ESPN College Football

It’s time to review some of the highs and lows from the ACC bowl season (there were highlights, I swear) …

Best performance: NC State cornerback David Amerson had two interceptions in a 31-24 win over Louisville in the Belk Bowl. He broke the ACC single-season record, and also moved into a tie for second place in FBS history for single-season interceptions with 13. The Pack were leading 24-10 in the third quarter when Amerson’s 65-yard interception return for a touchdown broke the record. His second interception late in the game moved him into a tie for second place in FBS history.

Best offensive performance in a losing effort: Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas. He outplayed Michigan’s Denard Robinson in every phase but the scoreboard. He threw for 214 yards and ran for 53. He also had an impressive 13-yard scramble on fourth-and-11. In his first season as a starter, Thomas finished with 3,482 yards of total offense, breaking Tyrod Taylor’s school record, which was set in 2010.

Best team defensive performance: Florida State. The Noles held the Irish scoreless for two quarters, and forced three turnovers, all interceptions.

Best defensive game plan: Virginia Tech. Michigan was in disarray, and Bud Foster had a lot to do with that. Fitzgerald Toussaint was held to just 30 rushing yards, and quarterback Denard Robinson had just 13 rushing yards. Nobody scored on the ground, and Michigan was just 4-of-13 on third-down conversions.

Best on-the-job training: Florida State’s offensive line. The Noles started four freshmen against Notre Dame, and they gave up five sacks, but they also grew up right before our eyes and looked much better in the second half.

Best quote: “I don't care what people think. I made a decision what was best for this football team going forward. When I made the decision and weighing all options and looking at the talent this kid has I knew we would have a quarterback. I don't have to feel vindicated by anybody. … But he helped [vindicate] me." -- NC State coach Tom O’Brien on replacing Russell Wilson with Mike Glennon, who was named the MVP of the Belk Bowl with three touchdowns.

Worst defensive performance. None other than the 70 points Clemson allowed, of course. Most. Points. Ever. In any bowl game. Ever.

Worst moment: The look of devastation on Danny Coale’s face when his would-be 20-yard touchdown catch in overtime was overturned by the replay officials and ruled incomplete.

Worst officiating: The Allstate Sugar Bowl. Take your pick. There were plenty of questionable calls in that game, but the most controversial was probably Coale’s negated touchdown catch. Whether it was a catch or not isn’t the point. Instead, there didn’t seem to be enough indisputable video evidence to overturn the original call of a touchdown.

Worst stat: The ACC dropped to 2-13 in BCS bowls.

Worst stat II: The ACC was outscored by 74 points in its bowl games.

Worst effort: North Carolina played like its coach had one foot out the door. Oh wait, never mind. … Missouri racked up 31 points in the first half. UNC had the ACC’s second-best rushing defense and allowed Missouri 337 rushing yards while UNC had 36.

The Allstate Sugar Bowl should be a fun, interesting chess match between not only veteran coach Frank Beamer and first-year coach Brady Hoke, but also between Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster and Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges, who has shown ample creativity with his play-calling this season. Here’s a look at three keys for the Hokies heading into tonight’s game:

1. The defensive line must win up front. In order to have a chance at limiting Denard Robinson and Fitzgerald Toussaint, the Hokies first have to get to them, and they’ll be going against a stable offensive line that is lead by center David Molk, the Rimington Trophy winner. Four of the five linemen have started all 12 games, and they’re a big reason why Toussaint had 450 yards over the past three games. Robinson and Toussaint both rank among the nation’s top 40 rushers. Michigan has the No. 12 rushing offense in the nation and has scored 28 points or more in each of its 10 wins.

2. Continue to control the clock. Virginia Tech’s best defense could simply be keeping Michigan's offense off the field by sustaining drives. The Hokies are No. 5 in the country and lead the ACC in time of possession with 33:54. They’ve got to get back to running the ball with David Wilson, which the Hokies weren’t able to do in the ACC championship game against Clemson. The Hokies ran for just 56 yards in that game.

3. Make the stops on third downs. Michigan is No. 12 in the country in third-down conversion percentage at 48.39 percent. The Hokies, though, are No. 10 in the country in third-down conversion defense, holding opponents to just 32.4 percent.

Early in the regular season, Virginia Tech’s defense had already lost starting outside linebacker Jeron Gouveia-Winslow and starting defensive tackle Antoine Hopkins to season-ending knee injuries. Starting defensive end James Gayle had missed a couple of games, along with starting cornerback Jayron Hosley.

Just when it seemed it couldn’t get much worse, Virginia Tech lost linebacker Bruce Taylor – arguably the leader of the defense and the unit’s best player - to a season-ending mid-foot sprain. In a span of four games, the Hokies had lost three starters.

“That’s when you said, ‘Man, enough is enough,’” defensive coordinator Bud Foster said. “We haven’t had as many injuries on the defensive side in, I don’t know, forever, the 25 years I’ve been here.”

And yet in spite of it all, with two true freshmen in the two-deep at defensive tackle, Virginia Tech enters the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Michigan with one of the nation’s top defenses. And the Hokies are going to need it. Those who have paid close attention to Virginia Tech’s defense under Foster would probably agree that this has been one of the best coaching jobs of his career. Not only did the Hokies make dramatic improvements from 2010, but they also did it with a young, inexperienced lineup forced into action because of injuries. Now they have to maintain that success against one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in Denard Robinson.

