Blacksburg, VA — The Virginia Tech Hokies began the 2009 season as the No. 7 ranked team in the country. Despite a season-opening loss to eventual national champion Alabama, and mid-season two-game losing streak, the Hokies finished No. 10 in both polls.
After dropping back-to-back games against UNC and Georgia Tech, head coach Frank Beamer rallied his team for a five-game winning streak that included an impressive 37-14 win over the SEC’S Tennessee Volunteers in the 2009 Chick-fil-A Bowl.
The Hokies will have to replaced six starters on defense, but return the core of the offense including quarterback Tyrod Taylor; running backs Ryan Williams, Darren Evans, David Wilson and Josh Oglesby; wide receivers (split ends) Danny Coale, Jarrett Boykin, Xavier Boyce, Dyrell Roberts and Marcus Davis; and on the offensive line VT returns center Beau Warren, offensive guard Jaymes Brooks and offensive tackle Blake DeChristopher.
Here’s the final AP Top 10 poll:
1. Alabama (60)
2. Texas
3. Florida
4. Boise St.
5. Ohio St.
6. TCU
7. Iowa
8. Cincinnati
9. Penn St.
10. Virginia Tech
Popularity: 18% [?]
Loading ...
If the Hokies don’t win the national title next season I’ll have a seizure from all the frustration. They will be solid and deep at every position ESPECIALLY in the backfield. Do you realize they will two and potentially four 1,000+ yard rushers (Evans, WIlliams, Oglesby and David Wilson) not to mention Tyrod Taylor. The defense will take some big losses especially at defensive end with Worilds leaving but if Taylor can stay healthy, they will have the best chance as all the Floridas, Texas’ and Alabamas.
I thnk we’ll be good, but I am very worried about the DL and linebacking corps. I think the O will be great, not so sure the D will be sufficiently stout to win a MNC.