and the Hokies pieced together one win at a time, after a 2-2 start. I don't think this team will go undefeated from this point on... however I didn't think that 2004 team would either. They just kept getting better as the season progressed.

VT being in a close finish with a +5 turnover margin... is very telling. I'm hopeful VT will reach a playoff game, not win the Coastal, or even the ACC. However, some young defensive players have started to shine, and we weren't even talking about them in preseason discussions. This team is forging their own identity, and this game is one they learned a lot about themselves. Actually... the stretch including the Duke game, hot-seat week, and the Miami game has been a learning experience for a young team to progress. The coaches are proven, but have been challenged to navigate this particular group of players, to reach a level of excellence fans have grown to expect. Fans are just as frustrated as the coaches that the team keeps getting younger, and less experienced, but that's the reality of the situation. Ultimately, it is the players desire and determination... and now they see what they can do.

I remember that VT was expected to finish 6th in the ACC in 2004, and weren't even in the top 25 until the second half of the season (IIRC). I think it was the victory over GT that year where things started getting promising. It was a battle each and every game. I think VT finished the season at #6 in the country and lost a very close bowl game to an undefeated Auburn team that was snubbed. That may have been one of the best Bud Foster defenses by the end of that season, and I agree, our D this year won't come close to reaching that level.