Nick Saban and Alabama are underdogs heading into Monday night’s College Football Playoff Championship game against Georgia.
No need to adjust your glasses or re-read the first line. As hard as it is to believe, it’s the truth.
It’s caused many to scratch their heads considering the streak of dominance the Crimson Tide have had over the Bulldogs.
Alabama has won the previous seven consecutive games between the teams with the most recent coming in the SEC championship game in December.
Saban also has a noted track record of beating former assistant coaches who find new roles as head coaches. He’s 25-1 in such scenarios and 4-0 against Georgia coach Kirby Smart.
The most notable game between the two coaches came in 2018 when the Crimson Tide topped the Bulldogs in the College Football Championship.
2022 CFP Championship odds
Below are the odds for this year’s championship game between the SEC foes. You can bet on college football at Illinois online sportsbooks.
Both teams have been above average against the spread this season, but Georgia’s 9-5 record gives them the slight upper hand over Alabama at 8-6.
As for the point total, the Tide went 7-7 while the Bulldogs went 8-6 on unders this season.
For Georgia, this can be attributed to a consistently stellar defense that allowed an NCAA best 9.5 points per game.
In 14 games, eight of Georgia’s opponents were held to single-digit points. Four others scored 17 points or less.
Only one offense dominated Georgia’s defense and it was, you guessed it, the Crimson Tide. In the SEC championship game, the Tide scored 42 points on Georgia.
They were led by Heisman-winning QB Bryce Young who torched the Bulldogs through the air to the tune of 421 passing yards and four touchdowns.
Player props
Oftentimes in big games, it’s the hardest to pick a winning ticket on the more popular bets like the game spread or total. But trends can be easier to spot in prop bets.
Young has thrown for three or more touchdowns in 10 games this season and his passing touchdown total is 2.5 for Monday’s game.
Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr.’s rushing total is 65.5, which he has also surpassed in 10 games this year.
Alabama aiming for CFP era milestone
Since the inception of the College Football Playoff system in 2014, no team has won the championship in consecutive seasons.
Alabama had opportunities to conquer this feat in 2016 and 2018 but fell short both times.
Saban already has the most CFP championship game victories with three, but adding a fourth ring to his trophy case will only further his legacy in college football. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has the second most CFP titles with two.
FanDuel offering value to new users
First-time FanDuel Sportsbook users can place a bet on the College Football Championship and receive an odds boost of 30-1. A maximum of $5 can be bet to win $150 in cash.
To claim the odds boost, bettors must register an account and place their first real-money wager on Monday night’s CFP championship game. The bet doesn’t need to be against the spread, just a straight-up victory will allow winners to cash in.
