Wisconsin Badgers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Odds, Analysis, College Football Pick

Alabama is 4-1 both straight-up and against the spread in its last five games against Big Ten conference opponents, while Wisconsin is 1-3 both SU and ATS in its last four games against SEC conference opponents.

Therefore, the betting trends seem to side with the Crimson Tide for Saturday night's season opener against the Badgers on a neutral field in Arlington, Texas.

Point spread: Alabama opened as a 10-point favorite.

Odds Shark computer pick: Alabama 20.5, Wisconsin 20.4

Why the Wisconsin Badgers Can Cover the Spread

Wisconsin has a new head coach, former UW assistant Paul Chryst, but the song remains the same: Run the ball down opponents' throats, throw it deep occasionally and play sound defense.

Last year, the Badgers averaged 320 yards per game on the ground and the defense ranked fourth in the nation. This year, Wisconsin has to replace running back Melvin Gordon, who ran for 2,587 yards in 2014, but Corey Clement looks like the next man up.

Quarterback Joel Stave has his faults, but he can stretch defenses with his arm and has some experience with 28 collegiate starts under his belt.

If the Badgers can control the clock and avoid turnovers, they could keep this one close.

Why the Alabama Crimson Tide Can Cover the Spread

Alabama only returns 10 starters from a team that made it to the first-ever College Football Playoff last season, but the Tide do not rebuild—they reload.

Yes, there might be a question about the quarterback position at the moment, but there are no questions about the Alabama defense, which might be the best in the country. Over the last three seasons, Alabama has opened with neutral-site games against Michigan, Virginia Tech and West Virginia, winning those three games by an average score of 36-16.

If the Tide win this season opener by 20 points, they'll cover the spread.

Smart Pick

The Crimson Tide haven't won the national championship in three seasons, and after getting knocked off by Ohio State in the playoff last January, they are probably chomping at the bit to get this season started.

Wisconsin, on the other hand, has a new head coach, and while the systems are similar, there will also be an adjustment period.

The smart betting choice here is with the Crimson Tide.

Betting Trends

Alabama is 4-11-1 ATS in its last 16 games.

Alabama is 4-1 SU and ATS in its last five games vs. the Big Ten.

Wisconsin is 1-3 SU and ATS in its last four games vs. the SEC.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark, all quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates, and get the free odds tracker app.