I waited until today to write a prediction post because I definitely went on preseason speculation overload this year.  With a big game like Alabama to start the season, the media and fanboards have been in quite the flurry recently.  The game looked to be a solid match up, but then Darren Evans went down with an ACL injury.  Now, the media and Alabama fans have all but declared themselves victorious. 

“The Hokies don’t have a chance,” they say.  “Tyrod Taylor can’t throw and with Evans out, I don’t know how they’ll score!”

That’s all well and good.  I can’t say I agree, but the gumps will figure that out in due time.  The most faulty logic, that I will attempt to resolve, is that Alabama will roll over Virginia Tech just like they did Clemson last year.  Alabama held the Tigers to zero yards rushing and didn’t give up an offensive touchdown while racking up 419 yards themselves.  Since the big elephants kicked the poor overhyped ACC team in the mouth last year, certainly they can just do the same thing again eh?

Taking a line from Corso, “Not so fast my friend!” The first problem with your logic is that 2009 is not the same as 2008.  Alabama lost talent on both sides on the ball, but especially offensive blockers (losing three offensive linemen, and both starting tight ends).

The second logic problem is that Virginia Tech is not Clemson.  Clemson hasn’t won the ACC since 1991.  Clemson hasn’t beaten Virginia Tech since 1989 (but only 5 contests since then).  The most recent matchup was a blowout in 2007, when the Hokies were once again picked to lose.  In that game, Clemson was held to just 8 yards rushing with Davis and Spiller and the backfield.

The third problem is that this isn’t a math test.  I’d be surprised if either offense does much very consistently; offensive yards is not a statistic you will want to share with your next opponent.  Tyrod Taylor hasn’t had the best passing statistics in the past, but that does not mean he is incapable.  Taylor has an instinct for winning and that’s good enough for me in this game.

It’s amazing that no one in the media has noticed the similarities of 2009 Alabama to 2008 Clemson.  Over-hyped Clemson was crushed because of their inexperienced offensive line (well, and the fact that they roll over for any physical team) going against one of the best defenses in the country.  Alabama wasn’t given much of a chance by the media or Tiger fans.

I was going to refuse to pick a winner, because honestly, this game could fall either way based on opportunistic play from both sides.  However, seeing Bama fans continuously make predictions like 38-7 (which is even worse than they beat Clemson?) has emboldened me to say Virginia Tech 27 - Alabama 20.

I say Hokies come out with a chip on their shoulder and prove that they’ve arrived.