Silent Killers: Virginia Tech Hokies

If this season has proven anything, it is that these Hokies are no hoax.  By Ron Schiltz

     

(AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)

When the experts talk about the ACC football conference, the first things that come to mind are unbeaten Clemson, surprising Wake Forest and Florida State’s collapse. But they are forgetting one team in that talk: Virginia Tech. The Hokies are quietly 7-1 and #12 in the BCS standings. They are also leading the Coastal Division of the ACC with a 3-1 record in conference play, their only loss coming against undefeated Clemson. 

     Now many people say that the Hokies haven’t beaten any good teams yet, and they lost to their only ranked opponent in Clemson. But Tech has won five of its seven wins by at least two touchdowns, including a 38-17 beating of the aforementioned Wake Forest, a team that is second in the Atlantic Division to Clemson.
     Virginia Tech is in the top 50 in almost all statistical categories; including 42nd in the nation in points for with 31 average points per game. The real story of the Hokies comes on defense though, they are ranked 10th in points against with 16 points per game. This is heart of this Virginia Tech team. Tough, rough and tumbled, raw defense.
     Sophomore linebacker Tariq Edwards leads the team with 12 tackles for a loss in their eight games. Although the Hokies lost their leading tackler in linebacker Bruce Taylor, there are many more reserves ready to step in and bash some running backs. This loss may have an effect on the defense but it won’t hinder them too much. The Hokies have a very well rounded defense that will be able to bounce back.
     The newly adjusted defense will have a chance to make amends for missing Taylor against lowly 3-4 Duke this weekend, a team they should handily beat. The Hokies are a team to look out for and come ACC playoff time, they are the best chance the conference has to knock off the big leader, Clemson.