Gobbler Country, a Virginia Tech Hokies community

"My confidence stems from the simple idea that the Hokies enter 2010 with the offense as the undisputed strength; in my mind, there’s nothing to worry about on defense. Well, not nothing, of course, as Virginia Tech must replace several impressive, meaningful starters. In my mind, however, there’s no reason to expect anything less than a dedicated, fiery, productive performance from the defense — history proves my point."

"In the Miami game last year, (Virginia Tech) played like (its) hair was on fire," Steele said. "I expect to see Virginia Tech's A-plus-plus game. Can Boise beat that? I don't think so."

"The raw yardage/touchdown numbers will never be very gaudy in this offense, and it's an unusually deep year for quarterbacks in the ACC. But frankly, any list that doesn't include Taylor among the conference's best QBs is woefully incomplete."

"Alabama is returning a deep and talented defensive front, but the Hokies have some experience and talent to confront the onslaught. While I give a slight edge to the Tide front seven, the Hokies look to have the man power to go bare knuckle against the Tide in the trenches - at least at first glance."

"22. Virginia Tech Hokies: I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I’m just not placing my faith in VPI this autumn. I think the Gobblers are this year’s Clemson Tigers, right down to the season-opening loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Georgia Dome."

"They (Virginia Tech) are the Obi Wan Kenobi of the ACC."

Virginia Tech: Yes, the Hokies have to go to Georgia Tech on Oct. 17 and anything could happen there. But if QB Tyrod Taylor stays healthy and RB Darren Evans (who set an ACC record with 1,265 rushing yards as a freshman) has another big year, it’s hard to pick against Virginia Tech. We’ll know how good the Hokies are on Sept. 5 when they play Alabama at the Georgia Dome.

This could be a fine Tech team, but it may not make the national noise it would like, thanks to a nasty non-conference schedule. While some schools are loading up on FCS opponents and Sun Belt schools, the Hokies play both Alabama (in Atlanta) and Nebraska (at home). And that Thursday night trip to East Carolina won’t be too much fun, either.