No. 1 Indiana’s pursuit of an NCAA title continues on New Year’s Day, as the unbeaten Hoosiers face Alabama in the Rose Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on ESPN.
In anticipation of the matchup, here are some of my favorite College Football Playoff predictions.
Alabama vs Indiana Odds
All NCAAF odds used for these Alabama vs Indiana best bets are current as of Monday, Dec. 29, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Alabama (+205) vs Indiana (-250)
- Spread: Alabama +7 (-115) vs Indiana -7 (-105)
- Over/Under: Over 47.5 (-115) / Under 47.5 (-105)
Alabama vs Indiana Predictions
Score Prediction: Indiana 24, Alabama 20
Indiana? A national championship contender? Yes, believe it. The Hoosiers — 13-0 and the country’s only remaining unbeaten — are for real.
Indiana boasts one of college football’s most complete offenses, ranking fourth in points per game (41.9), seventh in yards per play (7.09), and eighth in yards per game (472.8). Its defense has been just as formidable, ranking second to only Ohio State in points allowed per game (10.8).
Alabama won’t have to contend with star defensive end Stephen Daley, who freakishly injured his leg during a postgame celebration for the Big Ten Championship, but his absence won’t be enough to tip the scales in the Crimson Tide’s favor.
Look for the Hoosiers to take another step toward their first national title.
Alabama vs Indiana Best Bets
Alabama +7 (-115)
This is far from the powerhouse Alabama teams of the recent past.
The Crimson Tide turned in a punchless performance in the SEC Championship against Georgia, then fell behind 17-0 to Oklahoma before scoring 27 straight points in a 34-24 win to open the College Football Playoff.
Ty Simpson, who orchestrated the big comeback with 232 passing yards and two touchdowns, could help keep this closer than expected.
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However, Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza will have enough time to methodically attack a talented yet vulnerable Crimson Tide defense and send the Hoosiers onto the semifinals.
While I like Indiana outright, Alabama +7 is my college football pick of the day, so long as the spread doesn’t rise anymore before kickoff.
Under 47.5 Total Points (-105)
Trends aren’t everything, but I do think we see a lower-scoring game from the outset, with Mendoza doing enough late to make a difference.
Indiana has gone under the total in three of its last four games, while Alabama has gone under in five of its previous six contests.
With that in mind, the under is one of my top Alabama vs Indiana predictions. Make this wager with our top sportsbook promotions.