“The most recent guy we’ve probably faced like him was Pat White a few years ago at West Virginia,” Foster said. “I think he’s very similar to that guy. He’s a game-breaker. He’s a big-time athlete. He can beat you running the ball, he can beat you throwing the football. He’s just a dynamic football player, a dynamic athlete. And then he’s got some good skill guys around him to take the pressure off of him.

“He makes people miss in the hole. He jukes him and he’s off for a 40-yard touchdown. Those are things he does … and they’re using him the right way – quarterback sweeps, quarterback powers, quarterback zone play, quarterback draws. They’re doing everything. They’ve adapted to what they have and he’s done it very, very well.”

Then again, so is Foster’s defense.

Last year, Virginia Tech’s defense finished No. 52 in the country in total defense, allowing 361.5 yards per game. This year, the Hokies are No. 13 in total defense, allowing almost 50 fewer yards per game. Last year they were No. 26 in scoring defense. This year they’re No. 8, holding opponents to 17.2 points per game. After putting the No. 64 rushing defense on the field in 2010, the Hokies improved to No. 17 this year, allowing just 107.8 yards per game.

“There’s no question it was a heck of a job,” coach Frank Beamer said. “I think the people we lost, and then the people replacing them – you’ve got two true freshmen defensive tackles – that’s not the place you want a true freshman in there. You want some experience in there. And then I think (cornerback) Kyle Fuller had a tremendous year, but him being able to move around and play some different positions and come through, that made a difference. I think the guys we lost, who we lost, and then to play as well as we have defensively, the championship game was a tough game for us, but up until that point, we really played some fantastic football for what we’ve been through and the injuries we had on our defense.”

For almost the entire Wake Forest game Oct. 15, the Hokies were playing without four opening-day starters, including Hosley (hamstring), and Gayle (ankle), in addition to Hopkins and Gouveia-Winslow.

By the third quarter against Boston College a week later, Virginia Tech was missing those four, plus Taylor and Gouveia-Winslow’s backup, Alonzo Tweedy, who sprained his ankle. Two true freshmen — Luther Maddy and Corey Marshall — have taken over one of the defensive tackle positions on the two-deep. Two redshirt sophomores — Tariq Edwards and Telvion Clark — are holding down a linebacker spot.

“It all goes back to our players and our coaches,” Foster said. “We were a young group, and I’m proud of them. We had an expectation, we talked about how we wanted to get back and play the kind of defense we’re used to around here. We started that back in January. I’m proud of our kids that they stepped up and bought into that and knew that’s what we needed to get back to. I still think we’ve got a lot of room to grow, which is exciting, but then to have the injuries on top of that, and some key players, and to have some young guys step up at various times, it’s been fun to watch.”

NEW ORLEANS -- If ever a coach had earned the right to be stubborn about his system, it'd be Bud Foster.

He has coordinated Virginia Tech's defense for the past 16 seasons, and the unit has finished in the top 12 nationally on 10 occasions (the Hokies currently rank 13th in total defense). He has had 34 players drafted in the NFL, 45 different players score touchdowns and at least one player earn All-America honors in all 16 seasons.

The pillars of Foster's defenses -- speed, athleticism, pressure, opportunistic play -- have become synonymous with Virginia Tech's program.

Foster could enter rooms with "My Way" blaring in the background if he wanted to. But he doesn't.

His success isn't tied to stubbornness. He has adapted over time, while maintaining an attacking foundation.

"It's changed a lot but it hasn't changed a lot," Foster said Friday. "We were more of an eight-man front group in the mid-1990s through probably the mid-2000s. You were seeing a lot more two-back offenses at that time. ... We've just tweaked things year in and year out. We're always trying to make it a little better."

Michigan made more than a few tweaks in its offense this year, as coordinator Al Borges integrated some of his pro-style elements while maintaining a spread framework. The results were predictably choppy, but Michigan still scored more points (410) than it did in 2010, when the offense set several team and individual records.

Although Foster has led the Virginia Tech defense since 1995 and Borges had led the Michigan offense only since January, both have benefited from being flexible.

"He's like we have been offensively," Borges said of Foster. "Their defense is ever-evolving."

The next step in the evolution takes place Tuesday night at the Allstate Sugar Bowl, as Virginia Tech's defense and Michigan's offense square off in a fascinating matchup.

Both units faced some obstacles to reach this point. A look at Virginia Tech's defensive depth chart shows seven sophomores and a freshman in the starting lineup. The Hokies were hit particularly hard by injuries this season, losing starters Antoine Hopkins, Jeron Gouveia-Winslow and Bruce Taylor as well as key reserves like Kwamaine Battle.

Despite the losses and the abundance of youth, Virginia Tech maintained its standards on defense, ranking in the top 20 nationally in scoring defense (17.2 ppg), total defense (313.9), pass-efficiency defense (111.8), rushing defense (107.8 ypg) and sacks (2.92 spg).

"[Foster] has enough flexibility," Borges said. "He's been there a long time. That system, although he's got some young players, that system that he has ... they know it. ... You're not teaching every little tiny thing, and you can start dealing more with nuance and things like that. Bud's at that point because he's been there so long."

Borges inherited a more seasoned offense and benefited from a lack of major injuries. His challenge was blending what he had done for decades with personnel suited to a vastly different scheme, particularly junior quarterback Denard Robinson.

