Clemson vs Alabama Prediction & Picks: Will the Tide Trounce the Tigers in Tuscaloosa?

After splitting games against Power 6 opposition in the Sunshine State, Alabama is back home tonight to face another power conference foe in an ACC/SEC Challenge contest against undefeated Clemson (9:30 pm ET, ESPN).

The Crimson Tide would have been expecting to come away from the Emerald Coast Classic with the title, but they were outrun and outgunned by Ohio State in the semifinals in a 92-81 loss.

But they didn’t leave the tournament empty-handed, bouncing back with a 99-91 win over Oregon, who’d also fallen victim to an upset (to Santa Clara) in the semis.

Bet on Clemson vs Alabama and More at BetDSI

Next month will bring the opportunity for Alabama to really beef up their March Madness resume, as they will take on Purdue (December 9 in Toronto), Creighton (December 16 in Omaha), and Arizona (December 20 in Phoenix).

But before that trio of tests, the Tide will have a chance to close out November with a solid win over the visiting Tigers.

Clemson makes the trip to Tuscaloosa with an unblemished record and a potentially significant 17-point home win over Boise State. Will that record remain unblemished through tonight? Odds are certainly not in their favor, as the Tide are favored by a very healthy margin.

Clemson vs Alabama Odds

Odds are courtesy of Bovada.

Spread

• Clemson +7.5 (-110)
• Alabama -7.5 (-110)

Over/Under

• Over 160 (-110)
• Under 160 (-110)

Moneyline

• Clemson +305
• Alabama -410

Clemson vs Alabama Prediction and Picks

Prediction: Alabama to win

Picks: Alabama -7.5 (-110 at Bovada), Mark Sears over 17.5 points (-103 at Bovada) & Joe Girard III over 13.5 points (-113 at Bovada)

After missing the NCAA Tournament in each of the past two seasons and making the Big Dance just three times in 13 seasons, this is a pivotal season for Clemson coach Brad Brownell.

We’ll find out soon enough if it can continue for an extended period, but things couldn’t be going more swimmingly right now.

ACC play, as well as the strength of the conference this season, will help tell the tale for Clemson’s March Madness hopes (and perhaps Brownell’s future).

But wins over UAB, Davidson, and Boise State could all prove to be decent wins, and in addition to tonight’s tilt in Tuscaloosa, the Tigers will have the chance for more potentially helpful non-conference wins next month with South Carolina (December 6 at home), TCU (December 9 in Toronto), and Memphis (December 16 at Memphis) on the schedule.

A win tonight would be the best of the bunch, by far, and could set the Tigers on their way to a strong finish to non-conference play.

Ohio State took out the Tide because they were able to match Alabama offensively, which many teams are unable to do. In a hostile environment, Clemson will likely have to try to do the same, and they do have the potential to.

Brad Brownell added experienced Syracuse deep threat Joseph Girard III (12.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 3.6 APG) to top returnees PJ Hall (21.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.8 SPG) and Chase Hunter (13.0 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 4.0 APG), and he is starting to settle in after a couple of tough games out of the gate.

But while the Buckeyes were able to push back the Tide on a neutral court, I don’t see the Tigers being able to do so at Coleman Coliseum. It will be a high-scoring contest, but Alabama will come away with a comfortable and impressive win, with another big game from Mark Sears (20.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.2 APG) playing a key part.

Where to Bet on College Basketball

If you are looking for college basketball odds, you will always be spoiled for choice.

Sports betting sites all over the internet offer a vast array of NCAA basketball odds throughout the season, from the opening tip in November to the conclusion of the season in early April.

Along with being able to bet on countless games, many online sportsbooks offer men’s college basketball national championship odds, women’s college basketball national championship odds, men’s Wooden Award odds, women’s Wooden Award odds, and odds on who will win early season and conference tournaments.

Below are some of the books that we highly recommend for college basketball betting:

• BetDSI
• BetOnline
• BetUS
• Bookmaker
• Bovada
• MyBookie
• Sportsbetting.ag

If you don’t have an account at a book on this list, check out our reviews to help you determine if it is worth your interest and your betting funds.

Other College Basketball Content

• Miami vs Kentucky Basketball Prediction & Picks
• College Basketball Betting Guide
• Men’s Wooden Award Winner Odds
• Women’s Wooden Award Winner Odds