Virginia Tech Football: 5 Reasons to Be Optimistic for 2012

Sugar Bowl representative Virginia Tech is set to start the 2012 year off with a bang versus Michigan on Jan. 3.

Unfortunately, the vibe surrounding the program seems to have a negative tone coming off the loss to Clemson in the ACC Championship.

Tech fans have become spoiled over the past decade, with 10-win seasons becoming the expectation in Blacksburg. The Hokies have become a victim of their own success.

However, Virginia Tech fans have much to look forward to in 2012 in regards to their beloved maroon and orange.

Don't believe me? Take a look. 

Sugar Bowl

No one wants you there, Hokies.

Opposing fans don't. Experts don't. Other coaches don't. Broadcasters don't.

As a result, a rare opportunity presents itself for Virginia Tech when it takes the field against Michigan.

The Wolverines are a marquee program with a glorious history that permeates the college football world.

Virginia Tech has been working for respect since its move to the Big East in 1991. The Hokies have developed a reputation of coming up short in big games.

The 2012 year starts off for Hokies fans as a chance to avenge much of the scrutiny that plagues Virginia Tech. With a win, much of the criticism would go away.

That in itself is something to anticipate for Tech supporters. They are tired of hearing about how their team doesn't deserve its bid. 

I know I am.

 

Logan Thomas

Logan Thomas has the intangibles to be the best passer in Virginia Tech history.

While not as fast as Michael Vick or elusive as Tyrod Taylor, Thomas is blessed with the height and arm strength of the prototypical passing quarterback.

Thomas completed 59 percent of his throws with 19 touchdowns in 2011. He broke the all-time record for completion percentage in a single game against Miami when he went 23-for-25.

The former tight end has two years to polish his decision-making and become the leader of the Tech offense. Without David Wilson in 2012, Virginia Tech will need the youngster's best to compete in the ACC.

Fans will look forward to seeing the potential of the star in the making in 2012. 

Tough Defense

Virginia Tech's defensive unit has the potential to be scary-good in 2012. 

Dare I say, SEC good?

The Hokies were tied for seventh with Michigan in scoring defense in 2011. This is despite season-ending injures to starters Bruce Taylor, Jeron Gouveia-Winslow and Antoine Hopkins early in the season.

In addition, Tech lost starters Jayron Hosley, James Gayle and Alonzo Tweedy to multiple starts in 2011.

As a result, Bud Foster was forced to play many freshmen and inexperienced players on defense throughout the season. That will pay huge dividends in 2012 in terms of depth.

Do not be surprised if Virginia Tech is a top five defense in terms of scoring by the end of next season. 

Recruiting Class

According to projected recruiting rankings by Rivals.com, Virginia Tech is likely to have a Top 15 2012 class.

This is directly a result of the hiring of Shane Beamer by the coaching staff last offseason. Frank Beamer's son is adept at bringing in high-quality recruits from outside Virginia, something the Hokies usually struggle to do.

Out of 27 commits, 11 are out-of-state recruits for the 2012 class. Tech's presence in surrounding territories will only improve with time as Beamer gets a chance to work his magic on the nation's best high school players.

Hokies fans, who are typically left out of the excitement of signing day due to lackluster classes, will be excited for a Top 25 class in 2012. 

Headlining Games

Virginia Tech fans have some exciting matchups to anticipate during the 2012 campaign.

The Hokies will take on two viable out-of-conference foes in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh next year.

Pittsburgh will have a new coach and will be excited to make a statement prior to making a permanent move to the ACC from the Big East.

The game against Cincinnati will be a rematch of the 2009 Orange Bowl in which the Hokies won 20-7. The Bearcats were the Big East co-champions in 2011 and will be improved under head coach Butch Jones.

In addition, Virginia Tech will be looking to avenge embarrassing losses to Clemson when it travels to Death Valley in 2012. Also, the Hokies will host Florida State in ACC inter-division play.

That makes four big stages for Tech to make a statement next year.