What Oddsmakers Anticipate About Alabama and 2023 College Football Season
There's a curious thing going on with oddsmakers and the 2023 college football season, especially when it comes to the Alabama Crimson Tide. They obviously have faith that Nick Saban is going to have another top-notch team, but have no idea how exactly it'll come together.
SI Sportsbook has Alabama among the strong national title contenders, which makes sense because every game played over the last decade has arguably had championship consequences. Granted, the Crimson Tide suffered two regular-season losses last year, but was still within a whisker of making the College Football Playoff.
Coming off back-to-back national titles, Georgia is considered the betting favorite at +220 to win again next season. Alabama and Ohio State are right behind the Bulldogs, both at +550 to win next year's championship. After that there's a bit of a drop-off with Michigan +900, and Florida, LSU and USC all at +1400.
Per BetOnline, the initial over/under on Alabama wins during the regular season is 10½, the exact same as a year ago.
However, if you look at Heisman Trophy odds, or position lists ranking the best playmakers, Crimson Tide players can barely be found. Someone has to take the snaps, take handoffs and make receptions, just no one's exactly sure who that will be both at the beginning of the season, or obviously the end. With a quarterback competition continuing into the fall, and a deep stable of players at running back and wide receiver, even the staunchest of fans aren't sure who will be Alabama's best playmakers in 2023.
Here's a breakdown of the Power 5 conferences, both in terms of wins and chances of winning the league this season. For a comparison, the top independent, Notre Dame, has an over/under of nine wins.
Opening Odds by Conference
SEC
ACC
Big Ten
Big 12
Pac 12
Pac 12
