Game of the Week: Alabama vs. Virgnia Tech

By CHRISTOPHER MOGOLLON

The road to the National Championship begins this Saturday, as the fourth ranked Alabama Crimson Tide meet ninth ranked Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff game in Atlanta, Georgia. These two teams haven’t met in the regular season since 1979, and renew an old rivalry with both teams’ title hopes already on the line. The Tide are desperate to start the season rolling after finishing what was once an undefeated regular season with loses in their final two games of 2008. They’re expected to be title contenders again. Virginia Tech has a chance to really put themselves in the driver’s seat for the rest of the year by knocking off a highly-ranked SEC team. If they want to end up in the title hunt, they’re going to have to run the table and a victory over Alabama would be a giant first step. College football may not have a playoff bracket, but this might as well be the first round.

When the Tide has the ball

The main two offensive concerns coming into the season are replacing a three-year starter at quarterback (John Parker Wilson) and two big pieces on the offensive line (Andre Smith and Antoine Caldwell). Quarterback Greg McElroy is untested, but he’ll be taking a difficult exam this weekend. So far he’s received praise for his leadership skills. He wasn’t exactly highly touted coming out of high school but the coaches believe they have a smart and efficient quarterback. The big-play threat is sophomore receiver Julio Jones. The 6’ 4” difference-maker was the go-to guy last year for Alabama as a true freshman, leading the team with 58 receptions for 924 yards. Mark Ingram rushed for 728 yards and a whopping 12 touchdowns in his freshman season, and he’ll lead the ground game for the Tide. Expect to see some carries also for senior Roy Upchurch and true freshman Trent Richardson. If Virginia Tech loads up to stop Jones, Alabama will lean on senior wide out Mike McCoy and speedy sophomore Marquis Maze to take advantage. Tight end Collin Peek (a Georgia Tech transfer) makes his Alabama debut–he could potentially have a big receiving game.

The staple of Virginia Tech’s defensive success has been their secondary and this year should be no exception. Seniors Stephan Virgil (CB) and Kam Chancellor (S) lead an experienced unit. Virgil is a do-it-all player—he can tackle, cover, and make plays on the ball. He led the team last year with six interceptions. Watching him match up with Jones one-on-one will be very interesting. Chancellor struggled at the beginning of last season, but the way he finished 2008 has the Hokies expecting a big 2009. Tech also returns their top pass rushers from a year ago. Despite playing with an injured shoulder last year, defensive end Jason Worilds still was all-conference. He finished with eight sacks and is dangerous coming off the edge. The other defensive end, Nekos Brown, is making his third career start, but he has seen action as a back-up. With a new quarterback and offensive line the Hokies’ ability to get pressure on the quarterback could be the key to shutting down Alabama and creating turnovers. Linebacker Cody Grimm provides the Hokies with another pass-rushing threat (7.5 sacks last year). This defense had a tendency to struggle more against teams that ran the ball, and Alabama has dynamic backs that can do some damage to Tech. A key player to reversing that trend could be sophomore linebacker Barquell Rivers, who will be making just his second career start.

When the Hokies have the ball

Yes, he has yet to show any consistency as a passer, but quarterback Tyrod Taylor is a proven playmaker with his legs. He has really struggled when defenses force him to throw the ball. Taylor has improved and there’s no better stage for a breakout than this game against Alabama. If Taylor can make some good throws early, it could open up a chance for him to take off for some major ground gains. At receiver they’re young, but a trio of sophomores all gained experience last season. Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykin led the team last year in receiving. Boykin is the bigger of the two and finished the season strong. Tight end Greg Boone has good size and hands and is someone Taylor can find in big spots. Virginia Tech returns most of their line, led by tackles Black DeChristopher and Ed Wang. This line has a chance to be real good, and will have a test early going against a top opponent. Starting running back Darren Evans is out for the year, and that’s a big loss. The Hokies had the potential of having a terrific rushing attack and they still can run the football, but will have to get production from players originally expected to provide depth. Sophomore Josh Oglesby and red-shirt freshman Ryan Williams are atop the depth chart with Williams the expected starter. Oglesby has been dealing with a right hamstring injury and an infected blister on his left heel while true freshman David Wilson, who was expected to get some carries, has been troubled with a sprained left shoulder. Injuries could determine who gets the bulk of the carries.

