BetPhoenix NCAA football odds gurus believe Alabama (12-1 SU, 9-4 ATS) is going to win its BCS bowl game by more than a touchdown, despite Utah (12-0 SU, 7-3-1 ATS) being the only undefeated team to play in a BCS bowl game. The Tide has an edge in athleticism, and the Louisiana Superdome will be filled with Crimson. They are a short drive from New Orleans, and they haven't been there for the Sugar Bowl in 16 years. Alabama is 8-4 SU in the Sugar Bowl, and its 31 bowl victories lead the nation.

No. 4 Alabama vs. No. 6 Utah (FOX)

—Crimson Tide are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.
—Crimson Tide are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite of 3.5-10.0.
—Utes are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 bowl games.
—Utes are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0.

Alabama is the more talented club on both sides of the ball even though their offense isn't as sexy as teams with high-scoring flash. But if you bet on college football and wear Crimson, they were potent enough to turn a decent profit. Tide quarterback John Parker Wilson doesn’t have big numbers, throwing for 2,096 yards and nine touchdowns. But in the backfield they have Glen Coffee, who had 1,347 yards and 10 touchdowns, with four 100-yard games and a 200-yard effort.

Overall, Alabama's offense is run oriented so expect a large dose of Coffee for four quarters to wear the Utes down. Coffee can break Bobby Humphrey’s single-season school rushing mark with 125 yards against Utah. Alabama averages 31.2 points and 196.5 rushing yards per game.

Alabama All-America left tackle Andre Smith has been suspended from the Sugar Bowl for violating team rules, possibly signaling an end to the Outland Trophy winner’s college career. Coach Nick Saban did not specify Smith’s violation leading up to the suspension. Smith’s absence could mean starting guard Mike Johnson moves over to be replaced by David Ross.

—Crimson Tide are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
—Crimson Tide are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a ATS loss.
—Crimson Tide are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a SU loss.
—Crimson Tide are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.

The Utes have had a great year and online sports betting fans know you don’t win 12 games by accident. Utah, which finished no worse than 41st in the FBS in 10 major statistical categories and was 15th in scoring at 37.4 points per game, reaching the 40-point mark six times. Defensively, the Utes finished 12th in the FBS in scoring defense at 17.3 points per game and 14th in rushing defense, yielding 104.8 yards per contest.

Utah also has a good track record in bowl games, going 10-3 SU and carrying the second-longest active bowl winning streak at six games. The Utes also have the nation’s longest active overall winning streak at 13 games after the Tide’s 13-game run ended against Florida.

College football betting enthusiasts will watch Utah quarterback Brian Johnson will face a Tide defense ranked third in the FBS with 256.9 yards allowed per game, fourth in rush defense at 78.9 and sixth in scoring defense with 13.0 points a game.

—Utes are 24-9-1 ATS in their last 34 non-conference games.
—Utes are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games on turf.
—Utes are 10-4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
—Utes are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.

Sugar Bowl Fact: The Sugar Bowl has been played annually since 1935. Along with the Orange Bowl and Sun Bowl (also played annually since 1935), the Sugar Bowl is the second-oldest bowl game in the country, behind the Rose Bowl (first played 1902, played annually since 1916).