Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Virginia Tech Hokies: Analyzing the Matchup

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

On Sep. 5, one of the most anticipated games of the 2009 college football season will pit No. 5 Alabama against No. 5 Virginia Tech on prime time television.  This article will examine some of the key match-ups in the game.

Matchup No. 1: The UA O-Line vs. the VATech D-Line

UA 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.

Junior Brian Motley emerged from the spring as the leader at the RG position. Motley has battled injuries to this point in his career. RT Drew Davis has shifted to RG in practice when Fluker comes in at RT.  RG is still a question mark.

VT enters fall camp doing some reshuffling on their defensive line.  Junior DE Jason Worilds returns after leading the Hokies in sacks last season with 8.  Beyond him, things are a little shaky.  VT has very few experienced defensive linemen returning.  Junior John Graves, a starting tackle, has been moved to defensive end to fill the spot vacated by Orion Martin.

VT coaches hope senior Nekos Brown is able to step up at DE and allow Graves to return to his more natural tackle position.

UA relies heavily on the rushing attack and boasts one of the best backfields in the SEC.  Freshman All-American RB Mark Ingram returns for his sophomore season as the leader at running back.  He is joined by senior Roy Upchurch and highly touted incoming freshman Trent Richardson.

Summary:

UA is breaking in some new linemen with some experience.  VT is shuffling some linemen due to inexperience and lack of depth.  UA had one of the top rushing offenses in the SEC last season and returns a deep, talented backfield.

Slight edge here goes to Alabama.

Matchup No. 2: VT Passing Attack vs. UA Secondary

The 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.

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 UA defense.

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