2014-15 Football – (ACC) – Hokies Preview
There are whispers that coach Frank Beamer is losing his touch because after 8 seasons with 10 or more wins they have won 7 and 8 the last two seasons.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Head Coach: Frank Beamer
2013 Record: 8-5
Gambling Odds to win National Championship: 200/1
Gambling Odds to win (ACC): 12/1
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I think that is a little premature and the results have been more about what happens when you have disappointing performances at the quarterback position. This year there is a chance to get back the level we have become accustomed to in Blacksburg.
Any one of 4 teams could win the coastal this season and the Hokies are in that mix.
Strengths:
Virginia Tech returns only 4 starters on defense but their reputation and the work of coordinator Bud Foster speaks for itself. 6 seniors are projected to be starters this season and even though half of those will be taking on that role for the first time I am confident that the Hokies can once again have a top 15 defense.
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The backbone of the defense last season was its secondary and that is where the Hokies have the most talent returning. This group is led by Kendall Fuller who is considered the best cover corner in the ACC. He and Kyshoen Jarrett both earned preseason All-ACC recognition and will make it hard for teams to pass against VT.
Being one dimensional on offense is exactly what Foster wants.
Trey Edmunds, just a sophomore, has the look of the next great VT tailback. He is big and strong and fast and reminds me of Kevin Jones, who was a terror on campus but whose NFL career never quite panned out.
Edmunds is just the lead dog in a stable of quality backs who will tote the rock for the Hokies.
Weaknesses:
Projected QB Michael Brewer comes to VT from Texas Tech so he should be well schooled in throwing the ball. However, he has little game experience and is not nearly the physical presence that Logan Thomas was. He will need to get extra protection as he is also slight of build.
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VT is not generally a transfer target so we will see how this plays out.
If the defense fails it will be because there is just too much inexperience up front. In the front seven only one starter returns. On the defensive line I am concerned that there is just not enough bulk to hold at the point of attack. Only one linemen weighs more than 260 pounds.
Everyone is going to have to be really active.
The last couple of years the offensive line has really disappointed. It is almost as if they knew Thomas could take a shot so they weren’t as precise.
If they are not better this season, both opening up holed in the running game and protecting Brewer it won’t make a difference how strong the defense is.
Gambling Prediction: 7-5
2014 Hokies Schedule
- Aug 30 – William & Mary
- Sep 6 – @Ohio State
- Sep 13 – East Carolina
- Sep 20 – Georgia Tech
- Sep 27 – Western Michigan
- Oct 4 – @North Carolina
- Oct 16 – @Pittsburgh
- Oct 23 – Miami
- Nov 1 – Boston College
- Nov 15 – @Duke
- Nov 22 – @ Wake Forest
- Nov 28 – Virginia
I have faith in Beamer-Ball but I think this is going to be another lean year for the Hokies.
The first two thirds of the season is going to be tough but they should win their final 4 games to become bowl eligible so don’t forget about them.
Look to get on their side throughout the month of November and this team should be back to familiar heights in 2015 when a lot of their underclassmen (8 frosh/soph are expected to start). Will be that much more ready.
