2011 Virginia Tech Hokies College Football Expert Predictions, Picks, Vegas Odds and Schedule – Virginia Tech NCAA Football Preview: Although a national title has eluded Frank Beamer and Virginia Tech, there is no denying that the Hokies have been one of the top programs in the nation for the better part of a decade. Last season was no exception as a victory in the ACC title game sent Virginia Tech to yet another BCS bowl. Although the trip ended with an embarrassing 40-12 loss to Stanford, the Hokies finished with another 11-win season, including a perfect 8-0 mark in conference play.
The biggest question mark for Beamer’s bunch this season will be at the quarterback position. After starting for the last four years, dual-threat QB Tyrod Taylor is gone. His replacement will be sophomore Logan Thomas, a converted tight end with athleticism to spare. Thomas will be a load to bring down when he scrambles out of the pocket, but there are serious questions about whether or not he can read a defense and make the tight throws.
He will get a chance to ease into the role thanks to some savvy scheduling on the part of Beamer. The Hokies open the year with four cupcakes, including Arkansas State. Thomas should have ample opportunities to get his feet wet without the fear of one mistake costing Virginia Tech the game. If he plays great, it’s a bonus. If he struggles, the Hokies will still be 4-0 entering the meat of their schedule.
Outside of the loss of Taylor and running back Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech returns a majority of its playmakers on both sides of the ball. Three senior wide receivers should help Thomas adjust to life as a starter, and four senior offensive linemen should keep him upright and give him plenty of time to complete his throws. Eight starters are back on defense, and anyone that has been watching college football in the last 10 years knows that Beamer always puts a top notch unit on the field. Not to mention the fact that Virginia Tech special teams is always among the best in the nation.
Thanks to a lackluster out-of-conference schedule and a muddled ACC, the Hokies have a chance to do some damage once again in 2011-12. The deciding factor will likely be the play of Thomas in the first two conference games of the season when Clemson and Miami come to Blacksburg. Home field advantage is big for the Hokies, but going from cupcakes opponents to the real deal could easily overwhelm Thomas. Road games at Georgia Tech and Virginia late in the season could prove problematic as well.
If Virginia Tech emerges from the Clemson and Miami games undefeated, the Hokies have a chance to run the table and be in the mix for national title consideration. However, Thomas may or may not be ready to handle the pressure of being under center on the big stage. Despite all the pieces that do return, quarterback is one position that can offset all the others. If Thomas isn’t ready, the Hokies will drop some games, and he may have to take a few lumps before he learns how to play the position. With a dedication to defense, special teams and running the ball, the Hokies will be in the mix for an ACC title game appearance. However, they could come up just short this season.
2011 Virginia Tech Hokies College Football Predictions: 9-3 Record
Preseason 2011 Virginia Tech Hokies NCAA Football Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 BCS Championship: +2800
Odds to Win 2011 ACC Champonship: +175
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2011 Virginia Tech Hokies College Football Schedule
Sat, Sep 3 Appalachian State 12:30 pm —
Sat, Sep 10 at East Carolina TBA —
Sat, Sep 17 Arkansas State 4:00 pm —
Sat, Sep 24 at Marshall 3:30 pm —
Sat, Oct 1 Clemson TBA —
Sat, Oct 8 Miami (FL) TBA —
Sat, Oct 15 at Wake Forest TBA —
Sat, Oct 22 Boston College TBA —
Sat, Oct 29 at Duke TBA —
Thu, Nov 10 at Georgia Tech 8:00 pm —
Thu, Nov 17 North Carolina 8:00 pm —
Sat, Nov 26 at Virginia TBA —
Check out NSAwins.com’s official 2011 ACC Football Predictions and Preview article.
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