VT vs. BAMA (Extensive Write-up)

man you lose me with every post...

how is it that you bash TT for not beating out Sean Glennon, but say McElroy could have, but JPW just kept the job because he had experience?

it's all hypocritical and subjective, if you ask me... this is the exact same situation...

Taylor would be starting for Bama... simply no doubt about it...

Taylor doesn't fit into Alabama style offense...So, He wouldn't play at Alabama.


I believe that JPW was overrated...... But let's watch this McElroy before we make a real observation on him.... You never know about these things. Could be good.....Could Be Bad.

well, if that's what he was saying, then it isn't as much of a bold statement... but by the same token, Mac wouldn't be starting on VT, either...

True....I don't disagree with ya.

I like the Points Myself.

 

VaTech has the reputation as being great at special teams.  That doesn't mean they will be.  Bama is the team that returns the kicker, punter, and an explosive return man in Javy Arenas.  Defense also goes to Bama without a doubt.  The offense will be closer but VaTech is so one dimensional.  I think this game will be a mis-match. 

Bama 24

VaTech 7

Great to see you back Boom!!!

I completely agree with you that Bama & VT have similar physical, smash-mouth philosophies, but I absolutely think that favors Bama because they are a bigger, stronger, faster and more athletic team. Compare, for example, the defense front 7s of both teams, VT's average front 7 player is 6' 1" 246 lbs and runs a 4.83 40. Bama's average front 7 player is 6' 4" 281 and runs a 4.79 40. That's a significant size disparity.

There is no question VT has a tremendous defense, and they will undoubtably present a big challenge for Bama's offense, particularly Bama's o-line. But I would absolutely give the defensive advantage to Bama. In fact I would give Bama the defensive advantage against every team in college football except perhaps Florida. As good as VT is on that side of the ball, I think Bama's defense is on a different level - an NFL level.

Bama's defense is the basis for my play. I think Bama's defense versus VT's offense is a mismatch. Personally I would be shocked to see VT's offense score 10 points in this game.

I think it is a bit presumptuious to gratuitously give VT an edge in special teams just because they are VT. What we know about STs is that Bama pretty much has everyone back, while VT will be replacing their kicker and punt returner Victor "Macho" Harris.

I'm assuming Penn state transfer Matt Waldron will assume the kicking duties, and thatDyrell Roberts will return as the kickoff return man. Ryan Williams was suppose to be the punt returner, but I don't know if that's changed now that it appears he will be the starting RB.

Williams is a true freshman who I think is the real deal. The guys is strong, tough, elusive, runs a sub 4.4 40, and was one of the top RB prospects in the country this year. I think he'll have a brilliant college career, but I think he'll struggle in his first game against Bama.

Bama's kicker (Leigh Tiffin) has a big leg, but has been somewhat erratic. Punter PJ Fitzgerald is decent, but not great. And of course, Javier Arenas, who is unquestionably one of the top return men in the country, will handle punt and kickoff duties as usual. Bama will also utilize many of their bench-warming 4 and 5-star stud prospects to block and tackle on kicks and punts (a truely frightening thought if you're the other team).

So who has the advantage? Your guess is as good as mine. Perhaps you can give VT a STs coaching advantage based on past performance. What I can tell you is that Coach Beamer is on record saying that he expects this year's punt-block and punt-return teams to be the best of his career, and WR Danny Coale has emerged in camp as their best kick blocker.

Personally I think Bama will be well-prepared on STs, and I serioulsy doubt VT pulls off a kick block unless Tiffin kicks one of his famous low line-drive field goal attempts (See last year's LSU game). To me, I think STs are pretty much a push.

There is not much question in my mind that Bama will get into the mid 20s in this game. Therefore, in order to cover the spread, I think VT will need to score at least 17, and I think that's a low percentage play IMO.

BOL to you this year Boom!!!

