FoxSports has VT #13 for preseason...
13. Virginia Tech
2005 Record: 11-2
Why to get excited: If the receiving corps isn't the best in the ACC, it's close with six of the top seven pass catchers returning. The defense, as always, will be amazing with scary-good speed and a back seven that should dominate. PK Brandon Pace and P Nic Schmitt should form one of the best kicking tandems in America. The non-conference schedule, so far, is a breeze with home games against Kent State, Southern Miss, and Cincinnati.
Why to be grouchy: While the program might be better off without Marcus Vick, the team isn't. It'll be a four-way battle for the quarterback job with sophomores Sean Glennon and Cory Holt getting the first look, and redshirt freshmen Greg Boone and Ike Whitaker getting every chance to take over. In other words, there's no appreciable experience coming back, which isn't helped by some major turnover on the offensive line. The defense loses All-America CB Jimmy Williams and pass rushing terror Darryl Tapp.
Why Virginia Tech isn't listed among the national title contenders: There are too many holes to fill to be in the mix for the national title, but the Hokies are a solid quarterback away from being among the favorites for the ACC title.
Realistic, feet-on-the-ground, goal to shoot for: ACC champions The number one thing to work on is: Passing. As solid as Vick was, he never used his receiving corps to its full capacity. While the ground game was so good that the passing attack never had to do much, it'll be a shame to waste such a good receiving corps again. There's no reason the Hokies can't average around 250 yards per game through the air.
Biggest offensive loss: QB Marcus Vick
Biggest defensive loss: CB Jimmy Williams
14. Miami ( |
