No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. No. 7 Virginia Tech Hokies

NCAA Football Betting Preview
No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. No. 7 Virginia Tech Hokies
Saturday September, 5th 8:00PM Eastern

Betus.com betting line – Alabama -7, 38 O/U

The most prominent college football game for opening weekend will highlight two of the top programs in the country when powerhouses from Alabama and Virginia Tech collide primetime Saturday night. The game marks a battle of Top 10 opponents in a kickoff classic sponsored by Chick-Fil-A that highlights two of the top contenders from rival conferences in the ACC and SEC each year. The Alabama Crimson Tide participated in last year’s match-up when they embarrassed at the time 9th ranked Clemson Tigers 34-10. However, the Crimson Tide will face a much more worthy opponent in this year’s meeting by taking on the defending ACC Champions in Virginia Tech. Both teams had very similar stories in 2008 as they entered last season under the radar with an inexperienced group of players. However, both teams emerged last season in dominating form giving promising hope to 2009 with all the young talent returning. There is a lot of anticipation from both side lines for 2009 and even legitimate National Title hopes, but only one team will prevail this Saturday night when the two collide on neutral turf in the Georgia Dome.

Alabama returns the nation’s 3rd ranked defense from 2008 with hopes they can be just as good in 2009. The Crimson Tide defense carried the team through their surprise run last season which resulted in an undefeated regular season. Good news for Alabama as they will return 9 starters from that impressive unit and there is not any reason to expect another dominating group of players. However, even as good as the defense was last year they didn’t get a ton of offensive help with some solid players at key positions like QB John Parker Wilson and RB Glen Coffee. How will having to replace those players affect the offense? Well you would expect the offense to take a step back even if the Crimson Tide can not afford the backwards step. Stepping behind center this season will be junior quarterback Greg McIlroy. McIlroy has only attempted 20 passes throughout his career in Tuscaloosa and a lot will ride on his play this year. Unfortunately, McIlroy will lose some key players that kept John Parker Wilson comfortable last year in Andre Smith and Antoine Smith. Replacing those guys won’t be an easy task, and not only will that affect the passing game but also holes in the rushing attack. Mark Ingram should develop into a solid tailback with quickness and power ideal for an Alabama running game. Of course, the biggest playmaker on offense will be WR Julio Jones. Jones had a huge freshman season and if McIlroy can get the ball to the young wide out it will definitely propel the offense. I truly believe Alabama conservative style offense may be holding back his potential and the Crimson Tide could really help their offense by getting the ball in Jones hands more often.

The Virginia Tech Hokies also return a very strong defense. The Hokies defense ranked 7th in college football last season holding teams to just 279 yards per game. However, the Hokies lost a few more players than the Alabama defense. However, we all know the “Lunch Pail Defense” has not gotten its reputation for any reason. The Hokies will replace talent with some very talented guys and it is unlikely to have big worries on the defensive side of the ball. Any Bud Foster defense should not provoke any type of worries. However, rest assured there will be worries on offense. Especially considering running back Darren Evans tore his ACL in practice and will now miss the entire season. Evans racked up over 1,265 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2008. Evans could have been even more affective this season with the running threat of quarterback Tyrod Taylor being the sole quarterback in operation now. However, the Hokies will now need freshman Ryan Williams or sophomore Josh Oglesby to mature very quickly. It definitely appears that Evans injury was a big blow to the offense. Still, quarterback Tyrod Taylor can make things exciting. Taylor has a natural athleticism that gives him ability to make big plays. Without question, Taylor can frighten defenses with his running ability alone. However, if he can make defenses truly respect his arm then the Hokies offense should not have much to worry about in the ACC this year. Although, the mighty defense of the SEC from Alabama will be a much more difficult task.

Bottom Line – The loss of Evans means the team has lost its biggest threat in the running game. The extremely talented front 7 of Alabama should keep Taylor running from breaking the game open. Unless Taylor can rack up yards through the air, the Crimson Tide should be able to win this game and cover the spread.

Pick – Alabama -7