GAME #3-SAT. SEPTEMBER 29th-FedExFIELD-TIME: TBA
Head Coach: Frank Beamer-25th Season
2011 Record: 11-3 overall, 7-1 ACC
Previous Meetings: Virginia Tech leads the all-time series at 5 wins against 4 losses. The two haven’t played since the 2009 season, in which Virginia Tech beat the bearcats in The Orange Bowl, 20-7.
Virginia Tech’s Key Games
Sept. 3rd vs. Georgia Tech
Sept. 15th at Pittsburgh
Sept. 29th at Cincinnati
Oct. 20th at Clemson
Nov. 24th vs. Virginia
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Offense: You can’t talk about Virginia Tech’s offense without bringing up returning quarterback Logan Thomas. Not only did Thomas break Virginia Tech’s season record for total yards in a season at 3,482, he led them to another ACC Coastal Division title, their fifth in seven years. While the loss of star running back David Wilson will hurt, redshirt freshmen Michael Holmes looks to take his place in the long line of star Virginia Tech running backs. The receiving core is breaking in a few new starters, but do return some experience, led by senior Dyrell Roberts and his 63 career receptions.
Defense: The defensive line will look to lead Virginia Tech’s vaunted D in the 2012 season. The Hokies return every starter on their defensive line, including two All-ACC defensive ends in Juniors J.R. Collins and James Gayle. Similar to the D-line, the Hokies return all 3 starters at linebacker, led by junior Tariq Edwards and his 11.5 tackles for loss. The secondary will be led by junior Kyle Fuller, who has NFL scouts drooling over his potential after compiling 14.5 tackles for loss at the cornerback position.
OVERALL
It’s hard to think about ACC football and not include Virginia Tech and their vaunted “Beamer Ball” style of play, which preaches tough, disciplined defense and a well-coached special teams unit. Returning quarterback Logan Thomas will help to anchor an offense that lost one of the top running backs in the nation, David Wilson, to the NFL.
While losing Wilson may sting a little early, expect the ACC Coastal Division to go through Virginia Tech again, making it their sixth in eight years, and adding another superlative to the already brilliant career of head coach Frank Beamer.