Virginia Tech Football: 5 Reasons Why a Rematch with Clemson Is Imminent

The goal of the Virginia Tech Hokies players and coaching staff year-in and year-out is to win the ACC Championship.

Sure, some fans and experts may have higher or lower expectations from season to season.

But, ask Frank Beamer. That is the ultimate bar for this program.

Why?

Look at the 2011 season. Despite losing to Clemson, the Hokies control their own destiny for a return trip to the ACC title game.

Despite losing to Boise State and FCS opponent James Madison in 2010, Virginia Tech still had its BCS future in its hands.

The point being that even with a loss early in the season, Beamer's team remains motivated to excel in future games.

So, despite an embarrassing home loss to the Clemson Tigers, the Hokies have a chance for a special season.

And, a Top 10 championship matchup that the ACC has been dreaming about for years.

Clemson Can Sleepwalk to the ACC Championship Game

Before discussing Tech's prospects, let us first describe Clemson's status as a lock for a trip to Charlotte.

Before the season, the favorite to win the ACC Atlantic division was Florida State. The Seminoles have struggled, including losses to Wake Forest and these Clemson Tigers.

The only opponent withing striking range of Clemson is Wake Forest (5-2, 4-1). The Demon Deacons have a mathematical shot at the ACC title if they can upset the Tigers in a matchup on November 12th.

I said mathematical. Realistic? Nah.

The difference between the talent levels of Wake Forest and Clemson is 10-fold. Barring mind-numbing underachieving by the Tigers, Clemson will represent the Atlantic division in the ACC Championship.

It would be great news for Clemson, Virginia Tech, and the ACC if the Tigers can remain undefeated until that point.

A game with National Championship implications, two Top 10 teams, and a packed stadium is just what the doctor ordered for the oft-overlooked ACC.

Virginia Tech Is Getting More Offensive

In a good way.

The Virginia Tech offense is on pace to have its best statistical production with Brian Stinespring as offensive coordinator.

The best season yardage-wise for Stinespring was 2010. Last year, that offense averaged 402.29 yards per game. That was good for 41st in college football.

The highest ranked offense under Stinespring was in 2003, when the Hokies finished 38th in total offense.

Thus far in 2011, Virginia Tech is averaging 427 yards per contest, good for 41st. Moreover, the Hokies are currently averaging 232.1 yards passing per game. That would be the highest average for Virginia Tech under Stinespring by almost 20 yards.

What's the difference?

Well, the Hokies are passing more. Tech is averaging 29 passes per contest in 2011, up from previous years.

Maybe its the new play-caller Mike O' Cain. Perhaps its the staff's confidence in Logan Thomas.

Whatever the reason, the offense is more balanced than ever. And will be much improved come December. 

Bud Foster

Judging by the rate of injuries on defense for Virginia Tech, 2011 will be one of Bud Foster's best jobs as defensive coordinator.

If you are not familiar with Foster, that is saying something.

Tech's best defensive lineman, best linebacker, and best defensive back have all missed time this season.

The Hokies are currently starting a true freshman in Luther Maddy at defensive tackle. 

Clemson is averaging 40.6 points per game in 2011. The Tigers have scored less than 35 only once. That was against the Hokies, in which Clemson only put up 23.

In order for the Hokies to go undefeated the rest of the season, the health of the defense will have to improve. Tech can simply not continue to run inexperienced players out there and expect to stop the likes of Georgia Tech and Clemson.

However, with a little luck and Foster calling the shots, anything is possible for the lunch pail unit.

Foster has the track record to prove it. 

Logan Thomas and David Wilson

Logan Thomas has the make-up to be an excellent college quarterback.

He just needs that moment where everything "clicks," akin to the Auburn game for Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd.

Perhaps that moment happened against Miami for Thomas. In that game, Thomas completed 23-of-25 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns.

In his last three games, Thomas has completed 67 percent of his passes with six touchdowns and zero interceptions.

If the sophomore signal-caller can continue this latest pace, he will open up some holes for Mr. David Wilson.

Yes, No. 4 deserves a mister. Wilson has gone over 100 yards in seven of eight games. He is averaging nearly 130 yards per game.

This has occurred while defenses have loaded up against the run. With Thomas coming on as of late, Wilson may break the single-season rushing record set by Ryan Williams in 2009 with a total of 1,655 yards.

This dangerous combination has the potential to be special in Blacksburg. With the defense ailing because of injury, the Thomas-Wilson duo needs to carry the Hokies on their shoulders during the four remaining regular season contests.

Given the talent of these two, do not expect otherwise. 

The ACC Coastal Is Tech's to Lose

It seems like the ACC Coastal should be named after Virginia Tech.

The Hokies have won it every year since the championship was implemented in 2005, with two exceptions in 2006 and 2009.

In 2011, it looked like Georgia Tech was emerging as the favorite. However, two consecutive losses by the Yellow Jackets to Virginia and Miami have the Hokies atop the division.

And, the schedule is working out ideally for things to stay that way.

This Saturday, Georgia Tech plays Clemson. If the Tigers win, Georgia Tech will have three conference losses. Consequently, even if the Hokies lose at Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech will have the advantage in the ACC Coastal race with only two losses.

Given Tech has the tiebreaker over Miami, the Hokies need to simply go 3-1 over their last four to make a likely appearance in the ACC Championship.

That being said, Virginia Tech could sneak into the Top 10 by going undefeated during the final stretch. The Hokies could be integral in setting up a big rematch versus Clemson with National Championship ramifications.

There is a long way to go, however. And Virginia Tech has been known to stumble before. That being said, Tech is right where it wants to be in terms of winning an ACC Championship.

Just how the Hokies like it.