Expect the 3-4 defense of Alabama to gear up on the run and force Taylor to throw the ball as much as possible. The run stopping defense will be led by the massive Terrence Cody. The 365-pounder will give the Hokies’ line plenty to deal with; he’s a great run stuffer and has vowed to become a better pass rusher. He and Lorenzo Washington give the front line some experience and size that should match up well against Virginia Tech’s offensive line. Freshman end Kerry Murphy will be shuffled into the lineup and is a youngster to keep an eye on. Linebacker Rolando McClain led the team with 95 tackles last season—be ready to hear his name, as well as that of his partner on the inside, Dont’a Hightower, called out plenty throughout the season. Look for cornerback Javier Arenas to make a big play, with junior Kareem Jackson (CB) and senior Justin Woodall (S) rounding out a dynamic and experienced group in the secondary. Jackson is a 194-pound cornerback that’s been playing since his freshman year.

Final Analysis

Alabama’s run defense will be on point and hold the Virginia Tech running attack to minimal productivity. They will force Taylor to do it all himself—don’t be shocked if he has a couple of electrifying runs but falls short in the end because of the offense’s inability to do anything down field in the passing game. Expect a big game from Ingram for Alabama as the Tide run all the way to a week one victory.

Score: Alabama 23, Virginia Tech 13

Photos Courtesy of Alabama Media Relations & Virginia Tech Athletics Communications

CFI Countdown: #9 Virginia Tech Hokies

2008 Record: 10-4 (ACC 5-3)
Bowl Game: Won Orange Bowl vs. Cincinnati 20-7
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Stadium: Lane Stadium (65,115)
Head Coach: Frank Beamer
Overall: 177-112-4 (29th season)
@ Virginia Tech 177-89-2 (23rd season)
Link to Va. Tech Football Page

Beamerball has been very, very good to the Hokie faithful, particularly over the last five seasons. Virginia Tech has alternated between 10 and 11 wins including three ACC titles and an Orange Bowl victory last season, yet people still talk about Florida St. and Miami like they are the premier programs of the ACC. Despite the reputations of their conference rivals, it’s hard to argue against Virginia Tech being that premier team…especially if they capture another conference crown this season.

When the Hokies Have the Ball

Offensive Coordinator: Bryan Stinespring (4th season)
Scheme: Pro Style Offense
Starters Returning: Seven
Key Losses: C Ryan Shuman, OG Nick Marshman, QB Sean Glennon, RB Darren Evans (Injured)

Junior Tyrod Taylor is back at quarterback. He still possesses a great deal of potential, but it just that—potential. The jury is still out when it comes to his passing skills, but no one can argue with his ability to run the football—he is a legitimate playmaker in the open field. However, they can’t live with Taylor throwing just two touchdown passes in 2009 as he did last season. Taylor should benefit from the experience he gained last season, as well as the fact that he no longer has to look over his shoulder whenever he makes a mistake now that Sean Glennon is gone. The Hokies were very inexperienced at wide receiver last season, but sophomores Jarrett Boykin, Danny Coale, and Dyrell Roberts all received seasoning by being thrown to the fire and should form the nucleus of a solid receiving corps for years to come. Tight end Greg “Wild Turkey” Boone is an impressive athlete for a man of his size. With both tackles back, senior Ed Wang and sophomore Blake DeChristopher, the line should be solid from right to left. DeChristopher has All-American potential. Guard Sergio Render is an All-American candidate himself, having been a contributor in Blacksburg since day one. What was supposed to be a position of strength has turned into a major question mark heading into the season as the Hokies suffered a devastating loss when sophomore tailback Darren Evans went down for the season with a knee injury. The bruising back was a proven commodity. His backup, sophomore Josh Oglesby, is dealing with both a foot infection and a sore hamstring, while senior Kenny Lewis is still working his way back from a torn Achilles tendon. That leaves talented red-shirt freshman Ryan Williams as the man heading into the season.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) OT Black DeChristopher (SO), 2) OT Ed Wang (SR), 3) OG Sergio Render (SR)

