There’s only another game that equals this matchup. Otherwise, you’re looking at this year’s 2015 National Championship
Granted, Clemson is fantastic, and Oklahoma is second to none, but this is the game that pairs up two heavyweight contenders that had already earned their ticket to be here. And then some. On the one hand, you have a team that notched the SEC title win judiciously, and on the other you have a team that has hungrily gobbled up any challenges that have been served and now they’re sitting at the main table.
Michigan State Spartans vs Alabama Crimson Tide
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- Time: Thursday, December 31, 2015 8:00 PM ET
- Place: AT&T Stadium
Michigan State Betting Analysis
They’re going to be working like a well-oiled machine. And with characteristic discipline, they’ll be chipping away on third downs, eating up the clock and controlling the game.
They might not have the same 22-play drive, that carved out nine minutes out of the clock, such as the one in their game against the Hawkeyes. But, quarterback Connor Cook is capable of keeping the machinery going. As everyone knows, when you control the clock, you keep your opponent at bay and frustrated.
Alabama Betting Analysis
Derrick Henry is fantastic. But this is a game to go to the air. Michigan State is almost impenetrable via the run. In fact, Air Force was the only team that inched out more than 200 yards of the Spartans - and they’ll have the Crimson Tide’s ticket. However, the MSU secondary does have a few chinks in their armor and can be opened like a can of tuna.
The Spartans allowed 200 yards or more in four of the last six games in many ways because of their shoddy pass defense. The secondary has been successful at picking the ball off, however it’s come at a high price. Considering Coker is safe behind his offensive line and has learned how to be effective both in and out of the pocket, the Crimson Tide should have enough firepower to get the air game going.
Game Preview: It’s going to be a grind for both teams. Michigan State won’t be able to carve out yards through the ground and Alabama won’t have it easy at controlling the clock.
MSU is a team that can bear down and grind it out against Alabama’s ground and pound game. It’s something that they proved against Ohio State. And, Alabama is a team that rivals the coaching experience of the Spartans.
The difference in this game will be Alabama’s running effectiveness. Even when it’s not firing on all cylinders.
Betting Odds: The Alabama Crimson Tide is the 9.5-point favorite; the total is 48 points.
Best Bet: It’s hard to see Alabama losing the game. However, whether or not they cover is quite another question. The safer bet is with Michigan State plus the points.