"You can see they've done a great job adapting to their talent," Foster said. "But then, there's nothing real fancy about them, either. They're going to line up and hit you in the mouth and be physical."

Virginia Tech must not only contain Robinson on Tuesday night but be wary of Michigan's power game, which features sophomore running back Fitzgerald Toussaint and a big offensive line led by All-America center David Molk.

While the Hokies boast good size at defensive tackle, they're giving up a few pounds elsewhere. Sophomore defensive end J.R. Collins checks in at 240, while outside linebacker Alonzo Tweedy weighs just 189 pounds.

"We obviously have to get off on the football and be physical," Foster said. "That's what [Michigan] is going to do."

Virginia Tech has faced mobile quarterbacks in the past -- former West Virginia star Pat White among them -- and practiced against one the past few seasons in Tyrod Taylor. But linebacker Jack Fuller said Robinson gives the Hokies a look they haven't seen this season.

The closest comparison, according to Tyler, is Clemson's Tajh Boyd, who torched the Hokies in the ACC title game (240 pass yards, 3 TDs).

"But [Boyd's] not much of a scrambler," Fuller said. "He's quick and he can run the ball, but they look for Denard to run the ball. They have set plays for him and that's part of their offense, getting him to run the ball and getting that extra blocker."

Michigan also must adjust to some different elements from Virginia Tech, which doesn't shy away from press coverage and has the athletes to do so.

"It is a challenge," Robinson said. "They have some unique defenses and great athletes."

Added Toussaint: "They are very athletic at every position and play every play with maximum effort."

Virginia Tech's defense and Michigan's offense both should be improved in 2012, as only a handful of players depart each unit.

Both groups will look to use Tuesday night's game as a springboard.

"This is a big step for all of us," Toussaint said.

Virginia Tech running backs coach Shane Beamer lives about 10 to 15 minutes away from his parents in Blacksburg, Va. At the beginning of the season -- before it began to cut into bedtime for his kids -- Beamer and his family would spend Thursday nights after practice at coach Frank Beamer’s house eating takeout together for dinner because it was the one day of the week the staff didn’t work late.

It was also just about the only hint that Shane and Frank Beamer were a father-son coaching duo this year.

“If you came to practice every day, you’d never be able to tell they were father and son,” said quarterback Logan Thomas. “They take it as their job. They act just like any other coaches. You’d never be able to tell, and I think that’s good for our team that there’s nobody higher than the law.”

Heading into his first season on his father’s staff as associate head coach and running backs coach, Shane Beamer intended to make sure that was the perception, and apparently, he succeeded. He also proved to be an important addition to the staff’s recruiting efforts, and the running game has fared well under his watch. Now, the Beamers will have an opportunity to coach in the Allstate Sugar Bowl together when the Hokies face Michigan next week. While Virginia Tech wasn’t able to deliver Beamer any titles in his 25th season, it was a successful transition for a rookie coach with a big name to live up to.

“When your last name is Beamer, whether you’re a high school football player here in Blacksburg or playing in college at Virginia Tech or a coach at Mississippi State, I think people sometimes look at you a little bit differently,” Shane said. “Maybe there’s the perception you’re in the position you’re in because of your last name. I’ve dealt with that all my life. I try and go out of my way to prove in any situation I do belong. I wouldn’t want anybody to ever say I’m in this position because of who my dad is or anything like that.”

Most of the coaches on staff know the Beamers too well to make that mistake. Shane has known quarterbacks coach Mike O’Cain since he was born and defensive coordinator Bud Foster since he was 2 years old. He’s known defensive line coach Charley Wiles since he was 5. In a way, the staff is just as much family to him as the head coach.

Not that he ever saw his dad much this season.

Shane spent most of his workdays during the regular season in the offensive meeting room. The time spent with his father was limited to about 30 minutes a day in a staff meeting, maybe another 20 minutes in special-teams meetings and on the practice field. He spent more time with offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring than he did his father.

“Coming into it, I was worried about how I might be accepted, and I didn’t want anybody on our staff to feel that they couldn’t be themselves around me because of who’s son I was, and I don’t think they do,” Beamer said. “When I was a player he treated me like any other player, and as a coach, he treats me like any other coach. I have a job to do, I try and work extremely hard at my job to prove I belong, and to me it hasn’t been awkward at all.”

It has, however, been special.

“The things that stand out are being able to share in the big wins, beating Virginia up there like we did and an exciting win over Miami, or the opening ballgame when they had a presentation for him, with it being his 25th year, being out there with him and share in that,” Shane said. “And then moments off the field, having dinner with my mom and my dad on a Thursday night after practice, just things like that make it special.”

So did winning 11 games and becoming the first ACC team in league history to receive an at-large BCS bowl bid. Shane was a part of that, as Virginia Tech’s running game is No. 30 in the country entering the Sugar Bowl, and running back David Wilson is No. 6 in the country in rushing yards per game.

“At this level, it’s not just having your son on the staff; it’s having good coaches on your staff, and I think Shane is a good coach,” Frank Beamer said. “He works hard at recruiting and is very good at that. I’ve really been pleased at having Shane back here and working together and having that kind of relationship. And I can tell you, my wife, Cheryl, is particularly happy to have two granddaughters running around and getting to see them every day. Then I think Emily, Shane’s wife, is happy to have a baby sitter in Cheryl. So I think everybody wins in this deal.”

And there’s no question the Beamers love to win. Like father, like son.

