2008 Virginia Tech Football Picks & Predictions

If another team wants to rise to the top in the ACC Coastal Division, now is the time to do so as the Hokies are inexperienced at key positions and play their toughest games of the road. But it always seems like Frank Beamer’s teams are at their best when the least is expected. Still, a fifth straight 10-win season appears to be a long shot. Is there another team out there that can keep the Hokies from ruling the Coastal Division again? Find out in Jimmy Boyd’s 2008 Virginia Tech Hokies predictions and season preview. The Hokies are listed at 5/2 odds at BodogLife.com to win the ACC.

Offense

The Hokies took big hits at the wide receiver spot due to graduation and now they have waved goodbye to running back Brandon Ore, who carried the offense in 2006, due to off the field issues. Tack on the graduation of left tackle and top offensive lineman Duane Brown and there are major questions as to whether the Hokies will be able to move the football. I know that Frank Beamer is counting his lucky stars over having experience at QB at least. Senior Sean Glennon and sophomore Tyrod Taylor are expected to split time again. Glennon is the passer and Taylor is the runner. This dual-threat worked like a charm in last season’s November run. Junior wide receiver Brandon Dillard could emerge as the number one receiving option. He has world class speed, but needs to show more consistency with his hands. Still, his 4.28 40-time figures to be able to stretch the defense. Beamer may turn to his experienced tight end corps of Sam Wheeler and Greg Boone more in 2008. The two combined for 26 catches last season and could double that production is easily if their number is called. It looks like freshman Darren Evans or Josh Oglesby will take over at tailback. Will the Hokies have enough offensive punch to contend for a national title? If you think so, they are a great value bet at 40-1 odds to win the BCS Championship at BodogLife.com.

Defense

With just 4 returning starters, we can’t expect the Hokies to put the same defense on the field that ranked 4th in the nation in total defense, 3rd in scoring defense, and 5th in rushing defense in 2007. Players will have to step up to fill key losses at defensive tackle and linebacker. The coaching staff hopes that Cordarrow “Taco” Thompson is ready to star as a run stuffer up the middle the way Carlton Powell and Barry Booker did. He has dropped some of his 334 pounds and looks like he could be a solid contributor. Brett Watson appears ready to replace Vince Hall at linebacker Purnell Sturdivant will step into the other linebacker spot. Even if these two play well, a dropoff is inevitable. The secondary was the weakest unit on the defense in 2007, but it looks like it will be the strongest this season. VA Tech wasn’t bad against the pass last season though, ranking 31st nationally. With the last minute return of cornerback Victor “Macho” Harris, who nearly followed Brandon Flowers to the NFL, the Hokies retain a big play threat and a lockdown corner. Kam Chancellor gives the Hokies a big time hitter at the free safety spot.

Special Teams

Punter Brett Bowden is one of the best in the business with a booming 42.5 average. The place kicking game could be a bit suspect as it falls in the hands of red shirt senior Dustin Keys.

Prediction – 1st ACC Coastal

The Hokies are down, but so is Miami, Georgia Tech, and Virginia. That means that Frank Beamer’s team should still rise to the top of the ACC Coastal in a rebuilding year with a chance to play for the ACC crown. Bet VA Tech to win the ACC at 5-2 odds at BodogLife sportsbook.

Jimmy Boyd’s college football picks will keep you kicking the sportsbooks all season long. Jimmy urges you to check out all of his 2008 NCAA Football predictions to get the skinny on all the major conference teams prior to the start of the season. You can Guarantee yourself a winning season of beating the football odds by signing up for Jimmy’s picks package!

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