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2009 Virginia Tech College Football Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

va tech 72309 After opening the 2008 season with a loss at East Carolina, it looked like Frank Beamer and his boys could be in for a long season. But, behind a usually strong defense, the Hokies went on to win 10 games, a second straight ACC championship, and the Orange Bowl. Can Virginia Tech make it three straight ACC titles in 2009? Get my prediction in this college football betting preview. Virginia Tech is listed at +2500 to win the 2009 BCS championship at Sportsbook.com.

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Offense – This is the side of the football that has kept the Hokies out of the national championship discussion in recent seasons. Virginia Tech ranked just 90th in the country in scoring offense in 2008, averaging just 22.1 points per game, and 103rd in total offense, gaining just 303.4 yards per contests. In fact, the Hokies have finished with a national ranking of 99th or worse in terms of total offense in each of the last three seasons. With eight offensive starters back, including all the key guys at the skill positions, there is no excuse for not putting up better numbers in 2009. With Sean Glennon gone, quarterback Tyrod Taylor will get the ball full-time. His athletic ability in unquestioned, but he must prove to be a more productive passer to stretch the defense. He threw for 1,036 yards and two touchdowns last season. He must cut down on his interceptions as he was picked off seven times a year ago. To his credit, he was working with a group of freshman wideouts. But now with a year of experience of playing together under their belts, there is no excuse for not jelling. Jarrett Boykin looks to be the best of this young wide receiver crop and he should be joined in the starting lineup with Danny Coale. The Hokies boasted a very solid running attack last season which averaged 174.4 yards per game (35th nationally). It will once again be led by Darren Evans, who broke the school’s freshman rushing record last season when he racked up 1,265 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Defense – The VA Tech defense ranked ninth in the country in scoring defense, allowing only 16.7 points per game, and seventh nationally in total defense, giving up just 279.4 yards per contest. The Hokies have a chemistry on the defensive coaching staff like few other teams in football with defensive coordinator Bud Foster and line coach Charles Wiles entering their 14th season together. These two defensive minds have helped the Hokies rank in the top seven in total defense each of the last five seasons. The Hokies bring back three of four starters on the defensive front and I expect a huge season from end Jason Worilds. He could emerge as the best pass rusher in the league following an eight-sack campaign in 2008. The linebacker corps doesn’t appear in nearly as good shape after losing senior starters Brett Warren and Purnell Sturdivant. Cam Martin is back for a third season as a starter and he will likely be joined by Barquell Rivers and Jake Johnson. With as good as the Hokies are up front, it will help speed up the learning curve of the new linebackers. Tech’s secondary is always dangerous with plenty of guys capable of picking one off and going the distance. Returning starters Stephen Virgil, Dorian Porch, and Kam Chancellor lead this group. Virgil had six picks last season on a Tech squad which finished eight in the nation in that category.

Prediction: 1st ACC Coastal – The Hokies will once again field a strong defense and the offense should be improved. In my book, that means a third straight ACC championship is in the cards, and the Hokies could figure into the BCS championship picture if they can get past Alabama in their season opener. Virginia Tech is listed at +250 to win the ACC title at BetUS.

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