Week 1: Alabama vs Clemson

This ACC-SEC clash should be one of the marquee games in the opening weekend of the 2008 season. High expectations surround both teams, but the Tigers begin the year ranked in the top 10 and this could be the year Tommy Bowden’s team finally breaks through. There is no shortage of firepower in the Tiger offense. Led by quarterback Cullen Harper, receiver Aaron Kelly and the best backfield duo in the country — James Davis and C.J. Spiller — the Tigers will have no trouble putting points on the board. On the other sideline, the Crimson Tide always expect to contend for an SEC West title, but key questions surround this team. Quarterback John Parker Wilson must improve as a passer, and the team could be leaning on a couple of freshmen in key spots.

Although Wilson and the offense may be leaning on freshmen in the receiving corps, the offensive line should be one of the best in the country. With Andre Smith leading the way at tackle, the Tide will provide a stiff test for the Tigers’ front seven. The Tigers’ linebacking corps may be the biggest question mark on this team, especially with three new starters. When the Tide defense is on the field, getting pressure against Harper will be key. Not only will establishing a pass rush be important, but the unit must find a way to slow down Davis and Spiller. With question marks on offense, the Tide do not want to get involved in a shootout with a team that averaged over 30 points per game last season.

Notes:

The last meeting between these two teams was 1975 when the Crimson Tide won 56-0. Alabama owns an 11-to-3 edge in the overall series.

Tigers defensive tackle Rashaad Jackson suffered a torn quad tendon in fall practice and is likely out until midseason. Jackson was slated to be a starter.

Keep an eye on incoming freshmen in this contest. Tigers’ defensive end Da’Quan Bowers should see immediate playing time and the Tide could have several youngsters, including receiver Julio Jones, running back Mark Ingram and linebackers Don’ta Hightower and Jerrell Harris.

This will be the first game with the Crimson Tide for offensive coordinator Jim McElwain. McElwain has a solid track record of developing quarterbacks and Wilson showed solid progress throughout the offseason.

Key Player (Tigers) – Cullen Harper, QB

With the Crimson Tide returning only two starters in the secondary, the Tigers should be able to find big play opportunities in the passing game. With Harper healthy after a late-season shoulder injury, don’t expect a repeat of his Chick-fil-A Bowl performance (14-33 for 101 yards).

Key Player (Crimson Tide) – Julio Jones, WR

With D.J. Hall, Matt Caddell and Keith Brown out of eligibility, the receiving corps desperately needs playmakers to emerge. Jones was ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the Athlon Consensus 100 and as a true freshman, should provide Wilson with an immediate, big-play weapon this season.

Clemson by 7