NEW ORLEANS -- Before the SEC invades the Big Easy for the national title game, the Allstate Sugar Bowl kicks off Tuesday as No. 11 Virginia Tech and No. 13 Michigan meet in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Although the matchup has been panned nationally, it pits two teams with somewhat similar profiles and the same goal: a place among the nation's elite.

Bloggers Heather Dinich (ACC) and Adam Rittenberg (Big Ten) are on hand and debate the matchup.

Adam Rittenberg: HD, always a pleasure. Looking forward to ringing in the new year in NOLA. Few outside the Ann Arbor and Blacksburg areas were too thrilled to see this matchup in the Sugar Bowl, but there's no shortage of intriguing storylines. Michigan is back in a BCS bowl for the first time in five years. Virginia Tech is trying to win just its second BCS bowl game in the past seven attempts under coach Frank Beamer. The Wolverines ended the season playing arguably their best football, as they thumped Nebraska and ended The Streak in The Game against Ohio State. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, comes off of its worst effort of the season after being crushed by Clemson in the ACC title game. What's the mood of the Hokies heading into a game where few think they belong?

Heather Dinich: Adam, let me tell you the emotions have been charged, and the disrespect hit defensive coordinator Bud Foster particularly hard. To put it mildly, he’s a bit peeved anyone doubts Virginia Tech’s place in the BCS. Frank Beamer is making no apologies, and his son, Shane, is following in his footsteps. The players know, though, that they need to perform better in these big games in order to gain some national respect. It's hard to forget the drubbing they took from Stanford last year in the Discover Orange Bowl. Here’s the thing, though: The Hokies are ranked higher than Michigan in the BCS standings. Why aren’t the Wolverines spending as much time as the Hokies answering why they deserve to be there?

Rittenberg: It's because of the way Michigan finished as opposed to Virginia Tech. You're always judged by your last game, and Michigan's last was a win against Ohio State, its first in the series since 2003. The Wolverines also put together their best performance of the season the week before against Nebraska, crushing the Huskers 45-17. While many believed a Michigan State team that beat Michigan and won the Legends division was more deserving of a BCS at-large berth, the Spartans didn't finish in the top 14 of the final BCS standings. Few thought a Michigan team that finished in the top 14 would be passed over, especially a Michigan team that hadn't been to a BCS bowl since the 2007 Rose and boasts one of the best brand names and largest fan followings in the country. Oh, did I touch a nerve bringing up the fan base thing? I know Virginia Tech had its, um, difficulties with Sugar Bowl ticket sales. C'mon ACC, you got an at-large berth! Time to act like a big-boy conference!

But I digress. Let's talk about what's happening between the lines. Michigan's defense has been the biggest reason why the team won 10 games. No unit in college football made a bigger one-year improvement than the Wolverines. But they'll be tested in this game by Virginia Tech's rushing attack, led by the speedy and talented David Wilson. How do you think Virginia Tech's offense matches up against Greg Mattison's D?

HD: I think they're going to struggle, to be honest with you. They couldn't get anything going against Clemson's defense, and Michigan's is better. It all starts with the running game, though, and I think Wilson has a chance to get his yards and will fare better than the season-low 32 yards he had in the title game. With that being said, Virginia Tech can’t afford to get into too many third-and-long, and second-and-long situations. What worked for Clemson was the fact that the Tigers were pretty good on first downs and took away some of the Hokies’ ability to run and forced them to win with the passing game. They began to press, never got into a rhythm, and Virginia Tech isn’t at its best when it’s one-dimensional. They’ve been good up front, though, and they've got a talented group of receivers, and one thing that’s really fun to watch is defenders trying to bring down "Thomas the Tank." Quarterback Logan Thomas is built like Cam Newton, and he’s not easy to tackle. He’s been great in short-yardage situations. He's no Denard Robinson, though, and to me that's the main task for the Hokies: Slowing down Robinson. How do you think he'll fare against Bud Foster's defense, which has been one of the best in the country this year despite numerous injuries to key players?

Rittenberg: This is the game's pivotal matchup, in my view. If Robinson can do his best Tajh Boyd impression on Tuesday night, Virginia Tech is in trouble. But Michigan fans thinking the Hokies' defense will lie down again likely are mistaken. Virginia Tech always has tremendous talent on defense, and Foster, like Mattison, is one of the nation's best defensive coordinators. The good news for the Wolverines is Robinson ended the season playing his best football. He dealt with injuries midway through the season and regressed as a passer while adapting to an offense that maintains the look of a spread but features pro-style passing elements (deeper drops, more vertical routes). Robinson seemed to find his groove against Nebraska and had arguably his most polished performance as a Wolverine against Ohio State, completing 14 of 17 passes for 167 yards and three touchdowns and adding 170 rush yards and two scores. If he comes near that effort in the Dome, the Hokies are in trouble. But Robinson also makes mistakes. A ton of them. He has thrown 14 interceptions this season, three more than he had all of 2010. Michigan's defense repeatedly bailed him out and didn't make those giveaways sting.

How do you expect Foster to approach Robinson as well as running back Fitz Toussaint, a guy few are talking about who performed very well in Big Ten play?

