Offensive line play

This has been the Hokies' weak point in recent seasons. They allowed 54 sacks last season, tied for third most in the nation. The line's slow development was a major reason why Tech finished the season ranked 100th nationally in yards per game (330.5). But this season, with significant questions at wide receiver and tailback, the line is the most solidified part of the offense. Senior left tackle Duane Brown moved on, but Tech slid Ed Wang from right tackle to replace him and protect the quarterback's blind side. The only new starter among the five linemen is redshirt freshman Blake DeChristopher (Clover Hill High) at right tackle.

Finding a playmaker

Gone are Eddie Royal, Justin Harper, Josh Morgan and Josh Hyman - Tech's top four receivers from last season. Gone is tailback Branden Ore, the Hokies' fifth all-time leading rusher, dismissed from the team in the offseason with a year of eligibility remaining. So who is going to be the big-play threat for this offense? Juniors Kenny Lewis Jr. and Jahre Cheeseman are out front at tailback, but redshirt freshman Josh Oglesby and true freshman Ryan Williams have shown potential. Tech lost two of its top three receivers before the season - Brandon Dillard to a season-ending Achilles tendon injury, Zach Luckett to an indefinite suspension after a DUI arrest. The Hokies need either junior Ike Whitaker or a young receiver - likely redshirt freshman Danny Coale or true freshman Dyrell Roberts - to become a consistently reliable target.

Carrying on the LB tradition

It's unfair to compare senior linebackers Brett Warren and Purnell Sturdivant to Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi, whom Warren and Sturdivant must replace this season. Hall and Adibi were arguably the best linebacker tandem in school history. Though Warren started four games last season in place of the injured Hall, neither he nor Sturdivant have had the chance to prove their worth over an entire season. Though they might not be as dominant as Hall and Adibi, they can't struggle too much, either.