Campus Confidential

By Adam Abramson

I've never been more anxious for a Virginia Tech season. I'm more anxious this year than I was as a freshman when LSU was coming to town.

This year, it's LSU hosting the Hokies in one of the premiere regular season games of the fall. I won't get into the game (we'll save that for September), but talk about mirror images - strong defenses, solid positional players and quarterbacks everyone "hopes" will do well.

This is the best roster that Virginia Tech has ever entered a fall with, so why aren't the Hokies ranked higher? Well, there's one question mark noted in the last paragraph and it happens to be at the most important position on the field. Junior quarterback Sean Glennon is capable of being Tee Martin and managing his way to a national title berth or ... well, Sean Glennon who led Tech in a second-half meltdown against Georgia in the Chick-Fil-a Bowl.

Glennon will have an improved offensive line that really needs to stay healthy. A very knowledgeable source has told me many of the woes on offense could be traced back to missed blocking assignments by the tight ends - which isn't that big of a secret (Tech started two freshmen at the position last year). Greg Boone, Sam Wheeler and Andre Smith should be much improved and their performance is vital in giving Glennon time to win over the confidence of Hokie fans. However, if any of the offensive line starters go down with injury, it could be a long season on offense.

Tech has the best wide receiving corps in the country that you've never heard of. It features size with Justin Harper, speed with Eddie Royal and strength with Josh Morgan and tons of experience with all three (and fellow senior Josh Hyman - a jack of all trades).

At running back, Branden Ore will handle the load. Last year he proved he's up to the task with 1,100 yards, 16 TDs and first-team All ACC honors. Ore's also always a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield with some of the softest hands in college football. Ore's another piece of the puzzle that must stay healthy, as no back behind him has extensive experience.

On defense, the Hokies shouldn't skip much of a beat. Last year, Tech finished with the nation's top defense and should have a Top 10 unit again. Linebackers Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi dictate the presence of the entire defense. All-American cornerback Brandon Flowers handles a secondary that generally sees little action because of a strong pass rush. It's imperative that coordinator Bud Foster has his guys showing up every game, because their success gives the Hokies the best chance to win.

Two guys on the defense to keep an eye on: Chris Ellis and Corey Gordon. Ellis has the talent and motor to rank among the best defensive ends in the country, but his temper gets the best of him often and he's another who must stay healthy. Gordon, also a senior, steps in as a starter for the first time at whip to complete the linebacking corps - he has all the physical tools to succeed, but does he have a full grasp of the position? If so, Tech will have one of the best two linebacking groups in the land (USC having the other).

It's going to be an emotional ride starting on Sept. 1 against East Carolina in Lane Stadium that intensifies a week later in Baton Rouge against LSU. Escape Death Valley with a win, and it could be an exciting ride back to Louisiana for the title game. Lose there, and the ACC title has to be the goal.

Player I would shred you with on NCAA Football 2008: Branden Ore ... he basically pulls a move straight from the game in the clip above.

80s theme song: "King of Pain" - The Police (1983) … Considering its ranking amongst the best all decade, it's permissible for the defense to claim the last line of the song I'll always be the king of pain…

Save this date: Sept. 8 at LSU (Booked the flight and snagged the tickets yesterday)