Collegiate Times

Jackson predictions:

Overall record: 14-0 (8-0)

MVP: Jason Worilds - 70 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 TD

When the Hokies defeat No. 5 Alabama on Saturday night, their confidence will rise to an all-time high. Despite the loss of starting tailback Darren Evans, the Hokies’ backups at the position should step up. Immediately and unflinchingly,
redshirt freshman tailback Ryan Williams should take over as starter and show the nation his uncanny burst on his way to competing with C.J. Spiller for top running back in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Tyrod Taylor will finally be comfortable this year and without his blonde counterpart from the Hokies’
controversial 2008 campaign, all the vibes felt in Lane Stadium will finally be good again.

Of course, the Tech defense will step up as well. Senior free safety Kam Chancellor and junior defensive end Jason Worilds look to have huge years. With a healthy shoulder, Worilds should sack the opposing quarterback nearly 15 times,
and that kind of disruption in the offensive backfield can
only lead to good things for the Tech secondary. Fourteen games from now, it’ll be all good in Blacksburg.

Crandley predictions:

Overall Record:  13-1 (8-0)

MVP: Tyrod Taylor - 1,500 passing yards, 600 rushing yards, 18 total touchdowns

The Virginia Tech Hokies enter the season with big hopes, but the AlabamaCrimson Tide will quickly dash any chance at making the national championship game.  Even though the offensive line will improve and the receiving corps will take another step forward, inexperienced running backs will have a difficult time against the Alabama run defense and the offense will struggle as a result. After the loss to open the season, Tech should run the table through their Atlantic Coast Conference schedule thanks to an improved offense and an always stellar defense.   Running backs David Wilson and Ryan Williams should blossom by midseason much like Darren Evans did in 2008. Starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor should finally prove to be a viable passing threat in 2009 and silence those who criticize his abilities with the help of improved chemistry with his receiving corps. Tech will advance to the Orange Bowl for the third straight year and win, but they will still fall short of the national championship game.