VS.

No.5 Alabama Crimson tide faces No.7 Virginia Tech Hokies in one of the most anticipated games of the season, both have been around the top ranking for a long time, it’s a matter of time before one of them gets back in No.1 spot, let’s check them out …

8:00 PM ET, September 5, 2009
GEORGIA DOME ATLANTA,GA

No.5 Alabama Crimson tide is the clear favorite in this opening game, it looks like they could be in the top by the bowl season, they have accomplished great things in the past and this will be by the looks of it another great season for a great team and coaching staff. Alabama enters the 2009 season breaking in three new faces on the offensive line. Juco transfer James Carpenter enrolled prior to spring training and enters fall camp with a solid grasp on the LT position vacated by former All-American Andre Smith. Carpenter has impressed the staff with his abilities allowing heralded incoming freshman D.J. Fluker to get some looks at the RT position. The strongest player on the Tide team, Junior William Vlachos, stepped into the center position formerly held by All-SEC C Antoine Caldwell and hasn’t looked back. Vlachos has performed quite well in his starting spot going into fall camp.

No.7 Virginia Tech Hokies have finished 99th or worse in total offense for three consecutive seasons. If VT has any hopes of defeating UA, that will have to change and they have to apply the changes right now. They have been practicing some moves but they need to take care of this situation inmediatly. Junior Tyrod Taylor returns as the starting QB for the Hokies. Splitting time with Sean Glennon last season and working with three freshmen wide receivers, Taylor only threw 2 TD passes in 2008. Taylor has had some mechanical issues in his throwing technique that coaches have tried to address in the spring. Taylor has suffered from ankle injuries and must stay healthy. Behind Taylor, there is little depth. Last season, VT had to rely on three freshmen receivers. Jarrett Boykin ended up being the most consistent of the three. He led the team with 441 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. The VT passing game, which was anemic at best last season, must have major improvements to move the ball on a tough Alabama defense.

GAME ODDS

VIRGINIA TECH
ALABAMA -6½

WELL, BY WHAT I HAVE SAID HERE IT DOESN’T GIVE MUCH ROOM FOR ANYTHING ELSE BUT TO PICK ALABAMA BUT I BELIEVE -7 IS A BIG NUMBER FOR VT SO MY PICK WILL BE VIRGINIA TECH +7.

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