Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - 2006 SEASON IN REVIEW: The 2006 football season was another successful campaign for Virginia Tech, which rallied to win six of its last seven games to finish 10-3 overall, as well as 6-2 in ACC play, good for second place in the Coastal Division. It was a season of streaks in Blacksburg, as the Hokies opened the year with four straight wins. Back-to-back losses to Georgia Tech (38-27) and Boston College (22-3) derailed the hopes of a conference title, but to the team's credit, Tech came back to close out the regular season with six straight victories, including shutouts of both Kent State (23-0) and rival Virginia (17-0). The Hokies were rewarded for their strong finish with a December 30th date against Georgia in the Chik-fil-A Bowl, where they dropped a 31-24 decision to the Bulldogs. Still, the team played in its 14th straight bowl game, one of just four teams in the nation to have done so (Florida, Florida State and Michigan).

2007 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: Frank Beamer turned the keys to the offense over to QB Sean Glennon last season and for the most part, the then sophomore handled the job effectively. Glennon completed just over 56 percent of his passes last year, for 2,191 yards, with 11 TDs and the same number of INTs. Glennon will be backed up by freshman Tyrod Taylor, who was regarded as perhaps the top duel- threat QB in the high school ranks in 2006. The ground game has always been a staple of the Tech offense and last season was no different, as another sophomore, 5-11, 200-pound Brandon Ore handled the lion's share of the workload. Ore rushed for 1,137 yards and 16 TDs, on 4.7 yards per carry. The performance landed Ore on the All-ACC First-Team and big things are expected of the junior in 2007. When Glennon does fall back into the pocket and throw downfield, he is likely to look the way of senior wideouts Eddie Royal and Josh Morgan, who combined for 63 receptions in 2006, going for nearly 1,000 yards and seven TDs. Eight starters return from last year's offense, including three along the offensive line. Headlining the group is senior left tackle Duane Brown (6-5, 308), who was a Second-Team All-ACC selection in 2006.

DEFENSE: Another key to Virginia's Tech's success under Beamer has been the play of its defense. Last season was another banner year on this side of the football in Blacksburg. The unit held 12 of its 13 opponents under 300 yards of total offense and finished the season ranked first nationally in total defense (219.5 ypg), passing defense (128.2 ypg) and scoring defense (11.0 ppg). Eight starters return from that squad and there is every reason to believe that the 2007 version could be just as good. It all starts in the middle of the field, where the Hokies own perhaps the nation's top linebacking unit. Seniors Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi are special athletes with the ability to make plays all over the field. Hall, A First-Team All-conference selection, led the team with 128 total tackles, including 8.5 TFLs and two sacks. Adibi was a Second-Team honoree, finishing with 82 stops, three sacks and three INTs. The secondary returns three of the four starters from a year ago, highlighted by junior CB Brandon Flowers (51 tackles, 18 PBUs, three INTs), another First-Team All-ACC member. The defensive line lacks a premier playmaker at this time, but returns plenty of experience. Senior end Chris Ellis (4.5 sacks, 15 QB hurries last season) has the ability to step up and lead this unit and should be ready to go after missing the spring with a shoulder injury.

SPECIAL TEAMS: The special teams must replace both the placekicker and punter from last season, so this is an area of concern heading into the season. Senior Jud Dunleavy looks to take over the placekicking duties, after handling the job in the JV ranks for the last few seasons. Brent Bowden will take over the punting duties, although the youngster has yet to perform in a game. Last season, Bowden dressed for every game, but did not play. The return game will once again be left in the hands of Royal, who earned Second-Team All-ACC honors, after leading the ACC in punt return average (13.2). The coverage teams have always excelled in Blacksburg under Beamer and this season, there will once again be plenty of athletes on the field making big plays.

OUTLOOK: Bouncing back from the devastating tragedy that happened just a few months ago in Blacksburg will not be easy, but football in Lane Stadium can certainly help heal the wounds. This team certainly has the talent to run the table, win the ACC and play for the national title. The key litmus test will come on September 8th in Baton Rouge, as the team will battle highly-ranked LSU. The rest of the non-conference slate lacks any real teeth. If the Hokies escape the Bayou with a victory, little will stand in their way. The ACC schedule is favorable, with North Carolina, Boston College, Florida State and Miami all coming to Blacksburg. Road games at Clemson, Georgia Tech and Virginia won't be easy, but a team on a mission with a ton of momentum, could very well be the feel-good story of college football in 2007.