Virginia Tech Hokies O:5 D:5
The Virginia Tech Hokies looked like one of the best in the NCAA last season, but then the Miami Hurricanes came to town in early November and brought them back down to earth. Still, the Hokies won 11 games and have now gone bowling for 13 consecutive seasons. Head coach Frank Beamer's team brings back 10 starters from last year's team that took home the Coastal Division crown for the second strait year, and beat Louisville in the Gator Bowl.
There's still plenty of talent on the roster, but there are still a few question marks. The main one comes at quarterback where a decent replacement needs to be found for the early departed Marcus Vick. The running game depends on Brandon Ore's injured shoulder, and the offensive line needs to replace three all ACC players. The Hokies always put out an effective offense, and this year should be no exception.
Defense is a completely different story though. Playmakers and veterans are all over the roster, and the Hokies will showcase one of the best stop units in the NCAA. On the defensive line, the Hokies will make life hard for opposing lines with a defensive front that is extremely deep as well as two of the country's best inside linebacker in Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi. The defensive back unit is loaded with talent and depth as well to stop most teams through the air. In the last 2 seasons they gave up under an average of 13 points per game, and that could be a stat they repeat if the lack of offense doesn't run them ragged. The special teams unit returns completely intact, and will not disappoint under this coaching staff.
With this roster the Virginia Tech Hokies are about a year away from a national title. There's just too many holes on the offensive side of the ball, and it doesn't matter how good your defense is if you can't score the points or keep the clock running. Still, the Hokies will be a very tough team in the Coastal, and have a great shot at winning it for the third strait season. A trip to the Miami Hurricanes will ultimately decide their fate, but there's no doubt they'll be bowling for the 14th consecutive season.
