Hokies Facing Also Ran Status In Competitive ACC

Since 2004, the ACC conference champion had at least one school that was always mentioned:  Virginia Tech.   With a 16 -10 win on Dec 4, 2004 over the  Miami Hurricanes, Virginia Tech secured the ACC championship their first year in the conference after 50 plus years of snubbing. The ACC has had the Hokies as one of the favorites ever since.   Fast forward to 2008.  The defending champion Hokies are still a favorite but not THE favorite.  At least not in the preseason.   The popular pick was the Clemson Tigers until their dismantling at the hands of the Crimson Tide of Alabama.  Lo and behold, the Hokies lose to ECU and the ACC's credibility is in serious jeopardy.   The Hokies righted the ship for the next five games, some would say in spite of offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring, and assumed their role of ACC favorite.  Others stepped up as well including ... (link)