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Chris “The Bear” Fallica joined a growing chorus of observers backing Alabama to defeat Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
Before Wednesday’s Holiday Bowl, the gambling analyst delivered some of his favorite bowl bets on FOX. Fallica said he’s “a little bit surprised” the Crimson Tide aren’t favored to defeat the Wolverines.
He likes quarterback Jalen Milroe to lead Alabama to a win as slight underdogs.
“I think this game is going to be won in the trenches. Whoever can control the line of scrimmage is going to do a little bit better,” Fallica said (h/t Saturday Down South ).
“I think the way Alabama’s offensive line has evolved throughout the year, the way they were able to get a push against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game really impressed me. So I think the combination of Milroe, his ability to create, Alabama’s offensive line to get a little more control up front – I think Alabama wins a very close, low-scoring game.”
Bowl season is upon us! 🏈@chrisfallica previews the Holiday Bowl and more ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/47e5K0R7iD
— Bear Bets Podcast (@BearBetsPod) December 28, 2023
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Fallica envisions Nick Saban’s team getting a chance to avenge its only loss of the season. He called Texas arguably “the most complete team” in the College Football Playoff when predicting a statement Sugar Bowl win over Washington.
However, Fallica also incorrectly picked Louisville to score over 33.5 points in the Holiday Bowl. The Cardinals suffered a 42-28 loss to USC on Wednesday night.
Fallica said he expected the spread to shift when he jumped on Alabama as two-point opening underdogs. Yet the line has only dipped to 1.5.
The Crimson Tide are coming off a 27-24 win over Georgia, ending the Bulldogs’ undefeated season and quest for a three-peat. They now must thwart Michigan’s perfect season, during which the Wolverines have allowed a microscopic 9.5 points per game.
The CFP semifinal showdown starts Monday at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN.