Virginia Tech Football: 2011 Is Frank Beamer's Best Coaching Job

Virginia Tech pulled off a critical ACC win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Thursday night. The win gives the Hokies firm control of the ACC Coastal division.

More importantly, Tech is vaulted up to No. 8 in the latest BCS Rankings.

The 2011 college football season has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride for the Hokies. As it stands, however, Virginia Tech is a Top 10 team with BCS bowl aspirations, a Heisman contender and a chance to win a second consecutive ACC Championship.

Not bad for a team with a brand new starting quarterback. That, and four more reasons highlight why 2011 is Frank Beamer's best coaching performance yet.


 

Grooming a New Quarterback

It is rare that a BCS contending team starts a tight end behind center. Even more scarce is the success of such a converted quarterback in his first season as a starter.

For Logan Thomas, the task was made even more difficult following the footsteps of the winningest quarterback in Virginia Tech history, Tyrod Taylor.

Despite the odds, Thomas has shown great improvement and has his Hokies in position to play for an ACC Championship.

In 2011, Thomas is completing 60.5 percent of his throws with 14 touchdowns and 214.3 yards per game. The production has the Hokies on a record-setting pace in terms of passing yardage. Thomas has also added eight touchdown runs and showed his running abilities on Thursday night against the Yellow Jackets. 

Quarterback coach Mike O'Cain had this to say about No. 3, "I'm not sure we've ever had a first-year starter we've asked to do more than we ask him." Nice accolades for the converted tight end.

All credit is due to the aforementioned O'Cain, offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring and Frank Beamer. Their creative play-calling has put the young signal caller in the ideal positions to succeed.

As for Thomas, it could be a start to a special career in Blacksburg. 

Injuries on Defense

Virginia Tech has lost its best defensive lineman, linebacker and defensive back at points during the 2011 college football season.

Yet, defensive coordinator has the Hokies at No. 8 in scoring defense.

Early in the season, Tech lost defensive tackle Antoine Hopkins to a season-ending knee injury. Hopkins was the anchor of an interior defensive line already lacking in depth.

Bruce Taylor, a middle linebacker who led the Hokies with 53 tackles at the time, was injured for the season with a foot injury versus Boston College.

Future NFL Draft prospect Jayron Hosley, the best cover corner for Tech, has been hampered by a hamstring injury in recent weeks.

Despite these obstacles, Foster has made the defense the strength of the Hokies once again. Against the triple option of Georgia Tech, Foster implemented a brilliant scheme that allowed the Yellow Jackets to be out-rushed for only the fourth time under Paul Johnson.

Kudos to Foster for getting the best out of his young replacements down the stretch.

I've said it before and I will say it again. Foster deserves a head coaching opportunity.

Kicking Woes

For the first time in recent memory, Frank Beamer's club has had to overcome woes on special teams.

The biggest problem has been at punter, with struggles pervading the position from day one of the season.

Scott Demler began the season at punter, and averaged a measly 33 yards per kick. True freshman Michael Branthover replaced Demler, and has since averaged an improved 37.5 yards per attempt.

The two punters have combined to put the Hokies dead last in college football in punting average. Ouch.

However, the fact that Tech has overcome poor field position as a result of the punting is a testament to the coaches on offense and defense. More pressure has been put on the shoulders of Bud Foster and Mike O'Cain.

And both have come through for the Hokies. 

Heisman Trophy Contender

David Wilson is having the best season of any running back in college football and no one is noticing.

What a shame.

David Wilson is the leading total rusher in college football, accruing 1,360 yards to this point in the season. Wilson has rushed for 100 yards or more in nine of his team's 10 games thus far.

Moreover, Wilson could break the Virginia Tech single-season rushing record set by Ryan Williams in 2009 at 1,655 yards.

Credit is due to offensive line coach Curt Newsome. Newsome has the offensive line playing some of its best football in recent years for the Hokies. The sack totals are significantly down from last year, and Wilson is getting plenty of holes to run through.

Whether Wilson will get an invite to New York City for the Heisman presentation is yet to be seen. However, his merits as a contender should not go overlooked. 

ACC Championship Contender...Again

Year after year, Virginia Tech fans panic after the first loss of the season.

Season after season, coach Frank Beamer keeps the ship righted.

Following the 23-3 loss to Clemson, pundits and fans alike were shouting doom for the Hokies. However, just like in 2010, Beamer and his staff have his team playing its best football in November.

Virginia Tech put forth its best effort of the season on Thursday night against Georgia Tech, winning on the road 37-26. Tech now controls its own destiny in the ACC Coastal race, with two games remaining versus North Carolina and Virginia.

One more win would secure the Hokies' eight consecutive 10-win season. Two more wins would secure a bid to Virginia Tech's second consecutive ACC Championship game. Three wins would give Tech its fourth ACC title and a second consecutive appearance in the Discover Orange Bowl.

Great job, coach Beamer.