Alabama vs Virginia Tech Odds - Crimson Tide to edge Hokies in low-scoring affair
Week 1’s college football odds are highlighted by a matchup of two preseason top-10s, as No.5 Alabama meets No.7 Virginia Tech in a neutral-site clash. Both teams ranked in the top 10 in defense in 2008 and both have a wealth of talent returning, but the Crimson Tide will stifle an anemic Virginia Tech offense.
Alabama vs Virginia Tech Odds: Alabama -6
- WHAT: NCAA football odds
- WHEN: Saturday, September 5th, 8:00 PM ET
- WHERE: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
- KEY STAT: Virginia Tech won 38-7 at Alabama in 1998
- PICK: Alabama
Alabama vs Virginia Tech Odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
A win for either team would move them up in the online betting ladder for BCS odds, but the Crimson Tide may need it a bit more after losing to Utah in the Sugar Bowl last year. Virginia Tech has a tough beginning to the year (Alabama plus home games against Nebraska and Miami), and a win would give them a boost. Betting Edge: Alabama
Alabama vs Virginia Tech Odds maker breakdown: Offense
There are only four starters back on a Crimson Tide offense that was 63rd last year, and they’ll need Greg McElroy to get used to the No.1 spot under center quickly, as Julio Jones is too good a receiver to not get used properly and Alabama has depth out wide as well. Eight starters are back for the Hokies, but that may not be a good thing as they were 103rd offensively in 2008, including 111th through the air. Tyrod Taylor threw only two touchdowns along with seven picks, and they’ll have to throw more as leading rusher Darren Evans is gone. It’s a good thing they have their top six receivers from 2008 and three guys up front back on campus. Betting Edge: Draw
Alabama vs Virginia Tech Odds maker breakdown: Defense
With nine starters back, Alabama’s defense could be better than last year when they were tied for third in the country. The front seven is deep, especially on the line, and the secondary is experienced enough to cope with the loss of safety Rashad Johnson. The Hokies are no slouches either, with seven guys back on a unit that was seventh last year. Stephan Virgil is the leader of a great secondary, and Jason Worilds is one of the best pass rushers in the nation. There are questions at inside linebacker, but the Hokies have enough talent elsewhere to make up for it. Betting Edge: Alabama
Alabama vs Virginia Tech Odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
None to speak of on either front, which is always a good sign for a team’s offshore sportsbook odds. Betting Edge: Draw
Alabama vs Virginia Tech betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
It’s at a neutral site, but the Georgia Dome is the home of the SEC Championship, so you should expect more Alabama fans. The six-point spread may seem a bit high, but that’s because the Virginia Tech offense is downright awful. Alabama’s offense isn’t great, but it’s better than the Hokies’, and their defense should be able to shut down Virginia Tech. BLAKE’S PICK: Alabama -6
For more sports betting tips and picks throughout the season, visit our offshore sportsbook, and for more on the Alabama vs Virginia Tech matchup, check out our stats section. Blake walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played would understand. Thoughts or questions?
