2008 record: 10-4, 5-3 (1st-tie in ACC Coastal)  
2008 bowl: Beat Cincinnati 20-7 in Orange
2008 final AP/coaches' ranking: 15/14
Coach: Frank Beamer (177-89-2, 23rd year)
Offensive coordinator: Bryan Stinespring (4th year)
Defensive coordinator: Bud Foster (15th year)
Returning offensive starters: 9
Returning defensive starters: 7
Location: Blacksburg, Va.
Stadium: Lane Stadium (grass; 65,115)
Last league title: 2008
2009 schedule: [view]
2009 roster: [view]
2008 statistics: [view]

Offensive: It’s time for Virginia Tech’s offense to move forward. For several seasons now, the Hokies seemingly have been stuck in the mud, doing just enough to thrive, usually relying on the defense to pull through in critical situations. The starting quarterback job unquestionably belongs to junior Tyrod Taylor, a mercurial talent who had been occasionally sharing the position. Taylor threw just two touchdown passes last season and a young receiving corps was part of the reason. But those players, particularly sophomores Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale, have grown up. The Huskies suffered a blow at running back when sophomore Darren Evans (1,265 yards, 11 touchdowns) suffered a season-ending knee injury in practice shortly after summer camp opened. There’s enough talent to quit apologizing for a subpar offensive effort, although the offensive line, which has allowed an ACC-high 3.4 sacks per game in the last two seasons, must improve.

Defensive: Expect the defensive line, led by junior Jason Worilds, to stay fresh by rotating several players. The Hokies are blessed with that kind of quality depth. There are more questions at linebacker. Senior Cam Martin begins his third season at starter, but the other spots will fall to underclassmen. The secondary returns three starters, but unfortunately, one of them is not All-American cornerback Victor “Macho’’ Harris, Virginia Tech’s dynamic defensive pace-setter last season. Still, this unit is a strength and senior safety Kam Chancellor will be the leader.

Specialists: This area remains Virginia Tech’s strength of strengths. For the third straight year, the Hokies have a new place-kicker, and it might be a senior, Matt Waldron. Or it could be top recruit Cody Journell. Senior punter Brent Bowden gets the job done. Overall, the organization and emphasis on the kicking game — from returns to field-position punting to kick blocking — continues as a model for every program. 

Coaching: In this modern what-have-you-done-for-me-lately coaching world, Frank Beamer might not have lasted past his early years. But Virginia Tech’s administration was patient as Beamer painstakingly built his program. The rewards have been immense. Beamer’s Hokies have taken over as the ACC’s front-runner. Consistency is usually a given and that’s true on Beamer’s staff, where defensive coordinator Bud Foster, entering his 15th season, is a real gem.

Heisman Hopefuls: Taylor is Virginia Tech’s closest thing to a contender, but he won’t be showcased in a Heisman-like manner.

Game of the year Sept. 5 vs. Alabama at Atlanta It’s a big one for Virginia Tech (the chance for a title-worthy statement) and an even bigger one for the ACC (the beleaguered conference could use a victory against an SEC power).

Overview: Nothing new here. Virginia Tech’s ACC consistency continues to beat like a metronome. The Hokies have won two of the four league championship games (in three appearances) since the ACC expanded to 12 teams. Once again, the Hokies will feature plenty of grit and not so much flash, but that formula has worked in the past and it will work again for what looks like another double-digit victory season.

Next up: No. 14 Oregon

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