The norm for Virginia Tech is double digit wins, a trip to the ACC Title game, and a nice bowl game. Last year was no exception, going 11-3, losing in the ACC Title game, and appearing in the Sugar Bowl. This year presents a different challenge, as only three starters return from an offense that averaged about 28 points per game and 413 yards of offense.
Offense
One of those three starters back is going to be asked to do a lot of the Hokies this year. And that's Logan Thomas. He and his 6-6, 262 pound frame are going to be relied on to carry the offense literally and figuratively. He was a bit inconsistent throwing, completing 59.8% of his passes for 3013 yards, with 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Obviously, because of his stature, his rushing ability is a valuable asset. He ran for 469 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Let's be honest: this is a run first team. In 12 of their 14 games last year, the Hokies ran the ball at least 40 times. It helped to have a guy like David Wilson in the backfield. Unfortunately, Wilson is gone to the NFL, and what's left has little to no experience. Because the Hokies run the ball so much, they will use a couple of running backs. Michael Holmes, a redshirt freshman, and Tony Gregory, with all of 27 yards rushing last season, are expected to see the bulk of the work. Look for senior Joey Phillips to plow the way when the Hokies use a fullback.
Just like at running back, there isn't a lot of starting experience at wide receiver. But one of the three starters returning is here at wide receiver. Marcus Davis led the Hokies in yards per reception at 17.0, and was third in yards with 510, to go along with 30 receptions. On the other side, D.J. Coles did start three games, catching 36 passes for 480 yards. He did have some offseason surgery, but should be good to go for the opener. When the Hokies go to three receiver sets, look for Dyrell Roberts to get on the field. Eric Martin will start at tight end. Tight ends aren't used much in the Hokies passing game, but are used a lot as blockers in the running game.
There is a massive overhaul of the offensive line this year. Only one starter returns, and the line totals 17 career starts. The one starter who does return is center Andrew Miller. He is far and away the most experienced member of the offensive line, with 14 of the 17 career starts coming from him last year. David Wang and Brent Benedict are the starters at the guards. Wang missed most of the last year due to injury, and Benedict is a transfer from Georgia. Nick Becton and Vinston Painter. Becton did play some last year in spot duty, and Painter is a senior who has played in 19 career games.
Defense
Unlike the offense, the defense is loaded with experience. It returns nine starters are on what is one of the two best in the conference. The defense sacked the quarterback 41 times last year, the most since 2007. The defense also only allowed 3.2 yards per carry, the lowest since 2008. And guess what? The entire defensive line returns. James Gayle led the team with seven sacks, and was second on the team with 20 QB hits. J.R. Collins was second on the team with six sacks , and led the team with 29 QB hits. He also had 57 tackles. In the middle, Derrick Hopkins and Antoine Hopkins are brothers who will clog the middle.
All three linebackers return this year, led by Tariq Edwards, who does a little bit of everything. Edwards was third on the team with 71 tackles, and contributed 3.5 sacks, and two interceptions. Bruce Taylor contributed 53 tackles, five sacks, and 16 QB hits. Jeron Gouveia-Winslow is a long name, but he was not able to contribute much last season due to injury. He only played in six games and had nine tackles.
The constant pressure put on by the Hokies leads to a low pass completion percentage, along with a lot of turnovers. Hokies opponents completed less than 50% of their passes for the second time in three years last year. Having an all around threat like Antone Exum is very helpful. He led the team in tackles with 89, and had 1.5 sacks, along with 10 pass break ups, which was second on the team. Kyle Fuller is also coming off of a really good season. Fuller was fourth on the team with 65 tackles, to go along with 4.5 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, seven pass break ups, and two interceptions. I've said a lot of good stuff about the secondary, so I should point out that the safeties are relative inexperienced. Detrick Bonner started four games last year, and played in 13 games. Kyshoen Jarrett played sparingly as a freshman, and there's a lot of buzz around him this year.
Special Teams
If there is a weak spot on the Hokies, this is it. The Hokies went through two kickers and three punters (if you count wide receiver Danny Coale) last year. The hope is this spot will be a lot more consistent this year. Cody Journell did go 14-17 on field goals, with a long of 42 last year. He should be improved this year. Punting duties are a little more up in the air. Look for freshman A.J. Hughes to handle those duties. There will be some changes in the return game, as Dyrell Roberts will handle the majority of the kick returns, and Kyshoen Jarrett will handle the punt return duties.
Fun Fact
Over the last 10 years, Virginia Tech is 37-12 on the road, easily the best road record in the conference. In fact, they have not lost a road game since they lost to Georgia Tech in October, 2009. Oddly enough, the Hokies have lost three times at home in that span.
Will's Prediction
This looks a team that is going to rely on Logan Thomas and the defense, so keeping him healthy is the absolute key to the Hokies season. The talent at running back is very unproven, along with the offensive line. The Hokies defense should improve on some very impressive numbers from last year. With so much returning, there is little reason to doubt that. And we all know how in unison Frank Beamer and Bud Foster are. We will know a lot about the Hokies in week one against Georgia Tech. After that, the schedule is pretty manageable. Despite that inexperience on offense, I still think the Hokies are the favorite to return to the ACC Championship game.
Twitter: @WillsWorldMN
