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The LSU Tigers host the Alabama Crimson Tide in a prime-time SEC on CBS battle between rivals on Saturday evening. LSU is 3-4 this season after a road loss to the Texas A&M Aggies last week. Alabama (8-0) is currently ranked No. 1 in the country, with four straight wins by at least 29 points. The Crimson Tide can clinch the SEC West with a victory.

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. William Hill Sportsbook lists the Crimson Tide as 29-point road favorites, up a point from the opening line, in the latest Alabama vs. LSU odds. The over-under for total points expected is down to 65 after opening at 67.5. Before making any LSU vs. Alabama picks, check out the college football predictions from SportsLine's Emory Hunt, given the success he's had picking the Crimson Tide.

The founder of Football Gameplan, Hunt played running back at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and coached high-school football before becoming a SportsLine expert and CBS Sports HQ analyst. He enjoyed a dominant 2019 season, going 116-79 against the spread while returning nearly $3,000 to $100 bettors.

Moreover, Hunt has a keen eye for the Crimson Tide's tendencies. He's a stunning 8-0 against the spread in his last eight college football picks for or against Alabama.

Now, Hunt has set his sights on Alabama vs. LSU. You can visit SportsLine now to see the picks. Here are the college football odds and trends for LSU vs. Alabama:

  • Alabama vs. LSU spread: Alabama -29
  • Alabama vs. LSU over-under: 65 points
  • Alabama vs. LSU money line: Alabama -4500, LSU +1500
  • BAMA: The Crimson Tide are 6-2 against the spread in 2020
  • LSU: The Tigers are 9-7 against the spread in their last 16 conference games

Why Alabama can cover

The Crimson Tide have an embarrassment of riches on the offensive side of the ball, leading to arguably the nation's best overall attack. Alabama is averaging 48.5 points per game, best among Power 5 teams, with top-10 national marks in total offense (535.6 yards per game) and passing offense (358.1 yards per game). Quarterback Mac Jones leads the SEC and ranks second in the country in averaging 12.0 yards per pass attempt, and he has thrown for 2,728 yards with 23 touchdowns and only three interceptions. 

DeVonta Smith is arguably the nation's best wide receiver, sitting in a tie for the national lead with 12 touchdown catches and ranking in the top three in both catches (72) and yards (1,074). On the ground, Najee Harris is also one of the country's top running backs, ranking in the top 10 with 893 yards on 6.0 yards per attempt. Harris also leads the nation with 17 rushing touchdowns and, when combined with the SEC's No. 1 scoring defense (18.5 points allowed per game), Alabama is a tough team to contend with. 

Why LSU can cover

After a dream season in 2019, LSU has taken a step back, especially on the defensive side. However, the Tigers still have a high-powered offense that can keep them competitive. LSU ranks No. 4 in the SEC in total offense, averaging 425.1 yards per game, and the Tigers are averaging a stellar 30.4 points per contest. Through the air, the personnel has changed throughout the season, but LSU still boasts a top-five passing offense in the conference, averaging 313.4 yards per game. 

That includes an above-average clip of 7.6 yards per pass attempt, and LSU is tied for fourth-best in the SEC with 17 passing touchdowns. The Tigers need to be aggressive to keep pace with Alabama, and their fourth-down proficiency could be helpful. LSU is one of the best teams in the country on fourth down in 2020, converting nearly 73 percent of its chances.

How to make Alabama vs. LSU picks

Hunt has analyzed this matchup, and while he's leaning under on the total, he has discovered a critical X-factor that has him jumping all over one side of the spread. You can only get the pick at SportsLine. 

So who wins LSU vs. Alabama? And what critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a must-back? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the Alabama vs. LSU spread you need to jump on Saturday, all from the expert that is 8-0 in his last eight picks for or against the Crimson Tide, and find out.