Virginia Tech Football: Why Hokies Are Easily Big-Time Favorites in ACC

Since entering the ACC in 2004, Virginia Tech has won the ACC title four times. In two other seasons, it was defeated in the ACC Championship Game.

When the Hokies were pried away from the Big East with Miami and Boston College, it was the Hurricanes and Florida State that many expected to dominate the ACC. Suffice to say, that has not been the case.

In the eight years, the Hokies have been a member of the ACC, the Seminoles have won one ACC title. The Hurricanes haven’t even participated in the championship game.

While Florida State and Miami continue to bring in impressive recruiting classes, the Hokies just keep winning the ACC. Why should 2012 be any different?

Here are four reasons the Hokies will again win the ACC and should enter the 2012 season as the overwhelming favorite.

Defense

Virginia Tech has long been dominant on the defensive side of the ball under coordinator Bud Foster. In 2011, the Hokies finished the season 10th overall in total defense. The Hokies were seventh overall in scoring defense.

The good news for the Hokies is that nine starters return from that outstanding unit. The Hokies will have to replace former All-American cornerback Jayron Hosley, but that shouldn’t be an issue with Kyle Fuller and Antone Exum lining up at corner.

The defensive line, barring injuries, will be the deepest and most talented it has been in years. Defensive end James Gayle leads a tremendous pass-rush.

The depth at linebacker is good, too. Senior Bruce Taylor returns to lead an impressive group. 

Logan Thomas

The Hokies opened the 2011 with a soft schedule in part to ease sophomore quarterback Logan Thomas into his role as the starter.

Thomas played well the first several weeks of the season, but when the Hokies played Clemson, Thomas struggled. Many fans were calling for Thomas to be replaced after one bad outing.

So, how did Thomas rebound from that effort?

In a home game vs. Miami, Thomas went 23-for-25, 310 yards, three touchdown passes, 38 rushing yards and two touchdown runs, including the game-winner.

Thomas has lost several weapons, but he returns three senior wide receivers, and much more will be expected from him as he enters his second season as the starter.

With an outstanding skill-set and continued growth, Thomas, a junior, could find himself among the top-5 picks in next year's NFL draft.

For now, Thomas is the best quarterback in the ACC and a big reason the Hokies should be ACC favorites entering 2012. 

Coaching

Much can be said about head coach Frank Beamer and his record in big games.

Beamer has struggled to win several big games in his 25 years as head coach.

But, Beamer built Virginia Tech from an also-ran into a national contender, and the Hokies are consistently ranked in the top 15.

Under Beamer, the Hokies have won four ACC titles and been to a bowl in 19 consecutive seasons. The Hokies have 10 or more games in eight consecutive seasons.

Part of Beamer's success is the continuity within his coaching staff. Foster has resisted overtures from other schools for years to remain in his post at Virginia Tech.

Offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring has been with the Hokies since 1990 and offensive coordinator since 2002.

Before the 2011 season, Beamer replaced two coaches on his staff with his son Shane, an outstanding recruiter, and former Hokie great Cornell Brown.

Beamer has shown he will make changes if necessary, but his loyalty has paid off for the most part and is a selling point for high school recruits.

Beamer and Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe are the only two coaches still in the same position since the Hokies entered the ACC in 2004.  

History Says so

Four titles in eight years and two more appearances in the ACC Championship game speaks volumes about the Hokies and their dominance in the ACC.

Every year, prognosticators want to pick Florida State or Clemson, yet the Hokies always seem to be representing the ACC in the BCS. Clemson came up big in 2011, but embarrassed itself in the Orange Bowl. How will they bounce back?

This does seem to be the year Florida State puts it all together and contends, but recent history suggests it stumbles and loses to someone it should beat. 

The Hokies have recent history on their side, and while they lost some talented players, they still return a tremendous amount of talent. 

Go ahead and bet against the Hokies in 2012. Chances are good they'll be representing the Coastal Division on December 1 in Charlotte.