When the Other Team Has the Ball

Defensive Coordinator: Bud Foster (15th season)
Scheme: 4-3
Starters Returning: Seven
Key Losses: CB Victor “Macho” Harris, DE Orion Martin, LB Brett Warren, LB Purnell Sturdivant

It should come as no surprise that the school that some are starting to call “DB-U” has a stellar secondary. Stephen Virgil stepped in very nicely for the departed Brandon Flowers last season and this year he takes over at the “boundry” corner for Macho Harris. Virgil is very solid in coverage and has excellent ball skills. There are high hopes for speedy junior Rashad Carmichael on the other side. At one safety spot senior Kam Chancellor is a potential stud, possessing prototypical size and speed. He improved as his junior season went on, showing a better understanding of the game to go along with his vast physical abilities. They are solid at the other safety position as well, with senior Dorian Porch and junior Davon Morgan competing for playing time. They must replace two linebackers, but should be fine with sophomore Barquell Rivers ready to step in and shine. The defensive line is led by all-world pass rusher junior Jason Worilds, who is a speed demon coming off the edge. The rest of the line is solid, but nothing special. It would be nice if another playmaker emerged to complement Worilds.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) S Kam Chancellor (SR), 2) DE Jason Worilds (JR), 3) CB Stephan Virgil (SR)

The Schedule

Out of conference, the Hokies kick off their schedule with Alabama in week one. A win against the Crimson Tide would vault them right into national title contention. They also host Nebraska and make a trip to East Carolina, which is one of their most dangerous games as it comes in November and is sandwiched by a pair of ACC games. In conference, they visit Georgia Tech but host North Carolina—those are their top two challengers in the Coastal Division. Other games to watch include home games against Miami and North Carolina St., as well as visits to Maryland and Virginia to close out the season.

Pivotal Point

You can almost always go with the quarterback. While the Hokies proved last season that they can win the ACC and even a BCS Bowl with shaky quarterback play, it will be a deeper and tougher conference this season. As stated earlier, Taylor must do better than two touchdowns for Tech to fulfill their potential. He has been incredibly inconsistent as a passer and at times, downright dismal. In his defense, he came to Blacksburg very raw and was forced into the fire far before he should have been. If he can make significant progress and become an all-around threat—a big “if”—the Hokies could be one of the best teams in the nation, not just the ACC.

CFI Final Analysis

The Hokies are due to win 11 games in 2009 if the five-year trend is to continue, and that sounds about right. Alabama is a tough way to start the season and it will not be easy to run through the ACC unscathed—not this season. The defense should again be among the best in the nation, with playmakers on the line, the linebacking corps, and in the secondary. But the passing game has a lot to prove and now they are searching for answers at running back as well. It should be another typical Beamer season, which should have them playing on New Year’s Day (or the second).

College Football Insiders Top 25 Countdown:
The Next 25 (26-50) Plus 18 Bowl Teams
#25 West Virginia Mounainteers
#24 Tennessee Volunteers
#23 Clemson Tigers
#22 Pittsburgh Panthers
#21 Michigan St. Spartans
#20 Utah Utes
#19 Oregon Ducks
#18 Florida St. Seminoles
#17 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
#16 Boise St. Broncos
#15 North Carolina Tar Heels
#14 Penn St. Nittany Lions
#13 Mississippi Rebels
#12 Oklahoma St. Cowboys
#11 California Golden Bears
#10 Iowa Hawkeyes

