Nov 1, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Kendall Fuller (11) and linebacker Deon Clarke (40) and defensive end Dadi Nicolas (90) will need to come up big role if Virginia Tech is to pull another upset . (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
BLACKSBURG, Va. — Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer opened his Monday press conference by reeling off some of the school’s biggest football wins. He mentioned bowl victories over Texas and Alabama and significant road triumphs over Clemson, Nebraska and Texas A&M.
“But the one thing we’ve never had is beating a No. 1 team in the country. And we’ve had our chances,” said Beamer, who will begin his 29th season at Virginia Tech on Monday night when the Hokies host No. 1 Ohio State at Lane Stadium.
“We’ve played like eight times maybe (against top-ranked opponents), but we haven’t gotten it done. So certainly there’s a challenge, and I don’t know that there’s ever been a No. 1 team in the country that is as far No. 1 as this crowd is.”
The Hokies are 0-8 all-time against teams ranked No. 1 in Associated Press poll and 0-7 with Beamer as head coach.
“I think our players look forward to the challenge, but what an undertaking this is,” Beamer said. “To play No. 1, but a unanimous No. 1, that’s pretty significant.”
The Buckeyes are certainly stout, but the Hokies beat them last season in Columbus, Ohio. Virginia Tech went 7-6 last year and closed the season out with a Military Bowl victory over Cincinnati. After losing to the Hokies, the Buckeyes won 13 straight en route to the national championship.
Ohio State makes its first trip ever to Blacksburg in what figures to be a charged atmosphere. Beamer said it might be the most anticipated game ever at Virginia Tech’s home stadium. It’ll be only the third time the Hokies have faced a No. 1 team at home (Miami in 1992 and ’01).
“How often do you have the No. 1 team in the country by far, unanimous, coming to your place on national TV and the only game on? How many times does that happen? It’s not very often,” Beamer said.
The Hokies encountered a spectacle at Ohio Stadium last season, and the players are looking forward to getting a chance to play the Buckeyes in front of their own fans on the national stage.
“I can’t even put into words what it’s going to be like, because I’ve never seen Blacksburg like this,” said quarterback Michael Brewer. “I don’t know that many people have. It really is going to be college football at its best.”
VIRGINIA TECH PLAYERS TO WATCH
–Before QB Michael Brewer was much maligned for his struggles last season, he led the Hokies to their biggest win in recent history at eventual national champion Ohio State. With a better understanding of the playbook and more experience in the offense under his belt, Brewer could be in for a strong senior season.
–TE Bucky Hodges had quite the breakout season last year with 45 catches for 526 yards and seven touchdowns. The converted quarterback has a better understanding of the position now that he has a year of experience, so even bigger production could be in store for 2015.
–LB Deon Clarke was one of the catalysts in the Hokies’ strong effort in last year’s win at Ohio State. He had 10 tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack in the win at the Horseshoe and finished the season with 74 total tackles and 11 tackles for loss.
–SS Desmond Frye steps into a starting role this season, and he’ll be put to the test right off the bat. Frye’s predecessor, Washington Redskins rookie Kyshoen Jarrett, was put in a position to make plays last season at Ohio State, and he responded with two interceptions. Can Frye be a similar playmaker against the Buckeyes this season?
SERIES HISTORY: This is the second meeting between Virginia Tech and Ohio State. The Hokies won 35-21 last season in Columbus, Ohio.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I worry about the people around Michael. And if those people uphold their end of the deal, Michael will be just fine.” — Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer on quarterback Michael Brewer
