The skinny

Coach: Frank Beamer (22nd season, 167-85-2)

Last year's records: 7-1 (first in the Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division), 11-3

Offense: Regardless of who plays quarterback -- senior Sean Glennon, sophomore Tyrod Taylor or both -- the Hokies will need others to develop into offensive threats. They have to replace RB Branden Ore and four senior wide receivers, and they might turn to youth to do both. True freshman tailback Ryan Williams could play. Three true freshmen -- Dyrell Roberts, Xavier Boyce and Jarrett Boykin -- likely will contribute at receiver.

Defense: Seven starters are gone from last season. Senior CB Victor Harris (Highland Springs) probably is Tech's best player, on offense or defense. DE Orion Martin, a former walk-on, is the only returning starter on the line. LBs Brett Warren and Purnell Sturdivant have the difficult task of replacing Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi. FS Kam Chancellor is moving from rover to replace D.J. Parker, who graduated, and might be the Hokies' most athletic player.

Specialists: Fifth-year senior Dustin Keys will kick field goals, as fifth-year senior Jud Dunlevy did last season. Junior punter Brent Bowden was very impressive in the preseason. Harris will chip in as a returner.

Quotable: "We've got a lot of work to do, but by the same token, the cupboard isn't bare." -- Defensive coordinator Bud Foster

Outlook: The Hokies have no easy road games -- North Carolina, Nebraska, Boston College, Florida State and Miami. They also open the season against East Carolina in Charlotte, N.C. Yet the other teams in Tech's division have plenty of issues themselves. The offensive line should be better, but will the offense produce more? Expect the Hokies to turn to their tight ends, especially Greg Boone, while their tailback and receiver situations sort themselves out. This season will put defensive coordinator Bud Foster to the test. He has reloaded before. Can he do it again?

Bottom line: 6-2 (first in the ACC Coastal), 10-2

 -- Darryl Slater