, nobody has quite forgotten the blowout the Tide served up when the two clubs clashed last January. With a line of 6/1 in BCS odds to win the championship, though, the Alabama Crimson Tide currently ranks third in college football futures trailing the now-eligible USC Trojans and, of course, LSU. The two juggernaut programs don’t meet until November, making any preseason expectations that much harder to track.

New this year at Bryant-Denny Stadium will be true freshman T.J. Yeldon. He’ll have some mighty big shoes to fill following the Mark Ingram/Richardson running back tandem that recently graduating from the system, but head coach Nick Saban seems to have confidence in his young recruit. Will it be enough to get them past a hungry Tigers club desperate for their turn in the sun? Be sure to visit Bovada and receive a 50% welcome bonus up to $250, view numerous prop wagers for the upcoming college football season with week 1 lines and regular season win totals.

Alabama Crimson Tide
BCS Odds: 6/1
SEC Conference: 11/5
SEC West: 8/5