HD: It’s hard because they’re both so talented, but even with Toussaint’s success, I think Robinson has to be the focus in the practices leading up to this game. A lot of times coaches will assign a guy who's "a spy," to constantly watch Robinson, and I would guess Foster would take that same approach and use a linebacker or strong safety to watch Robinson on each play and mirror him. The other thing is just in the preparation for him. They've got to spend plenty of time getting ready for the speed option, quarterback counter, things like that, and his speed will be hard to simulate in practice. The good thing for the Hokies is that they’ve grown used to going against former quarterback Tyrod Taylor in practice every day, so they know what it's like to face a quarterback who can move. When Robinson is most dangerous, at least to me, is when he goes to throw and nobody is open and he just makes something happen with his feet. That's something defenses can't account for. By having that spy, though, it takes away from everything else and limits coverages and blitzes, but teams have to do it or they’re in trouble. This is why Foster has one of the most lucrative contracts in the country, though, to figure this out. If I really knew the answer, I might put my name in at Penn State. Like you said, this is the biggest key to the game, but it’s not the only one. What’s your final verdict on what will separate these teams in the end?

Rittenberg: I'm officially starting the Dinich-to-Penn State buzz! The game could come down to whether Virginia Tech can force turnovers and, more important, make Michigan pay for its mistakes. The Wolverines survived a lot of Robinson errors in the first 10 games, thanks largely to their defense. If Robinson indeed has moved past those mistake-prone days, as appeared to be the case against Nebraska and Ohio State, it will be tough for Tech to slow him down for four quarters. Another big key, at least for Michigan, is Toussaint and the ability to have a second rushing threat in the backfield. Fitz recorded 120 rush yards or more in four of Michigan's final five regular-season games. On the other side of the ball, it's all about Wilson vs. Michigan's defensive line. It's strength against strength, and the team that has the edge will be in good shape to win this game.

OK, you get the last word. What factors will determine who leaves the Superdome with a sweet feeling Tuesday night?

HD: Well, like we mentioned I think the biggest factor will be Virginia Tech's defense against Robinson, but to break it down a bit further, I think the Hokies have to win up front on the defensive line. They've got a young group, including two true freshmen at one of the defensive tackle spots, and Michigan's offensive line has four guys who have started all 12 games. That group is a big reason why Toussaint and Robinson have had so much success. One more key for the defense would be to make the stops on third downs. Michigan is No. 12 in the country in third-down conversion percentage. Also, I think it’s important Virginia Tech gets back to running the ball well so it can control the clock. They've got to sustain some drives, and when David Wilson is rolling, so is the rest of the offense. Virginia Tech is ranked higher in the final BCS standings, but to me, they’ve got the bigger challenge and more to prove. See you in the Dome.

Stop me if you've heard this story before: Pitt needs a new coach. Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster is looking for somebody to give him a chance.

It was around the exact same time a year ago that Pitt was looking for a head coach, and following the unexpected departure of Todd Graham to Arizona State this week, the Panthers are in the exact same position again.

Dear Pitt: Foster is still available, and he's "very interested."

Last year, Pitt contacted Foster but he didn't go for the interview. He and his wife talked about it, but it just wasn't the right time. Now?

"I'd be very interested in the potential," Foster said.

Despite all of the coaching vacancies that have popped up this offseason, Foster said he hasn't received one phone call. I'd explain it to you, but it's really baffling. He's one of the best assistant coaches in the country, and he'd be perfect for the Pitt job. It would also be a fun addition to the ACC family, as Pitt will eventually join the league.

It's up to Pitt to make the first call again. Don't be surprised if this time, Foster answers.

Virginia Tech senior receiver Danny Coale remembers the same storyline from a year ago – the senior class had a chance to finish the season as the winningest in school history.

Now it’s his turn.

Winning at Virginia Tech has become as much of a tradition as defensive coordinator Bud Foster’s storied lunch pail – so much so that the four of the past five senior classes – including this year’s – have reached the 42-win mark in their careers. The winningest class in school history is currently the 2007 class, which finished 42-11. The Class of 2008 went 42-12 and the Class of 2010 went 42-13. This senior class is currently 42-11 heading into Saturday’s Dr. Pepper ACC championship game against Clemson.

Not only would a victory on Saturday break a school record for the most wins in a four-year span by a senior class, the 2011 seniors would also become only the second group in school history to win consecutive outright conference championships, and the redshirt seniors would go to their fourth BCS bowl game and fifth bowl overall.

“I guess it's kind of like a big brother/little brother type of thing,” starting safety Eddie Whitley said. “You don't want to disappoint the guys that's been here before you. And they put their hard work into it. And we just want to keep the winning tradition going as much, as far as we can. And that's probably basically the whole thing, is we just don't want to let the alumni that's put their work in in trying to get this program to where it's at right now, we don't want to put them, let them down.

“So that's probably the biggest thing is just knowing that the guys out there that paved the way for us to get where we are at now and give the opportunities that we have to play in big-time games and things like that, we don't want to let them down. So that's probably the reason that we just keep topping each other year in, year out.”

Senior receivers Jarrett Boykin and Coale have certainly done their part along the way. Coale is best remembered for an 81-yard catch against Nebraska in the waning moments of the teams' 2009 meeting that set up Dyrell Roberts’ clinching 11-yard touchdown catch in the 16-15 victory. Boykin’s 39-yard touchdown reception gave the Hokies the lead for good in the 40-31 win at NC State last year, the team's biggest comeback under coach Frank Beamer.

They are the top two at Tech in both all-time receptions and receiving yards.

“I think it comes down to a few things,” Coale said of the program’s recent senior success. “But I think there's an expectation around here that when you come, in you're being recruited into a program that's had a lot of success, that prides itself on excellence and winning and getting to championships.

