Sep 2, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) carries the ball against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders for a touchdown during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
- #5 Alabama opens thier season with Western Kentucky Saturday night
- The Crimson Tide are big 31.5-point favorites over the Hilltoppers
- Read below for the latest Alabama vs Western Kentucky odds, picks, and predictions
The post-Nick Saban era for Alabama kicks off Saturday at 7:00 pm ET against Western Kentucky. Kalen DeBoer takes over after taking Washington to the National Championship last season. Even with the departure of Saban, Alabama is ranked the #5 team in the country and returns multiple impact starters on both sides of the ball.
Alabama is 3-0 all-time vs Western Kentucky with their last matchup being in 2016. Alabama has won those three games handily with scores of 41-7, 35-0, and 38-10.
Western Kentucky vs Alabama Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Kentucky Hilltoppers | +31.5 (-108) | +3000 | Over 59.5 (-110) |
| Alabama Crimson Tide | -31.5 (-112) | -10000 | Under 59.5 (-110) |
The college football odds have Alabama as a heavy favorite on Saturday. The spread has not moved away from 31.5 since opening over the summer. The O/U has moved slightly. It opened at 60.5 but is now 59.5 as we approach kickoff.
Odds as of August 30 at DraftKings. Lock in the best DraftKings promos for college football Week 1.
Alabama Betting Trends
It will feel different in Tuscaloosa without Nick Saban on the sideline, but Alabama hired a great coach in Kalen DaBoer. DaBoer has seen success everywhere he has coached and has an all-time record of 104-12. The SEC is a different beast, but he is used to a challenge and excels in one-score games. He is an impressive 24-6 in one-score games as a head coach.
The coach himself was a great hire, but what has been more impressive is the amount of talent that stayed in Tuscaloosa despite Saban leaving. Alabama was not immune to the transfer portal and did lose some talent, but they kept quarterback Jalen Milroe and multiple starters in the front seven.
52 yard completion from Jalen Milroe to Germie Bernard pic.twitter.com/Skw34LNlNZ
— Bama FB on Youtube | 106K Subs (@BamaYoutube) April 13, 2024
DaBoer is great in the run game, so there is some excitement with Justice Hayes in the backfield and Jalen Milroe’s athleticism. The defense is inexperienced in the secondary, especially with Caleb Downs transferring to Ohio State, but their front seven is a strong unit heading into 2024.
Western Kentucky Betting Trends
Western Kentucky went 8-5 last season and is a consistent 8 or 9-win program in Conference USA, and this year should be no different. The Hilltoppers went 6-5 against the spread in 2023.
The Hilltoppers love to throw the ball, and with former Auburn and LSU quarterback TJ Finley under center this season, the offense should be able to put up points through the air again this year. 14 starters return to Western Kentucky in 2024, and nine of them are on offense.
Western Kentucky’s defense struggled against the run last season, and now they have a lot of new faces from the transfer portal on that side of the ball. The Hilltoppers can score, but can they stop opponents from scoring? That will be the big question for them heading into this season.
Alabama vs Western Kentucky Predictions
Even with the changes for Alabama, this is still a Crimson Tide team eyeing the College Football Playoff. Jalen Milroe is tied for the fourth-best Heisman odds, and Alabama will lean on him to have a productive season both through the air and on the ground. There may be some growing pains for the new offense, but given Western Kentucky’s rush defense, Alabama should not have a problem establishing the run.
The Crimson Tide’s defense is great, but their secondary is vulnerable to a passing attack like Western Kentucky’s. Alabama should have no problem winning this game, but 31.5 is a little too high of a spread for me to feel comfortable, so I am looking at the total in this one. Alabama will get their points against Western Kentucky’s defense, and the Hilltoppers will complete a long bomb or two to get on the board. I love the over in this matchup.
Alabama vs WKU Pick: Over 59.5 (-110)
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The highly anticipated college football season is finally here, and one of the most exciting matchups to kick things off is the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday, August 31st. Both teams are coming off successful seasons and are looking to start the new season with a bang.
Alabama, the perennial powerhouse in college football, is coming off a strong season where they made it to the National Championship game. Led by head coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide are once again expected to be one of the top teams in the country. They have a talented roster with players like quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy leading the way. Alabama’s offense is known for its explosive plays and high-scoring games, so fans can expect an exciting matchup on Saturday.
On the other side, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are looking to build on their successful season last year. Head coach Tyson Helton has done a great job with the team, and they are expected to be competitive in their conference this year. The Hilltoppers have a solid defense that will look to contain Alabama’s high-powered offense. Quarterback Steven Duncan will lead the offense and will look to make plays against a tough Crimson Tide defense.
In terms of betting odds, Alabama is heavily favored to win this matchup. The Crimson Tide are one of the top teams in the country and are expected to come out on top in this game. However, Western Kentucky should not be underestimated, as they have shown that they can compete with some of the best teams in the country.
For those looking to place bets on this game, there are several factors to consider. Alabama’s high-powered offense will be tough for Western Kentucky to contain, so taking the over on the total points scored in the game could be a good bet. Additionally, Alabama is known for starting strong in their season openers, so betting on them to cover the spread could also be a smart move.
Overall, this matchup between Alabama and Western Kentucky is sure to be an exciting one. Both teams have talented players and strong coaching staffs, so fans can expect a competitive game. Whether you’re a fan of college football or just looking to place some bets, this game is one that you won’t want to miss.