Xam’s Gem(s):
Alabama -2.5 -110
It’s taken a little while to for Alabama to find their groove, but they’ve been playing great defense lately. They’ve given up 17 or less points 4 times this year, and twice have given up less than 10. Meanwhile, the offense is starting to click under Jalen Milroe, scoring 64 points in the last two weeks. Both teams have solid offenses and stout defenses. The key to today’s game will be Alabama’s defense getting pressure on Max Johnson. Of course, it’ll help if Milroe continues to pass efficiently and use his legs to create things on the ground. Nick Saban has made a career out of winning games like this, and he will surely come up with schemes to slow down the passing game for Texas A&M.
Virginia Tech/FSU Over 52.5 Points -110
FSU comes into this game featuring one of the best offenses in the entire country. They are averaging over 43 points per game and over 427 yards per game. They’ve scored no less than 31 points in a game this season, and have dropped 45 or more twice already! Also working on in our favor is Virginia Tech can score some points as well. They’re coming off a 38 point performance last week against Pittsburgh. FSU QB Jordan Travis is off to a great start this year, accounting for 12 total TDs on the year so far. We know FSU will do their part offensively. They are hard to stop at home. If VT QB Kyron Drones can keep up the success from last week, we should have a good, old fashioned shootout on our hands today.
Astros Money Line -156
The Astros are coming off a week of rest while the Twins just had an emotionally charged Wildcard Round win in which they ended a nearly 20 year playoff win drought. Astros starter Justin Verlander was built for games like this, and has made a career out of them. Verlander was locked in as the season ended, finishing his last 7 starts with a 3.27 ERA. He also has 35 career starts in the postseason, pitching to a 3.64 ERA. Experience helps in this situation. The Twins are countering with Bailey Ober, who did pitch well this year, to the tune of a 3.43 ERA. However, the playoffs are just a different animal all together. The Astros have been here and done that, while the Twins are just happy to be in this position. Look for Houston to grab the early series lead in front of their home crowd.