Updated Auburn vs. Alabama Odds: Spread Holds Despite Nick Saban Positive COVID Test

Updated Auburn vs. Alabama Odds: Spread Holds Despite Nick Saban Positive COVID Test article feature image
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Kent Gidley/Collegiate Images/Getty Images. Pictured: Nick Saban

Auburn vs. Alabama Odds

Auburn Odds+24.5 [BET NOW]
Alabama Odds-24.5 [BET NOW]
Moneyline+980/-2200 [BET NOW]
Over/Under62.5 [BET NOW]
Time3:30 p.m. ET
TVCBS

For the second time this season — the second time in 42 days to be more specific — Alabama head coach Nick Saban has tested positive for COVID-19.

The first time around, his positive test came with no accompanying symptoms, and by testing negative in each of the three days following, Saban was able to coach that Saturday against Georgia.

This time, Saban's test result has come with "very mild symptoms" and as such, will not be categorized as a potential false positive, per the school. That means he'll be remaining in isolation at home, which makes it unlikely that he'll be coaching this Saturday's Iron Bowl vs. Auburn.

But while the expectation may currently be for Saban to miss the Saturday matchup, the betting market hasn't reacted quite like it did following this same news a month ago.

As of Wednesday morning, the Tide were 24.5-point favorites over Auburn, a number that has largely remained the same as sportsbooks have reopened this line. That's compared to a 2.5-point move we saw when Saban was initially expected to be out against Georgia last month.

It should be noted that 24, as a relatively common margin of victory, is an important number in college football betting, giving oddsmakers reason to pause before granting Alabama bettors that price.

As of 1 p.m. ET Wednesday, bets are split right down the middle, with each side taking 50% of tickets. Auburn, however, has landed 60% of the early money.

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