Sorry, Bama Fans, but the Crimson Tide Are Over-Hyped

As we continue to inch closer to Sept. 5, I continue to become frustrated with particular media outlets and columnists.

Answer me this, Bleacher Report community.  What is the biggest difference between Alabama and Virginia Tech, and don't tell me the conference? 

Here's my biggest problem.  Alabama has more question marks as a team, overall, than Virginia Tech does.  When you have a new starting quarterback, a new starting running back, and three new offensive lineman being thrust into the spotlight things aren't going to go extremely smooth, no matter how much talent they have.

Last time I checked, Virginia Tech has a perennial top 10 defense.  Oh, well Justin, Alabama has the top ranked defense in the nation...because of last year's performance.

Big whoop.  There's not a huge difference between the number one defense and the number five defense, where both teams have a legitimate shot of winding up at the end of the season.

Yes, Alabama's front seven is very good, but if injury strikes, which is obviously a huge risk in the violent sport of football, who knows what could happen.

My biggest problem with Alabama is this.  They finished last year on a two-game losing streak, losing the biggest games of the year in back-to-back fashion.  When you get spanked by Utah, and don't even seem to care that doesn't say much for your players or your coaching staff.

That, and the reasons mentioned earlier, warrants a top five ranking in the preseason?  You've got to be kidding me.

And all of this hype about Greg McElroy.  If he was so good why didn't he take the job from the pedestrian John Parker Wilson.  Sorry Bama fans, but Wilson was not the greatest quarterback in the world and McElroy didn't take the job from him.

If McElroy does pan out it won't be against Virginia Tech.  Running wise, Alabama has more experience returning now that Virginia Tech lost their top rusher Darren Evans.  Mark Ingram, sophomore, and Roy Upchurch, senior, should get the bulk of the carries against Tech on Saturday.

I don't expect the rushing game to be rolling on all cylinders with three new offensive lineman going up against the top defensive line in the ACC.

And all of this talk about the Hokies not having a chance now that Evans is out for the year.  They're in the same exact situation, as far as running the football, that they were in last season. 

Kenny Lewis was the starter with Evans, who was a redshirt freshman last year, backing him up.  However, a redshirt freshman will likely start for the Hokies on Saturday, Ryan Williams.  When was the last time a freshman Virginia Tech running back ran for a thousand yards?

Last year, but I'm not saying Williams is going to have a lot of success against the Crimson Tide.  I'm just stating the obvious.

I expect both teams to struggle rushing the ball in this one, and moving the ball in general.  Offensively, the Hokies have the edge because they have more experience in key positions. 

Tyrod Taylor will have to have success throwing the football, and if he does have success I'm not expecting Alabama to rebound all that well after watching the Sugar Bowl last season.

And for those of you that don't think BCS Bowls matter, that's one of the dumbest things I've ever heard.  I don't see anyone complaining after they win one.

That being said, I'm looking forward to the game, and will preview the matchup later in the week.