Miami vs. Alabama Betting Preview and Predictions: Should Bettors Roll With Crimson Tide in Week 1?
Miami vs. Alabama Betting Preview and Predictions:Â
When: Saturday, September 4, 2021
Time: 3:30 p.m. EST
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, GA
TV Network: ABC
Miami vs. Alabama Spread: Alabama -19
Miami vs. Alabama Total: 61.5
To the NFL, Alabama is the proverbial gift that keeps on giving. The league pilfered Nick Saban's coffers during the 2021 NFL draft, and yet, the Crimson Tide remains one of the most talented rosters in college football. So deep is Saban's stockpile, he has the luxury of operating under the "next man up" philosophy. It's also one of the main reasons the reigning National champions remain the team to beat in college football. As per multiple sportsbooks, Alabama is the top fave at +300Â to win the 2022 NCAAF Championship.
On paper, the No.1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide is a daunting prospect, even for a ranked opponent like the No.22 ranked Miami Hurricanes. As such, few are holding out much hope for the Canes, including bookmakers who are tipping this game wholeheartedly with the Tide.
Miami vs. Alabama Preview
The Alabama Crimson Tide is coming off a stellar season culminating in a perfect 13-0-0 record and National Championship glory. The Tide rolled through the SEC with a perfect 10-0-0 record and an 11-0-0 record overall. They then crushed Notre Dame 31-14 in the CFP semis and eviscerated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24 in the National Championship game. Unfortunately, the NFL came calling quickly after that, prompting a mass exodus. With QB Mac Jones, WR Jaylen Waddle, WR DeVonta Smith, RB Najee Harris, and CB Patrick Surtain II, among others, all leaving for the greener pastures of pro-level football.
With a good chunk of Alabama's championship roster gone, one would think there'd be some setback in the betting. However, Saban has such an enviable pool of talent at his disposal that expectations haven't wavered at all. QB Bryce Young is set to debut as the starter alongside a new crop of offensive starters this season. WR John Metchie finished second last season with 55 catches for 916 yards and six scores. While Slade Bolden, Javon Baker, and freshman Agiye Hall are other targets to watch in the passing game. Tight ends Jahleel Billingsle and junior Cameron Latu provide more depth on the offense while running back Brian Robinson is poised to take over from where Najee Harris left off. If there's one thing that's an uncertainty on Alabama's offensive side of the ball, it's Bill O'Brien. The former Houston Texans head coach is the newly-minted offensive coordinator. And the jury is out on that hire. By contrast, Alabama's defense was no slouch last season, and it should be just as good in 2021, with several notables returning, including veterans DJ Dale, LaBryan Ray, and Phidarian Mathis.
The Miami Hurricanes finished their 2020 campaign on an 8-2-0 overall record and a 7-2-0 record in ACC play. However, the Hurricanes ran out of steam down the stretch. They were blown out of the water by No.17 North Carolina 62-26 and then succumbed to a narrow 37-34 loss to Oklahoma State Sooners in the Cheez-it Bowl.
Miami will be looking to make amends for the disappointing finish to an otherwise promising season. QB D'Eriq King suffered a torn ACL in last season's Cheez-it Bowl loss to the Sooners. According to current reports, while he's still trying to work his way to fitness, he's expected to start in week 1. Should King be forced to sit out, freshman Tyler Van Dyke is the backup.
The offense will see plenty of veterans with top wideouts Mike Harley and juniors Mark Pope and Dee Wiggins returning this season. King is a dual-threat quarterback, and if he's healthy, he's sure to spark the run game. Elsewhere, Cam'Ron Harris and second-year freshman Donald Chaney are alternative options on the ground that could explode this season. The defense in Miami wasn't spectacular last season, and there are question marks with the pass rush this season.Â
Miami vs. Alabama Odds & Betting
Books opened with the Alabama Crimson Tide laying 18.5 points to the Miami Hurricanes and the total on 62 points. Early betting has bet up Alabama to -19.5 with several market operators and, at the same time, trimmed the total to 61 points. Shopping around for the best Alabama vs. Miami Odds and Lines is advisable before placing bets.Â
Alabama is undefeated at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, going back to 2017 when they beat Florida State in their season opener. The last time the Tide played at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium was in December of last year when they beat the Gators 52-46.Â
Key Injury Update:
Alabama: WR John Metchie III (ankle), TE Kendall Randolph (knee), and DL LaBryan Ray (groin) are questionable; LB Quandarrius Robinson (suspension) is out indefinitely; WR Xavier Williams (undisclosed) is out for the season.
Miami: QB D'Eriq King (knee) is probable; RB Donald Chaney Jr. (undisclosed) and Donald Chaney Jr. (undisclosed) is questionable.Â
Miami vs. Alabama Prediction
The Alabama Crimson Tide may be on the cusp of a new era, set to debut a Bill O'Brien revamped offense and a slew of new starters in the mix. But head coach Nick Saban is a constant, and that's something to hang one's hat on. The Miami Hurricanes are a solid outfit with potential this season, but a lot rests on how fit and healthy D'Eriq King is. It's not even 100% certain that'll he be starting this game, never mind how he'll play if he does start. All this uncertainty should make betting on Miami a risky play. Thus, while it's a lot of points to lay with the Crimson Tide, there's a good chance they'll deliver with a big win.
Miami vs. Alabama Prediction & Pick:
Pick: Alabama -19
We're giving away $10,200 to 100 people to celebrate the 102nd season of the NFL. And only OddsChecker teammates can get it. Make sure you’re following us on Twitter and Instagram by 9/8/2021 to get some. Or be GREEN with envy.
Nikki Adams is a freelance sports writer that’s honed in on the world of sports betting. She joined OddsChecker in 2021 after having covered a number of major American sports, including NFL and NCAAF, for several other publications in the industry. When she’s not looking for the best betting angles and writing engaging and insightful articles, she’s likely on a tennis court or binging on reality TV.