Two Virginia Tech Football Opponents Ranked in Athlon's Early 2015 Top 25

The 2014 season isn't even over yet, but Steven Lassan of AthlonSports.com has already published a "Very Early College Football Top 25 for 2015". Disclaimer: Transfers, NFL departures, offseason injuries and legal issues are just a few of the bevvy of things that can shake up a preseason top 25, especially one published in December. With that said, Athlon's list can be used as a decent tool to spot the most challenging opponents on Virginia Tech's 2015 football schedule.

Dates for ACC games have not been released yet.

Just two Virginia Tech opponents are ranked in Athlon's first Top 25.

1. Ohio State

The Buckeyes have a quarterback quandary to answer in 2015, but it's a good problem for coach Urban Meyer to have. Will it be Braxton Miller under center after returning to full strength from shoulder surgery? Or will J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones fight for the starting job in offseason workouts? Regardless of which player takes the first snap, Ohio State's depth chart is loaded with talent. Running back Ezekiel Elliott headlines a solid group of playmakers, and the offensive line is slated to return four starters, including standout left tackle Taylor Decker. End Joey Bosa should be among the nation's best returning defenders next season, but defensive tackle Michael Bennett and cornerback Doran Grant must be replaced. A lot can change between now and September. However, at least on paper, there's few potential roadblocks on Ohio State's schedule in 2015.

As it stands now, Ohio State will be Tech's toughest regular season matchup. After Virginia Tech's week two win in the 'Shoe, The Buckeyes and Hokies traveled opposite trajectories in 2014, unfortunately Tech followed a negative slope. Bud Foster will have an entire offseason to scheme against Urban Meyer's offense, and if the offense can reach peak efficiency, like it did last season against the Buckeyes, Tech has a puncher's chance. Yup, the thesis of every preview of this game written for a Virginia Tech audience from now until Labor Day will read the same—if the offense can be something a little bit better than serviceable, Foster's defense should keep Tech in the game.

22. Georgia Tech

Expect another year of uncertainty at the top of the Coastal Division. Georgia Tech — as the defending division champs — get a slight edge as the early favorite, but coach Paul Johnson's team has to overcome a schedule that features conference games against Florida State and Clemson and road trips to Miami, Duke and Notre Dame. Quarterback Justin Thomas needs a couple of new options at running back with the departure of Synjyn Days, Zach Laskey, Charles Perkins and Tony Zenon at running back. Guard Shaquille Mason will also be missed. Even with the losses on offense, Johnson's option attack should continue to perform at a high level, while the defense should improve with only four seniors listed as starters on the Orange Bowl depth chart.

Georgia Tech draws Florida State and Clemson from the Atlantic Division, and that alone gives me pause to pick them to repeat as Coastal champs in 2015. Bees quarterback Justin Thomas is a gamer, seemed comfortable running point on Paul Johnson's ground attack and showed he could turn breakdowns by Virginia Tech's defense into big plays. The Yellow Jackets will get their yards on the ground, but 7 of the top 9 A- and B-Backs are seniors. Although, 4 of 5 starters on the offensive line are projected to return in 2015. Seven starters slated to return on a better than average defense (T-48th nationally in scoring, No. 58 in F/+) bodes well.

Athlon also listed 11 other teams to watch in 2015, two are Tech opponents and Virginia Tech is also listed among the group.

Miami

Is 2015 the year Miami takes a step forward under coach Al Golden? Quarterback Brad Kaaya is promising, but the Hurricanes lose running back Duke Johnson to the NFL.

In addition to Duke Johnson, Hurricanes left tackle Ereck Flowers is also NFL bound (Flowers' backup and two other offensive linemen are seniors). Senior starter departures include: stud middle linebacker Denzel Perryman, WR Phillip Dorsett, DE Anthony Chickillo, DT Olsen Pierre, OLB Thurston Armbrister, S Nantambu-Akil Fentress and CB Ladarius Gunter.

The U might never be back to having a roster overloaded with NFL draft picks, but by virtue of a brand name and being located in south Florida, Miami will always have players. As of late, Miami has recruited as well as any other ACC team not named Florida State and with so many veteran starters off the 2015 roster, Al Golden needs that persistence on the recruiting trail to pay off.

Miami was talented and focused enough to beat Virginia Tech like a drum in Lane, and hang with FSU for four quarters, but The 'Canes seemingly packed in the season following the fourth quarter loss to the 'Noles. Miami remaining interested in competing in meaningless games once there are no championships to play for is as much of the Hurricanes narrative as swag. And it's never a good sign of things to come when the star player's mom posts, "IF THOSE BOYS CAN TRANSER AND DIDN'T HAVE TO SIT OUT A YEAR.....Majority of the team would not be there," on her Facebook page. Miami also draws Clemson and FSU from the Atlantic.

North Carolina State

The Wolfpack closed 2014 by winning four out of their last five games, including a rivalry matchup against North Carolina and a bowl game against UCF. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett should be one of the ACC's top returning offensive players for 2015.

Tech was gifted Wake Forest in the ACC cross division draw last season, and...

The Wolfpack, even without wide receiver Bo Hines, will be a much tougher challenge.