Virginia Tech Ranked #19 In The Country

Oct 12, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back Isaac Bennett (34) gets stopped by Virginia Tech Hokies defensive end Dadi Nicolas (90) during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Virginia Tech is 6-1. They have won 6 games in a row, and are on a roll. The Hokies started the season unranked, and finally joined the top 25 last week. The #24 Hokies proved why they received votes by knocking off Pitt. Now that they are moving up the polls, it is a great time to evaluate how they have gotten there.

The Defense

The Virginia Tech defense has been stellar all season long. The defense ranks 4th overall in the country which is much better than expected. They currently rank 1st in interceptions, and 2nd in sacks. We all knew that the Hokies would be perform well on the defensive side of the ball, but they are exceeding expectations. Brandon Facyson, and Kyle Fuller have stabilized the secondary and are making plays. The defensive line has been great, and Derrick Hopkins is leading them. The Senior has 3.5 sacks and has been a major reason why teams have not been able to run against the Hokies. These are only a few reasons as to why the defense has played so well.

Logan Thomas

Logan Thomas is on fire. The quarterback has thrown for 1451 yards and 9 touchdowns. He has been consistent of late, and has seemed to overcome his struggles. He has been smart, and is making the right decisions. To prove this, he hasn’t thrown an interception in three games. Thomas has used his legs to beat defenses as well and is considered a duel threat. If Logan Thomas can keep this up, look for him to lead the Hokies to the ACC championship.

Improved Wide-Receivers

The wide-receivers plain old stunk in the beginning of the season. Now, the wide-outs have become much more consistent, and are much improved. Against Alabama, the team dropped a total of 8 passes. The way they have played lately makes that number seem unbelievable. Walk on Willie Bryn leads the team with 349 receiving yards. Demtitri Knowles is right behind him with 346, and two touchdowns. D.J. Coles has proven he is healthy as he has grabbed 5 touchdowns. All of the wide-outs have improved in their own way and are a major reason that Virginia Tech’s offense is getting better.

To me, these are the main reasons that Virginia Tech is now ranked #19. Virginia Tech takes on Duke on Saturday, and if they win once again, look for them to move up the polls. Things are looking up for Virginia Tech. Not only are they a top 25 now, but they just made the game at Bristol race track official. The game will bring in tons of money for the program and will be a game to remember. All in all, Virginia Tech is doing the right things on and off the field. Expect another win on Saturday and more good times to come for the Hokies.