No. 8 Virginia Tech Hokies

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After two years of hand-wringing, two-headed quarterback talk and will-he-or-won’t-he questions, the Hokie offense finally belongs to Tyrod Taylor. We all know the junior can run, but can he pass? After he threw for two TDs and tossed seven interceptions last year, nobody can be sure. But if Taylor gets the Hokie spread down, and proves he can toss it to the right team, the ACC had better look out.

Tech’s ground game will be robust, thanks to Taylor and sophomore Darren Evans, who gained 1,265 yards last year. The line is stout, and all of last year’s top receivers are back. The defense, which is always VT’s calling card, has to replace corner Macho Harris, and the linebackers are kind of young. But since when can’t the Hokies stop people? Defensive end Jason Worilds is an All-America type, while cornerback Stephan Virgil picked off six passes last year.

As always, the Hokies’ special teams are among the best around. If they aren’t blocking kicks, then they’re returning them for big yardage or just scaring the hell out of rival kickers and punters.

This could be a fine Tech team, but it may not make the national noise it would like, thanks to a nasty non-conference schedule. While some schools are loading up on FCS opponents and Sun Belt schools, the Hokies play both Alabama (in Atlanta) and Nebraska (at home). And that Thursday night trip to East Carolina won’t be too much fun, either.

Then again, if Taylor gets it going, Tech could be doing a lot of celebrating.

This and That

Clear Skies Tyrod Taylor threw two touchdown passes last season, the fewest in a season by a quarterback who has led Tech in passing yards since Steve Casey threw two in 1978.

Pound The Rock Virginia Tech scored 17 more touchdowns on the ground (23) than through the air (six) last season. Darren Evans led the way with 11.

Promising Assistant Tech coach Frank Beamer is known for having continuity on his staff, and defensive backs coach Torrian Gray is the rising star of the current group. Gray, 35, played at Tech from 1992-96 and is in his fourth season as Beamer’s secondary coach. Under Gray, the Hokies have ranked first, 31st and 16th nationally in passing defense and 15th, eighth and eighth in interceptions.

Fundamentals An opposing ACC assistant coach's analysis of the Hokies: "They’re not going to beat themselves on offense or be flashy. They’ll take a three-and-out and punt on you in a heartbeat and won’t mind it a bit. Great defense, field position, kicking game and turnovers."

Virginia Tech Superlatives

OL Sergio Render is named Second-Team All-America and First-Team All-ACC.

S Kam Chancellor is named Third-Team All-America and First-Team All-ACC.

TE Greg Boone and DL Jason Worilds (pictured) are named First-Team All-ACC.

RB Darren Evans and CB Stephan Virgil are named Second-Team All-ACC.

LB Cam Martin, S Dorian Porch, P Brent Bowden and KR Dyrell Roberts join the All-ACC Third Team.

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