For the first time since the implementation of the College Football Playoff format, the Alabama Crimson Tide will not be playing in the NCAAF’s version of the Final Four. Instead, they will be settling for a matchup against the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl. The Wolverines are motivated in this game, as Jim Harbaugh has a chance to complete a 10-game season for the fourth time since taking over Michigan’s football program.
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Betting Preview for the Michigan Wolverines vs Alabama Crimson Tide VRBO Citrus Bowl Game on January 1 2020
Where: Camping World Stadium, Orlando
When: Wednesday, January 1, 2020, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Michigan Wolverines (+7) vs. Alabama Crimson Tide (-7) – view all NCAAF lines
TV Broadcast: ABC
Betting on the Michigan Wolverines (9-3 Overall / 6-3 Conference)
The Wolverines were rolling late in the season with four wins in a row, but their streak came to a screeching halt in a 56-27 home loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes on Nov. 30. The Wolverines got 305 passing yards from quarterback Shea Patterson with a touchdown and an interception on 18-of-43 completions, while the Wolverines’ ground attack produced 91 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 26 total carries split among four players. The Wolverines get a break in their preparation for the Citrus Bowl, as it’s already been announced that Tua Tagovailoa will not be starting for Alabama in the game. Instead, it will be Mac Jones, who had four touchdowns in the Iron Bowl but also threw two disastrous pick-sixes. It’s safe to say that most — if not all — college football teams would prefer facing a ‘Bama team led by Jones instead of Tagovailoa.
The Wolverines are 7-3 against the spread (ATS) in their last 10 games.
Betting on the Alabama Crimson Tide 10-2 Overall / 6-2 Conference)
Alabama’s chance of sneaking into the College Football Playoff was squashed completely in the Iron Bowl, as they lost to rival Auburn Tigers on the road, 48-45. Despite the loss, it was encouraging for the Tide to see their offense put up that many points without Tagovailoa. Jones had 335 passing yards and four touchdowns against two interceptions on 26-of-39 completions, while running back Najee Harris had 146 rushing yards and a TD on 27 rushing attempts. With what the Wolverines’ defense showed in the loss to Ohio State, it seems that Jones and company will have a field day in the air and on the ground. Jones has the better weapons downfield, particularly the pair of DeVonta Smith and Jerry Jeudy. Smith leads the Crimson Tide with 1,200 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, while Jeudy has 959 receiving yards and nine touchdown receptions. The Crimson Tide are averaging 46.6 points per game — second in the nation.
Alabama is 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games, with the over going 6-4 in that same stretch.
Writer’s Prediction
Alabama wins, 33-23.
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