2013 ESPN College Football Week 1 Pick: Virginia Tech vs. Alabama
By Drew Sharper
ATLANTA, GA (The Spread) – No. 1 Alabama is set to begin its 2013 season against Virginia Tech in the Georgia Dome at 5:30PM ET, live on ESPN.
Alabama is coming off its third national title in four seasons last year, as the Crimson Tide went 13-1 overall and 7-7 against the spread. Virginia Tech went just 7-6 a year ago and was only 4-9 against the spread. These two last met in 2009, with Alabama picking up a 34-24 victory.
Odds: The oddsmakers from Bovada.lv have Alabama as the favorite in this game, as the Crimson Tide have odds of -19 points against Virginia Tech. The over/under for the game has been set at 45.5 points
Line Movement: The opening odds for this game had Alabama favored by 17.5 points. The spread was never lower than that, and is currently at its peak of 19 points. The over/under odds opened at 45 and have simply added the hook since.
Public Betting: Of the wagers that have been placed on this game, 81% are going on Alabama with a point spread of -19 points against Virginia Tech. Be sure to click on the public betting link to get the latest odds and betting percentages.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL FREE PICK: Take Alabama. According to latest college football trends, the Crimson Tide are 7-1 against the spread in their last eight neutral site games, 4-1 against the number in their last five games on fieldturf, and 10-4 ATS in their last 14 non-conference games. The Hokies, meanwhile, are 7-18-1 against the spread in their last 26 games overall, 1-3-1 ATS in their last five neutral site games, and 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 non-conference games. Alabama lost several key players from its national championship run last year but this program loses key players every year and still finds a way to dominate. Quarterback Aaron McCarron delivered 30 touchdown passes with only three interceptions last year and the Tide will once again have a dominant defense. Logan Thomas took a step back last season for VA Tech and he’ll have fewer weapons at his disposal in 2013. The Hokies will struggle to keep up.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 1 FREE PICK: ALABAMA -19