Photos Courtesy of David Knachel, Virginia Tech Athletics Communications

CFI RANKINGS: #25 VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

2007 RECORD: 11-3; ACC: 7-1
Lost Orange Bowl vs. Kansas 24-21
LOCATION: Blacksburg, Virginia
STADIUM: Lane Stadium (66,233)
HEAD COACH: Frank Beamer
OVERALL: 209-108-4 (27 seasons)
AT TECH: 167-85-2 (21 seasons)

The Hokies are coming off a second ACC Title in four years since joining the conference—winning 42 games during that span. They have averaged 10 wins over the last nine years…so why does the 15th ranked team in the Coaches Poll barely crack our rankings? Tech had 11 players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in March (only USC had more with 12) and eight of those players were drafted. That is a lot of talent to lose.

WHEN THE HOKIES HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Bryan Stinespring (7th Season/16th at Tech)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
KEY LOSSES: Duane Brown, Eddie Royal, Josh Morgan, Justin Harper, Branden Ore (TRAN), Josh Hyman, Brandon Dillard (INJ)

Do they have two quarterbacks or no quarterback? That is the question. If Sean Glennon looked mediocre last year, how can he be expected to improve now that his top four pass catchers have used up their eligibility? He had three receivers good enough to get drafted, yet none of the trio reached even 50 receptions or 700 receiving yards. Super soph Tyrod Taylor is the heir apparent, but is he ready for fulltime duty? In addition to the losses at receiver, the Hokies must replace Branden Ore who was “asked to the leave the team” after leading them in rushing the past two seasons. On the line, they return four starters including tackle Ed Wang and guard Sergio Render. They should be better than the group that allowed 53 sacks last season, although left tackle Duane Brown, who was a first round selection by the Houston Texans, must be replaced.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) OT Ed Wang (JR), 2) OT Sergio Render (JR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS THE BALL

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Bud Foster (14th Season/22nd at Tech)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4
KEY LOSSES: Brandon Flowers, Xavier Adibi, Vince Hall. Chris Ellis, Carlton Powell, DJ Parker, Barry Booker

Despite the loss of second round pick Brandon Flowers, the Tech secondary should be just fine. In Victor “Macho” Harris and Kam Chancellor they have arguably the top corner and safety in the ACC. Harris, who put his name into the NFL Draft before deciding to return, is a playmaker who makes opposing quarterbacks look elsewhere when seeking an open receiver. Chancellor is a 6-3, 225-pound speedster and big things are expected from him as he moves from Rover to free safety. There could be problems with the front seven where only the Martin boys return—Orion at defensive end and Cam at outside linebacker. Do they have enough talent to make up for all the losses?

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) CB Macho Harris (SR), 2) FS Kam Chancellor (JR)

THE SCHEDULE

The Hokies start out with three straight at home and close with three of their last four in Blacksburg, but in between must play four of five away from home. Tech travels to Miami, Tallahassee and Chapel Hill, and while the ‘Noles and ‘Canes are marquee names, put a circle around their trip to Carolina—the Heels are the sleeper in the Coastal Division. Out of conference they make a trip to Lincoln, which is never easy. Overall, the schedule should help keep the Hokies ranked—none of their opponents are in the preseason Coaches Poll and they will avoid ACC favorite Clemson…unless they meet in the conference championship game.

PIVOTAL POINT

The Offensive Line: Tech must reestablish their running game and supply better protection for their quarterback—those 53 sacks were the third most in the nation. Wang makes the move to left tackle and the former tight end has the athleticism to protect the blind side, and Render gives them some powerful run blocking at right guard. Red-shirt freshman RT Blake DeChristopher could be a good one. The line needs to stay healthy and play better as a unit.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

Based on what they have coming back, the Hokies are a borderline ranked team. They have earned some benefit of the doubt, however, with their success under Coach Beamer and the stellar defense Bud Foster puts on the field, year-after-year. Tech will compete for the ACC Title and is the team to beat in the Coastal Division. This has as much to do with the sorry state of the ACC as anything else. The schedule is set up nicely and no one would be surprised if by the end of the season, Tech is among the top teams in the nation.

