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The Alabama Crimson Tide’s 2023 season begins Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium vs. the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders.

We’re previewing the matchup while providing the best Alabama vs. Middle Tennessee bets to consider. Each market highlighted is accessible by creating an account with our sportsbook promo codes, which unlock up to $3,400 in bonuses for new users.

Our Alabama odds preview gives Crimson Tide future betting market predictions.

Alabama vs. Middle Tennessee betting odds: Blue Raiders +39.5 (-110 or better)

Middle Tennessee went 8-5 last year under head coach Rick Stockstill. The Blue Raiders’ lone game against a power-five opponent resulted in a 45-31 victory over No. 25 Miami.

The Conference USA squad was extremely streaky, as the Blue Raiders had two three-game win streaks but also dropped three consecutive games. Middle Tennessee was middle of the pack statistically in Conference USA, scoring 28 points per game offensively while the defense allowed 28 points per game.

In Alabama’s 2022 season opener, the Tide thumped Utah State 55-0. Alabama threw for 281 yards and six touchdowns and ran for 278 yards and a score.

But with prolific passer Bryce Young gone, Nick Saban is implementing a run-heavy offensive scheme. This, combined with the NCAA’s new in-game clock management rules, will prevent the Tide from running as many plays as it did vs. Utah State.

Expect the Tide to win in dominant fashion but fail to cover the spread.

Alabama vs. Middle Tennessee best bets: Under 51.5 points (-105 or better)

Many talented QBs have come through Tuscaloosa in recent years, including Young, Mac Jones, Tua Tagovailoa, and Jalen Hurts. But Alabama doesn’t have near that level of expertise in Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, or Tyler Buchner.

This forces Saban to transition the Crimson Tide into a run-first offense, something Milroe, the expected starter, excels at. Milroe threw for only 111 yards but rushed for 87 yards in his lone start last season.

This means an uptick in handoffs to the Tides RB combo of Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams. With the ball staying on the ground, the clock will move quickly on Saturday vs. Middle Tennessee.

Plus, Alabama will need to do the lion’s share of the scoring for the over to hit, as the Blue Raiders will struggle to gain momentum offensively.

Look for Alabama to win big, but the under to cash in.

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