Virginia Tech Football: Holiday Wish List for the Hokies

It's the holiday season and the time for giving and receiving. For the Virginia Tech Hokies, the 2014 holiday season is a special one. It's the 22nd consecutive bowl appearance for legendary head coach Frank Beamer, the second-longest active streak in the country. 

But getting to this point wasn't easy. The Hokies had to win their season finale over bitter rival Virginia just to become bowl eligible. 

A lot went wrong for the Hokies in 2014. Injuries, particularly to the offensive line and running-back positions, created havoc for Tech. A consistent running game wasn't found until late in the season when junior running back J.C. Coleman re-entered the starting lineup. 

So, what's on Virginia Tech's holiday wish list in 2014?

All recruiting rankings and information courtesy of 247Sports. 

Bryan Manning is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report, and you can follow him on Twitter @bdmanning4

Frank Beamer to Be Healthy

Steve Helber/Associated Press

Beamer

Eyebrows were raised earlier this month when it was announced that Beamer had throat surgery. Fans were concerned about the iconic coach's health, but according to team doctor Gunnar Brolinson, per John Taylor of College Football Talk, things went well:

"

We waited until the end of the regular season to surgically address an issue with Coach Beamer’s throat. The procedure went as planned, without complications, and he simply needs some rest before he returns to his normal routine. He’s been cleared to continue his game planning and film study and will return to the practice field as soon as possible. I fully expect Coach Beamer to coach in his 22nd consecutive bowl game.

"

Good news arrived for the Hokies this week as Frank's son Shane told reporters, via Norm Wood of the Daily Press, that his father was fully involved in bowl preparation. "He’s fully involved in everything," said the younger Beamer. 

Expect to see Beamer patrolling the sideline for the Military Bowl on December 27. And that's good news for everyone, as Beamer is a true class act.

No Turnovers in the Bowl Game

Steve Helber/Associated Press

Michael Brewer

Virginia Tech starting quarterback Michael Brewer had his share of issues in 2014. Whether they were sacks or interceptions, Brewer struggled.

If the Hokies are to win the Military Bowl, they need Brewer to play mistake-free football. The offense, in general, lacks the firepower to overcome the drive-killing mistakes that have plagued the team this year. 

Beamer and offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler put in their wish for this holiday season, and that's for Brewer to be at his best in the bowl game.

Sacks, Sacks and More Sacks

Paul Vernon/Associated Press

Virginia Tech defensive end Dadi Nicolas bringing down JT Barrett of Ohio State

Cincinnati quarterback Gunner Kiel had an impressive freshman campaign. Kiel completed 60 percent of his passes, tossed 30 touchdowns and passed over for over 3,000 yards.

Virginia Tech was No. 2 in the nation in sacks. Tech's pass-rushers sacked opposing quarterbacks 46 times in 2014. How many times Tech's front seven can get to Kiel will likely determine who wins the 2014 Military Bowl.

Defensive ends Dadi Nicolas and Ken Ekanem combined for 17.5 sacks this season. Beamer and defensive coordinator Bud Foster hope Santa brings plenty of sacks for Tech against the Bearcats.

Strong Finish on the Recruiting Trail

247Sports

Josh Sweat

Recruiting has been a bit hit or miss for the Hokies over the last couple of years. The state of Virginia has produced scores of top-tier talent over the last two seasons, but the Hokies have struggled to land most of them. Schools such as Alabama, Florida State and Ohio State have raided the Old Dominion state.

That trend has continued in this recruiting cycle. The Hokies were finalists for a pair of big-time defensive ends in 4-star Jalen Dalton and 5-star Josh Sweat, per 247Sports (subscription required). Dalton chose North Carolina, his home state, while Sweat, the nation's seventh-ranked player, chose FSU. The loss of Sweat was a particularly devastating blow to the Hokies. He was viewed as a Virginia Tech lean for most of the past two years.

Believe it or not, the Hokies have done a solid job with the class of 2015. Tech is currently ranked No. 27 in 247Sports' team rankings. It's not too shabby, but it's right about where VT ranks on an annual basis. Unfortunately for the coaches, fans want to know why the Hokies can't keep top prospects in the state—and they remember missing out on players like Sweat more than signing talented gems like Yosuah Nijman.  

Beamer and the coaches have high hopes for a strong finish for the class of 2015.