Virginia Tech Hokies
2000 record: 11-1 (6-1).
Coach: Frank Beamer (15th year, 99-61-2).
Starters returning: 6 offense. 9 defense, 2 kickers.
Outlook: No Michael Vick? No problem. Miami in 1987 and Tennessee in '98 both won a national title the season after their star quarterback was taken No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft. Who's to say the Hokies can't do it, too? The rest of the pieces seem to be in place. Tech boasts one of the best players in the land at both running back (Lee Suggs) and receiver (Andre Davis), and the schedule is basically the same as it was two years ago. The offensive line lacks starting experience but should be strong by the time it needs to be. The new quarterback won't make plays like Vick did, but he won't need to. The offense should be potent enough without all that.
On defense, it should be the same old thing: front seven constantly in the offensive backfield, forcing turnovers and defensive scores; playmakers like Willie Pile in the secondary, making big hits and picking passes. This team has all of the elements necessary to be a contender.
Keep an eye on: DT David Pugh. The trademark of Virginia Tech football is that they can score even when the offense is on the sideline. A dominant defensive line has always been a big reason why. Pugh is an ironman on the inside and very athletic for his size. He spent plenty of time in the faces of quarterbacks last year and showed steady improvement as the season progressed. If you can't block him with just one man, then his teammates become that much better.
Key game: Dec. 1 vs. Miami. The game at Virginia is certainly a potential stumbling block to an undefeated season, but the Hokies should be playing for a conference title when they host the Hurricanes on the final day of the regular season. Even with one prior Big East loss, Tech would still likely be playing for a BCS bid.
It's a good year if...The Hokies finish in the Top 10. Many people forget that Virginia Tech arrived on the national scene before Michael Vick did, so a lot of those pundits are expecting the program to disappear now that he is gone. A lofty finish in the rankings would serve as a credit to Frank Beamer's coaching ability and a sign of strength for what he has built in Blacksburg.
Brad Edwards is a college football researcher for ESPN.
| |
|
