The Virginia Tech Hokies finished the 2009 season at 10-3, capping things off with an impressive 37-14 win over the Tennessee Volunteers in their bowl game. The Hokies have now rattled off six straight 10-win seasons, and they'll have an excellent opportunity to make it seven. The key to Virginia Tech's recent success has been a defense that has finished in the top 12 nationally in both scoring and total defense each of the last six years. With only three starters returning from a unit that led the ACC in scoring defense a year ago, that streak could be in jeopardy. The good news is coach Frank Beamer has an offense capable of putting up some big numbers to take pressure off of the "D". But we probably shouldn't be so quick to write off this year's defense. The Hokies lost seven defensive starters following the 2007 season, and they were able to reload in 2008.
Offense: I really like teams that are able to run the football, and Virginia Tech should be one of the very best running teams in the country in 2010. Running the ball opens up big play opportunities in the passing game via play action, and it also eats clock, keeping the defense off the field. Last season, the Hokies ranked No. 2 in the ACC in scoring offense, averaging 31.9 points per game, and the majority of their scores were set up by a strong running attack. In fact, Virginia Tech averaged 208.2 rushing yards per game in 2009 to finish No. 2 in the ACC. The Hokies have one of the best running back duos in the country in Ryan Williams and Darren Evans. Williams was the best running back in the ACC last season, rushing for 1,655 yards and 21 scores. Evans missed 2009 with a knee injury. But we saw what he was capable of in the 2008 season when he broke Virginia Tech's single game rushing record and took home Orange Bowl MVP honors. The Hokies also have the luxury of an experienced signal caller. Senior Tyrod Taylor already has two seasons as a starting quarterback under his belt. There is also plenty of experience in the receiving corps with Jarrett Boykin, Dyrell Roberts and Danny Coale. Boykin is the team's top returning receiver, catching 40 passes for 835 yards and five touchdowns last season. With three of five starting offensive linemen back as well, Virginia Tech figures to be a very dangerous offensive team in 2010.
Defense: Defensive coordinator Bud Foster appears to have his work cut out for himself after losing eight defensive starters. However, he was able to work his magic in 2008 following all the 2007 personnel losses, and I believe he will work some more magic this season. The defensive line should remain stout. Foster is confident in the ability of new starting ends Steven Friday and Chris Drager. Returning defensive tackle John Graves will hold down the interior with Kwamaine Battle and Antoine Hopkins sharing time at the other tackle spot. Top returning tackler Barquell Rivers leads the linebacker unit from his inside linebacker post. He came up big with 96 tackles in 2009. In the back, cornerback Rashard Carmichael is a player to watch. He intercepted six passes last season.
Prediction: 1st ACC Coastal - The Hokies have a running game capable of controlling the clock week in and week out, and that makes them a very tough team to beat in 2010. Expect Virginia Tech to get back to the ACC title game this season. College football odds makers have listed Virginia Tech at +225 to win the ACC Coastal.
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