Alabama vs. Kansas State odds, prediction, betting trends for Allstate Sugar Bowl

No. 5 Alabama takes on No. 9 Kansas State in the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Saturday at 12 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN. This is the first time the College Football Playoff will not feature Alabama and Nick Saban.

Alabama and Kansas State are playing in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The spread is 6 points, the over/under is 56 points.

The Wildcats were 3-2 both straight up and against the spread as underdogs this season. Alabama lost the Sugar Bowl 45-24 to Oklahoma in 2014. The Crimson Tide is 5-1 straight-up against Big 12 schools since Saban took over in 2007.

Bryce Young is healthy for the Sugar Bowl. The game will be a test for Kansas State's balance. Alabama averaged 273.6 passing yards per game this season. Kansas state allowed 250 or more passing yard in four games this year. Jahmyr Gibbs is a threat for Alabama. Austin Moore will need to be at his best in the running and passing game. Texas A&M's defense will have to deal with the threat of the linebackers Anderson, Turner, Moody, and To'o To', who have a lot of talent.

Kansas State ranked 71st in the FBS in third-down conversion percentage at 39%. Alabama ranked eighth in nation in defense (29.4%).

Alabama will beat Kansas State in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The Crimson Tide will win. Alabama is right back in discussion for No. 1 in preseason polls for 2023.

The final score is Alabama 33, Kansas State 21.