Virginia Tech vs Alabama College Football Odds, Predictions & Picks: No. 5 Alabama will meet the seventh ranked Hokies of Virginia Tech in a primetime matchup tonight at the Georgia Dome. The two highly regarded programs are set to get underway at 8:00pm ET on ABC. College football odds at online bookmaker BetUS.com have the Crimson Tide listed as a -7 against the spread favorite in this evening much anticipated battle.
Alabama stunned the nation a year ago by putting together a 12-2 
season with just 10 returning starters. The Tide will not catch anyone by surprise this season, though, returning nine starters from a defense that held teams to just 14.3 points and 264 yards per game.
The Crimson Tide's best player, junior linebacker Rolando McClain, will occupy the middle for the stout unit. McClain, who led the team in tackles a season ago with 95, will anchor the front seven along with defensive end Brandon Deaderick. Free safety Justin Woodall and cornerback Javier Arenas give 'Bama two top performers in the secondary as well.
Nick Saban's offense may be a work in progress this season after losing starting quarterback John Parker Wilson, tailback Glen Coffee, and left tackle Andre Smith. Greg McElroy takes over for Wilson under center while Mark Ingram fills Coffee's spot. McElroy completed eight of his 11 pass attmepts last year for 123 yards.
Virginia Tech had their usual solid season, going 10-4 and winning the ACC Championship. The Hokies also earned a trip to the Orange Bowl for the second straight year, where they took out Big East champ Cincinnati 20-7.
Frank Beamer welcomes back 15 starters and 40 lettermen from last year's squad, which has expectations high in Blacksburg. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor is back for his junior season after throwing for 1036 yards as a sophomore. Taylor also ranked second on the team in rushing with 738 yards and seven touchdowns.
Running back Darren Evans created quite a buzz as a freshman last season, rushing for 1265 yards and 11 touchdowns. Unfortunately, Evans torn his ACL over the summer and will miss the entire year. Taking his place is true freshman David Wilson.
Tech, as usual, will depend on their defense. Defensive coordinator Bud Foster has seven starters back from last year's quality group, including Cody Grimm (71 tackles, 7.5 sacks), Jason Worilds (62 tackles, eight sacks), and Stephan Virgil (43 tackles, six interceptions).
The Hokie defense gave up an average of 14.3 points and 264 yards per game in 2008. This year's numbers should be in the same ballpark.
BetUS.com Virginia Tech vs Alabama College Football Odds, Predictions & Picks:
Virginia Tech Hokies +7 (-110), Over 37 (-110), +240 (Moneyline)
Alabama Crimson Tide -7 (-110), Under 37 (-110), -280 (Moneyline)
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