Alabama’s postseason hopes are alive and well, and earning a victory over Oklahoma is step one to achieving preseason expectations. Year one in the SEC hasn’t been kind to the Sooners. OU has one conference win and its only triumph since Sept. 28 came against Maine.

Oddsmakers believe Alabama will cruise to a victory, but Oklahoma will likely give its best effort against a national championship contender.

Alabama vs. Oklahoma predictions and best bets

• Alabama -14: -110 at Fanatics
• Alabama to score every quarter: +128 at FanDuel

*Note: Odds are based on the best value our experts find as of publication; check lines closer to game time to ensure you get the best odds.

Two betting trends stand out when I check TeamRankings.com. Oklahoma is 0-2 against the spread as a home underdog, and the Sooners have only covered in two of six SEC games. Statistics can’t quantify motivation, but Alabama will have a lot more considering a loss rules out an SEC Championship and CFP berth.

The Sooners have been underwhelming in conference play, losing five games by an average of 17 points. The main culprits are an uninspiring offensive line and a disappointing season from five-star QB Jackson Arnold.

OU’s 41 sacks surrendered are the second most in FBS, and no SEC team has passed for fewer yards per game. Alabama’s defense has only allowed 20 points in the last three games and a matchup with the Sooners calls for further success.

I expect QB Jalen Milroe’s ascension in the Heisman race to continue against an Oklahoma defense that’s given up 28 points per game versus SEC programs. The Sooners have been strong against the run, but it won’t take much scoring for Arnold and Co. to face an insurmountable deficit.

Alabama vs. Oklahoma moneyline odds analysis

Why Alabama could win as the favorite

Best odds: -535 at DraftKings

Nothing was confirmed, but Milroe was reportedly dealing with an injury that slowed down his production earlier in the season. If the rumors were true, he must be on the mend after rushing for 228 yards and five touchdowns in the last two games.

Alabama’s offensive success is heavily reliant on the QB. If Milroe is fully healthy or close to it, the Crimson Tide can hang with any team in the nation.

Playing a night game on the road in the SEC is rarely easy. However, I don’t worry about Alabama after demolishing LSU in Death Valley. The Tide forced three turnovers, dominated time of possession and nearly kept the Tigers out of the end zone if it wasn’t for a garbage-time touchdown.

Why Oklahoma could win as the underdog

Best odds: +450 at BetMGM

Oklahoma was on a bye last week and the Sooners will have a rest advantage. Coach Brent Venables certainly needs the extra time to prepare for Milroe and Alabama’s dynamic offense.

Being a win away from bowl eligibility should motivate the Sooners. However, most of Oklahoma’s drive to win the game likely stems from squashing Alabama’s national championship dreams.

Milroe is the best running QB Oklahoma will face this season, and containing him is key for an upset win and field-storming. The Sooners have done well against mobile QBs, holding Jaxson Dart and LaNorris Sellers to 33 yards or less.

According to CFBStats.com, Alabama has given up 32 plays of 20+ yards. Oklahoma’s offense should look to attack with throws past the first-down marker, but that’s easier said than done when Arnold is constantly under duress.