ACC Champions....again

They took an unlikely road with an unlikely team, but Virginia Tech is back where they feel comfortable - conference champions. They have not repeated as conference champions since 1995-1996 when they won the Big East back to back. But Frank didn't have this team back then, which makes this trip all the more memorable. Consider the following:

* Tech lost all 4 starting wide receivers to the NFL
* Tech is starting all freshmen at both the running back and wide receiver positions
* Tech is starting a true sophomore quarterback
* Tech lost 8 starters from its tremendous defense to the NFL
* Tech lost THREE contributors in the wide receiver position to injury and suspension

That is A LOT of attrition and injury to deal with as coaches. Frank has always had talent in Blacksburg, at least for the last 13 years or so. But part of recruiting is always having guys waiting in the wings to roll when guys depart. Unfortunately for some dumb luck and bad timing, these guys had to be ready to contribute from day one. Jarrett Boykin and Darrell Roberts are both true freshman wide outs. TRUE FRESHMAN. Meaning they were taking their SATs at this time last year. And they put on one heck of a show yesterday.

This is not even to say what Bud Foster has done with EIGHT new starters. Still a top 10 defense. Still rattling opposing quarterbacks. Still with the non-offensive touchdowns. Enough already, Bud. We get it. You're amazing.

So, we are 9-4. Another conference championship. Another Orange bowl.

What next?

How about winning it? The ACC is a paltry 1-6 in it's last 7 attempts at the BCS. The lone win? We all remember it too well. FSU over Virginia Tech in the 2000 National Championship. It's time to get the ACC back on track. A date with Cincinnati on New Years seems like the perfect opportunity. I tell you, if Tech controls the clock, moves the ball, and plays the defense it did yesterday, they will be tough to stop.

And finally, how about some props to the ACC this year. For all its critics, the ACC had 10 teams with winning conference records. TEN. No conference in the history of college football can boast that. Nor sending TEN teams to bowl games. Sure, there is no elite or great team in the league. But there are some mighty fine ones. Just as LSU when they play Georgia Tech. Or Nebraska when they face Clemson. Or Wisconsin when FSU comes calling....

Or Cincinnati when they meet VT in the Orange Bowl.