“So when it's your turn to be called upon and you want to add to that winning, you don't want to be the class that lets down that tradition. So I think there comes high expectation coming in here, and it's something that we pride ourselves on. It's something we expect to win, and we work really hard to do that. That's kind of the mentality of the program around here.”

Boykin enters Saturday’s game 127 yards shy of becoming just the fourth player in ACC history to have three seasons with 800 receiving yards. Boykin now has 54 catches, two away from breaking the school record for catches in a season (55 by Ernest Wilford in 2005).

In last year’s ACC championship game, Coale had six catches for 143 yards and a touchdown against Florida State. He needs six more catches to break Wilford’s record.

“Yeah, I'm proud of a lot of our seniors classes here lately, but this crowd does have a chance to go out as the winningest senior class ever,” Beamer said. “We've been fortunate to have a lot of good kids through here and to be able to win a lot of football games, and you don't do that without good players.”

Or high expectations.

Here’s a look at 10 things to keep an eye on in Week 11, in no particular order:

1. Virginia Tech’s defensive changes. Coordinator Bud Foster has revamped his starting lineup in preparation for Georgia Tech’s spread option offense. Jack Tyler will get his first start of the season at middle linebacker, and defensive end J.R. Collins will move to defensive tackle. Tyrel Wilson will take Collins’s spot at defensive end, and for the second straight year, cornerback Kyle Fuller will play linebacker. There are a lot of redshirt sophomores in the lineup who will get their first look at the Jackets’ unique offense. How they handle that -- some in new positions -- will be critical.

2. Georgia Tech’s rushing defense. The Yellow Jackets have allowed four different 100 yard ACC rushers this season, and Virginia Tech’s David Wilson is looking for his ninth 100-yard game of the season. The Jackets played well in their upset win over Clemson, but can they make the stops against the nation’s leading rusher and get the Hokies off the field?

3. The ACC standings. This is a critical week for the conference race. Clemson can clinch the Atlantic Division with a win over Wake Forest, Virginia Tech can eliminate Georgia Tech and Miami with a win in Atlanta, and Georgia Tech can move into a tie for first place with Virginia with a win.

4. Clemson running back Andre Ellington: He missed the Georgia Tech game with an ankle injury, and Clemson in turn missed him. Ellington is not only the team’s top rusher, but his ability to block and hang onto the ball should be a noticeable upgrade to Clemson’s offense against Wake Forest.

5. Standout receivers in Death Valley. The ACC’s top two receivers in receptions/per game will highlight Saturday’s matchup. Wake Forest junior wide receiver Chris Givens is 68 receiving yards away from tying Ricky Proehl’s single-season record of 1,053 which he set during the 1989 season. Clemson’s Sammy Watkins is No. 2 in the ACC at 108 receiving yards per game, while Givens leads with 109.4.

6. Miami running back Lamar Miller against the nation’s No. 3 rushing defense. Florida State is holding opponents to just 78.89 rushing yards per game, but Miller is coming off a 147-yard performance against Duke and became the program’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2002.

7. Florida State’s receivers against Miami’s secondary. A total of 10 Seminoles with at least five receptions are averaging more than 10.5 yards per catch. No team in the nation has more receivers averaging 10.5 yards per reception with a minimum of five catches. Miami’s defense can’t key in on one player, and the Canes rank No. 95 in pass efficiency defense.

8. Duke’s passing game against Virginia’s defense. The Hoos are No. 20 in the country in pass efficiency defense, and Duke has the No. 3 passing offense in the ACC. Virginia safety Rodney McLeod had three interceptions last weekend against Maryland, but Duke receivers Conner Vernon and Donovan Varner are two of the best in the league.

9. NC State receiver T.J. Graham. He needs 55 yards to break the ACC career kickoff return mark. Earlier this season, Graham became the first Wolfpack receiver with three consecutive games with more than 100 yards since Jerricho Cotchery had five straight at the end of 2003.

10. Maryland’s red zone defense. Over the past four games, Notre Dame has converted 17 red zone trips into 15 touchdowns. That is the highest touchdown percentage on red zone visits for the Irish over any four-game stretch since 2000. As much as Maryland’s defense has struggled this year, the Terps have fared well in the red zone, and are tied for No. 20 in the country in red zone efficiency defense.

Virginia Tech running backs coach Shane Beamer can still vividly remember walking off the field at Lane Stadium in 1992 when he was a sophomore in high school and his father, Frank, had just concluded a dismal 2-8-1 season as head coach of the Hokies.

Virginia Tech had lost at home 41-38 to rival Virginia in its season finale, and the younger Beamer was following his father’s footsteps into the tunnel as they left the field.

“I was about 10 feet behind him following him, and I can remember a guy hanging over the railing and screamed down at him, ‘bye-bye, Beamer!’” Shane Beamer said. “People thought that might be his last game.”

Instead, it was Virginia Tech’s last losing season under Frank Beamer.

“I was sitting in an academic visit the other day with a recruit, and the professor said we were just kind of a quiet little college town university before [Frank] Beamer showed up,” said defensive coordinator Bud Foster, who has been on the sideline with Beamer as either a player or coach for 33 years. “Now, we feel like we hit the jackpot. Things have changed. That’s what you see with Coach. He’s a guy who put this place on the map, so to speak.”

