WSET.com - ABC13The King's Court for October 20, 2010

Virginia Tech - In Tyrod I Trust

I was in Blacksburg the day Virginia Tech fell to 0-2 at the unlikely hands of James Madison. After the post-game press conference and player interviews, I was somewhat surprised yet impressed at the seemingly upbeat attitudes of Frank Beamer and his guys. If not upbeat, they at least weren't as down as I might have expected. Maybe there was hope yet.

I went to the Tech media relations people, to find some information pertaining to the last time anything like this happened to a Hokie squad. In fact, it had happened, and in the Frank Beamer era. They lost their first two games, both at home, to Boston College and Cincinnati in 1995. They then won their next ten, including a Sugar Bowl beat down of Texas. Hope indeed, in the form of precedence.

It felt logical to me then the same type of thing could occur. After Saturday's altogether whipping of Wake Forest, I actually believe it will occur. Will it be easy? No. Not even close. After what ought to be another walk-through this coming Saturday against Duke, the Hokies host Georgia Tech on a Thursday nighter, then go on the road to play Miami and UNC in back-to-back weeks. Finally, a home game against in-state rival Virginia. In the ACC, no game seems to be safe, and plenty of wacky things happen. But, frankly, I think the only team that ought to have a chance at beating them is UNC. Look for that game to decide the ACC Coastal division.

***

The number one reason I see this turnaround completing itself - Tyrod Taylor. Though I hadn't followed the Hokies as closely before this year, I believe I have a feel for the relationship between Taylor and Tech faithful. I see it as not too dissimilar from the one I experienced the past few years at UNC, where Tar Heel fans mostly hated Yates, undeservedly. Funny, now as seniors, Taylor and Yates are playing the best at their position in the ACC. I didn't need statistics to reinforce this, but when they do, I'm obliged to use them. Below, ESPN's QB rating for ACC QB's (Maryland & Boston College have both used several QB's). Not coincidentally, Taylor and Yates take care of the ball better than anyone on this list. Smart seniors, they are.

1. Tyrod Taylor, VT - 159.49
2. T.J. Yates, UNC - 154.33
3. Russell Wilson, NC State - 132.59
4. Christian Ponder, FSU - 129.29
5. Marc Verica, UVA - 122.1
6. Joshua Nesbitt, GT - 118.6
7. Jacory Harris, Miami - 117.6
8. Kyle Parker - Clemson - 115.1
9. Sean Renfree, Duke - 114.82
10. Tanner Price, Wake Forest - 113.2

From day one covering Tech, I changed my opinion on Taylor. This is something I've tried to stress to my UNC buddies, who still doubt him based on past experiences. The biggest thing, to me, is the trust his teammates have in him. Taylor was clearly the leader in the off season, and several players remarked how it's hard to get him to think about anything other than what he needs to do as the starting QB. They trust him, as does Frank Beamer.

I didn't think he was to blame for a tough loss against a fantastic Boise team, but I did think he wasn't quite himself in the driving rain against JMU. Since then, he's been outstanding, especially in a sensational 2nd half comeback at NC State. If you didn't believe in him, or the team, after that game, you better get on board quick.

I'm telling you, next stop for the Hokies: ACC Championship.