The season is halfway over, and let’s just come out and say it: things couldn’t
possibly have gone any better for Virginia Tech so far. Okay, maybe both USC and
Texas could have lost, boosting the Hokies into #1 in the polls, but other than
that, the quibbles are minor. Here’s a two-part look at what’s gone well (a
lot), what hasn’t gone well (a little), what the keys to success have been, and
what the keys to continuing success are.

This is part one of a two-part look at the season to date, and in this part,
we’ll talk about how the strengths going into the season have carried the
Hokies, and how the concerns haven’t derailed the season.

Coming into the season, VT followers knew this team could rely on good
leadership, a stout defense, a deep receiving corps, two senior tailbacks, an
accurate passing quarterback, a returning all-ACC kicker, and an experienced
coaching staff that was on a roll. (Yes, the same coaching staff that seemingly
couldn’t find its nose with both hands and a flashlight in 2003 was being lauded
as large and in charge heading into 2005.)

The fears were questionable leadership ability of that accurate QB, an
untested punter, three new starters at defensive back, a patchwork offensive
line, and depth along the OL, inside linebacker, quarterback, and cornerback.

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