Beamer enters his 25th season as Virginia Tech’s head coach this fall, a longevity that has been unrivaled, as no other head football coach in school history had lasted longer than 10 seasons, and only Penn State’s Joe Paterno has been at his current school consecutively longer (45 years). Beamer has won 240 games in his 30 years as a head coach, and his sustained success at his alma mater has been unparalleled in recent years, as no other program has managed seven straight 10-win seasons. Under Beamer, Virginia Tech has won four ACC titles, three Big East titles, made five BCS bowl appearances and played for one national championship.

“I feel fortunate to be around 25 years,” Beamer said. “I really understand how fortunate I am. There have been a lot of good coaches, a lot of good players, and an administration that hung around when most wouldn’t these days after about the first four or five years. Things have turned out good for Virginia Tech. Being in the Big East was a great situation for us. That helped because it gave you TV and bowl games. And then coming into the ACC, that helps because that’s the right conference for us. We’ve had some fortunate things happen to help me stay there for 25 years.”

There is a reason, though, Beamer is still coaching and making sweeping changes to the program at 64 years old.

Despite his accomplishments, Beamer has yet to win a national title, a fact that hasn’t exactly escaped the Virginia Tech faithful. With or without that elusive title, Beamer is destined for the College Football Hall of Fame, and those within the program say Beamer doesn’t need a national title to validate his career or legacy at the program. Most would agree. But he still wants to win one, and by making staff changes this offseason -- which included the hire of his son, also a top-notch recruiter -- Beamer has put himself in a better position to contend for one, if not this year, then in the near future.

Shane Beamer said there wouldn’t be a better way to commemorate his father’s silver anniversary this season than with a title -- any title.

“If you were writing a movie script and the head coach hires his son in his 25th year of coaching and they win a national championship the first year together, that would be pretty storybook and Hollywood-esque,” Shane said. “I don’t know if that’s in the cards or not. We’ve got a tough schedule this year and a lot of challenges ahead of us. Obviously if we win a championship that would make it even more special, but if we don’t win a championship this year, just being on the staff and being a part of this team and getting to share his 25th year of coaching with him, that’s pretty special in itself.”

Staff loyalty runs deep in Blacksburg, which is why the offseason changes caused quite a stir inside and outside of the football building. Longtime assistants Billy Hite and Jim Cavanaugh were moved into administrative positions to make room for the younger Beamer and outside linebackers/assistant defensive ends coach Cornell Brown. Quarterbacks coach Mike O’Cain was given the playcalling duties.

Shane said there were plenty of elite recruiters on Virginia Tech’s staff before he arrived, and if there is a perception out there that he is the missing piece to the Hokies’ quest for a national title, it’s the wrong one.

“If you count my dad and the nine assistant coaches, I’m one-tenth of the equation,” he said. “We’re all in this thing together. I don’t think myself or Cornell is the missing piece. He’s been adamant about why we were brought in, and thought it was good for the program to try and make it better from top to bottom and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Beamer said being able to retain the knowledge of Hite and Cavanaugh while hiring two younger coaches who have to reach the top of their game was an overall upgrade.

“I think our organization is the strongest it’s ever been,” Shane said.

That’s saying a lot, considering the milestones that have been reached over the past 24 seasons.

Frank Beamer, though, isn’t done yet.

“I’m hoping we will be celebrating Year 25,” said Foster. “I’m hoping it will be a special year.”

It’s been a long time at Virginia Tech since it wasn’t.

We'll know more about which direction North Carolina is headed following today's 11 a.m. press conference, but it's hard not to assume they're going the interim direction. Colleague Bruce Feldman listed some potential candidates for the long-term, and one name appears on both of our lists: Bud Foster. The Hokies' defensive guru has made no secret about the fact he wants to be a head coach, and his name has been tied to several openings in the past. It seems completely unreasonable to think an entirely new staff could come in just two weeks before the start of fall camp, but there will be plenty of speculation as to who will lead the Tar Heels on a permanent basis. I haven't heard anything confirming any names, so consider this a list of possibilities for North Carolina's next coach:

INTERIM

Everett Withers, defensive coordinator: He has 24 seasons of coaching experience at both the collegiate and NFL levels. North Carolina's defense has been in the spotlight under Withers, and what he cobbled together in spite of the NCAA investigations was impressive.

John Shoop, offensive coordinator:He has two decades of coaching experience in both the NCAA and NFL, and has been a coordinator for both. Carolina's offense improved under Shoop, but he's a quirky character who has been given his fair share of heat at times from UNC fans.

Sam Pittman, offensive line coach:The title of associate head coach was added earlier this month, but Pittman has spent the past four seasons coaching the Tar Heels' offensive line. School spokesman Kevin Best said there's not necessarily a correlation between Pittman's recent promotion and the timing of the coaching change.

NEW HIRE

Bud Foster, Virginia Tech defensive coordinator:Give the man a chance, willya?

Randy Shannon, former Miami coach:He knows the ACC, he's a good recruiter, and the timing would work well if an interim were hired this year because Shannon isn't coaching this season. Shannon was reportedly interested in the Maryland job and wants to return to coaching.

Name your Bowden: Terry or Tommy, both have plenty of coaching experience to offer.

Virginia Tech has been a model of consistency over the past seven seasons, and coordinator Bud Foster's defense has been at the heart of it.

Last year, though, it took a noticeable dive.

