NCAA Football Free Picks: Alabama vs. Notre Dame

The undefeated Crimson Tide look to punch their ticket into the National Championship for the third time in four years. Meanwhile, Notre Dame aims to wash away college football playoff failure and reach the National Title game for the first time since 2013. Alabama enters this game SEC Champions, while the Fighting Irish look to bounce back after their only loss of the season in the ACC Championship game.

It’s hard to declare this contest a David vs. Goliath battle since it’s two of the top teams in college football, but I will say there is a clear favorite among the two teams.

Fighting for the Rose Bowl and a chance at the national championship, Alabama and Notre Dame are two squads with different outlooks entering this game.

Alabama is aiming to once again be at the top of college football. Meanwhile, Notre Dame attempts to wash away years of bad luck.

I have believed in Notre Dame before. I thought they could cover against Clemson in the ACC Championship game, but that was a huge egg on my face. After giving Notre Dame the benefit of the doubt, I can’t justify putting any more money on the Fighting Irish this season.

It’s tough predicting this game. Notre Dame is sketchy on defense. Their offense has potential, but Alabama’s defense has shut down far better teams this season. I am torn because Notre Dame struggled mightily against Clemson, and I think Alabama is tougher than Clemson as well.

The spread is gigantic and Notre Dame are perennial underdogs in this one. The Fighting Irish +19.5 (888Sport) is an eye-popping handicap that makes sense when you truly think about it.

Alabama has been in some absolute barnburners this season. With that being said, since October 17 against Georgia, the Crimson Tide have allowed more than 17 points just once. They were on a six-game streak of allowing 17 or fewer points until facing off against Florida in the SEC Championship.

Notre Dame’s offense is one of the better groups in the NCAA. They stunk against Clemson which makes me weary to think the Fighting Irish can do anything against Alabama.

The last time these teams met (in the BCS Championship no less), Alabama torched Notre Dame 42-14. Notre Dame is 5-2 against Alabama all-time, but 3 of those wins came in the ’70s.

I think these programs are too far off from one another, despite being in the College Football Playoff. It’s evident that Alabama is the stronger team and sports betting sites feel the same way.

One thing that is hard to analyze is the players’ mentality. The Fighting Irish must feel deflated after their loss to the Clemson Tigers. Preparing against Alabama won’t be easy as the Crimson Tide appear to be unconquerable.

The biggest question mark for Notre Dame is their defense. They were exposed against Clemson, but earlier in the season they saw teams like Syracuse, Boston College, and Florida State score a good chunk of points. None of those offenses come close to Bama’s, which leads me to believe the Crimson Tide will set up camp in the Notre Dame end zone.

Notre Dame is a high-scoring team but have not played against a defensive group like Alabama. They were exposed in the ACC Championship game and I think they get dummied in the Rose Bowl.

• Notre Dame are 1-8 SU in last 9 January games.
• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games against SEC opponents for ND.
• Alabama are 7-1 in last 8 ATS playing as the favourite.
• Alabama are 9-2 SU against ACC opponents in last 11.