Va. Tech embraces opportunity; Virginia sees it as another game

By HANK KURZ Jr.
AP Sports Writer

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - Virginia coach Al Groh was meeting with the media Tuesday, talking about the No. 16 Cavaliers' game against No. 8 Virginia Tech, when two students who looked like they'd been in a rousing Cheetos fight walked in with an envelope.

``Hi, fellas,'' Groh said cheerily, taking the envelope from the orange-painted students and reading an appeal that Cavaliers fans wear orange for the big game.

Groh and his captains also penned a letter to the school newspaper making a similar request. But amid their own efforts and much other hype for the game, the coach and the Cavaliers tried all week to insist they can't afford to consider its magnitude.

``Obviously it's the biggest game of the year,'' tight end Tom Santi said with a wry smile, ``because it's the only one we have this week. We're excited about it.''

The Hokies, meanwhile, take an entirely different approach, even celebrating the fact that an improved Virginia program could give them a stiff test after Virginia Tech has dominated the series in recent years.

``That's the whole point of having an in-state rivalry,'' Hokies linebacker Vince Hall said. ``The whole rivalry thing doesn't really go good if only one team wins the whole time and the other team's not winning.''

The Hokies have won three in a row in the series and seven of the last eight. But the rivals are playing for much more than bragging rights. The winner moves on to face Boston College for the Atlantic Coast Conference championship and a BCS bowl berth.

The Cavaliers still insist that the game has no special meaning.

``We're not even thinking about what's at stake,'' right guard Ian-Yates Cunningham said. ``We're just thinking about winning a game. It's just one extra game. It was on our schedule at the beginning of the season.''

Groh noted that coaches and players aren't the ones who tailgate and cheer.

``We're the ones who play, and ... this is a different event for the participants than the other people. ... Everybody's got a role to play, and ours is to prepare to play and to play well, so if something helps us, then we embrace it,'' he said. ``If it doesn't, then we try to keep it at arm's length.''

Virginia Tech was an overwhelming favorite to win the ACC's Coastal Division and has three straight victories to put it in position to do so after a stunning loss to Boston College. In that game, the Eagles scored two touchdowns in the final 2:11 to win 14-10.

Now the Hokies can force a rematch with Boston College.

``We've been talking about it since (a 27-3 victory against) Georgia Tech,'' Hokies left tackle Duane Brown said. ``Since that game, we've gone out and practiced our tails off, went out and executed and now we're at this point. Our last game of the season, our in-state rival. It doesn't get any better than this, really.''

Source: ncaafootball; Photo Credit: Virginia Tech Athletics Communications

No. 10 Hokies pound Miami 44-14

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) -- Branden Ore ran for two touchdowns in his best performance of the season and No. 10 Virginia Tech beat Miami 44-14 on Saturday in the Hokies' final tuneup for a huge game with rival Virginia next weekend.

Virginia Tech (9-2, 6-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) moved into a share of first place in the Coastal Division with the Cavaliers. The teams will play on Saturday in Charlottesville with the winner moving on the conference championship game Dec. 1.

Ore, who has not approached the form that produced nearly 1,400 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns last season, had a 22-yard run on the Hokies' second play. His TDs covered 4 and 7 yards, and each time he bulled over a defender to finish the play.

Sean Glennon threw a touchdown pass to Justin Harper and Jahre Cheeseman and Carlton Weatherford had scoring runs for the Hokies. Weatherford's was his first career touchdown and came on a day he and 19 other seniors were honored before the game.

Glennon was to share time with Tyrod Taylor at quarterback, but Taylor pulled a muscle in his left side in the third quarter and Glennon got most of the snaps.

Taylor could have returned, the school said, but was held out protectively.