From 2004-2009, Foster's defense ranked no worse than 12th in the nation in total defense, and ranked among the top five in the nation four times. Last season, the Hokies fell to No. 52 in the country, allowing a total of 5,061 yards (361.5 per game). No other ACC defense allowed more plays of more than 20 yards than Virginia Tech, which had 68 last season.

With three new starters on the defensive line and the graduation of two veterans from the secondary in Rashad Carmichael and Davon Morgan, Virginia Tech's defense will either mature quickly this fall or have another average season.

Prediction: Virginia Tech will rejoin the nation's elite defenses in 2011. Here are three reasons why:

1. Bud Foster. He is the one who set the standard, and his players are well-aware of Virginia Tech's defensive tradition and have said they feel a responsibility to uphold it. This spring, in order to find a little bit of extra motivation and leadership, Foster awarded the storied "lunch pail" to the defender who earned it every practice.

2. The defensive line. While depth up front remains both a question and a concern, the starting four have earned the trust and praise of assistant coach Charley Wiles. Defensive tackle Antoine Hopkins, his brother Derrick Hopkins, defensive end James Gayle, and defensive end J.R. Collins have the potential to bring Virginia Tech's defense back to the standard fans have come to know and expect. They key is for all of them to stay healthy.

3. Cornerback Jayron Hosley is one of the best players in the country. It never hurts to have an All-American in your defensive backfield. He led the nation last season in interceptions per game (nine in 13 games, or .69) and finished fifth in passes defended with 17, or 1.31 per game. He's also one of the top punt returners in the nation.

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- With only one starter returning on the defensive line, and the linebacker rotation in flux, Virginia Tech’s defensive backs have already adopted the mentality that they will be the leaders of the defense this year.

Cornerback Rashad Carmichael and rover Davon Morgan have to be replaced as starters, but with Jayron Hosley, Eddie Whitley, Kyle Fuller and Antone Exum returning, there are plenty of playmakers for Virginia Tech to depend upon. One of the biggest changes to the defense is in the secondary, where Exum has moved from free safety to rover, but this year, the free safety and rover will be interchangeable and share similar responsibilities.

This tweak is a chance for Exum to flourish and have a breakout season alongside free safety Eddie Whitley. Virginia Tech began spring practices on Tuesday with Exum preparing to be the starter after serving as the No. 2 free safety a year ago.

“We’re the communication out there, so there’s a lot of responsibility on us,” Exum said of he and Whitley. “I couldn’t be more ready. I’m really excited to be able to start on the college level like this for Bud Foster and his defense, I’m real excited.”

Exum played in every game last year with five starts when the Hokies lined up in their nickel defense. He’s more potential than he is production at this point, but that could change this season. It’s not a dramatic position change, but it’s one that could benefit the entire defense if Exum gets a better grasp of it this offseason.

“We’re putting a good player at a position that is good for him,” said coach Frank Beamer. “We’ll get him all over the place. He’s a talented guy. I think it’s going to help him and in turn help us.”

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster said this week he hasn't been contacted by any schools besides Vanderbilt about the possibility of either a head coaching or coordinator position.

"No, you know, I haven't," Foster said. "I think with my deal right now, the package I've got with Tech, I doubt that anybody would probably contact me as a coordinator. But we'll see if the head-coaching deal comes. And if not, you know what; I'm not losing sleep over that. But in regards to the Vanderbilt job, I think I've done a better job right here than I would have at that position right there, you know."

Vanderbilt had called Foster prior to the ACC championship game to see if he was interested, but Foster opted to go on a recruiting trip instead of interview on Dec. 5.

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Before he was injured, Virginia Tech linebacker Barquell Rivers gave his teammate Bruce Taylor some friendly advice.

He told Taylor to learn his position “in case something happens.”

Some things happened.

First, Rivers suffered a torn quad and missed the entire regular season. Then, in the ACC championship game, starter Lyndell Gibson was sidelined with a season-ending shoulder injury, and Taylor was injured, forcing redshirt freshmen Jack Tyler and Tariq Edwards into integral roles. They could continue to be impact players against Stanford in the Discover Orange Bowl. This week’s practices are likely to determine the Hokies’ starting lineup and rotation, which is currently unsettled.

The good news is that Taylor is healthy enough to play two positions, both “backer” and middle linebacker.

“It’s the first time I’ve done anything like that before, but Coach [Bud] Foster was telling me a few years back he had some guys who played both positions,” Taylor said. “He knows what he’s doing. He’s a great coach. I know we’ll be fine.”

Part of that is because Taylor took Rivers’ advice and kept up with the backer position during the year. He said he knows it now “except for a few little things.” Taylor said Rivers will play, but this week will determine how much. Edwards is listed as a starter on the two-deep depth chart against Stanford.

“If I have to come in as a backup, that will be fine as well,” he said. “We’re all prepared.

Tyler agreed, and said that his time in the ACC championship game did wonders for the confidence of those around him.

“It didn’t just help mine, I think it helped some of the players and coaches have more confidence in me,” he said. “I knew my abilities going in, but I think some coaches and players alongside of me, they might not have had as much confidence as they do now. I think it was more for them.”

Regardless of who lines up against Stanford, all of them said they’ll be prepared.

“It’s a little rambunctious right now, but Coach Foster, he knows what we’re doing. We all have our roles. We all know what we’re game planning for. We know game time is not going to be a big cluster. We’re going to know what we’re doing and be prepared to go out and win.”