The Alabama Crimson Tide were on their way to a dominant, undefeated run in the 2013 college football season, but back-to-back losses to Auburn and Oklahoma had them settling for an 11-2 record. This year, Alabama will once again be gunning for an undefeated run, especially with the new college football playoff scheme, which we explained here, in place this year.
Alabama’s first challengers this year are the lowly West Virginia Mountaineers. However, the Mountaineers may catch Alabama cold and unprepared this early into the season. Read on as we preview the Alabama Crimson Tide and West Virginia Mountaineers 2014 kick off game.
[sc:NCAAFArticles ]Alabama Crimson Tide vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Prediction and Betting Preview
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta
When: Saturday, August 30, 3:30 PM ET
Line: Alabama Crimson Tide (-25.5) at West Virginia Mountaineers (+25.5); total 55.5 – view all NCAA Football lines
Betting on the Alabama Crimson Tide
The Alabama Crimson Tide are most focused than ever on returning to their winning ways after falling short in their last two games last year. The question for the team early on will not be if they win, but who they win with, as the team assesses their options at starting quarterback. QBs Blake Sims and Jacob Coker will be given equal opportunities to take snaps with the offense early on.
[sc:NCAA240banner ]A returning senior, Sims played as backup QB last year. Among the two competing for the starting position, Sims is the more accurate passer, having completed 18-of-29 passes for 167 yards with two touchdowns, and also has experience in Alabama’s rushing game. The senior QB ran the ball on 67 carries for 355 yards with two TDs in his time with the team.
Meanwhile, Coker is a transferee from Florida State. He threw for 250 yards on 18-for-36 passing while playing for Florida State last year. However, his time taking snaps was limited due to the presence of Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston. Now with the Alabama Crimson Tide, Coker will have an equal opportunity to show his talent.
The two QBs will be taking turns passing to wide receiver Amari Cooper. The WR led the team last season with 45 passes for 736 yards with four TDs, including a 99-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter of Alabama’s loss to Auburn. Cooper will be a welcome tool for the QBs as they showcase their passing skills.
However, with the QB flip-flop ongoing, the Crimson Tide may opt for a run-oriented approach to this game. Their rushing offense will be headed by junior running back T.J. Yeldon. The running back rushed for 1,235 yards and 14 TDs last season. Yeldon makes up a great part of Alabama’s formidable rushing offense, which ranked 28th in the nation with 2,673 yards with 28 TDs in 2013.
The Crimson Tide went 11-2 SU as favorites last season, while going 1-3-1 ATS against non-SEC teams.
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Betting on the West Virginia Mountaineers
The West Virginia Mountaineers were 1-7 SU in their last eight games last season. They won’t be getting a breather for their first game as they start their season against the No. 2 team in the college football rankings.
Nevertheless, this will be the perfect opportunity for West Virginia to take on one of the top teams in all of college football. West Virginia’s passing game will be headed by another Florida State transferee, Clint Trickett, who threw for 1,605 yards and seven TDs last season. Trickett will be responsible in directing the team’s up-tempo offense.
However, the Mountaineers clearly lack the offensive talent that Alabama has in both running and passing games. If they have a chance to win, they will need to start strong and score early with the hopes of rattling Alabama. Still, scoring against Alabama (13.8 points allowed per game, fourth in the FBS) is never an easy task.
The Mountaineers have a paltry defensive unit as a whole. Their defense allowed a staggering 33.3 points per game (99th in the FBS). Even with a strong showing from their secondary and defensive line, it’s hard to imagine them stopping an offensive unit as talented as Alabama’s.
The West Virginia Mountaineers were 0-3 ATS playing against non-Big 12 teams last season.
Writer’s Prediction
The Alabama Crimson Tide (-25.5) trounces West Virginia while covering the spread.
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