Appalachian State vs. Virginia Tech: Postgame Thoughts After Hokies Domination

The college football season is finally underway, and Frank Beamer's Virginia Tech Hokies have already notched their first win.

The Appalachian State Mountaineers could neither duplicate what they did to the Michigan Wolverines in 2007 nor what the James Madison Dukes did to Tech a year ago.

This game was all Hokies, as they rolled to a 66-13 victory. Here are the early impressions from the 2011 Virginia Tech opener.

David Wilson Can Handle the Load

David Wilson looked phenomenal all day Saturday, even when the blocking wasn't there.

The Virginia Tech Hokies star running back had 162 yards and three touchdowns on just 16 carries.

One of the questions about Wilson coming into the season was his vision. Well, his vision was immensely improved today. His speed is unparalleled and he cuts with ease. If the offensive line is what they should be, Wilson could be a Heisman dark horse.

Logan Thomas Has Room for Improvement

While some may have been disappointed, I certainly didn't have expectations of a perfect game from new quarterback Logan Thomas.

He's young and this is his first game starting. I know most Virginia Tech Hokies' fans remember Michael Vick's struggles against the Clemson Tigers (the first time) and Bryan Randall's struggles throughout his entire first season under center.

Thomas looked good at times, and he also made some poor throws. His final numbers (9-for-19, 149 yards and two touchdowns) were respectable, and most importantly, he calmed down and improved as the game progressed.

He looked a little jumpy early on, and was bailed out once by Dyrell Roberts, but his footwork was better after the early going, and he made some crisp throws in tight coverage.

The Defense Is Better

The Virginia Tech Hokies defense will be better in 2011 than they were a season ago.

Despite the fact that six new starters will be taking the field on that side of the ball, the Hokies are fielding a more athletic and more complete unit.

Eddie Whitley had an interception and Jayron Hosley kept the ball away from his side all day. Tariq Edwards looks just as fast as advertised, and Bruce Taylor was making some big hits.

Most importantly, the defensive line (a weak point a year ago) will be improved. James Gayle looked very fast coming off the corner with a sack of Appalachian State quarterback DeAndre Presley, and the Hopkins brothers (Derrick and Antoine) did a good job of plugging up the middle all day long.

The Appalachian State Mountaineers couldn't get anything going early on against the first team Hokie defense. While they are a Division 1-AA team, they still have good athletes, and the way Bud Foster's boys stymied Presley and Co. was impressive.

Jayron Hosley Will Bring a Few Punts Back

Everyone knows that All-American cornerback Jayron Hosley can cover receivers, but he is just as dangerous in the return game.

Hosley had two long punt returns that he almost took the distance. His three returns accounted for 97 yards, the longest being a 55-yarder.

Hosley has returned a punt for a touchdown once in each of his two years with the Virginia Tech Hokies and will likely eclipse that mark this season.

There Are Plenty of Weapons in the Passing Game

The Virginia Tech Hokies have enough receivers for two teams. Jarrett Boykin (who caught a short touchdown today) will likely be the No. 1 guy, but Danny Coale and Dyrell Roberts are accomplished veterans, and Marcus Davis and D.J. Coles are both very fast.

Davis showcased his speed on two long passes and Roberts celebrated his return from injury with a catch for his highlight reel.

There aren't enough balls to go around for this talented receiving corps. Logan Thomas should have no problem finding open targets this season, that's for sure.

The Kicking Game Looks Under Control

Kickoff specialist Justin Myer was booting touchbacks all day long. He has always had a big leg, but today showed that he has increased his strength a little in the offseason.

New punter Scott Demler looked alright, notching a 44-yarder and hitting the ball solidly on a consistent basis.

New kicker Cody Journell had a flawless opening, making all nine (that's right, nine) extra points, and nailing his inaugural 28-yard field goal attempt.

The kicking game is one of the biggest worries for the Virginia Tech Hokies, so it was nice to see a clean game. Oh, and the blocked punt was a welcome sight.