What a thrilling win to watch. This is an awesome group to watch when its clicking.

There were a lot of huge efforts on Thursday night, and I try to mention them all below.

1. Antone Exum - He got away with one on a third down crossing route. I thought Bud had him lined up a little close to the line of scrimmage much of the night, which made it difficult for him to get outside when needed. Overall, OK night.

2. Josh Oglesby - He was impressive on the first touchdown drive and the TD drive where Tech took the lead. He's a tough runner, but I'm not sure we should be pitching him (or Wilson) the ball on first and goal from the two. But I like them, or Logan up the middle.

3. Logan Thomas - He already has that Tyrod Taylor confidence about him. Like Tyrod, he doesn't really show stress in adverse situations. I'm just really impressed: The throw to Coale was a laser right on the money. The second pass to Coale was beautiful. Even the throw that Drager dropped was sick. And we're seeing what we were all waiting for on these 3rd-and-shorts...Really glad he's on our team - I would hate to play against him. I'd probably punch him in the head.

VTBox is doing the Lord's work.

Blake DeChristopher has "graded out" 90% or better in 9 out of 10 games this season (88% Arkansas State), Jaymes Brooks has 40 knockdowns on the year. Those metrics are utterly subjective, vaguely defined and couldn't be any less helpful when trying to convey the success the Hokies' offense is having in 2011. These are more concrete and well understood. David Wilson leads the nation with 1,360 rushing yards. Logan Thomas has thrown for almost 20 more yards per game in his first year as starter than Tyrod did his senior year, and has only been sacked ten times. Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale will finish their careers as Tech's receiving yards and receptions leaders.

Like most of you, when I'm watching a game live I'm watching the ball, I don't pick a particular player or group to key on before the snap. Where the ball goes, my eyes follow. I notice David Wilson flying down the sideline, not the blocks that setup the run. I focus on Logan scanning the field looking for the open man, then marvel over the one-handed, toe tapping sideline catch that follows. I overlook the backside blitz pickup that afforded LT3 the extra couple of seconds to stand in the pocket and deliver the throw.

The offensive line is under appreciated when the scoreboard is getting lit up. They're overly criticized when the team's struggling.

After a successful season opener against East Tennessee State, Virginia Tech welcomes three schools to Blacksburg for the opening rounds of the Preseason NIT on Monday and Tuesday. The Hokies are the #4 seed in the 16-team tournament and have the potential to play the #1 seed Syracuse in the semifinals at Madison Square Garden next week. Oklahoma State (#2) and Stanford (#3) are the other hosts in the opening rounds Monday and Tuesday.

Here’s the schedule for the Blacksburg (East) region:

• Monday
• Virginia Tech vs Monmouth (7 PM, ESPN3)
• George Mason vs Florida International (9:30 PM, ESPN3)
• Tuesday
• (If win) Virginia Tech vs GMU/FIU winner (6 PM, ESPNU)
• Monmouth vs GMU/FIU loser (8:30 PM)

As for the teams themselves, here’s a look at what to expect:

Virginia Tech Hokies (1-0)

My full poll is after the jump, the rankings are starting to get sorted out on their own. Please leave your opinions, thoughts and suggestions in the comments and I'll adjust as necessary.

• Oregon - This is a team built to mash the Pac-12, but I still don't feel they'd contend against any team with an elite defense (read LSU, Alabama).
• Oklahoma / Oklahoma State - Bedlam still seems to set up as a default play-in game to the national championship.
• Stanford - Were they trying to suck for Luck?
• Golden Eagles - Dropped after a 30-29 win over UCF, not necessarily for the close win, but because I had them too high in past polls.

Last night was cause for a celebration.

U MAD BRO?

Oh no big deal, just Jaymes Brooks pulling around and getting him some.

PIGGY BACK RIDE

He can throw, he can truck, he can block.

Lanier making ham sandwiches with the second level.

French couldn't stop talking about Becton's footwork here.

There are no words.

TRUCKED!

Grohmentum

LT3 WILL TAKE ALL YOUR BEST PUNCHES.

Eddie Whitley, future WWE Superstar.

I think this has been the best we have covered an opponent in the site's short history. When I say "we" I mean the community here. The football conversation has been engaging and insightful; the Photoshops hysterical. I just wanted to thank you all for making the bye week fly by.

Before the game I'd recommend (re-)reading French's Glory, or Death by a Thousand Cuts, Kevin's Preview, taking a look at the defensive depth chart changes, laughing at the MascotMock™ and getting fired up with some Raid.

Most of you are either at the game or a bar, so there will be no live blog, but leave any before and after thoughts in the comments below.

Go Hokies!

Thanks to our friend Winfield at From The Rumble Seat for dropping by and answering some less than insightful questions by your's truly about tonight's game. You can find my answers to his questions over at his place. Their VPI preview is well done, and is worth the read if you're left wanting to know more about what the guys across the field think about tonight.

1. Aside from the obvious, "have more points on the scoreboard at the end of the game" answer, what does Georgia Tech have to do to win this football game?