At the onset of the week is a new era of Alabama Crimson Tide football. Head coach Kalen DeBoer will make his Alabama debut. Thus, his arrival brings to a close the Nick Saban era. Of course, the natural question is if the Crimson Tide can continue its College Football Betting dominance. Alabama enjoyed a dynasty that Saban forged as the GOAT of college football coaching. While comparisons are inevitable the eras of Saban and DeBoer are much different. Saban retired in large part because his style of coaching became outdated. He was about development instead of the bag.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, August 31, 2024, 7 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Bryan Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Kentucky | +32 -110 | 59½ -110 | +2500 |  |
| Alabama | -32 -110 | 59½ -110 | -10000 | |
| ||||
DeBoer may prove to be the perfect replacement, being more in tune with today’s demands. Cause by his being more in tune with modern reality. Of course, There will be plenty of betting on college football interest in this game. That is because Kalen DeBoer will be making his head coaching debut for Alabama.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Team Overview
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are preparing for a competitive 2024 sportsbook season under head coach Tyson Helton. WKU is building on their 8-5 record from 2023. Including a 6-2 conference record and a New Orleans Bowl victory over South Alabama. Now, the Hilltoppers aim to leverage their returning talent and key additions to make a strong push in Conference USA.
Of course, Western Kentucky is going to throw and throw a lot. Thus, it was critically important to replace Austin Reed. Reed dropped off dramatically from 2022 to 2023. But this is a team that threw the ball almost 200 more times than they ran it.
The Hilltoppers have trended down in the ratings each of the last two years. So they will look to get back to the high-flying, conference-dominant team they’ve been in the past. Most projections have them second in the league with the second-best offense and sixth-best defense. But they are expected to be just short of their season win total Over/Under with 6.7 wins.
Alabama Crimson Tide Team Overview
First-year head coach Kalen DeBoer will bring a new offensive system to Alabama. His offense was among college football’s most productive at Washington the past two seasons. DeBoer lost his longtime offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, to the NFL. In turn, DeBoer replaced him with Nick Sheridan, who coached tight ends at Washington and previously led Indiana’s offense.
Now Sheridan will call plays and try to adjust the scheme that made Michael Penix Jr. so successful last season.
Alabama’s offense must best fit the strengths of Tide incumbent Jalen Milroe. That could mean more deep shots and designed runs, taking advantage of Milroe’s athleticism and home-run ability.
Nick Saban’s defense has been among the best in college football for the past 17 seasons. Now, Alabama must turn the page to a new defensive coordinator, Kane Wommack. Previously, Wommack stepped down as South Alabama’s head coach to rejoin DeBoer after they had previously worked together at Indiana.
Western Kentucky at Alabama SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Alabama will draw too much casual College Football Betting action. Thus, WKU will offer greater value.
Western Kentucky at Alabama SBG Best Bet: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.