Check out our free Crimson Tide vs Wildcats pick and preview for NCAAF week 1 game in New Orleans. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this week’s NCAAF matchup.

Crimson Tide vs Wildcats Pick & Preview: NCAAF Week 1 Betting Odds

The Crimson Tide will play host to the Wildcats at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, LA, with a kickoff scheduled for 12:00 PM ET. The game will be televised on ESPN. This non-conference matchup has the Crimson Tide as the -3 point favorite to come away with the win. The over-under point total is currently set at 54.5.

Crimson Tide vs Wildcats Matchup at a Glance

  • Sport: NCAAF
  • Teams: Alabama Crimson Tide at Kansas State Wildcats
  • Where: New Orleans at Caesars Superdome
  • Date: Saturday, December 31st
  • Betting Odds:
  • ALA -3, ALA -158 | KANST +131 O/U 54.5

Crimson Tide Preview:

The Crimson Tide take on the Kansas State Wildcats with a SEC record of 6-2 while going 10-2 overall.

The Crimson Tide are gunning for another win on their resume, as they previously beat Auburn by a score of 49-27. In the 22 point win, Alabama finished with an ATS push, as they were 22.0 point favorites. The two team’s combined to score 76 points, surpassing the over-under betting line of 50.0. In the loss, the team’s defense gave up a total of 395 yards, with 318 coming on the ground. So far, the team is ranked 48th in rush yards allowed per game. Currently, Alabama is ranked 30th in passing yards allowed and is coming off a game in which they gave up 77 yards through the air.

A matchup to keep an eye on in this game is if the Alabama offense will continue to rack up explosive plays against a Alabama defense that ranks well in several advanced analytics. Currently, the Wildcats are 20th in defensive EPA. On the other side, Crimson Tide heads into action averaging 40.75 points per game. One matchup to watch in this game, is if Alabama can generate some success in the run game. So far, the team is averaging 197.25 rush yards per game and have a matchup vs a Kansas State defense that is vulnerable up front. So far, the Crimson Tide are the 33rd ranked team in pass yards per game, with an average of 278.25. This has come while throwing the ball an average of 34.67 times per contest, placing them 68th in the NCAA.

Wildcats Preview:

As the Wildcats travel to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide, they have an overall record of 10-3. This includes going 7-2 in Big 12 action.

In their last game, Kansas State defeated TCU 31-28, despite being the 1.0 point underdogs. With their 59 combined points, the two teams remained below the over-under line of 60.5. In the loss, the team’s defense gave up a total of 469 yards, with 218 coming on the ground. So far, the team is ranked 83rd in rush yards allowed per game. Currently, Kansas State is ranked 82nd in passing yards allowed and is coming off a game in which they gave up 251 yards through the air.

Heading into this week’s action, Kansas State has a tough matchup against a Alabama defense performing well in many advanced statistics, including EPA in which they are 7th in college football. On paper, moving the ball could be tough for Kansas State as they are generating explosive plays at a below average rate. Throughout the season, the Kansas State offense has leaned on their rushing attack, but comes into the game with a below average success rate. This week could be an opportunity to improve their overall rushing numbers Alabama is vulnerable up front. Heading into the game, the Wildcats will be looking to turn things around in the passing game, as their per game average of 210.54 yards places them 124th in the NCAA. So far, they are the 166th ranked team in attempts per contest (27.23).

Odds & Free Betting Analysis for this NCAFF Game

In terms of betting, the Crimson Tide have an ATS record of 2-5-1. Their current over-under record sits at 4-4-0. Across their 5 previous road games, Alabama has an ATS mark of 1-4-0. Their straight up record in these matchups was 3-2-0 while averaging 35.8 points per game.

In terms of betting, the Wildcats have an ATS record of 10-3-0. Their current over-under record sits at 6-7-0. Across their 5 previous home games, Kansas State has an ATS mark of 3-2-0. Their straight up record in these matchups was 3-2-0 while averaging 33.8 points per game.

Crimson Tide vs Wildcats Pick

Free Spread Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide -3

Free Spread Prediction: Under 54.5