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Virginia Tech University- Virginia Tech Hokies Founded in 1872, Virginia Tech University has the largest student body in the state of Virginia. In 1991, the program joined the Big East Conference in football only. Head coach Frank Beamer is the third-winningest active coach in Division 1-A behind Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno. Under his watch, the Hokies program has worked its way to elite status, appearing in a bowl game every year since 1993. The program has built a reputation for its emphasis on special teams, specifically blocking kicks. "Beamer Ball" as its known by rabid fans is alive and well and the upcoming season should yield great results. 2007 Virginia Tech Hokies Outlook: Expectations are high for this year’s team. The Hokies possess one of the best defenses in the country, led by explosive linebackers Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi. The offense will lean on talented sophomore running back Brandon Ore. Quarterback Sean Glennon must be more consistent for the team to reach its ultimate goal. A solid receiving corps should make Glennon’s job easier. The team will learn a lot about itself early in the season when the Hokies make a trip down to Death Valley to play an excellent LSU Tigers squad. The conference schedule will certainly offer many speed bumps along the way, but the Hokies have the talent to run the table and contend for a national title. Virginia Tech Hokies 2007 Schedule Sep 1 - vs. East Carolina, 12:00 PM Sep 8 - at L-S-U, 9:15 PM Sep 15 - vs. Ohio U, 1:30 PM Sep 22 - vs. William & Mary, TBA Sep 29 - vs. North Carolina, TBA Oct 6 - at Clemson, TBA Oct 13 - at Duke, TBA Oct 20 - Open Oct 25 - vs. Boston College, 7:30 PM Nov 1 - at Georgia Tech, 7:30 PM Nov 10 - vs. Florida State, TBA Nov 17 - vs. Miami-Florida, TBA Nov 24 - at Virginia, TBA Virginia Tech Hokies Head Coach Profile For the last two decades, Frank Beamer has resided over one of the most successful programs in the nation. His team is almost always challenging for a conference championship. Beamer emphasizes all three phases of the game and his coaching philosophy is mirrored by several of his peers. He has compiled an impressive 156 wins in 19 years at his alma mater. In his day, Beamer started three years at cornerback. He is a Virginia Tech man through and through. The Hokies program will remain a perennial conference power as long as Beamer is at the helm. Virginia Tech Hokies- Key Departures/Players to Watch The offensive attack starts with running back Brandon Ore. The receiving corps is deep and features several proven players like Josh Hyman, Josh Morgan, and Eddie Royal. If Glennon can manage the offense, the Hokies will be fine. On defense, Vince Hall will definitely playing on Sundays. Fellow linebacker Xavier Adibi and senior defensive end Chris Ellis should anchor the defense this season. |