It's official: the top programs from the SEC and ACC will meet in the 2013 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic. Though some are unhappy with seeing the Alabama Crimson Tide and Virginia Tech Hokies play again so soon, I kind of think this matchup should happen as frequently as possible.
“This is a great game for our fans and our program to open a season against a prestigious program like the University of Alabama,” said Frank Beamer. “What makes it even more attractive is working with all the great people who are associated with the Chick-fil-A Bowl. How we were treated at the event two years ago makes us want to go back and play in this great atmosphere again.”
“We've had the opportunity to open the season twice before in Atlanta, and the experience has been extremely positive for our team and our fans,” said Nick Saban. “The Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in the Georgia Dome is a great venue for college football. It has a bowl game feel, and the staff has done an outstanding job of making it a first-class event. We have a lot of respect for Coach Beamer and the Virginia Tech program, and we look forward to another great game in 2013.”
A couple weeks ago BC Interruption wondered if the ACC and another conference should go ahead and formally pair up, with each team playing a set rival from the other conference every year. The SEC would be convenient, as about half of each conference already plays a rival from the other, and it wouldn't be all that tough to come up with a few more pairings like this one.
Though that has nothing to do with Bama and VPI playing each other again, I guess it sheds a little more light on why I think this game is a great idea. These fanbases have both shown they can mob Atlanta, and based on track records this is the safest bet for a high-profile SEC-ACC game three seasons from now.
Updated Chick-fil-A game table (speculated matchups in italics):
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