| 03 September 2009
The guessing game is back for the 2009 season, and we're not about to let nxojkt take the title again this year.
We'll take a shot at four games of interest each week - plus give a bit more information on the Bama match-up.
Without further ado, here are the games this week.
| Game | Ell | nxojkt | Glen55 | Crump |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina @ NC State | USC | NC St | USC | NC St |
| Oregon @ Boise State | Oregon | Oregon | BSU | BSU |
| Georgia @ Oklahoma State | Georgia | OK St. | Georgia | OK St |
| BYU vs. Oklahoma (Dallas) | Oklahoma | Oklahoma | Oklahoma | Oklahoma |
This week's selection of games is possibly worse than the last... Now to the biggie:
nxojkt:
This game won't be quite the pushover that the Tide had last season when they whipped Clemson, but Alabama should win anyway. The bottom line is that Tyrod Taylor has not demonstrated the ability to win a big game with his arm, and Bama should be able to contain the Tech rushing attack.
Everyone points to "Beamer Ball" and the special teams play of the Hokies, but Bama returns seniors at the kicker, punter, and returner positions. Bama not only neutralizes that perceived advantage, but actually ends up making bigger plays on special teams.
In the end, Bama will be able to run the ball, while Virginia Tech will not. The Tech defense will be worn out by the fourth quarter, and Bama will put the game away. It won't be a blowout, but the Tide should win by 10-15 points.
Glen55:
There are big question marks about the Bama offense, which will receive a stern test Saturday night. But the only question about the Tide D is whether it is the best in the nation or only one of the best. The Brandon Deaderick incident was an initial distraction but will pull the players together to focus on team by this weekend. Alabama’s focus and smothering D will be too much for Tech, no matter how the offense plays. If the Tide offense answers some of the questions positively, it could be another opening blowout.
Ell:
Alabama's game (and season) will turn on the strength of the offensive line. The Tide is stacked elsewhere (don't worry about the QB - Greg McElroy is going to be just fine). If the guys up front can hold up, then Bama is poised to have a big season. If not, then there is big trouble brewing.
The line will face a trial by fire. Like the Tide, Va Tech is very strong on the front seven. Their linebackers are especially talented, and D-Coordinator Bud Foster will bring backers all night long.
The talented but (mostly) inexperienced front five for Bama will be good enough. Not great yet, but good enough to win in the Georgia Dome by a slim margin on Saturday night.
Crump:
The Hokies won’t be able to overcome the loss of tailback Darren Evans against a stout Bama defense. Look for Rolando McClain to shadow quarterback Tyrod Taylor and force the junior into more mistakes than usual. Greg McElroy will prove Kirk Herbreit correct and make Bama fans forget about John Parker Wilson.
Submit your own picks for these games in the comments section.
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