How much of a factor is that “time to prepare” thing for Nick Saban?

Well, apparently some “respected players” in Vegas are putting up big-time money on Alabama against Clemson. The Crimson Tide is a consensus 2.5-point favorite over the Tigers, according to Vegas Insider.

Whether those gamblers are taking Alabama to cover, or just grabbing the Tide on the money line — regardless — eight times as much money has been bet on Alabama as has been bet on Clemson.

That’s according to David Payne Purdum, who is a gambling writer for ESPN. Purdum said the money is flowing in heavily on the Crimson Tide.

Alabama and Clemson have met in the national championship game in each of the past two seasons. The Tide won 45-40 the first time around, while the Tigers won 35-31 last season.

Purdum sent out the tweets below on Sunday: