Husker Football 2008: Virginia Tech

It will be a major test for the Husker football team when they play host to Virginia Tech on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Memorial Stadium.

Here is a Husker Tickets look at the Virginia Tech Hokies:

Schedule
08/30 -- at East Carolina
09/06 -- Furman
09/13 -- Georgia Tech
09/20 -- at North Carolina
09/27 -- at Nebraska
10/04 -- Western Kentucky
10/18 -- at Boston College
10/25 -- at Florida State
11/06 -- Maryland
11/13 -- at Miami (Fla.)
11/22 -- Duke
11/29 -- Virginia

Injuries, suspensions rock promising offense

It's been a rough offseason for the Hokies, with injuries and suspensions creating some degree of havoc as they get ready for the 2008 season.

It started with the dismissal of 1,000-yard running back Brandon Ore prior to spring ball. During spring drills, Kenny Lewis and Jahre Cheesman both went down with injuries, further depleting the Virginia Tech backfield. The problems continued this summer when receiver Brandon Dillard was lost to a season-ending ACL injury.

That doesn't mean the cupboard is bare, though. Quarterbacks Sean Glennon (1,796 yards, 12 TD) and Tyrod Taylor (927 yards, 5 TD) are back and they have some good receivers to work with, including Cory Holt and Zach Luckett. Seniors Nick Marshman and Ryan Shuman will anchor a fairly young offensive line.

Graduation leaves question marks on defense

Virginia Tech's defense was also hit hard in the offseason, but not to injury so much as to graduation. The loss of several players from last year's 11-3 team leaves the Hokies with four returning starters, and the Hokies will have two solid starters in the secondary with Victor Harris at cornerback and Kam Chancellor at free safety.

Still a player in the national title race

The Hokies might be playing against a stacked deck this year, as several of their key games (Nebraska, North Carolina, Boston College, Florida State) are away from home. In spite of that, this is a team that -- if it overcomes the injuries -- can be in the discussion for a national championship at season's end. As the defending ACC champions, they will be a target that will be tough to hit in 2008.

Projected Starting Lineup
Offense
LT Ed Wang (6-5, 310, Jr.)
LG Nick Marshman (6-5, 357, Sr.)
C   Ryan Shuman (6-3, 313, Sr.)
RG Sergio Render (6-4, 324, Jr.)
RT Blake DeChristopher (6-3, 293, Fr.)
TE Sam Wheeler (6-3, 269, Jr.)
WR Cory Holt (6-4, 223, Sr.)
WR Zach Luckett (6-3, 212, So.)
QB Sean Glennon (6-4, 223, Sr.)
RB Josh Oglesby (5-11, 211, Fr.)
FB Kenny Jefferson (5-9, 216, Jr.)
Defense
DE Jason Worilds (6-2, 252, So.)
DT John Graves (6-3, 292, So.)
DT Cordarrow Thompson (6-2, 323, Jr.)
DE Orion Martin (6-2, 252, Sr.)
LB Cam Martin (6-1, 204, Jr.)
LB Brett Warren (6-1, 223, Sr.)
LB Purnell Sturdivant (5-10, 234, Sr.)
CB Rashad Carmichael (5-10, 193, So.)
CB Victor Harris (6-0, 192, Sr.)
FS Kam Chancellor (6-4, 225, Jr.)
SS Dorian Porch (5-11, 211, Jr.)
Specialists
PK Dustin Keys (6-2, 207, Sr.)
P   Brent Bowden (6-3, 206, Jr.)