Virginia Tech 2007 Season

Virginia Tech has a really good team coming into the 2007 season, and if it had stuck with playing nobodies in the nonconference schedule, they could easily be undefeated. Instead, they must travel to LSU in week 2 of the season, and try and knock off what many believe is the best team in the country. However, with a defense as strong as the Hokies, anything is possible. Remember that not long ago they played their first game against a top ranked USC squad and hung around awhile before getting destroyed on a questionable pass interference call. With a game against East Carolina to warm up, the Hokies will come to LSU prepared to upsset the Tigers. The Hokies have Sean Glennon returning at Quaterback, and will again look for him to be efficient and not lose ballgames. Glennon impressed the coaches in Spring practice. While Glennon played fine in the 10 wins, he was ugly in Tech's 3 losses last year, and killed their chances of hanging onto a win in the Chick-fil-a Bowl. However, Glennon has many weapons at his disposal, including one of the deepest receiveing corps in the country and a great tailback. The Offensive line will determine whether or not Tech will be able to beat LSU and go undefeated (the rest of the schedule isn't that tough). Much of Glennon's troubles last year in the Bowl game were due to poor protection. With players switching around, the O-line should be solid, although they are hurt by Ed Wang breaking his ankle. The O-line should be the most improved part of Tech's team this year. The wide receivers include Eddie Royal and Josh Hyman at Flanker, with Justin Harper and Josh Morgan at Split End. Freshman Zack Luckett also may play a role in the offense. Because the wideouts are so deep, Glennon will have a great number of threats, and will be able to spread the ball around. Tight end is another spot where Tech needs to improve. Both Greg Boone and Sam Wheeler are returning, and should be better options both blocking and receiving than last year. Although it remains unclear who will receive the bulk of the playing time, look for increased production as Glennon has had a year to mesh with both players. Running Back is Tech's strongest point on offense, with tailback Branden Ore leading the way. Ore, who might be the best tailback in the ACC will need to stay healthy, and Either Kenny Lewis, Elan Lewis, or Jahre Cheesman will get carries to keep Ore fresh. In big games Ore will have to carry the load, and keep the pressure off of Glennon. In his career he has averaged over 5 yards a carry, and managed to get 1137 yards last year. Carlton Weathorford and Kenny Jefferson will likely split time at fullback, and Jefferson has a chance to emerge as the starter, especially on running situations. Out of high school Tech coaches thought that he was one of the best blocking fullbacks in a long time. The strength of Virginia Tech will be the Defense. Possibly the best in the country, as it returns 8 starters from the squad that led the nation in defense last year. The defensive line will be good once again despite losing Noland Burchette. Chris Ellis will be a star at End. Orion Martin will also see a lot of snaps at the other end. Jason Worilds (formerely Adjepong) really impressed coaches with his play in Tech's recent scrimmage. At tackle, Barry Booker and Carlton Powell lead the way, although Senior Kory Robertson will spell both of them periodically. Tech's defensive line is strong and should be able to create plenty of pressure without blitzing. The strongest part of the football team is the Linebackers. Led by two candidates for the Nagurski award (Top Defensive Player) Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi, the LBs will be all over the field creating havoc. Vince Hall will play Mike Linebacker. Adibi at Backer. Brett Warren will backup Hall, but will see the field rarely as Hall has more tackles than anyone in the ACC since he joined the Hokies. Purnell Sturdivant will likely be Adibi's top backup, as the coaches thought that he was one of the most improved players this spring. Whip linebacker is the only question for the Hokies, and will likely be filled by Corey Gordon, who backed up Brenden Hill last year. Converted Safety Cam Martin will also see playing time, and challenge Gordon. Sophmore Cody Grimm may also see playing time, as he made many tackles on special teams last year. Virginia Tech has an excellent group of defensive backs returning after the squad led the nation in pass defense last year. Both Brandon flowers and Victor "Macho" Harris were named to the Thorpe watch list. Flowers will play Boundry Corner (small side of the field) The Hokies enter with little depth at the corner positions (although they still have Roland Minor) as they lost Jahre Cheesman (who is now a RB). Stephen Virgil and Rashad Carmichael will see significant playing time this year. D.J. Parker returns at free safety after having a phenomenol year in 2006. The biggest question is at Rover, where Tech lost Aaron Rouse and Cary Wade. Kam Chancellor is the likely starter, he just converted from cornerback where he backed up Branden Flowers. Special teams will likely be the weakness of Techs squad as they lost punter Nic Schmidt and kicker Brandon Pace. Brent Bowden will likely be the new punter, as he impressed coaches in the springtime with his ability not only to punt, but to handle erratic snaps. The place kicking duties will go to either Jed Dunlevy or Jared Divelli. Dunlevy holds the advantage for FGs and PATs, but Divelli will probably continue to be Tech's kickoff specialist. Divelli was injured and didn't play much during the spring. In their most recent scrimmage, both of them, along with Dustin Keys, made field goals. Despite a lot of new faces in the kicking game, Eddie Royal is still going to be a great returner. Tech also will likely block a couple of kicks with Beamerball, and continue to excel in kickoff and punt coverage. Overall Tech enters the 2007 season with 8 returning starters on both sides of the ball, and has a good chance to win the ACC and go to a BCS game. The biggest hurdle to an unbeaten season and a shot at the national title will be the week 2 test at LSU, where the defense will need to be exceptional, and keep the burden off of the offense. The toughest stretch after the LSU game will be when Tech plays Boston College and Georgia Tech on back-to-back Thursday night contests, before facing FSU and Miami at home.