Virginia Tech v. Alabama Football Picks & Predictions
No. 7 Virginia Tech meets No. 5 Alabama on Saturday night, September 5th in the Georgia Dome. The game can be seen on ABC. Alabama leads the all-time series 10-to-1 but the teams have not met since 1998. Football odds makers have listed Alabama as the 6.5-point favorite with the total set at 38.5.
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Alabama’s expectations remain high entering the 2009 season despite all the talent that was lost off last year’s team. Bama’s line was a big key to its success in 2008 and that unit returns just one starter. The team also must break in a new quarterback and find a workhorse in the backfield. Greg McElroy has been given the nod as the team’s new quarterback, and he will look to get the football to talented wide receiver Julio Jones as often as possible if he knows what’s good for him. Head coach Nick Saban is known for his conservative, run-heavy, ball-control offense, but when you’ve got a talent like Jones, you have to find ways to get him the football.
Defensively, Alabama figures to be one of the best teams in the country. Led by nose guard Terrence Cody and end Lorenzo Washington, the front seven is rock solid. Linebackers Rolando McClain and Don’ta Hightower are serious NFL prospects as well.
Last year, the Tide upset Clemson in the Chick-fil-A Classic and went on to post an undefeated regular season. This time, the Tide have the target on their back. If you like the Tide to win the Chick-fil-A Classic again, and cover the number in the process, bet Alabama at -6.5 at Bookmaker.
With Darren Evans lost for the season, the offense will rely even more on quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Passing accuracy and decision-making were two things the junior QB needed to work on in the offseason. We’re about to see how much he improved as he faces off against one of the best defenses in the country Saturday. Unlike Alabama, Tech will have the benefit of an experienced line which has a total of 87 career starts among its five returning starters. Their number one task will be to control Terrence Cody.
You know Alabama will run the football. That’s just Saban’s style. So it will be up to VA Tech to shut down Alabama’s power running game. The Hokies are no stranger to putting elite defenses on the field and I expect them to be up to the challenge. If I’m the Hokies, I see what McElroy is made of and make him beat me through the air. Bud Foster’s defenses usually gobble up QB virgins so it should be interesting to see how McElroy performs.
Tyrod Taylor is going to have to play a spectacular game and that likely means strong improvisations when plays break down. This would also be a good time for running back Ryan Williams to step up to make fans miss Evans less. If you like the Hokies to pull off the upset, bet Virginia Tech at +6.5 at Bookmaker.
Take a look at the free pick from Tony George with this radio show spot over at Picks and Parlays, plus get my comp play on Illinois/Missouri.
Get winning expert football picks in Week 1 from World Champion Handicapper Jimmy Boyd.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- 2009 Chick-fil-A Bowl Odds: Virginia Tech v. Tennessee Football Picks & Predictions
- North Carolina at Virginia Tech Football Odds & Picks
- 2009 Virginia Tech College Football Predictions
- East Carolina v. Virginia Tech Football Lines & Predictions
- 2009 Alabama NCAA Football Predictions
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Comments
4 Responses to “Virginia Tech v. Alabama Football Picks & Predictions”
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hi jimmy
lots of good info research. from a gambler’s standpoint, i didn’t get much that will convince me to walk up on this game; i’ve noticed that all of your reports do this format “if you like so-and-so, then bet them at wherever”.
what i’d like to know is “who do you like” ? somebody should have a system that gives a freebie Everytime his pick loses. everytime. that would attract some attention to you.
whirple@aol.com
Whirple, Thanks for the input. I will have some articles where I will give you my side, likely 1 a week in NCAAF and NFL. But in general, the purpose of these previews are to weigh both sides. I just want to give you guys the nuts and bolts to see what you think about the matchup in relation to the line. If you would like to know who I like on a certain matchup or game, you can check to see if I have a free play on the matchup or if I have a premium play. And to answer your suggestion, all of my premium picks are guaranteed. So if you purchase one and it loses, you will get however many picks I have on the following day’s card free. I hope this helps and once again appreciate your input.
if i purchase a pick and it loses then u give me more losing picks free u make fifty percent of your picks u git paid for guessing
I can’t say I appreciate the harsh judgment before you even try out my picks, but I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I don’t claim to have ESP or that I will win every day or even every week. But I will turn you a profit or the long haul and that is my goal. My plays are documented so there’s no way to mislead anyone. In 2009, I’m 382-295 (56.4%), turning a profit of $5,533.90 for a $100/game bettor.