Miami (5-6, 2-5), coming off a 48-0 home loss last weekend in its last game in the Orange Bowl, came out looking like a team that had given up. The 'Canes went three-and-out on each of their first three possessions, trailed 17-0 after the first quarter and had been outgained 150-6 before Kyle Wright brought them out of their slumber.

Making passes repeatedly as he was getting hit, Wright drove Miami into Hokies territory three times in the second quarter, but got only one score out of it.

The first time, Wright was sacked and stripped of the ball by Barry Booker at the Tech 18. The next time, Virginia Tech stuffed consecutive runs from the 1 by Javarris James and took the ball over on downs.

On the third trip, Wright ran it in himself from the 4 with 21 seconds left before halftime.

The Hurricanes scored on their first possession of the second half, with Wright hitting Leonard Hankerson with a 1-yard pass to make it 20-14. But the Hokies drove 68 yards in six plays - the last four runs totaling 38 yards by Ore - to answer with a touchdown of their own. It never got close again.

Ore finished with 81 yards on 15 carries.

Wright was 21-of-36 for 215 yards. He was sacked five times and hammered many others.

The Hokies were somewhat fortunate to get out of the first half with a 17-7 advantage. The fumble by Wright and the goal-line stand preserved the lead, and the defense stiffened.

The Hokies scored the first three times they had the ball, getting little resistance from the Hurricanes in touchdown drives of 61 and 57 yards and a 34-yard field goal. Ore scored the first touchdown on a 4-yard run, and Glennon hit Justin Harper from 15 yards for the second.

Source: naaafootball.com; Photo Credit: Virginia Tech University

No. 11 Hokies finally down Seminoles, 40-21

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) -- Tyrod Taylor and Virginia Tech didn't make coach Frank Beamer suffer through another disheartening loss to Florida State, but the No. 11 Hokies sure made their coach and fans sweat it out until late Saturday.

Taylor returned from a sprained ankle that kept him out 2 1/2 games and threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, lifting the Hokies to a 40-21 victory. It was the first win for Beamer in eight tries against Florida State, and marked the first time Seminoles coach Bobby Bowden has lost to Virginia Tech in 16 career meetings.

The Hokies (8-2, 5-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) blew a 14-point halftime lead and trailed 21-20 entering the final quarter, but Taylor drove them to his go-ahead 3-yard scoring run, and three late Seminoles turnovers made a close game turned lopsided.

The end came with fans that had fallen silent in the third quarter celebrating wildly as the Hokies poured it on, as if one victory could erase two painful recent losses. In 1999, the Seminoles beat the Michael Vick-led Hokies in the Sugar Bowl national championship game, 46-29, and then two years ago, the heavily favored Hokies collapsed under a barrage of penalties and lost 27-22 in the first ACC title game.

But this time, with Taylor throwing for 204 yards and running for 92 more, and Justin Harper catching five passes for 167 yards, and the the defense rising in the end, the Hokies stayed on course for a chance to return to the ACC title game.

They have two games left - at home against Miami, and at Virginia.

The Seminoles (6-4, 3-4), who seemed to be catching their stride last week when they beat No. 8 Boston College, lost quarterback Drew Weatherford to injury before halftime and failed to get the 78-year-old Bowden his 300th victory at the school.

The game changed on Taylor's skills. On the Hokies go-ahead drive, he ran 12 yards for a first down, and threw a deep ball to Harper down the left sideline that was initially ruled no catch, but was overturned, making it a 45-yard gain to the 1.

Three plays later, Taylor took it in on a draw play. His 2-point conversion pass to Zach Luckett made it 28-21, and it was all downhill for the Seminoles after that.

Two plays later, backup quarterback Christian Ponder fumbled and Cam Martin recovered, leading to a 22-yard field goal. Chris Ellis intercepted Ponder at the 5 on the next series and danced into the end zone, making it 38-21.

A sack for a safety completed the scoring.

The Seminoles were limited to two field goals in the first half, but quickly got back in the game in the third quarter. Gary Cismesia kicked a 50-yard field goal to end their first series of the half, and Dekoda Watson intercepted a tipped pass by Taylor and returned it 40 yards for a TD to make it 20-15 just 1:54 later.

