*The Hokies are a 3* investment at +7 or more (at -125 odds or better), a 2* investment at +6 to +6.5 and become a Strong Opinion at +5.5 or less.
When investing on college football, wagering on teams with experienced offensive lines pays huge dividends. Indeed, last season, eight of the Top 10 teams in the final Associated Press began the season with at least 65 combined career starts by their offensive lineman. Utah and Mississippi, two of the biggest surprises of 2008, had more than 80 starts of experience. This season, Virginia Tech has 100 career starts by its offensive linemen, while Alabama has just 50 career starts. Moreover, Virginia Tech is a vastly more experienced team overall this season with 15 returning starters, and the Hokies boast one of the most impressive offensive lines in the conference. In fact, after allowing college football's worst sack percentage last year, head coach Frank Beamer decided to transition to a more athletic front five by moving four tight ends to the offensive line.
Once again, the Hokies will boast an outstanding defense as they return five players to the defensive line and 7 players to the secondary from a 2008 team that allowed a mere 16.7 points per game, including 104 rushing yards (3.2 yards per rush attempt) and 279 total yards (4.9 yards per play). Meanwhile, Alabama recently suffered a significant loss on defense when defensive end Brandon Deaderick was shot on Monday in Tuscaloosa. While Alabama fields one of the best defenses in the country, the Hokies should have success moving the ball based upon a more experienced quarterback and one of the most improved wide receiving units in the nation.
Finally, scouts have informed me that over 50 Alabama students have contracted the H1N1 virus commonly known as the swine flu, while several Alabama football players are suffering from flu-like symptoms. Over the last two weeks, several Crimson Tide players have missed practice due to fevers and other flu-like symptoms, and Terrence Cody just returned to practice after a bout with the flu. With this game being played at the Georgia Dome where Virginia Tech will be well represented, and Alabama fielding an inexperienced quarterback, take the Hokies and the generous points in this game - invest with confidence.
Technician's Corner: Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer is 16-6 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points, 31-18 ATS in the first month of the season and 26-16 ATS with a total of 42 points or less. Meanwhile, Alabama head coach Nick Saban is a pedestrian 3-3 ATS in season openers, while the Hokies are a 70% winning proposition as road underdogs. Finally, Virginia Tech is a profitable 13-4 ATS as underdogs since 2001 and 10-3 ATS as underdogs over the last eight seasons!
Rating: 3*
Investment Note: Please check back on Saturday for a possible investment upgrade. Also, if your sportsbook has Virginia Tech at +6.5 (as 85% of them do at the time of this writing), I strongly recommend buying the hook at -125 odds or better
Oskeim Sports 9/5
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