Texas A&M at Alabama betting odds, guide, prediction

Alabama is a 12-point favorite on Saturday at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com. While it is a big number, Alabama’s defense should allow the Crimson Tide to win and cover at home.

The Texas A&M Aggies jumped out to a hot start of 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS thanks in large part to the offense and the play of quarterback Kenny Hill, averaging 55.3 points per game over those first four wins. But as the quality of opponent ramped up, Texas A&M’s shortcomings on defense became more apparent. The Aggies are 1-2 SU and 0-3 ATS over their last three games and have allowed 37 points per game over that stretch. Texas A&M is just 1-5 ATS in its last six road games against SEC opponents.

Alabama’s offense has hit a snag over the last two weeks, averaging only 15.5 points per game after averaging 42 points per game over the first four games of the season. Returning home and going against a weak defense should help the Crimson Tide get back on track offensively coming off a close 14-13 win on the road against Arkansas. At home, Alabama is 5-2 ATS in its last seven games as a favorite and 6-0 ATS in its last six games against SEC opponents.

The key to this game will be Alabama’s defense. While the Crimson Tide’s offense has been inconsistent this season with road struggles, the defense has been strong everywhere in allowing only 13.7 points per game. Alabama may give up more than that against Texas A&M’s high-powered offense, but it should be able to make enough stops to give its offense a chance to win and cover as a 12-point favorite. Texas A&M has lost each of its last two games by 15 points or more.