The Alabama Crimson Tide enters 2023 in an unfamiliar spot, with negative media attention and as the hunter rather than the hunted. Exhibit A: The Crimson Tide never released a depth chart for their opener. Don’t worry; College Football Network has you covered with a full breakdown and Alabama vs. Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders prediction.
Alabama vs. Middle Tennessee State Betting Preview
- Spread
Alabama (-38.5) - Over/Under
51.5 Total Points - Game Time
7:30 p.m. ET - Location
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL - Predicted Weather at Kick
81 degrees, cloudy, 4-5 mph winds - How to Watch:
FuboTV, SEC Network
Top DFS and Fantasy Plays
All values below come from FanDuel’s multi-team entries for the weekend. Looking to sign up for FanDuel? New customers bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets guaranteed. Click here for more details.
Looking for each team’s depth chart? Click the appropriate link to view.
Middle Tennessee Depth Chart | Alabama Depth Chart
- QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama ($10,300)
- QB Tyler Buchner, Alabama ($9,000)
- QB Nicholas Vattiato, MTSU ($5,800)
- RB Roydell Williams, Alabama ($8,700)
- RB Jase McClellan, Alabama ($7,800)
- RB Frank Peasant, MTSU ($5,700)
- RB Jam Miller, Tennessee ($5,400)
- WR Jermaine Burton, Alabama ($8,200)
- WR Ja’Corey Brooks, Alabama ($7,600)
- WR DJ England-Chisolm, MTSU ($6,500)
- WR Elijah Metcalf, MTSU ($6,000)
- WR Kobe Prentice, Alabama ($5,400)
- TE CJ Dippre, Alabama ($5,500)
- TE Amari Niblack, Alabama ($5,000)
While you’d ideally love to start the Alabama quarterback, you might find it tricky as head coach Nick Saban hasn’t publicly named his starter yet. If you have a late-lock lineup, Milroe is a great start. He’s likely the guy (FanDuel seems to agree), and if he isn’t, you can swap him out for whoever is announced before the game or for a quarterback from a different game.
The receiver pricing is a bit off here, as Prentice is a steal at just $5,400. He’s poised for a big game, and you’ll save money for one of the more expensive guys by playing him. Brooks and Burton are each options, as Alabama should be able to move the ball through the air.
While England-Chisolm and Metcalf are an excellent Group of Five receiving duo, stay away from MTSU starters. Saban may be looking to make a statement and may even leave the starters in the game beyond the point when most coaches would replace them.
FanDuel is guessing on the depth chart here, and the discrepancy in price between the top two backs doesn’t quite make sense. If you’re up for a bit of risk, playing McClellan with the thought that he may out-snap and out-touch Williams is a viable option for you.
Prediction for Middle Tennessee State vs. Alabama
The top stat you need to know is that Alabama is 13-2 against the spread in openers under Saban. Add to that the Crimson Tide might be disrespected this season, a card Saban loves to play whether true or not.
Insiders from Tuscaloosa have said for months that this defense is the best the Crimson Tide have had in years, and it’s likely that they’ll flex their muscles at home on Saturday. Under the lights, Alabama should have its way.
This year, the depth chart was not as set in stone as usual, but insiders are saying that is because of a plethora of talent and not a lack of talent. Even if there are really quarterback issues (which may or may not actually be true), the Tide have the offensive line and skill players to run up the score Saturday.
Most importantly, as mentioned above, Saban may wait to call off the dogs in this one, letting his players stay aggressive throughout the duration of the game. The combination of a strong defense that should stymie the Blue Raiders and an offense hungry to prove itself may give the Tide a strong chance to cover.
Alabama may hit the over on its own, but that should be a closer bet. Hammer the Tide and sprinkle the over.
Prediction
Alabama 52, Middle Tennessee State 3