The West Virginia Mountaineers are set to take on the second-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide Saturday in college football action. The game is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff. Currently the college football odds for the game have the Crimson Tide favored by almost four touchdowns.

This will be the first meeting between schools on the gridiron.

Alabama has had some quarterback controversy, or something like that, with Nick Saban having a couple of guys ready to go. In the end, Saban decided to go with Blake Sims as the starter over Florida State transfer Jake Coker. He didn't rule out the possibility of both quarterbacks playing, so we'd be surprised if Coker didn't see the field at some point. It won't be easy replacing A.J. McCarron.

The Crimson Tide are more physical, have better players and a better coach than West Virginia. But these types of games are good for college football because the Mountaineers are still a talented football team. Single games early in the season can bring upsets, which is what West Virginia is shooting for in this one.

But it certainly won't be easy.

The Mountaineers run a very solid offense that has a lot of speed and a lot of plays. If a conditioned Alabama defense can be ready to go and plays well in space, they can cause West Virginia some problems.

This game will be played in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, the fifth game played there for Alabama since 2009. They won the previous four games.

Saban's boys have been dominant and they really showcase that in the early portion of the year. Alabama has won their last 12 season openers, dating back to even before Saban, by an average of 25 points. 

The Mountaineers has not been solid the past two seasons, going 7-6 in 2012 and 4-8 last year. They haven't had fewer losses in back-to-back seasons since 1994-95.

The defense was awful for West Virginia last year — giving up an average of 32 points per game to opponents. If they don't improve at all, it could help the Alabama quarterbacks have a solid game in this one.

If West Virginia can get good play from Clint Trickett, they could have a chance. 

But Alabama is just too strong on both sides of the football. There will be tons of Crimson Tide fans in the Georgia Dome and we expect them to dominate from the opening kick.

Free Pick: Alabama 38, West Virginia 7

 Handicapping Tips: NCAA Week 1 Betting

Ken Thomson and Bryan Leonard From Pregame.com take a look at some handicapping tips for betting week 1 of the NCAA football season.

$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!

Stay on top of the latest odds and line moves for Major League Baseball with our real-time odds from Las Vegas and offshore!