The spring season is over around the college campuses and fans have to make it through the summer before they can break out the tailgating menu and get ready for some football. For the states’ two Division 1 football programs, things would seem to be very different heading into the fall, but upon further examination, VT and UVa will need to overcome the same issues if they plan to get where their fan base wants.
For UVa, they did the right thing in making a change at offensive coordinator and bringing some excitement to the fans. The Hoos have played defense very well since Al Groh took over at UVa, but haven’t had much of any offensive production for several years. The expectations at UVa aren’t extremely high, but a bowl game is a realistic goal if they gel quickly.
Across the state in Blacksburg, the Hokies are all hyped up and thinking national title, but just like the Wahoos, there defense will keep them in and win most games, but the offense hasn’t produced enough to take the step up from top ACC team to top team in the nation. After the spring, it doesn’t appear that the offense has changed all that much.
If you look at the upcoming season, the two state programs that despise each other and claim to be polar opposites are headed on parallel paths. The Hokies want to win on the national stage, while the Wahoos want to win and do well in the ACC. Both teams have talented defenses, and both teams have an offense that will rely on the QB running for yardage to move the ball. Both squads have a stable of highly touted running backs and several young but talented receivers. What is ironic about the situation heading into the 09 season is that the Wahoos have made changes that include a faster attacking defense, an offense that relies on the QB to help run the ball and an increased attention to such things as punt blocks and kick returns. Boy does that combination sound familiar and while the Hokie faithful are to the point where ACC titles are not the goal any longer, the Wahoos hope that parallel path intersects at some point on the way to an ACC title.
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