Virginia Tech CB Antone Exum claims Hokies will beat Alabama to open 2013 season

Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Antone Exum (1) returns an interception thrown by Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Gary Nova (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of the 2012 Russell Athletic Bowl at the Citrus Bowl. Virginia Tech defeated Rutgers 13-10 in overtime. (Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports)

In February, Antone Exum, Virginia Tech’s All-ACC cornerback, underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ACL. The injury unfortunately took place during a pickup basketball game, but Exum does not see it as a misfortune. Instead, the young man is choosing to look on the bright side as he stares down a 6-8 month recovery schedule.

“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.”

While Exum counts down the days until his return, the entirety of Tide Nation counts down the days until their Bama squad faces off against Exum’s Hokies in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic on Aug. 31.

[Related: Kickoff times announced for season-opening SEC showcase games]

That includes Exum’s own doctor, the world-renowned Dr. James Andrews.

Andrews is a self-proclaimed Tide fan and actually is currently a consultant for Nick Saban’s Alabama squad.

Thus, the operation made for some interesting trash talking, according to The Virginian-Pilot:

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 told the paper. “So I guess that was the first thing on my mind.”

It’s also the first thing on Saban’s mind, and the mind of his entire coaching staff, and those of his players, all of whom are working towards a three-peat.

And that could make life very interesting for Exum’s teammates come Aug. 31.

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What do you think Gamedayrs?