Saban: Alabama likely to play ACC team in Atlanta in 2013, ‘14

By Larry Hartstein

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Alabama coach Nick Saban said on his radio show Thursday night that the Crimson Tide likely will play an ACC team in Atlanta in 2013 and 2014, according to media reports.

Saban did not specify possible opponents.

Saban also said Alabama plans to open the 2012 season against Michigan in Dallas. None of the games has been formally announced.

No team has been more eager to play in Atlanta's three-year-old kickoff event than Alabama. The Crimson Tide played in the first two games, beating Clemson 34-10 in 2008 and Virginia Tech 34-24 last year. This year, LSU beat North Carolina 30-24.

Chick-fil-A Bowl president Gary Stokan announced plans last week for a 2012 kickoff doubleheader -- Tennessee vs. North Carolina State, Auburn vs. Clemson -- sandwiched around induction ceremonies for the College Football Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is scheduled to open in Atlanta in 2013.

The 2011 matchup has not been announced. Stokan has said he and Georgia Tech officials are discussing the possibility of the Yellow Jackets playing in the kickoff game in 2011, ‘14 or ‘15. Stokan could not immediately be reached for comment Friday.

Earlier this year, Georgia Tech and Alabama agreed to postpone their two-game series scheduled for 2013-14. Makeup dates were not announced.