After the jump, a collection of links to other people (and me) talking about Virginia Tech's prospects for the 2011 season.
The Hokies And Doing The Evolution (Football Study Hall)
"For a team that wins double-digit games against solid schedules, how many are they capable of winning against an easy one? Like Pearl Jam, Frank Beamer's Hokies have mastered the art of playing at an elite level while simultaneously disappearing from view; it might be difficult to avoid the trappings of pop superstardom this fall, at least as long as Thomas comes through. Again, no pressure."
No. 8: Virginia Tech (Pre-Snap Read)
"I love the system on both sides of the ball, particularly on defense. I think Thomas is going to excel, though he might stumble early. The running game is going to be strong. The defense will get to the quarterback and force turnovers, as it always does. Add those things to an easy schedule and you see why the Hokies may run the table until Florida State. I’m of mind to say the Hokies drop one along the way, but I guarantee a rematch with the Seminoles in early December."
VT has 10 more wins in the bank. Is that still enough? (Dr. Saturday)
"The defense had a shaky start a year ago, which led to the Hokies 0-2 record, but rallied to finish tops in the conference. If the front line can get adjusted quickly, Virginia Tech has the talent to continue to be the league's elite defense."
College Football Countdown: No. 19 Virginia Tech (Orlando Sentinel)
"As the clear ACC Coastal Division favorite, the Hokies will be back in the conference title game. The only question will be whether they get past Florida State for a second straight time, or if they have to beat someone else."
Five Questions: Virginia Tech (ACC Sports Journal)
"In a perfect world for Tech, Thomas will be a guy who attempts 25 passes per contest, and he won’t necessarily have to win games individually for the Hokies. Of course, if that’s going to be the plan, it will require a consistent level of production from running back David Wilson and a reliable offensive line."
Fearless Predictions 2011 (The A-Line)
"Many newspapers, magazines, Web sites, etc., often make their prediction after a careful analysis of each team’s returning starters, depth charts, perceived strength and weaknesses, quality of schedule, etc. I do none of that."
Five Good Minutes: Virginia Tech Football Preview (BC Interruption)
I answer some questions: "BCI: Last season Montel Harris ran for 111 yards, but the BC passing game was completely ineffective against the "Lunch Pail" defense. Who are some emerging stars and what makes Bud Foster's defense so effective year after year?"
Blue Devils will host Virginia Tech on October 29 (Blue Devil Nation)
I answer some questions: "The Blue Devils last defeated Virginia Tech in 1981, but they will be trying to do just that when they welcome the Hokies to Wallace Wade Stadium on October 29. In Head Coach David Cutcliffe’s first two seasons in Durham, Duke gave Virginia Tech a scare, coming within a few plays of pulling off the unlikely upset. When the Blue Devils traveled to Blacksburg a season ago, however, the Hokies put the game away early, cruising to a 44-7 victory."
Season preview: Virginia Tech (From Old Virginia)
"Still, this is a team that's very good in most places and not really dominant in anything. In the ACC, that's more than enough to sit at the top, but I think - on paper - FSU is just pips better. VT should certainly be in the ACCCG - anything less would be a huge failure - and would be a slight underdog if the opponent is FSU and a huge favorite otherwise."
Review the Rivalry: Virginia Tech Hokies (From The Rumble Seat)
Not a preview but still cool: "What Makes the Series a Rivalry: The Coastal Division Title. The Atlantic Division has sent Clemson, FSU, and BC to the ACC Title game - a proverbial salad bowl of inconsistency. GT and VPI have squared off five straight years with the winner always going on to claim the ACC Coastal Crown. There is one fact in the Coastal Division: either GT or VPI will win the division. Period. Competitive balance. The last three contests have been decided by an average margin of 5 points."
Gobbler Country Provides Insight Into 2011 Hokies (Seldom Used Reserve)
I answer some questions: "This particular Six Pack should not only give Tiger fans insight into the 2011 Hokies, but also inject a sense of reality into expectations for the Tigers this fall. After all, Virginia Tech is a team with a talented, but unproven starting quarterback and thin lines. Sound familiar Tiger fans?"
2011 Pre-Season Preview: #16 Virginia Tech Hokies (CFB Zealots)
"The ACC will be breaking in a ton of new QBs this season. EJ Manuel, Tajh Boyd, Mike Glennon and Bryn Renner all come to mind. That's a pretty talented group of QBs but the one who might have the highest upside is Logan Thomas. He's not the all-around athlete that Tyrod Taylor was but he has the ability to bring a stronger passing game to the table than did Taylor. The question is how long it will take Thomas to adapt to ACC play and become a difference maker."