Virginia Tech Hokies Betting – 2011 Virginia Tech College Football Preview
As long as Tyrod Taylor was quarterbacking the Virginia Tech football team in 2010, it was a lot easier to place a sports bet and trust that the Hokies would win against any Atlantic Coast Conference opponent. The Hokies went 9-0 against their league, as Taylor outpaced everyone he faced in familiar backyard battles.
Now, as the calendar moves to 2011, it’s going to be harder for Tech to thrive, even though this elite program is still going to be favored by sports betting gurus to win the ACC Coastal Division.
Tyrod Taylor has been an iconic presence in Blacksburg, Virginia, but he has graduated, leaving coach Frank Beamer less equipped to overtake Florida State for the ACC title. Still, the coaching staff is high on Logan Thomas. Thomas, a 6-5, 245-pound quarterback with imposing athletic ability. Thomas likely won’t be the next incarnation of Cam Newton, but just 25 percent of Newton would add up to a terrific quarterback. If Thomas can just be a serviceable passer, an above-average runner, and a competent game manager who will avoid crippling turnovers, the Hokies offense will be solid this season.
Thomas will be surrounded by a strong supporting cast. After splitting carries in 2010, David Wilson is set to be the main ballcarrier for the Hokies, leading a ground game that will be the team’s biggest offensive strength. The Hokies also return their top five receivers from last season lead by Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale. The two combined for over 1,500 yards and nine touchdown catches last year. Four returning starters on the offensive line are back; therefore, Thomas will have a reliable line to play behind as the new field general for the Hokies’ offense.
Defense, the calling card of the Hokies over the years, faces a certain degree of unsettledness, but as long as defensive coordinator Bud Foster is around, Tech’s defense will ripen into the fullness of its potential by November. Only five starters are back from last year’s unit. Just one starter returns on the defensive line, but, there’s a feeling that new blood will be even better than old blood. The Hokies didn’t gang up to stuff the run last year with the consistency they displayed in previous seasons. If they don’t tighten up in the trenches, it could be a year in which ACC teams will adopt the smashmouth style of Boise State and Stanford (who beat Tech last season) and give the Hokies problems.
The real strength of the defense is in the back seven. Nick Dew and Bruce Taylor anchor a talented and quick linebacking corps. Tariq Edwards steps in at outside linebacker after seeing spot duty last season.. The secondary will bring back Jayron Holsey, who picked off nine passes last year.
The schedule is much easier than in 2010. The Hokies should start 4-0 with relatively easy games out of conference before opening ACC play with Clemson and Miami in consecutive weeks. Road trips to Wake Forest, Duke, Georgia Tech, and rival Virginia shouldn’t be too difficult. In the end, Tech should face Florida State once again for the ACC title, just like last season. The challenge in the eyes of everyone, even MLB baseball betting gurus, is for the Hokies to repeat as conference champions. That will be a big ask with a new quarterback and an untested defense.
