Virginia Tech Hokies
Atlantic Coast Conference
Coming off of last year’s highly successful Orange Bowl season, Virginia Tech is steady as ever. Frank Beamer, now FBS football’s longest-tenured coach, has once again put his squad in position to win the conference title. They have had up and down performances all season with the implementation of a new quarterback, but they have prevailed more often than not. A strong running attack and typically ferocious defense have led Virginia Tech in 2011. Quarterback Logan Thomas has kept the train on the tracks. This year, the Hokies hope to get a little redemption after the dismantling by Stanford in Miami last year by a score of 40-12.
2011 Record: 11-2, 7-2
Last Bowl Appearance: 2010 Orange Bowl vs. Stanford (L 12-40)
Big Wins: 11/10 Georgia Tech (37-26), 11/17 North Carolina (24-21)
Bad Losses: 10/1 Clemson (3-23), 12/3 vs. Clemson (10-38)
Coach: Frank Beamer (209-97-2 at Virginia Tech, 209-97-2 overall)
Bowl Record: 8-10 at Virginia Tech, 8-10 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Bryan Stinespring
Defensive Coordinator: Bud Foster
Strengths:
This year especially, Virginia Tech has relied on its defense to lead the way. They are in the top ten nationally in scoring defense at 15.50 points allowed per game. They are right behind Florida State in the ACC in total defense. Star cornerback Jayron Hosely and his teammates lead the conference in pass efficiency defense, only giving up a little over 100 yards per game. They pressure the quarterback well, and are tied for eighth in the nation in sack total. Their rushing attack has been nothing short of spectacular. They have a stud in David Wilson, who averages 125.2 yards per game. He only trails the triple-option of Georgia Tech in total rushing in the ACC. Quarterback Logan Thomas carries some of the load himself. He has accounted for ten rushing touchdowns. With this two-pronged attack, the offensive line is the unsung group of this offense. They give up less than a sack per game and rank nationally in the top 25 in that category.
Weaknesses:
Beamer Ball has always been hard-nosed football. Pound the rock on the ground and hit the opponent in the mouth. Be feisty and opportunistic on special teams. This year, Virginia Tech’s special teams are not great in any regard. They are dead last in the ACC in punting the ball (32.2 yards per game) and they only return kicks 19.3 yards per attempt. If they had a less talented team, this would be a greater cause for concern. In a one game situation, though, it is things like special teams play that make the difference and Tech has been bad all year. The passing game could stand to improve a little as well. While Logan Thomas has played well as a first year starter, he hasn’t been spectacular. The offense is ranked in the lower half of the conference in pass efficiency. There have been times this season when Tech has had a problem finding the end zone despite their strong rushing attack. They are only 44th in the country in scoring (30.1 points per game).
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: David Wilson, RB, 1,627 yards
Passing: Logan Thomas, QB, 2,799 yards
Receiving: Danny Coale, WR, 787 yards
Tackles: Antone Exum, S, 85
Sacks: James Gayle, DE, 7.0
Interceptions: Jayron Hosley, CB, 3
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 199.75 (26, 2)
Passing Offense: 223.17 (67, 9)
Total Offense: 422.92 (36, 3)
Scoring Offense: 30.08 (44, 4)
Rushing Defense: 98.67 (9, 2)
Pass Defense: 203.33 (40, 5)
Total Defense: 302.00 (12, 2)
Scoring Defense: 15.50 (7, 2)
Turnover Margin: .75 (17, 2)
Sacks: 3.08 (8, 1)
Sacks Allowed: 1.08 (19, 1)
