Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has made headlines once again with a jaw-dropping $100,000 bet on the Alabama Crimson Tide to win the national championship, currently sitting at odds of +1000. This bold wager, placed through DraftKings Sportsbook, could pay out an astonishing $1.1 million if Alabama clinches the title.
Portnoy’s Betting History
Portnoy is no stranger to high-stakes gambling, frequently sharing his bets on social media. Earlier this month, he placed a bet in favor of Jake Paul over Mike Tyson, showcasing his flair for the dramatic. However, not all of his wagers have been winners. He also placed a hefty $100,000 bet on Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever to win the 2024 WNBA Championship, which didn’t pan out. Despite the ups and downs, Portnoy continues to make headlines with his six-figure bets, and he’ll be hoping for a much better outcome with the Crimson Tide than he experienced with the Fever.
Alabama’s Current Form
The timing of Portnoy’s bet is intriguing, as the Crimson Tide are arguably playing their best football of the season right now. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama boasts an impressive 8-2 record. Recently, they’ve been on a tear, outscoring their opponents 94-20 over the last two weeks. This includes a crucial victory on the road against LSU on November 9, which many considered a College Football Playoff eliminator.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, Alabama is set to face Oklahoma on the road this weekend, where they are 13.5-point betting favorites. If they can secure this win, they will only have the formidable Iron Bowl against Auburn left in the regular season. The Iron Bowl is always a nail-biter, but Alabama’s current form gives fans plenty of reason to be optimistic.
Playoff Picture
ESPN analytics gives Alabama a solid chance of victory in both upcoming matchups, with an 80% or greater probability of winning against Oklahoma and a staggering 90.9% chance against Auburn in Tuscaloosa. If they can reach the coveted 10-win threshold before the postseason, their current No. 7 ranking suggests a strong possibility of hosting a playoff game in the first round, provided they don’t make the conference title game.
However, the race for the College Football Playoff is tighter than ever, particularly in the SEC, where six teams are vying for a spot. The margin for error is razor-thin as we head into Week 13.
What’s at Stake?
So, what does this mean for Portnoy and the Crimson Tide? If Alabama can navigate these challenges successfully, Portnoy’s bet could turn into a windfall. But with the stakes so high, every game counts. Will Alabama rise to the occasion and deliver for their fans—and for Portnoy? The excitement is palpable, and the pressure is mounting.
Portnoy’s passion for college football shines through in his betting choices, and his latest wager on Alabama is no exception. As the Crimson Tide continue to build momentum, fans are left wondering: Can they keep it up? Will they make a deep playoff run?
In the world of college football, anything can happen. The thrill of the game, the unpredictability of outcomes, and the sheer excitement of the playoff chase make this time of year truly special. As Alabama gears up for their next matchup, all eyes will be on them—not just for their performance on the field, but also for the implications it holds for Portnoy’s massive bet.
As we approach the end of the regular season, the anticipation is electric. Will Alabama’s winning streak continue? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the college football landscape is about to get even more thrilling.
