Clemson-Alabama Betting Trends: Which Matter in 2019 National Championship Game?

Betting trends aren't gospel, and are not always predictive. But there's usually an opportunity to learn something or find a good handicapping angle from them.

Using our database at Bet Labs, we've compiled some of the most interesting trends for the 2019 national championship game between Clemson and Alabama.

Betting Trends for Clemson-Alabama

Dabo As a Dog

Dabo Swinney is 18-10 against the spread (ATS) as an underdog, including 7-1 ATS in postseason games. In the past 10 games as a dog, Clemson has won six outright. — John Ewing

First Half Tide

Alabama is -3 on the first half line. Under Nick Saban, Alabama is 21-6-1 (77.8%) against the first half spread when favored by a field goal or less, or listed as an underdog.

When Saban faces a non-conference opponent, the Tide are 5-0 against the first half spread in this spot, covering the spread by 9.4 PPG. This includes a 2-0 mark against Clemson. — Evan Abrams

Bad, Bad Turf

The under at Levi's Stadium — which hasn't fixed its horrid field conditions in its five years of existence — is 36-23 (61%) in college and NFL games. Athleticism isn't always on full display on that grass.

The under is 5-6 in college games, but the two games this season have seen a combined 29 points (Michigan State-Oregon, Washington-Utah). — Steve Petrella

Saban Going Over

Usually known for his stingy defenses, Nick Saban's teams are 15-6-1 to the over in conference championship and postseason since 2005.

National Title Dogs

Alabama opened as a 6.5-point favorite in the title game. Since 2007 in the national championship game, favorites of 6 or more points have gone 1-4 ATS, failing to cover by 7.3 points on average. — John Ewing

Saban vs. Good Offenses

Clemson enters the national championship game scoring 44.3 PPG, which is the fourth-highest total in the country. Nick Saban has faced a non-conference opponent averaging at least 40 PPG thirteen times while at Alabama.

The Tide are 12-1 straight up (8-5 ATS) in this spot, with Saban’s only loss coming against Ohio State and Urban Meyer in the 2014 Sugar Bowl. — Evan Abrams

Did You Know?

This will be just the second title game since the inception of the BCS in 1998 where both teams are undefeated straight-up and have .500+ records against the spread.

The other matchup in this spot was the 2011 national championship between Auburn and Oregon, won by Auburn 22-19, as a 1-point underdog. — Evan Abrams