Bowl Predictions: David Wilson and Players Who Will Star for Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech players have heard all of the scrutiny surrounding the Hokies' selection to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

Other than Tech fans, no one wants the Hokies to be there, and no one expects them to perform.

As a result, every player in maroon and orange is chomping at the bit to perform on a big college football stage in primetime against a marquee Michigan Wolverine program.

More importantly, each individual is motivated to prove the doubters wrong.

Who will lead the underdog brigade for the Hokies?

Let's take a look. 

David Wilson

Running back David Wilson is the Hokie with the biggest chip on his shoulder heading into the Sugar Bowl.

Wilson is the most dynamic player on Virginia Tech's roster, able to change games with a sudden burst of acceleration. He rushed for over 100 yards in 10 of 13 games during the 2011 season.

Yet, Wilson only received 11 carries against Clemson in the ACC Championship. The Hokies went on to get throttled, 38-10.

The electric ball carrier voiced his concerns afterward according to the Washington Post. "I never got to get in a rhythm. My carries came far between.”  

Now, all signs point toward Wilson departing Blacksburg early for the 2012 NFL Draft. What better way to end his Virginia Tech career than an explosive outburst in New Orleans?

If the coaches are smart, they will give Wilson the opportunity to do just that.  

Danny Coale

If Virginia Tech fans can expect anyone to show up for big games, it is wide receiver Danny Coale.

The sure-handed target leads the Hokies in receiving yards with 787 and is the second-most productive receiver in Virginia Tech history.

Under former quarterback Tyrod Taylor and current signal caller Logan Thomas, Coale has been the go-to guy for the big catch.

Moreover, Coale will likely be the punter for the Sugar Bowl, making him a viable impact player in two phases of the football game.

Playing in the last game of a college career always brings extra motivation for any performer. Coale, while often overlooked by many defenses, will make his presence known on his way out of Blacksburg. 

Jayron Hosley

Like David Wilson, Jayron Hosley will be eager to showcase his NFL talents to scouts on the national stage in New Orleans.

For the second straight year, Hosley leads Virginia Tech with three interceptions. This is despite being hampered with a nagging hamstring injury that has limited his man-coverage abilities.

A rested Hosley will regain a measure of explosiveness in time for what will likely be his final game in the Tech secondary.

That extra step might be just what Hosley needs to pick off a Denard Robinson pass to change the game. 

Kyle Fuller

The younger brother of former Virginia Tech standout Vincent Fuller, Kyle Fuller has carried on the family name in Blacksburg.

Fuller leads the team in solo tackles despite playing a corner position that typically lacks in physicality.

A frequent watcher of Hokies games would recognize Fuller as the surest tackler on the roster. 

If Virginia Tech is to contain Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson in any manner, Fuller will have to be superb in the open field at bringing down the mobile passer.

If it comes down to one on one in the open field, there is certainly no other player Bud Foster wants to see making the tackle attempt. 

Logan Thomas

The last time Logan Thomas lost to Clemson in embarrassing fashion, he followed up with the best showing of his young career.

He went 23-of-25 passing against the Miami Hurricanes en route to a 38-35 breathtaking win.

Now, Thomas has weeks to review his latest mistakes and revert back to the successful ways that characterized the second half of the regular season.

This is a critical time for Thomas to improve with the extra Sugar Bowl practices. Hokies fans will be excited to see how Thomas responds on such a large stage and will look for positive signs headed into the 2012 season. 

Blake DeChristopher

Like Danny Coale, offensive tackle Blake DeChristopher has been invaluable to the Virginia Tech program throughout his tenure.

While difficult to star as an offensive lineman, DeChristopher will look to finish his Tech career by not having his name called during the Sugar Bowl.

That means no mistakes, no sacks allowed and no penalties.

If so, it would be a fitting end to a strong career for the four-year starter at right tackle. 

Marcus Davis

Marcus Davis commonly plays the role of X-factor for the Virginia Tech offense. 

In the Virginia game, Davis executed his role to perfection en route to 119 yards receiving and a touchdown.

However, Davis was a no-show in the ACC Championship, totaling only 50 yards.

The frustrating part for coaches and fans alike is that Davis has the size, speed and athleticism to star at the collegiate level but lacks in consistency.

The pendulum is due to swing positively for Davis and the Hokies against Michigan, which could mean a big day for the Virginia Tech offense.