ACC Preview (Virginia Tech)

Virginia Tech – Last Year: (10-3, 6-2), Returning Starters: 16 (8 off., 8 def.)

Virginia Tech will be America’s team this year after the horrendous events of April 16th. They are the favorites to win the ACC, and are considered National title contenders. That said, the Hokies do not always play well under pressure. Here’s a little story for you. In 2005, Virginia Tech was undefeated and ranked third in the country behind USC and Texas. College Gameday rolled into town to see Tech play Miami, who was ranked fifth. Tech was hammered, and that was the end of their national championship hopes.

Offense: Virginia Tech was ranked 99th in the country in offense last year. They do, however, return eight starters including All-ACC tailback Branden Ore. Ore rushed for over 1100 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Hokies return four of their top five receivers, including speedster Eddie Royal. The question about Tech’s offense is the offensive line and quarterback Sean Glennon, who had four turnovers in the second half of the Chik-fil-a Bowl. The offensive line must replace two starters, but it should be much better than last year. Ed Wang made the move from tight-end to right tackle, and should start for Tech. Glennon, who appears stronger and more accurate, will start the year, and is unlikely to lose his job. If he comes out as poorly as he ended last year, his likely backup is Ike Whitaker, although true freshman Tyrod Taylor has been taking snaps with the second team offense this week.

Defense: Great. That is the only preview that is needed of Virginia Tech’s defense. Tech returns eight starters from a defense that was number one in the country last year. Not that that stat is new. Tech was number one in the country in 2005, and fourth in 2004. The Hokies have three legitimate candidates to be All-Americans in linebackers Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi, and cornerback Brandon Flowers. Tech biggest losses from last year were defensive end Nolan Burchette and Rover Aaron Rouse, both of whom were drafted. Orion Martin will likely replace Burchette, while Rouse will be replaced by sophomore Kam Chancellor, who saw time last year as a true freshman at cornerback.

Special Teams: This is the biggest question about Virginia Tech, which is odd considering how solid Tech’s special teams usually are. Kicker Brandon Pace and punter Nick Schmitt are both gone, and they will be replaced by Jud Dunlevy and Brent Bowden respectively. Return man Eddie Royal was first team All-ACC last year, and he can change a game at any time.

Conclusion: The Hokies have a tough game early in the season when they venture to Baton Rouge to play the LSU Tigers (who was recently ranked number two in the coach’s poll). If Tech can win down there, they have a good shot to finish the season undefeated and venture forth to the national championship.

S 1st East Carolina W
S 8th at LSU W
S 15th Ohio W
S 22nd William & Mary W
S 29th North Carolina W
O 6th at Clemson W
O 13th at Duke W
O 25th Boston College W
N 1st at Georgia Tech W
N 10th Florida State L
N 17th Miami W
N 24th at Virginia W