2013 College Football Picks: Mississippi @ Alabama Odds and Predictions – Free College Football Picks 9/28/2013

2013 College Football Picks: Mississippi @ Alabama Odds and Predictions – Free College Football Picks 9/28/2013: While it isn’t uncommon for a pair of ranked SEC teams to meet, the Mississippi Rebels aren’t usually involved. However, a 3-0 start has the Rebels ranked 21st in the country, but they will face their toughest test of the year this weekend when the take on the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0, 1-0 SEC). While the two-time defending champs are trying to continue on their path to a three-peat, the Rebels are looking for a program-changing win on a big stage. If Mississippi is going to pull off the upset, it will have to do so as a 13 ½-point underdog.

The Rebels resurgence has been fueled by a suddenly potent offense. Quarterback Bo Wallace has emerged as a dual-threat weapon and an effective red zone rusher while running back Jeff Scott has been the lightning to Wallace’s thunder. Overall, Mississippi is averaging almost 40 points per game. On the flips side, the jury is still out on the defensive side of the ball. The Rebels’ defense looked shaky in their season opener against Vanderbilt, but the unit has been solid since, albeit against Southeast Missouri State and a struggling Texas team.

The Crimson Tide are again showing plenty of balance on both sides of the ball with quarterback A.J. McCarron and running back T.J. Yeldon leading the offense and linebacker C.J. Mosley leading the defense. That being said, Alabama’s rebuilt offensive and defensive lines have caused some slow starts on offense, and although the Crimson Tide go their revenge against Johnny Manziel and the Texas A&M Aggies, they gave up 42 points in the process.

The Rebels Win If:

If the Rebels are going to pull off a program-changing upset, they have to get a big game from their main playmakers Wallace and Scott. On the defensive side of the ball, Mississippi has to be able to get pressure on McCarron. The Alabama offense has plenty of weapons, but the Crimson Tide’s entire attack is based on their ability to control the line of scrimmage. If the Rebels can hold their own in the trenches and get a big game from Wallace and Scott, they just might be able to take down the defending champs.

The Crimson Tide Win If:

For the Crimson Tide to continue their run toward another national title, they need to get back to winning in the trenches. If Alabama can get its ground game rolling early, it will allow McCarron to get the play-action passing game rolling and make the team’s offense truly powerful. Defensively, The Crimson Tide have to bottle up the Rebels’ ground attack and contain Wallace in the pocket. If Alabama is able to get its offense firing on all cylinders early and force the Wallace and the Rebels to throw the ball to keep pace, the Crimson Tide should have no trouble controlling the game.

Bottom Line:

Aside from the scare against Manziel and the Aggies, the Crimson Tide have looked as strong as ever on the scoreboard. However, slow starts on offense and the inability to run over opponents on the ground are proof that this year’s team isn’t quite as unstoppable as last year’s group. Meanwhile, the Rebels have been bolstered by the emergence of a couple of playmakers on offense and the influx of a highly-rated recruiting class. Perhaps more importantly, Wallace’s dual-threat ability is the one weakness Alabama’s defense has had in recent years. Going on the road, it is unlikely Mississippi is going to be able to pull off an upset. However, the Rebels have just enough firepower to give a somewhat vulnerable Alabama group a run for its money.

Prediction: Mississippi Rebels (+14) Cover the Spread 

Mississippi @ Alabama
Time: 6:30 PM EST
Line: Alabama -14
Total: Over/Under 55

NSAwins.com is America’s premier sports betting website for 2013 College Football Expert Picks and College Football Betting Odds and Lines.