By Kenny Burgess Contributor
Updated 8/17/23 11:48am ET
It’s the road of redemption for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide while conference realignment continues to shake the nation. The Tide is ready to be the top dog in the SEC, with odds currently set at +300. Can Saban lead Alabama to glory before this already-stacked conference gets even deeper?
University of Alabama (+300 SEC Odds)
Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide ended last season with two losses in the books, which is a down year for them. Alabama finished in second place in the SEC West and is hoping for that rebound. Oddsmakers still see the program as second-best to win the SEC at +300 and a win total of 10.5
The Tide may be losing standouts Bryce Young and Will Anderson, but there is no shortage of talent. Alabama already has an ongoing quarterback battle between Tyler Buchner, Jalen Milroe, and Ty Simpson. Whoever is under center will have to perform to be Alabama’s key to success this season.
Alabama is known for its stout defense under defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, who will return for his third season with the program. Star cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry is also returning for the Crimson Tide, in addition to some high-level transfers to further stack the defense.
LSU (+450 SEC Odds)
Brian Kelly enters his second season as head coach for LSU and will have to prove last year was all talent, no luck. The Tigers recorded 10 wins on the season and the SEC West division title. LSU comes into the upcoming CFB season with the third-best odds to win the SEC at +450.
LSU, as always, will be a threat on the field with the return of its star quarterback Jayden Daniels. Last year, Daniels racked up over 3,800 total yards and finished with 29 total touchdowns. He is arguably the best-returning quarterback in the conference and LSU is surrounding Daniels with eight returning starters.
The Tigers got aggressive in the transfer portal on the defensive side so we can expect to see a lot of new faces, but chemistry and performance will need to come together in order to play a big role for the Tigers.
Texas A&M (+1400 SEC Odds)
The Aggies may have disappointed its fans — and bettors — last season, but oddsmakers see potential in them to turn it around. Can the Aggies do it?
Texas A&M has a plethora of talent on the offensive side of the ball for the new season. Quarterback Conner Weigman showcased star potential in the final five games he played for the Aggies. Weigman also has great weapons in Evan Stewart and Ainias Smith for the new season.
On defense, however, the Aggies will need to step up. Texas A&M was ranked 123rd nationally in run defense, made better only by the fact it had the top pass defense in the country last year. Odds of winning the SEC are currently set at +1400 with a win total of eight games.
Remaining Teams Odds To Win The SEC:
Ole Miss: +4500
Auburn: +8000
Arkansas: +10000
Mississippi State: +12000
*All odds from DraftKings Sportsbook
Photo credit: Shutterstock
