2007 record: 11-2, 7-1 (1st in ACC Coastal)  
2007 bowl: Lost to Kansas 24-21 in Orange Bowl
2007 final AP/coaches' ranking: 9/9
Coach: Frank Beamer (167-85-2, 22 years; 209-108-4 overall)
Offensive coordinator: Bryan Stinespring (3rd year)
Defensive coordinator: Bud Foster (14th year)
Returning offensive starters: 6
Returning defensive starters: 4
Location: Blacksburg, Va.
Stadium: Lane Stadium (grass, 65,115)
Last league title: 2007
2008 schedule: [view]
2007 statistics: [view]

Offensive: Virginia Tech has two capable quarterbacks — senior Sean Glennon is the better passer, while sophomore Tyrod Taylor is a running threat — but it is on the lookout for playmakers. The offense took a major hit when running back Branden Ore was kicked off the team in March. With the receiving corps already in rebuilding mode, that opens the door — wide — for opportunity at the skill positions. Tailback might fall to a freshman, either Darren Evans or Josh Oglesby. Junior wide receiver Brandon Dillard, who runs 4.28 in the 40, is the most promising pass-catching candidate. At least there is better news on the offensive line, where four starters return. Junior Ed Wang is moving from right tackle to left tackle, replacing the departed Duane Brown, a first-round pick.

Defensive: The secondary has two stars to build around — senior cornerback Victor “Macho’’ Harris and junior free safety Kam Chancellor, a bone-rattling hitter. But elsewhere? There is legitimate concern. Strength up the middle, normally Virginia Tech’s calling card, has been decimated by departures. The Hokies are counting on seniors Brett Warren and Purnell Sturdivant to come through at linebacker. On the defensive line, sophomore Jason Worilds is an up-and-coming player at end, who could complement senior Orion Martin.

Specialists: By the time you read this sentence, the Hokies will have blocked another kick. OK, not really. But you get the idea. Virginia Tech takes immense pride in its special-teams play. Junior punter Brent Bowden, who averaged 42.5 yards and had only 27 of his 88 punts returned, is a weapon. Senior Dustin Keys is the new place-kicker. Harris, a wonderful open-field runner, figures to lead the return game.

Coaching: Long ago, in a galaxy far away, Frank Beamer was 24-40 at Virginia Tech. Many fans called for his firing. Now Beamer stands as the ACC’s coaching gold standard. Consistent contention for a national championship might be a stretch, but Beamer’s Hokies have clearly been the ACC’s team to beat ever since they joined the league.

Heisman Hopefuls: Hokies have more blue-collar athletes than marquee performers.

Game of the year Sept. 20 at North Carolina This might be Virginia Tech’s greatest challenge in the ACC Coastal Division. Butch Davis has the Tar Heels on the move, and they provided a stern challenge last season (VT won 17-10).

Overview: The Hokies should be making their third appearance (out of four years) in the ACC Championship Game, again showing they have quickly matured into the league’s most consistent team. Yet, it’s not a vintage Virginia Tech squad. But the Hokies always manage to build depth and talent, turning would-be rebuilding seasons into serious runs at a championship. This season will provide another example of Beamer’s successful formula.

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