Alabama vs Western Kentucky Prediction & Betting Tips - 8/31/24 | College Football Week 1
Alabama vs Western Kentucky will kick off at 7 p.m. EST on Saturday in the first game of the 2024 season for both schools. The clash will take place at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and will be broadcast on ESPN.
The Crimson Tide are the No. 5-ranked team in the nation, playing out of the Southeastern Conference. Conversely, the Hilltoppers are an unranked team competing in the Conference USA. These two programs have only played three times before tonight's matchup.
Alabama vs Western Kentucky prediction
While it would be fun to pretend that this is a tough matchup to call, it is anything but. This is one of the most one-sided contests in college football in Week 1. The Crimson Tide are poised to be one of the best teams in the nation. Conversely, Western Kentucky is playing in a much less prestigious division.
While Western Kentucky was great offensively last season, ranking sixth in the nation in finishing drives and ninth in explosiveness, it had other problems that caused major issues. It barely ranked in the top 100 in down conversion rate, and now that it is bringing in a new quarterback, TJ Finley, it is hard to imagine the Hilltoppers can integrate him quickly enough to compete with Alabama.
While there is uncertainty around the program at Alabama for the first time in years following the retirement of coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide are still among the best teams in the country. Jalen Milroe is a dynamic threat at quarterback and should be able to lead Alabama to an easy win in Week 1.
Alabama vs Western Kentucky betting tips
Tip 1: Bet the over on the 59.5 point total (-110).
Tip 2: Bet on Alabama's side of the 32-point spread (-110).
Tip 3: Avoid the moneyline. Alabama is getting -10,000 odds, which pays out basically nothing and is not worth even the minuscule risk of a loss.
Alabama vs Western Kentucky head-to-head
Alabama and Western Kentucky have competed three times in their history. The Crimson Tide won all three matchups in dominant fashion, and all games were at home.
The first matchup took place in 2008 and was a 41-7 win. The next game was in 2012 and was a 35-0 victory for Alabama. Lastly, the most recent contest took place in 2016 and was a 38-10 win for the Crimson Tide. Sportsbooks and experts expect similar results in the fourth encounter between these teams.