Alabama Vs. Virginia Tech 2013: LIVE STREAM [WATCH] Preview, Prediction, Game Time, TV Schedule

The defending national champion Alabama Crimson Tide open up their 2013 college football season tonight (Saturday, August 31) against the Virginia Tech Hokies. The game will be on TV on ESPN, starting at 5:30pm ET along with online via live stream. The season opener for the number one ranked Crimson Tide will be taking place at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Nick Saban's squad, coming off a BCS title, is the heavy favorites over the unranked Hokies. Keep reading for the preview, predictions, and where you can watch the game.

According to the Examiner, odds makers have Alabama favored by 22 points. Alabama will be lead by an early Heisman candidate, quarterback AJ McCarron. Alabama's offense lost three key contributors to the NFL draft. Guard Chance Warmack, center Barrett Jones, and running back Eddie Lacy are all gone. However, Alabama still has plenty of talent on both sides of the ball.

Virginia Tech, who was 7-6 last season, have already fallen victim to several key injuries. Running back Tony Gregory and linebacker Ronny Vandyke are out for the season and offensive lineman Mark Shurman will miss the first few weeks of the season. Running back J.C. Coleman will also miss tonight's game with sprains in both ankles. It seems that Virginia Tech has their hands full. It will be too much for the Hokies to overcome a number of key injuries. I predict Alabama starts off the season with a victory.

On TV, ESPN will be airing the game at 5:30pm, while the game will also be live streaming online on WATCHESPN.