DS, I did not do the write up to change your, or anyone else's mind. I did so to educate people about a game.that I have a lot of insight on, and to make a contribution to the board. I know before I post there will be people who will disagree with what I write, particularly since I don't sugarcoat writeups. I have no problem with that whatsoever.

But it is a fact that I was 8 & 1 on Bama games last year, so the people who thought it was a good idea to fade me, didn't fare to well, and the people who fade me on this game won't either.

As far as Worilds is concerned, I already addressed the same question in a response to Bibendi's post. As I said in that response, I said Worilds would not start at DE at Bama not because he's not good, but because he's too small to play DE in Saban's 3-4 defense. If he played for Bama, he most likely would be a jack LB.

Worilds versus Carpenter is the most advantageous matchup VT has in this game, so they absolutely need to exploit it for them to have a chance. But I wouldn't be overly concerned about Carpenter however. He has to block a guy that is much bigger, stronger, faster, and just plain better in practice everyday. I suspect he'll win some and lose some against Worilds, but it certainly won't stop Bama from winning this game convincingly.

Good luck on the rest of your picks DS!!!

Great to see you again this year BL!!!

 As always, I wish you the best of luck!!!

FREAK OUT!!!

Thanks Tideman!!!

Thanks for the compliment Veronica!!!

Point #1

What if Obama imposes Marshall Law and the game is never played? I think my scenario is more likely to happen than yours . . . but hey . . . that's why they call it gambling!!!

Point #2

You are correct.

Point #3

Thank you, and you are correct again.

Point #4

I never imagined I would see many of the things I have since moving to South Alabama. I mean who would have ever thought of racing lawn mowers? But with respect to Alabama's football team, I form my opinion on what I see with my own eyes.

Point #5

You bookie will be glad to hear the news.

My Question:

Is there any chance - and i think I speak for the majority of the board here - we will see an avatar of you in a significant state of undress?

 

 

Dig Daddy, if you're going to bet on football, you might want to take a few minutes to actually find out what's going on in this sport.

Alabama has insane talent on the offensive side of the ball. To be sure that they will be put to the test by Bud Foster's defense, but to characterize their offense as worthless is beyond ludicious!!!

VT's offense will also be much improved this year. Unfortunately they will have to face Saban's NFL defense in week 1.

 

I dont see anyone twisting your arm to bet on Bama, you and the others who insist on Bama having a horrible offense, and Bama being overated, etc. need to just load up on the Hokies. Just be sure you dont let your mouth write a check that your ass cant cash. Good Luck to you all

jimmydafreak,

I appreciate your response to me. Let me say first that if I came of as harsh with my comments that was not my intention, I just disagree in a strong way on several points such as not one Hokie could start for Bama and also that his size would keep Worilds from starting for Bama. From time to time players like Zack Thomas from Texas Tech and later the Miami Dolphins come along and prove that size is not necessarily always the most important factor when determining the best.

Now, let me say that I do respect your abilities and you are very good, I have nothing but respect for you. It seems that overall, more of the prominent cappers are on Bama. I also appreciate the fact that you went 8-1 last year, but fading you or anyone else does not factor into my personal reasoning for this game or any other. I do take very seriously all write-ups and opinions, only a fool would not take advantage, but I make my own decisions based on my numbers and homework. I will do a write-up probable Friday and you can critique me.

The one thing that I do know for sure is that I will hit between 56-62% based on my past. This means that I will be wrong 40% or more every year, so I could be wrong and will be some times as everyone is. I have already played Virginia Tech plus the 7 points as to me this game is a toss-up for all intents and purposes going in with what info we have to work with.

 Anyway, as I said, it was not my intention to be so harsh and if it came across as being dis-respectful I apologize to you. I know that you will have a very good season and best of luck to you...Droxside   

oh gimme a break! 

He said he was a fan, and obviously is inflicted with homerism to the point that he needs medical attention right away.

To say that an offensive line that loses 3 starters, and an offense that has a new qb and rb - is going to be better OUT OF THE SHOOT than the previous 12-0 team - is delusional.

But to each his own....