12/8/09
Strong defense and special teams have become the definitions of Beamer Ball. That combination is about to be put to the test with so much player turnover in these departments. Representing uncertainty more than any foreseeable problems, kicker Matt Waldron and punter Brent Bowden both need replacing. With only five starters returning on the defensive side, job opportunities are readily available, especially in the secondary. The opposite is true for the other side of the football as the Hokies are loaded with skill talent. Tyrod Taylor enters his fourth year as a starter, and did a wonderful job cutting back on the interceptions his junior season. The unstoppable variable of TT’s quick feet will still cause defenders to play on their heels and will keep opening everything else up. Ryan Williams emerged as the Rookie of the Year in the ACC after star running back Darren Evans was lost for the year to injury. The receivers are no longer young freshmen trying to fill other people's shoes, and they run plenty deep. The biggest offensive concern is replacing two All-ACC Blockers (Render and Wang) and two quality tight ends (Boone and Wheeler). Virginia Tech is no longer looked at as the sole team to beat with so many quality ACC Coastal Division foes collectively raising the levels of their programs. With defense and special teams being the biggest question marks, Virginia Tech is going to replenish per usual and should be just fine. Nobody in this league goes to a BCS bowl without having to climb the Blue Ridge Mountains.