Before all the dust clears on the 2008 ACC college football regular season, one can expect to see the Virginia Tech Hokies sitting atop the Coastal Division standings and preparing to play in the ACC Championship Game. Then with a little luck, Tech could even find itself contending for a BCS National Championship; however experts find that scenario unlikely. Oddsmakers at online sports wagering giant Bodog (Bodoglife.com) have installed the Hokies as 11/10 favorites to win the ACC Coastal Division, 5/2 odds favorites to win the ACC outright and are installed at 40/1 odds to win a BCS National Championship.
In order to live up to the oddsmakers prognostications, head coach Frank Beamer is having to prepare with a limited number of experienced players. Attrition hasn’t been kind to Beamer and the Hokie program with the departure of all their top receivers, most of the defensive line and linebacker corps including All-ACC performers Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall as well as leading rusher Brandon Ore. Special teams took a big hit with the departure of place kicker Jud Dunlevy. Fortunately for Hokie nation, Beamer and his staff have done a stellar job on the recruiting trail year in and year out so there are plenty of talented bodies ready to step to the forefront and become this year’s and beyond stars.
Now the question arises; after losing 13 players from 2007, who will take the field in 2008? In his 22nd season in Blacksburg, Frank Beamer welcomes back 41 returning lettermen including 11 starters, 6 on offense, 4 on defense and punter Brent Bowden. A weakness at the start of last season, Tech’s offensive line, should be a strength this year led by Center Ryan Shuman, Tackle Ed Wang and Guard Sergio Render… Quarterback’s Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor shared signal calling duties as each was effective. Defensively, Tech rebuilds around the Martin brothers, Defensive End Orion, and Outside Linebacker Cam, as well as All-ACC Cornerback Victor Harris and Rover Kam Chancellor. Punter Brent Bowden was 5th in the ACC and 24th nationally with a 42.5 average.
Virginia Tech 2008 Football Schedule
9/6 Furman
9/13 Georgia Tech
9/20 @ North Carolina
9/27 @ Nebraska
10/4 Western Kentucky
10/18 @ Boston College
10/25 @ Florida State
11/6 Maryland (Thur)
11/13 @ Miami (Thur)
11/22 Duke
11/29 Virginia
12/6 ACC Championship Game, Tampa, Fla.
