Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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  • Leader of the secondary... Virginia Tech cornerback Rashad Carmichael is one of the few returning starters for a defense that will face third-ranked Boise State in the season-opener on Monday. Contributed photo

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September 4, 2010

Hokies’defense faces tough test from Broncos

By LARRY EDENS Bluefield Daily Telegraph

BLACKSBURG, Va. — If Virginia Tech is to beat fifth-ranked Boise State in Monday night’s season-opener, it must contain a largely returning offense that produced 69 touchdowns and averaged over 42 points a game last season.

To do that will likely require a stellar defensive effort typically reserved for a veteran team in midseason form. Since it is only game one, and just five of Tech’s defensive team starters are seniors, it begs the question, can they deliver?

Defensive coordinator Bud Foster believes the play of his upperclassmen will answer that question.

“Our success on defense will rely on a handful of players, our seniors, all of whom played a significant role in our success over the last few years,” said Foster, a believer “in an attacking, aggressive style of defense” that utilizes speed and athleticism. “Our experience and depth are issues, but these players can lead in a positive direction.”

One of those is cornerback Rashad Carmichael, a fearless competitor who played in the second-most defensive plays (737) last season and recorded 55 tackles, fifth-best on the team.

With the departures of free safety Kam Chancellor, cornerback Stephan Virgil, and rover Dorian Porch, Carmichael is expected to help bring along sophomore Jayron Hosley and junior Eddie Whitley, frontrunners respectively for the field corner and free safety positions.

 “In the secondary, I can take Hosley and Whitley under my wing and help prepare them for game day,” Carmichael said. “If I go out and prove myself to them, they’ll give me the same effort in return.

“We do have to replace some great talent, but it gives our younger guys an opportunity to step up. This year we have a good mix of experience and younger talent at each level from the defensive line to the linebackers to the secondary.”

Based solely on the play of Broncos’ junior quarterback Kellen Moore, Herculean labor on Labor Day will be necessary from the entire defensive secondary.

In 2009, he passed for over 3,500 yards (277-431, 69.3 percent) with 39 touchdowns. He is 26-1 for his career and was the least-intercepted (3) and least-sacked (5) quarterback in the nation last season.

He will be throwing to senior wide receivers Austin Pettis and Titus Young, who combined for 24 touchdown receptions. Young caught 79 passes, but flashed a glimpse of dual-threat prowess with three rushing touchdowns.

While the poise and arm of Moore is of primary concern, Boise State’s running game must also be respected. Senior tailback Jeremy Avery rushed for nearly 1,200 yards on just over 200 carries. In his career, he has amassed over 3,000 yards from scrimmage.

The offensive line, in addition to protecting its potential All-American quarterback, paved the way for an average gain of 5.1 yards on each rush.

Boise State’s defense is no pushover either. Last season, they allowed only 17.1 points per game.

Similar to their opening game versus Alabama last season, this contest provides Virginia Tech an opportunity to make an early statement about their defense and what may be in store for other opponents that follow.

Although the Crimson Tide scored 34 points against the Hokies and prevailed in that game, no other team scored more than 28 against them the remainder of the season. In fact, the Tech defense finished the season without allowing a point in the second half of its final five games.

Carmichael hopes the outcome is different this time and youth coupled with veteran experience will prevail over the senior-laden Broncos.

“It’s another great opportunity, like last year against Alabama. We didn’t come out as winners, but everyone learned by going up against great competition,” said Carmichael. “When you’re young, you want to make those big plays. It’s an opportunity to make a name for yourself.”   

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