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That makes Tech 7-7 in the league the past two seasons, with four of the victories coming against Temple and Rutgers. Many think Pittsburgh has usurped the Hokies as Miami's top challenger. Tech has enough pieces in place to reclaim its position among the nation's elite. The Hokies' lineup includes at least five players who figure to be first-round draft picks when their time comes to head to the NFL. Talent is not in short supply. But injuries and the long 13-game regular season caused Tech's defense to wear down in 2002, and the Hokies dropped four of their final five before rebounding with a bowl win. The injury problems continued in the spring. If Tech doesn't stay in top shape or tackle more effectively than it did last November, all that talent won't help. OFFENSIVE KEYS: Virginia Tech's coaches are always talking about balance on offense and how they'd like to mix in more passing with the running. It sounds good, but the Hokies always have been a running team under Frank Beamer and probably always will be.And what's wrong with that? Junior tailback Kevin Jones has Heisman hopes, and a run at the trophy isn't out of the question if he stays healthy. Both quarterbacks -- junior Bryan Randall and freshman Marcus Vick -- add another running threat. Randall threw for 165 yards and rushed for 132 against Miami last season. Senior receiver Ernest Wilford's 51 catches in 2002 were a school record, and several were quite impressive. He'll draw plenty of attention from opposing defenses, and that's why the Hokies desperately need someone else to step up the way Wilford did last season. Up front, Tech has made significant improvement, and significant improvement was necessary. Senior center Jake Grove is a major-leaguer. If Tech does pass more, look for the tight ends (10 catches among three players last season) to become more involved. The Hokies experimented with sophomore Jeff King as an H-back in the spring. DEFENSIVE KEYS: Sophomore free safety Jimmy Williams and junior cornerbacks DeAngelo Hall and Vincent Fuller are all excellent. Junior cornerback Eric Green returns after missing last season with a knee injury. Senior cornerback Garnell Wilds led the Big East with five interceptions last season, though he wasn't a full-time starter.Injuries affected four of Tech's linemen and linebackers last season. A team that was once a brick wall against the run softened considerably. Senior linebacker Vegas Robinson hopes spring ankle surgery helps him play like he did early last season. Junior linebacker Mikal Baaqee hopes adding 15 pounds will help him endure a long season. Senior ends Nathanial Adibi and Cols Colas are both outstanding pass rushers. Everyone who played a down at tackle last year is back, led by starters Jason Lallis and Kevin Lewis. SPECIAL TEAMS: If senior kicker Carter Warley's oft-injured back holds up, Tech is in fine shape here. Junior punter Vinnie Burns is very good (a 40.5-yard average). Hall, who has exceptional speed, is a dangerous punt returner. He took two back for touchdowns last season.FINAL ANALYSIS: The same thing that kept Tech from an excellent season a year ago -- breakdowns on the defensive line and at linebacker -- could keep Tech from an excellent season in 2003.Injuries and the toll of a long season left Tech much less effective on defense late in the season. The Hokies shut down early opponents LSU, Texas A&M and Marshall. But Pittsburgh, Miami, West Virginia and Syracuse were able to run the Hokies silly. If the defensive front holds up, Tech is a top-10 team. The secondary is excellent. Free safety Williams has everyone excited, and cornerback Hall -- who has overcome a back injury that hindered him late last season -- is one of the nation's best. The offense will be dangerous, particularly if another receiver steps forward. Tech could finish anywhere from 8-4 to 12-0. An 11th straight bowl appearance is a virtual certainty, but the Hokies would like to be better than just another bowl team. • Click here for complete index of 2003 team previews
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