TIDE TO PLAY FSU IN BEST OPENING GAME EVER...

   ALABAMA WILL NEED ITS A GAME AGAINST THE 'NOLES...

#1 Tide takes on #3 Florida State in Atlanta

Time: September 2 @ 7:30 PM

Place: Mercedeze-Benz Stadium

Line: Tide is six point favorite

  We have begun the countdown to football. The Tide takes on the Florida State Seminoles in the season opener. One again, Nick Saban is going after a big fish in game one. The inclination of poll voters to pick Alabama is always likely. Knock off FSU and the Tide gets some real juice in the race for the national championship. Florida State has no downside in this matchup. If they lose it is because they were supposed to lose. If they win, then FSU just beat the number one team in the nation. Regardless, who wins this is one of the biggest games ever scheduled for an opening game. Perhaps it is the biggest ever played.

     Alabama has won five straight opening games. Here is a list of the victims:  USC, Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Michigan. Each of those wins solidified ‘Bama’s early season rankings and gave notice to the rest of the NCAA that Bama was ready for another Championship run. The first AP Poll has the Tide at #1 and FSU at #3. I wonder if the Seminoles can slip up a spot to #2 by kickoff?  Alabama got that #1 ranking with a lopsided vote. Heavy is the head that wears the crown but picking ‘Bama #1 seems to be a pretty safe bet to start the season. The Tide is a six-point favorite right now.

  

   This might be the first time an Alabama team has taken the field and not have the best defensive line. Florida State’s defensive line is talented and tough. This game isn’t likely to be a 17-10 affair. I believe the winner will have to put up at least 30 to win. Bama’s offensive line is going to be dominant. The quarterback is experienced, and he will prove he can pass. The Tide’s running backs, almost a six-pack, are

simply incomparable. Of note, is the fact that Atlanta is now a home game for the Tide. FSU has no glaring weaknesses, and they gave a great quarterback. I’m willing to bet that Hurt or Francois will be touted for the Heisman Trophy by the fourth quarter. Sportswriters will be ready to declare the Tide dynasty dead by halftime, but in the end it will be Bama 31 – FSU 24. The Dynasty lives!