At a Glance
|
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
THE BIG GAME
Sept. 27 at Nebraska
Nonconference, geographically diverse games such as this are further entrenching the Hokies as a power. Virginia Tech has more talent by far -- aside from running back Marlon Lucky, the only thing remotely reminiscent of Nebraska's glory years is its uniforms. Still, the challenge presented by Memorial Stadium's frenzied crowd, in Coach Bo Pelini's first major test, will be immense. The Hokies will get their second taste of Pelini in as many seasons. Last year, as LSU's defensive coordinator, he concocted the scheme that led to the Tigers' 48-7 rout. Fortunately for the Hokies, Pelini inherited players who allowed 37.9 points per game last season, 114th in the nation.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
· CB Victor "Macho" Harris, Sr., above: The face of Virginia Tech football this season might become a first-team all-American while also seeing spot duty at wide receiver.
· FS Kam Chancellor, Jr.: The high school quarterback has become the Hokies' best athlete.
· G Sergio Render, Jr.: A starter since his freshman season, he'll be one the nation's best guards.
· LB Cam Martin, Jr.: The only returning starter at linebacker excels at Virginia Tech's unique "whip" position because of his ability to blanket receivers and menace quarterbacks.
· DE Jason Worilds, So.: After seeing time last season as Chris Ellis's understudy, Worilds might become the ACC's next pass-rushing star.
BIGGEST SHOES TO FILL
Brett Warren, above, and Purnell Sturdivant
Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi gave the Hokies their defensive identity for three seasons, one a cannonball run-stopper, the other a sideline-to-sideline hazard for opposing offenses. With both departed, Warren will anchor the Hokies in the middle, Hall's former spot, while Sturdivant takes over for Adibi at outside linebacker. Warren, the son of former Redskins tight end Don Warren, performed well when Hall was injured last season but must improve in pass coverage. Sturdivant showed a penchant for big plays during spotty playing time last season. Defensive coordinator Bud Foster said Sturdivant is a great player who happened to be stuck behind a better one for two seasons.
