Yeah, that’s what feels strange about this year than any other. This is the first year I have to root for Virginia Tech. The school that stole Donovan McNabb’s successor (whose name I wish I could remember, if only ESPN would put him on TV every once in a while) and ran up the score on Syracuse only to bolt for the ACC and seemingly decimate the Big East conference. What happened last April changes all that and the Hokies are not just one of the nation’s easy to root for teams in 2007. They are one of the nation’s best.
Projected Record and Bowl Result: 11-2 Beat Notre Dame in Gator Bowl
Who they’ll beat: East Carolina (Home), Ohio (Home), William & Mary (Home), North Carolina (Home), Clemson (Road), Duke (Road), Boston College (Home), Florida State (Home), Miami (Home), Virginia (Road), Notre Dame (Jacksonville, FL)
Who’ll beat them: LSU (Road), Georgia Tech (Road)
When they Pass: Wide receivers Josh Morgan and Eddie Royal are talented seniors who should make plays for the Hokies, but they won’t unless newcomer quarterback Sean Glennon can get them and not the opposing team’s secondary the ball. Glennon’s development is THE key to Virginia Tech’s success in 2007 as the other pieces are definitely there.
When they Run: Branden Ore is one of the nation’s best and will win games if Frank Beamer is reluctant to put the game plan on Glennon’s arm. Ore isn’t as flashy as he is productive all the middle. This between the tackles clock eater will frustrate opposing teams late in close games.
When their Opponents Run: Five of the front seven return from a suffocating run defense.
When their Opponents Pass: Defensive coordinator Bud Foster’s blitzing style will disrupt quarterbacks with a pass rush that could actually improve the nations best pass defense in 2007. This is what makes the Hokies early game against LSU so interesting and the key game to possible national championship hopes.
When they Kick: Jud Dunleavy is a new starter but a senior. Beamerball is centered around strong special teams and I can only assume this is an area highly addressed in spring practice and training camp.
When they call Timeout: Beamer and Foster are some of the best minds in college football and have been in Blacksburg for a long time. Someone is at least going to give Foster a look at a head coaching job. These two are part of a strong staff that should lead Virginia Tech to an inspirational season.
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