Some bad news for the Ohio football team: The rest of the Hokies are pretty good, too.
Though much of the focus is on star quarterback Marcus Vick, his teammates are also worth attention from opposing coaches and players. Ohio coach Frank Solich is quick to sing the praises of the fourth-ranked Virginia Tech squad.
It's their size
strength and overall team speed that give a lot of people problems he said. I think they're a legitimate team not only in terms of being in the top four
but a legitimate team that could win it all if they are able to keep going here early in the year.
It will be the Bobcats job to stop that from happening Saturday in Blacksburg. Coming off a big win over Pitt, the Bobcats have momentum, but it is questionable whether any amount of momentum can swing this game in Ohio's favor.
Virginia Tech, led by coach Frank Beamer in his 19th season, has gotten off to a 2-0 start with victories over North Carolina State and Duke. Winning games is nothing new for the Hokies, who have 12 consecutive bowl game appearances and won the Atlantic Coast Conference championship last season.
Many of Virginia Tech's starters are returning, and there is no area where the Hokies lack depth or talent. The offense surrounding Vick is stacked with proven contributors. Seniors Mike Imoh and Cedric Humes share tailback duties. Each rushed for over 600 yards last season and provide a strong double-team in the backfield. Josh Hyman, who led the team in receiving yards and touchdown catches, and Eddie Royal, a major force on offense last season as a true freshman, are back to lead the receiving corps. They play behind an intimidating offensive line featuring several returning starters.
You look at their offensive linemen; they're 310
320 (pound) kind of guys
except for one who's maybe 290
Solich said. You're talking about a very physical
very strong
very dominating kind of offensive line.
The defense boasts several playmakers as well. Linebacker Vince Hall already has 16 tackles this season. Defensive end Darryl Tapp, a first-team All-ACC selection last season, has added pre-season All-America honors to his list of accolades.
They make plays on defense
too
Solich said. They're not a team that gets the other team in long-yardage situations and then lets them off the hook. They get you in long-yardage situations and then they finish you off. They force you to punt or throw into coverage when you shouldn't
