10% UNLIMITED Bonus from Bodog!
Get a 10% deposit bonus when you open a new sportsbook account with Bodog!

BetUS $500 Match Bonus
Sign up for a new account with BetUS and deposit $500 or more to get a $500 match bonus.

Virginia Tech Alabama Predictions

Written September 1, 2009 by Rock Henderson

1* on Virginia Tech +7 – Saturday night features a top 10 showdown at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta as the #7 Virginia Tech Hokies take on the #5 Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tide look to roll again in the Chik-Fil-A Kickoff Classic after dismantling ACC member Clemson a year ago 34-10 as a 4 point dog. The line has moved from -5 to -6.5 in this game after news got out that Va Tech star RB Darren Evans would be lost for the season after suffering an injury in camp. The injury hurts, but not as much as the college football odds indicate and here is why….

Nick Saban enters his 3rd year as the leader of one of the most storied programs in college football. Last year’s 12-2 squad earned him an extension through the 2017 season which indicates he won’t be bolting from Tuscaloosa anytime soon. The defensive side of the ball in 09’ is gong to be flat out nasty with 9 returning starters that gave up only 74 yards/game on the ground and 189/game through the air. Points are obviously going to be tough to come by on both sides though as the O/U is set at an NFL like 38. The offensive side of the ball has big question marks that will have to be answered quickly if the Tide have any chance of contending for the national title. Jr QB Greg McElroy is a virtual unknown outside of the state of Alabama and the offensive line will have to replace three starters including All-American Andre Smith. Utah lit up the O-Line from Bama’ without Smith in the Sugar Bowl and racked up 8 sacks. They have 3 talented RB’s and a game breaker in WR Julio Jones, but the question marks above could neutralize the skill positions. If you are going to do any football betting this season, check out the $500 match bonus being offered by BetUS to our readers!

QB Tyrod Taylor will finally lead the Hokies on his own for the first time in his career and not have to worry about looking over his shoulder. A dual threat from behind center, Taylor ran for almost as many yards as he threw for last year (738 to 1036). Most of the protection returns for the Hokies and every bit of experience will be needed against Alabama’s front 7. Losing Evans at RB hurts, but three other RB’s carried the rock last year and highly touted freshman Ryan Williams will add to the depth at this position. Beamer ball should be in full effect during the opener as the kicking game will be used early and often to determine the position field battle. The Hokies always seem to find a way to put up 7 off of a blocked kick and will have numerous chances in this game to do so.

If this game hits the 7 point mark by Saturday, jump all over Virginia Tech with your college football picks. These teams are too equal and they both have too much to play for to be giving a team a full touchdown in a match up of this caliber. The Rock says to wait this line out and see if we can get that extra half point by game time. If not, think about buying the hook on the Hokies and eating a bit of juice.