Alabama Crimson Tide vs. LSU Tigers Betting Odds, College Football Pick

Alabama is 5-0 in its last five rivalry showdowns with LSU, going 4-1 against the spread over that span. The Crimson Tide hope to extend that streak and stick a fork in the Tigers for this season when they visit Death Valley on Saturday night.

Point spread: The Crimson Tide opened as seven-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 41.5-30.8 Crimson Tide (CFB picks on every game)

Why the Alabama Crimson Tide can cover the spread

Alabama extended its overall winning streak to 20 games with a 33-14 victory and cover over Texas A&M two weeks ago, then took last week off.

The Tide grabbed an early 13-0 lead on the Aggies, fell down 14-13 in the third quarter but then scored the final 20 points of the game to remain unbeaten on the season at 8-0. Alabama outgained A&M (451-278), outrushed the Aggies (287-114) and won time of possession (36-24).

The Tide also got another touchdown from their defense, a 30-yard fumble return by Johnathan Allen in the third quarter, and have now scored 12 touchdowns on defense/special teams this season.

Alabama is 3-0 ATS over its last three games, covering 14 points over Arkansas, 14 points over Tennessee and 18 points over Texas A&M.

Why the LSU Tigers can cover the spread

LSU is 3-0 both SU and ATS since the firing of Les Miles after beating Ole Miss two weeks ago, 38-21, covering eight points. The Tigers also took last week off.

LSU spotted the Rebels the first 10 points of the game but rallied to forge a 21-21 tie at the half, then won the second half, 17-0. On the night the Tigers outgained Ole Miss, 516-325, as running back Leonard Fournette exploded for 284 yards rushing and three long touchdown runs.

So in three games under new head coach Ed Orgeron, LSU is averaging 536 yards of offense, winning by an average score of 42-13.

Smart pick

The best time to bet on the best teams in the country often comes when they're playing on the road, where the spreads are more amenable. In fact, Alabama is 7-1 ATS in its last eight road games.

But this game is LSU's Super Bowl; with two losses, the Tigers are out of the running in the College Football Playoff race, but at 3-1 in SEC play they can still make the conference championship game. And they certainly seem revitalized under Orgeron. The smart money here at online betting sites sides with LSU.

Betting trends

The visiting team is 0-3-1 ATS in its last four games in this matchup.

LSU is 1-3 SU and ATS in its last four games in November.

Alabama is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games on the road.

All college football betting lines and point-spreads data courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates and Odds Shark YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.