(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The season is finally upon us.
College football may officially start today, but everyone is looking to the first Saturday of the season to kick it off right.
The marquee matchup of the first weekend is without question the game between No. 5 Alabama and No. 7 Virginia Tech.
Both teams are coming into the game with something to prove. Alabama rides in with a two-game losing streak and has to break in a new offensive line, while Virginia Tech comes into the game wanting to show the critics they are worthy of a top 10 ranking.
Alabama's O-Line vs. Virginia Tech's D-Line
The talk of the preseason for No. 5 Alabama is their offensive line. When a team is breaking in three new starters versus a defensive line that returns three seasoned starters, it does give cause for concern. Mike Johnson is the unquestioned leader of the Tide's offensive line that is looking to regain the same success as last year.
Jason Worlids anchors the Tech defensive line with 18.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Cordarrow Thompson slimmed down to 308 pounds and John Graves provide experience in the interior.
The only spot that could be in question is the other end position occupied by Nekos Brown, but Brown played in all 14 games last year while starting two of them. One of the games he started was the Orange Bowl against Cincinnati.
Advantage: Virginia Tech
Alabama's Running Backs vs. Virginia Tech's Linebackers
Probably the biggest offensive strength Alabama has going into the season is their depth at running back. They have three guys who have seen quality action in Mark Ingram, Terry Grant, and Roy Upchurch. This is a lineup that returns over 1,000 yards rushing between the three of them. Add highly touted freshman Trent Richardson into the mix and you have a fearsome backfield.
Cody Grimm leads the linebacking corps for the Hokies. Despite starting only one game all season, he is the returning leader in tackles with 71. Barquell Rivers and Jake Johnson are the new starters beside Grimm, but they only have 11 tackles between them. They are young with some playing experience, but they could be exposed.
If the Tide can get to the second level, it could pose a problem for Tech.
Advantage: Alabama
Alabama's Pass Offense vs. Virginia Tech's Secondary
Greg McElroy has been in this offense for quite some time now and offensive coordinator Jim McElwain has stated that he has full trust in McElroy, which means a more diversified offense for the Crimson Tide.
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