That helped quiet the crowd, and the Hokies did little to wake them, going three-and-out for the third consecutive series. When Brent Bowden punted it away, a 15-yard facemask penalty against Richard Graham allowed the Seminoles to start at their 46.

Ponder, impressive in his first action for the Seminoles, hit De'Cody Fagg for 28 yards on a third-and-5, ran for 22 yards on a third-and-14 and hit Fagg in the end zone for the touchdown that gave the Seminoles a 21-20 lead, stunning the crowd.

The Hokies led 20-6 at halftime after Taylor hit a wide-open Justin Harper on a slant for a 31-yard touchdown, then ran 38 yards for a first down on a third-and-31 from the Hokies 34 . The drive ended with a 5-yard scoring pass to Josh Morgan.

Following a punt by Florida State, Taylor hit Josh Hyman for 14 yards, Kenny Lewis Jr. ran for 17 and Taylor hit Harper with a perfectly thrown 48-yarder to the Seminoles' 4. Two runs by Branden Ore later, Virginia Tech was rolling, 20-6.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: Gene Galin (accfootballphotos.com)

Scoring on turnovers a big focus of Beamerball

By HANK KURZ Jr.
AP Sports Writer

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) - The ball is snapped, thrown and intercepted. Then the Virginia Tech defense goes on the offensive.

The defender closest to the ball zeros in on the intended receiver, the player most likely to tackle the ball carrier. Every other defender puts a body on someone.

Several times a week, No. 8 Virginia Tech (6-1, 3-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) spends a few minutes at practice working on turning turnovers into touchdowns without the offense taking a snap.

``With us, we want to score,'' said linebacker Xavier Adibi, who has two touchdowns in his career. ``Anytime you've got a chance to get the ball, and anytime you get the ball, we want to get the ball into the end zone. We practice it all the time.

``It's no mistake why it happens in the game.''

Virginia Tech might need some scoring from its defense Thursday night when quarterback Matt Ryan and No. 2 Boston College (7-0, 3-0) bring their perfect record and national title hopes to Lane Stadium.

Defensive and special teams touchdowns have become calling cards of the Hokies under coach Frank Beamer. When they happen in Lane Stadium, they typically set off mayhem. More often follow.

Wisely, opponents spend plenty of time trying to prevent the mistakes.

``Tough defense. There's no question about that,'' Ryan said. ``Very tough defense and they always thrive on turnovers and taking the ball away from the offense.

``Ball security and execution is at a premium this week. We've really got to do a great job of protecting the football while still remaining very aggressive.''

Protective measures notwithstanding, the Hokies still have produced 72 defensive touchdowns since coach Beamer arrived 21 years ago, as well as 40 special teams TDs.

It's the kind of style that has helped lure talent to southwest Virginia.

``It's a big attraction,'' Adibi said. ``When you watch them on TV, you see a bunch of guys playing with a lot of emotion and just having a lot of fun. When you see that as a young guy, you feel like that's the kind of defense you want to be a part of.''

Some coaches don't like their defenders trying to do too much after making a turnover, figuring they aren't accustomed to having the ball in their hands.

Beamer, who also coaches special teams for the Hokies, couldn't disagree more.

``To me, when you get an interception, it's kind of like when you block a kick. You've got the advantage in most cases,'' he said, explaining that the number of people in position to tackle a defender after a turnover is low, and easily neutralized.

``If you organize it a little bit and try to get the people most likely to make a tackle, you've got a chance to score with it or at least get better field position.''

Making the plays makes them feel like Hokies. Defenders often react to their first touchdown with relief, having erased a fear they would never join the club. Twenty players have at least two defensive TDs under Beamer.

Linebacker Cam Martin is still waiting for his first one.

``Whenever you can go out there and get a takeaway, just a turnover, it's always fun, but when you can turn that turnover into a touchdown, it just gets you stirred up inside,'' Martin said. ``If you get the opportunity, it's your job to convert on it.''

