Road to the National Championship Starts Here – (5) Alabama vs. (7) Virginia Tech

If there’s any team outside the top-3 that can make a serious run at the BCS Championship game, it’s Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide. They’ll have to get the momentum train started in the Georgia Dome, the site of their abysmal 31-20 loss to the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship game. Shaking off the skeletons of last season, and putting the Hokies in the ground will be priority numero uno.

Julio Jones is the perhaps one of the best receivers in the college ranks, and he’ll make Alabama’s offense a deadly force. Last season, Jones caught 58 passes for 924 yards and scored four touchdowns. Improving his draft stock, and making the Crimson Tide a threat in the SEC to Florida’s seemingly expected BCS Championship win during bowl season, is Jones’ first step in to superstardom.

However, Alabama’s anchor is its defense, which ranked third in overall yards allowed, and seventh in scoring, giving up just 14.3 points per game. Needless to say, the Hokies need every weapon they’ve got, and the fact that they won’t have Darren Evans at tailback will hinder the Hokies chance of getting some offensive momentum.

Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

Saturday, September 5th – Georgia Dome, Atlanta — 8:00pm EST

NCAAF Betting Line: Alabama -6.5 (38)

Frank Beamer and the Virginia Tech Hokies have plenty to improve on, and their staring quarterback, Tyrod Taylor, is case in point. The junior threw for just two touchdowns last season, and relied on his feet to get the job done. That won’t work against the beasts in the trenches that ‘Bama boasts. Good luck if you don’t think that Alabama doesn’t win this game in a route.

Furious Free Pick: Alabama -6.5 (UNDER)