Brad's Best Bets - Must-Watch Top-15 SEC Battle

Week three in College Football is here and one thing remains clear, this might be one of the most competitive football seasons we have had in a while. College Football Playoff mainstays like Clemson and Ohio State already have early season losses. Both ranked losses; so, the road back to the playoffs is not entirely out of reach. This weekend we turn our attention to the top-15 SEC battle down in Gainesville, Florida.

#1 Alabama Crimson Tide at #11 Florida Gators | Saturday at 3:30 PM ET

Last year we were given the privilege of watching one of the more fun SEC Championships in recent history. The Tide outlasted the Gators winning to the tune of 52-46. I doubt we will see a contest as electric. Both teams lost a lot of NFL talent on offense. If we’re being frank, the Gators were left with the bigger hole to fill. Fortunately for the Tide they had the former number one overall quarterback waiting in the wings.

The Gators losing Kyle Trask has been an evident blow to their offense. Many in Gainesville were excited to see what Emory Jones could do when he was handed the reins to the offense. So far, I have not been impressed. Jones has been picked off three times and has been terrible on third down. The Gators ranked 50th in the nation in third down conversions at 44%. In the SEC if you want to be a serious title contender you must succeed on third downs.

The Gators have protected their home field well only losing one in their last 13 home games, but that will not matter this weekend. I expect Alabama to cover the -14.5 spread. The Gators in their last six are 1-5 against the spread. They face a tough task against the nation number one.

For Alabama, Tide fans should be excited for the future of their young quarterback. Bryce Young might be considered undersized but he uses movement well and has a quick release which helps negate linemen trying to bat the ball at the line of scrimmage.

The run game for the Tide is what they should be most excited about. Tuscaloosa native Brain Robinson has waited his turn and has been making the most of his opportunities. Despite the skill on offense, Alabama will win and cover this game because of their defense. Many believe this defense might rival that 2009 Tide defense. Will Anderson is questionable right now, but should he get the start, he will be in the back field often.

The trends favor the Tide in this match up. They are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 and 9-3 ATS in their last 12 against the Gators. Alabama will outpower and outscore the Gators, take Alabama -14.5 (-110) for 1 unit.