Saturday, August 30, 2014

BryantDenny Stadium in Tuscaloosa

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The West Virginia Mountaineers will have a tough time assessing their team in their opening game when they visit the #2 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday afternoon.

West Virginia simply did not play well on either side of the ball last year and finished with a 2-7 record in the Big 12 and a 4-8 record overall. They did have a decent passing game by throwing for 262 yards per game, but they only scored 26.3 points per game while giving up 33.3.

The Mountaineers will be bringing back seven members of their offense and defense this season, so they'll be hoping that experience will move them up the Big 12 standings. They should be a running team again this year now that they have five capable backs, including senior Dreamius Smith, who rushed for 494 yards and five touchdowns in 2013.

Alabama looked like they were on their way to yet another national title last year until they were beaten by Auburn 34-28 in their final regular season game. They then went on to lose to Oklahoma 45-31 in the Sugar Bowl, which capped off their disappointing year.

The Crimson Tide once again had the best recruiting class in the country, so they will have plenty of options to throw at their opponents. Superstar running back T.J. Yeldon, who had 1,235 rushing yards a year ago, will be the key player on Alabama's offense.

Injuries to Watch

West Virginia Mountaineers

08/26/14 CB Ishmael Banks Academics expected to miss first 3 games

Alabama Crimson Tide

No injuries to report at this time.

Tony's Pick: Take Alabama

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Tony Sink