In a season when the Hokies offense has struggled, the defense often has risen at the most opportune times. Cornerback Victor Harris scored on a 17-yard interception return against East Carolina, giving the sluggish Hokies a 10-7 lead in a 17-7 victory.

In a big game at Clemson on Sept. 29, D.J. Parker returned an interception 32 yards for a score just 1:10 into the game, Eddie Royal later scored on an 82-yard punt return and Harris returned a kickoff 100 yards for another score. The Hokies won, 41-23.

Adibi said attention to history begins early for incoming Hokies.

``Just before camp starts, (coach Bud Foster) really stresses that Virginia Tech has a history of just being a great defense, so don't come over here with the mentality that we're just going to be an average defense,'' he said. ``That's why we're always one of the best in the country.''

The last two years, the Hokies have ranked No. 1 in total defense in the nation.

With Ryan considered among the top contenders for the Heisman Trophy and the Hokies unsure who their quarterback will be because of an injury to Tyrod Taylor, the defense expects to take on more responsibility.

``We know that we can shut this guy down and we just really just can't wait to go out there on the field and show everybody what we can do,'' Adibi said. ``We know he's an excellent quarterback, but at the same time, we're a good defense.''

SOURCE: NCAAFOOTBALL.COM

CFI: VIRGINIA TECH PLAYS "SPECIAL” FOOTBALL

BY ARTHUR DiCESARE
ACC INSIDER

It was your typical Virginia Tech performance another big road victory over a ranked opponent. Virginia Tech’s dominating 41-23 win over Clemson was highlighted by “Beamer Ball” -- an interception for a touchdown, a kickoff for a touchdown, and a punt for a touchdown. Tech started the game off with a 32-yard interception for a touchdown by senior D.J. Parker. Up 10-0, the electrifying Eddie Royal, who had done nothing so far this year took a punt back 82 yards for a touchdown and quickly Virginia Tech had a 17-0 first quarter lead, which had the Death Valley crowd of over 82,000 silent. Royal almost upped the lead to 24 a series later when he had another punt return for a touchdown called back for an illegal block. Macho Harris returned a kickoff 100 yards following Clemson's first score completely taking the bite out of the Tigers.

Frank Beamer has built his brilliant special teams play over his 21-year career at Virginia Tech where they have by far had the best special teams in the country scoring 63 non-offensive touchdowns since 1999 the most in that span. This was the first time in Beamer’s career that his team returned a punt and a kick for touchdowns in the same game.

Tech’s defense was equally as strong lead by senior linebackers Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall who were all over the field exhibiting their skills against a high-powered offensive unit. The Hokies held Clemson’s Thunder & Lightning tandem of C.J. Spiller and James Davis to 12 yards on 12 carries. The ground game was so infective that Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper had to throw 66 passes.

It was a dominating performance all around. Tech finally started to see the raw potential of true freshman Tyrod Taylor, although he only threw for 65 yards with one touchdown he rushed for 118 yards and picked up numerous first downs. More importantly, Taylor had zero turnovers and showed the smarts to take sacks and throw the ball out of bounds instead of forcing turnovers. Taylor a Hampton, Virginia native, an area that has also produced the Vick brothers and their cousin Aaron Brooks looks to be the next in the long line of duel threat quarterbacks. When all is said an done he could become the most successful of all these quarterbacks because of his maturity and ability to play within the game and not try to force or make plays that are simply not there, although Michael Vick’s standard is high, if only in Blacksburg.

Virginia Tech looks to have bounced back after their embarrassing defeat three weeks ago 48-7 at LSU. With the ACC wide open this season -- Virginia Tech has positioned themselves right at the top of the Costal standings. If the Hokies can continue to play “Beamer Bowl” and have Taylor continue to grow at quarterback Virginia Tech could be a tough team to deal with in the upcoming weeks, especially with the “special” brand of football that they play.