Hokies’ opener great on all fronts

By Nate Crossman  |   Tuesday, August 29, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Virginia Tech Hokies
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!

The Virginia Tech Hokies really challenged themselves in the last two season openers. Last season they beat an N.C. State Wolfpack team that, on paper, had one of the best defenses in Div. I. In 2004 and they lost to the No. 1 ranked USC Trojans. The Hokies will not be challenging themselves this year when they host the Northeastern Huskies on Saturday. But the Huskies are exactly what the Hokies need with only nine starters returning and eight freshmen or redshirt freshmen on the two-deep roster.

No matter how Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer spins it, there is no way the Hokies are going to lose to the Huskies, a Div. I-AA program located in the heart of Boston. In its last two games against I-AA opponents, Virginia Tech won by a combined score of 105-0. And the Huskies aren't even a good I-AA team, having gone 2-9 last season, including 2-6 in the Atlantic 10 Conference. So in essence, the game is a dry run for more challenging contests, including Sept. 9th's ACC opener at the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Squarely in the spotlight will be first-year quarterback Sean Glennon, who hasn't played in a live game since 2004. Glennon beat out Cory Holt in the preseason and has displayed an excellent understanding of the offense, but nobody knows how he'll perform in a live-game situation. Glennon will face a Northeastern defense that is running the 3-4 for the first time under head coach Rocky Hager, to take advantage of All-A-10 linebackers Jamil Young and Joe Mele. Another Hokie who bears watching is freshman right guard Sergio Render, who will be making his first start, as well as redshirt freshman tight end Greg Boone, who moved from quarterback to tight end in the spring.

Tech's defensive line, which features three new starters, will be able to ease into the season against a Huskies team that is very run-oriented with junior tailback Maurice Murray.

While the on-field benefits of opening up with a Div. I-AA team are many, there are also several off-field benefits for the Hokies. By enticing the Huskies to travel to Blacksburg, Virginia Tech will open its season at home for the first time since 2003, and has eight home games for just the second time in its history. The Hokies will hit the road four times: North Carolina, Boston College, Miami and Wake Forest. And two of those trips, North Carolina and Wake Forest, will be made by bus. Also, the Hokies will be able to count a win over Northeastern toward the six wins they need to be eligible for a bowl game. The NCAA allows Div. I teams to count wins over I-AA teams toward their bowl total only once every four years. The last time a I-AA win counted for Virginia Tech was in 2003 against James Madison.

Get more Virginia Tech Hokies info at Realfootball365.com
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article! (0)

Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report