Virginia Tech lost Tyrod Taylor and two stud running backs from last year's ACC title team, yet the Hokies are being labeled by some a Top 10 team entering 2011.
Maybe a lot of that is because Frank Beamer's bunch has made 10-win seasons as automatic as the mail in your box six days a week.
But undoubtedly a good bit also stems from the belief that Taylor's replacement, Logan Thomas, can be Superman. Thomas attempted all of 26 passes last year and ran for just 22 yards, yet people are actually comparing him to Cam Newton.
We're addicted to comparisons in sports, and Thomas reminds some of Newton because he's 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds. Beamer isn't often prone to excessive buildup of his players, yet the coach has absolutely gushed over Thomas and his talents.
I'm going to go out on a limb and say the comparisons to Newton are sorta ridiculous because there might never be a player with that blend of power, speed and arm strength. But for the sake of an actual point to this blog, let's just say Thomas is an exquisite talent who can bring a similar multi-dimensional threat.
My biggest issue would be whether the Hokies' offense is suited to bring it all out. The key to Newton's spectacular success last year at Auburn wasn't just his talent, but the utilization and maximization of his talent in Gus Mazlahn's funky offense. Had Newton landed at, say, Georgia or Tennessee or LSU and run a more conventional offense without all the misdirection and deception, he wouldn't have created the same impact.
Virginia Tech's offense has a new twist this season with former Clemson assistant (and player) Mike O'Cain taking over for longtime coordinator Brian Stinespring as the chief play-caller. While it's certain O'Cain will have some wrinkles to capitalize on Thomas' alleged talents, it's not as though he's going to go all Malzahn and be cutting-edge. This offense has always been heavily influenced by Beamer's preferences, and the bet here is that the Hokies will continue to play it safe and rely on the basic, run-first philosophy that has worked so well for them.
Thomas' first real test could well come in the fifth game against Clemson in Blacksburg.
The Tigers, by the way, figure to be quarterbacked by a Virginia native who will face his first road test in his home state.
Should be interesting to watch it all unfold. Always is.
LW
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