LSU makes betting-line history as major underdog against top-ranked Alabama
By Jake Rill
Published:
Even though LSU is the defending national champion, it’s a huge underdog for its matchup against No. 1 Alabama this week. In fact, the Tigers have made history with the betting line for Saturday’s game.
According to ESPN, Alabama is a 29.5-point favorite for this week’s matchup, making LSU the biggest underdog for a reigning national champion in the past 40 seasons. And it’s not too much of a surprise that that’s the case.
After going 15-0 and winning the national title last season, the Tigers lost many of their top players. That’s led to them starting the 2020 season 4-3 and having yet to win consecutive games this year. Last week, LSU lost to No. 5 Texas A&M, 20-7.
If the Tigers can play another close game against a top team in the Crimson Tide, they could make bettors who take a chance on them quite happy. However, Alabama is a much more formidable opponent, considering it has started 8-0 and won each of its games by at least 17 points.
Last year, LSU beat Alabama, 46-41, ending an eight-game losing streak against the Crimson Tide. The last time the Tigers won consecutive games against the Tide came when they earned victories in back-to-back years in 2010 and 2011, but they have a chance to start a new streak this week.
LSU and Alabama are set to kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday on CBS.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
