CFB Win Total Preview: Alabama Crimson Tide
Can New Coach Deboer Bring Back Tide Domination? Alabama Win Total Set at 9.5
Alabama football enters the 2025 season with a new leader at the helm: Kalen Deboer, formerly of Washington Huskies. After Nick Saban's legendary tenure yielded six losses and three SEC championships in his final four seasons, expectations remain high for the Crimson Tide. However, Deboer's first year saw a less dominant Alabama finish 9-4, culminating in a disappointing loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
While fans may be calling for a return to championship form, they might grant Deboer a mulligan after his success at Washington in 2024, which culminated in a National Championship game appearance.
The Quarterback Question Mark:
With Jalen Milroe moving on to the NFL as a third-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks, junior Ty Simpson steps into the starting role. Simpson spent several seasons learning behind Milroe and Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young before getting his chance in 2025. Can he fill the shoes of Alabama's recent quarterbacking success?
Home Turf Advantage:
Alabama boasts a remarkable home record: 7-0 at Bryant-Denny Stadium last season, extending their dominance to 65-3 since 2015. However, Deboer's first year exposed a weakness on the road, winning only twice in five away games and going 1-3 in SEC matchups outside Tuscaloosa.
A Season Full of Challenges:
Alabama faces a challenging schedule, starting with a trip to Tallahassee to face a rebuilding Florida State team. They then return home for games against UL-Monroe and Wisconsin before facing their biggest test after the bye week: a trip to Athens to take on rival Georgia Bulldogs, whom they defeated at home last season.
Revenge spots loom against Vanderbilt and Oklahoma, who handed Alabama losses last season, while Tennessee and LSU also invade Tuscaloosa. Road trips to Missouri, South Carolina, and Auburn will test Alabama's resilience as they look to defend their SEC crown.
DraftKings sets the win total for Alabama at 9.5 this season. The Over is favored at -125, while the Under sits at +105.
Prediction:
If Simpson proves himself capable under center, Alabama should reach double-digit wins in 2025.
Best Bet: Alabama Over 9.5 wins (-125)