Virginia Tech’s Antone Exum Says Hokies Will Beat Alabama in Season Opener

Virginia Tech cornerback Antone Exum successfully underwent surgery last month to repair his torn ACL. Exum blew out his knee during a pick up basketball game, but says his knee has not been 100 percent since suffering a minor injury against Cincinnati back on September 29.

“I see it as a blessing that it happened when it happened because… it could have happened during the season or during spring ball or during camp,” Exum explained. “At least now, I have time to really rehab it and try to get back.”

Exum’s surgery was performed by renowned specialist Dr. James Andrews, who ironically enough, is a fan and consultant of the Alabama Crimson Tide — the team that Exum and his Hokies will take on in their season-opener.

Virginia Tech and Alabama are set to face off at the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic in Atlanta on August 31.

Following his surgery, Exum says that he and Dr. Andrews had some friendly trash talk about the season-opener with Exum saying that his team would be taking down the defending national champions.

Per The Virginian-Pilot, Exum said:

"Andrews “went up to my mom and was like, ‘He’s delirious in there. All he keeps saying is how he’s going to be back for Alabama and they’re going to beat Alabama,’ ” Exum said. “So I guess that was the first thing on my mind.”"

Unfortunately for Exum, he could miss the season-opener against Alabama. The All-ACC cornerback faces a recovery time of  6-8 months, which could keep him out of action until October.

You can be sure that Saban and the Crimson Tide will take notice of Exum’s comments and use them as bulletin board material — not that they need any extra ammunition to get their quest for a three-peat off to the right start.