Local Sports
JUSTIN GRAVES: Would a Bama win really be an upset?
By Justin GravesTake a look at this week’s schedule and there’s only one game that really stands out.
Tenth-ranked Clemson versus 24th ranked Alabama at the Georgia Dome.
It’s the only Top 25 matchup this week. So when Alabama takes the field for the first time this season, all eyes will be on Nick Saban’s team.
This is the type of game Saban wants to play. The Crimson Tide coach has said it on more than one occasion.
Not only is it a high-profile game against a BCS team that’s predicted to win its conference, but it’s also being played in a town considered to be a hotbed for football talent.
Can we say recruiting tool? That’s pretty much obvious.
If Alabama plays well, this can be a great recruiting tool for Saban. But what if the Crimson Tide actually win the game?
Most experts believe that would be an upset. In fact, about the only people giving Saban’s team a chance have been known to wear Crimson-colored goggles from time to time.
On paper, Clemson appears to be the superior team.
The Tigers return all of their offensive skill players — including a pair of superstar running backs. This is also a team that has been tabbed the preseason favorite in the ACC.
That’s probably why Clemson has been picked as a five-point favorite in Las Vegas.
For a betting man, this one sounds like a no-brainer. Alabama wins outright.
That’s right. The bookies, experts and everyone else got this one wrong.
Clemson may have talent coming back at the skill positions, but the Tigers will also be playing with a completely new offensive front.
And then there’s the fact that Clemson has historically underachieved — especially when the expectations are higher than normal.
With a fifth-year senior quarterback, a veteran offensive line and some of the most talented youngsters in the country, the stars have finally aligned for Saban.
If freshman sensation Julio Jones can live up to the hype, Alabama’s only offensive question mark has been answered. And since this is the first game of the season, depth shouldn’t be a problem on defense.
This will basically be a home game for Alabama. Don’t be surprised if the Georgia Dome is covered with Crimson Saturday.
And if those fans are partying after the game, it wouldn’t be surprising, either.
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