Great Expectations

There's no getting around it.

People are expecting great things from the 2009 edition of the Hokie football squad.

Throughout the entire spring, much was made of redshirt freshman phenom Ryan Williams. If you didn't see his Playstation-esque moves, you soon will. Chances are he will make several Sportscenter highlight reels come October.

Frank found himself a backup quarterback, which was the major goal of spring ball. JuJu (as he is called) at times looked crisp and prepared, and at times looked like deer-in-the-headlights. Against our defense, wouldn't you?

Bud will field his typical stout first team defense, but the issue comes, as usual, with depth. If any linebacker or secondary player goes down, there is cause for concern. Of course, we don't play a snap until September, so there is still time.

Mark Schlabach of ESPN ranked his post-spring Top 25 going into fall. You can see it here.

It won't be the last time you see something of great expectations for the Hokies this fall. The heavyweight bout between fellow top-10 Alabama to start the season has ESPN salivating, and for good reason.

Should be a good one. Bama starts a new tailback, a new offensive line and a new QB. Think Bud is excited to unleash his defense on those newbies?

For a change, the offense grabbed the headlines from our spring practices, and it could be fun to watch them work. We've missed that since about 2002.

Here's to a season with Great Expectations. 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,' Dickens said.

Let's hope for the best of times.