Bama/Cincinnati

Line is holding firm at 14 on my book each side at -110 now, bama was juiced up a lot more the week prior.. 

Let's assume both teams will be at full for now, is 14 enough for Cincy to cover? The question with a game like this is, do you think that Bearcats can actually REALLY compete and threaten Alabama in this game? I know they have a solid defense, but can they get enough pressure and cover Williams and the rest of cast to keep them from just doing what they want like they did UGA defense with FAR superior talent? Then the main question for me is Cincy offense, how much can they really move the ball on this bama defense? We know bama is not some monster defense and have to flat out be honest been bad for their standards for now the 3rd straight year.. But Cincy Qb worries me a bit while thinking about taking points, if they are forced to match Bama at some point that's when the worries should begin for Bearcat backers.. I don't know if this line is sharp or too low, it's odd that it's not at least 17 based off the stock market with everyone seeing what bama did last, and is that a sign that Bama is not the right side here after all? 

@jwheels86

 I have bet this one first half Cinci+7.5..

I think they can move the ball in the first half until Bama makes adjustments in the second half.. I think Bama will be caught off guard on Cincis physicality.. Cinci is the most solid and balanced team Bama has faced all year.. all those factors together with This is the biggest stage for group of 5.. and the fact that Cinci has been grinding all year for 1 shot at the belt.. They will bring thier soul on this one.. maybe they don’t win but I think they give em a half from hell.. 

Ridder is a solid but not spectacular quarterback. When I watch Cinci, I see a team with no outstanding features, they are very good everywhere but have no aspect of the team that makes me think "no one will be able to handle that" (in spite of what the media is trying to push regarding their defensive backs). Alabama will ultimately beat them with superior talent and physicality. Maverick makes a good point that usually that happens late in a game. This is probably a no play for me because, as you said Wheels, fourteen is a lot to lay, but if i were to play it, it would be on the Tide.

I think Cinci is a little underrated this year. However, if they somehow manage to keep this game close they will most likely be screwed because of their kicking game. They have one of the worse fg kickers in the nation. This game has so many unknowns. I still don’t even know how good Bama is either. 

Bama fan here. I am just worried about winning the game to be honest. We may or may not have more than 1 RB. Our WR core is down to 1, maybe 2 (Bolden, I think,is still uninjured). We MAY get a defender back that hasnt played since week 1, maybe but will he fit back in? 

Cinci pkayed a couple of good teams already. I we were at full strength I wouldnt be as worried. If Agiye Hall is secretly practicing his ass off and gets in the game to "prove himself" the passing game may be ok.

We have to play Bama defense,of a,couple,of years ago, and let the offense just be good enough.

That said, I will probably give the 14 as a homer get not for the gambling rewards, but I am superstitious enough not to get against my team in playoff, regular season I go against them plenty, but not taking a chance on jinxing them in a one and done (yes, I kid, but I really am that powerful, ask Odin or Zues :)

Lets all pray,to whatever that we get 4 healthy teams playing a week from now, and ROLL TIDE ROLL.

Cheers,

Manowarfan1

I will definitely be putting something, maybe around 1K, on CIN money line. 

You just never know. That said, i will also be betting the spread and total. 

@jwheels86

 I respect your insight…Call me square, but I will not bet against Nick Saban with a month to prepare…it comes down to this…Its mostly 5 star players with elite coaching versus mostly 3 star players with elite coaching…I know the spread accounts for most of that…However, I see a beat down by Alabama of Cincinnati…Alabama -13…Alabama 38 Cincinnati 14 - this will be one of my bowl selections…Good Luck on your other picks and Happy Holidays!

I think I would consider a Cincy +21.5/Georgia -.5 teaser ....

Can't really see laying 14 with Bama in this spot. Obviously they are not the hungrier team in this game. Losing Metchie is a big deal.....

Wheels

This game reminds me of 2016 playoffs when Washington had the opportunity to play Alabama. Alabama smoke showed Washington. I think the same thing will happen to Cinci. They are a great team, but will fall short offensively and defensively against Alabama.

Yeah. Cincy sucks. Taking the points.

They really didn't though, the game was a boring low scoring shit show for the longest in that playoff game. 

Any thoughts on UGA,Ala ?

@jwheels86

 24 to 7. What Im saying as physical of a team Washington was that year their physicality did not come close to matching Alabama's.

Just on the offensive end, and that was back when Alabama actually had defenses.. This is an entirely different situations, Bama has almost let very average/bad teams beat them multiple times this year and actually lost to Jimbo and a calzone sandwich at QB at 17 point faves.. I know Cincinnati isn't that great, but you clearly don't have to be to hang with Bama this year.. The reality is I don't like either side right now in this game 

@jwheels86

 I definitely agree this years Bama's defense is nothing like previous teams. Bama has been exposed by several teams this year, but when it comes to the playoffs or a must win situation Saban has his team ready to go and a game plan for which ever team they are facing and are ready to play. Alabama has been here many times before and are well coached and mainly disciplined. Alabama normally do not make mistakes either. I am by no way a Bama fan I truly hate that they constantly make it to the Playoffs so no homer here. 

I would think this game would be similar to the ND playoff game last year, they will be up and never threatened to lose the game but coast in the 2nd half to an extent and keep it around the number or possible back door like the Irish had last year... 

@jwheels86

 that I 100% agree with! Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas! 

Alabama 30 Cincy 24

Michigan 30 Georgia 20

I don't see any way in the world Michigan scores 30 in that football game. 

Alabama is going to blow the doors off of Cincinnati...Bet against Nick Saban with a month to prepare at your own risk...Its as simple as that...

@LonghornHoosier

 I love Saban but Bamas in for a fight... I don’t think they blow their doors off unless they get multiple turnovers.. this game will be decided by play calling and execution.. it’s Crucial that Cinci doesn’t get off to a slow start.. If they come out strong.. it’ll be a good game..

@jwheels86

 Any thoughts on outcome? Thx. Mentioned wrong team earlier. I'm liking Mich w the pts  Don't think Bennett s the man.

@jwheels86

 Nobody does.  The narrative on Michigan nationally is a joke today as it has been most of the season.  They can’t throw the ball, they don’t have a good offense blah blah blah. Lead the nation in 50+ yard plays with 17, and it’s from 10 different players.  

Bennett is good for a few TO’s in this one

The closer it gets to the game the more it feels like Bama is going to cover this line