Not much really changes this year for head coach Frank Beamer, now in his 21st season at the Hokie helm. Most of the talent on offense remains steady; only the young, reshuffled line might require time to gel for Tech to reestablish the superior running game that usually defines Beamer’s ball moving machines. The defense has only a few spots to fill before it likely returns to its top form from ’06. Again, they will be able to carry the offense if needed. Both kicking jobs turn over, and Beamer’s superior special teams have some work to do if they want to stay that way. Otherwise, bouncing back from last year’s bowl loss to a struggling Georgia offense is all this Tech team needs to do to keep their momentum going. The key difference this year is that the Hokies don’t start with three or four easy opponents like they have of late – going to Baton Rouge in week two means Tech finally earns its early rankings. Last year saw Tech, like usual, start great against some cakewalk opponents only to then go down hill once the (tougher part of the) conference slate hit. Getting his team going for an early-season showdown with another elite program will allow Beamer to kick-start the ‘can do’ attitude in Blacksburg much sooner than usual. To their favor, three of their toughest five foes come to Lane Stadium from late October through the regular season finale. Tech has the wares and the schedule to make a serious run at the BCS and a spot in the title game, but until the struggles of both their still-maturing QB and a developing running game are sorted out, this will be another year of coulda-woulda-shoulda in western VA due to at least one or two poignant losses.

Special Note: In the wake of the school’s tragedy, Virginia Tech canceled its spring football game to focus on matters directly pertaining to the situation. Frank Beamer, who was born and raised an hour from his alma mater, was direct but sensitive in the wake of the events. "What I'd like to see now is all people, all people associated with Virginia Tech, come together and become stronger than ever as a university, with more caring, loving and respect for one another than ever before. And that's what I think we'll do."

In times like these, the best step forward and make something this negative into a personal learning experience so all can be stronger for having dealt with it…and that is what we expect Beamer and the school to resolve from a forced situation. When dealing with life changing situations like this, shock may affect the immediate proceedings, but when led by the fortitude of upstanding men and leaders like Beamer, the longterm affect is just what coach said…to become even more loving and caring toward each other through a reflection of strength.

We have no doubt that Beamer and his staff will lead the school into the fall with football as its usual compass, but this time with the cheers of an entire nation supporting the abundant humanity that already comes together to create the ‘lunch pail toting’ Hokies. The upcoming season will hopefully redefine the greatness of this school’s legacy through its involved community and their evident courage, as well as through its excellence in sports.

Passing: Sean Glennon, 170-302-11, 2191 yds., 11 TD

Rushing: Branden Ore, 241 att., 1137 yds., 16 TD

Receiving: Josh Morgan, 33 rec., 448 yds., 4 TD

Scoring: Branden Ore, 17 TD, 102 pts.

Punting: None

Kicking: None

Tackles: Vince Hall, 128 tot., 61 solo

Sacks: Chris Ellis, 4.5 sacks

Interceptions: Victor Harris, 4 for 75 yds., 1 TD

Kickoff Returns: Eddie Royal, 19 ret., 22.7 avg., 0 TD

Punt Returns: Eddie Royal, 23 ret., 13.2 avg., 1 TD

WR/KR/PR Eddie Royal

LB Vince Hall