Alabama one of the largest favorites over last 12 years in a Top 10 showdown
When top-ranked Alabama opened as a 17-point favorite over No. 6 Texas A&M on Sunday, the initial gap between the teams may have seemed odd to many. However, since that time, the line has only continued to grow and now sits firmly at 19 with the weekend drawing near.
If the huge line seems rare, it’s because historically it is. According to Bet Labs Sports, the line is the second largest of a Top 10 showdown over the last 12 years:
No. 1 Alabama is a 19-point favorite over No. 6 A&M, the 2nd largest spread in a game between Top 10 teams in last 12 years, per @Bet_Labs.
— David Payne Purdum (@DavidPurdum) October 20, 2016
The only other line that tops this weekend’s Alabama-Texas A&M game was the 2013 game between Florida State and Miami. In that game, No. 1 FSU entered as a 21-point favorite over No. 7 Miami. The Noles, led by Jameis Winston, went on to win that game by a score of 41-14.
Judging by the wide margin of the 2013 ACC contest, 19 points may not be enough to help the Aggies cover on the road in Tuscaloosa this weekend.