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Updated: August 18, 5:41 PM ET Hokies have what it takes to topple Miami By Jorge Milian Special to ESPN.com |
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Virginia Tech Hokies
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Coach: Frank Beamer (117-69-2, 17th season) 2002 overall record: 10-4 Conference record: 3-4 Returning starters Offense: 7, Defense: 9, Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Lee Suggs (1,325 yds) Passing: Bryan Randall* (2,134 yds) Receiving: Ernest Wilford* (925 yds) Tackles: Mikal Baaqee* (112) Sacks: Nathaniel Adibi* and Cols Colas* (9 each) Interceptions: Garnell Wilds* (5) Outlook: Normally, it's the football season that has coaches checking their heart rates. For Frank Beamer, the offseason provided far more stress because of the unsettling state of limbo Virginia Tech experienced before officially joining the ACC. Beamer admits the uncertainty played a part in his checking into a hospital to undergo tests on his heart in June. Beamer received a clean bill of health and his football team seems equally fit. Nineteen starters return from a team that began the 2002 season 8-0 before wearing out and collapsing down the stretch. Tailback Kevin Jones, who has the tailback duties all to himself this year, is the key to success. Jones will be running behind three returning starters on the offensive line and also has veteran help at fullback and tight end. Ernest Wilford is one of the Big East's best receivers. The big question on offense is at quarterback. Bryan Randall is the starter, but he'll have to fight off Marcus Vick, who has everyone wondering if he's as good as his older brother. The Hokies should be solid on defense. Ends Cols Colas and Nathaniel Adibi contributed 18 sacks in part-time duty last season. The defensive backfield, led by cornerback DeAngelo Hall, should be solid. Key game: The only thing that might keep Virginia Tech from entering the Miami game on Nov. 1 with a 7-0 record is a Wednesday night meeting with West Virginia in Morgantown on Oct. 22. The West Virginia contest is the start of a three-game stretch for the Hokies that follows with games against Miami and Pittsburgh. Keep an eye on: DeAngelo Hall. The junior is expected to be a three-way player this season. Beamer wants to use Hall in approximately 30 plays a game as a receiver and he could get more if another pass catcher doesn't emerge opposite Wilford. Hall is already a starter at cornerback and is one of the Big East's most dangerous punt returners, having returned two punts for touchdowns last season while averaging 16 yards a return. It's a good year if. . .: The Hokies win the Big East. Since winning the conference in 1999, Virginia Tech has followed by finishing second (2000), third (2001) and fourth (2002). That downward trend should cease this season, especially if either Bryan Randall or Marcus Vick solidify the quarterback position. Jorge Milian covers the Big East for the Palm Beach Post.
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