The starting point of something really special

My first post on here, but I'm an avid reader of all the blog posts. Just wanted to say that I went to the game in Atlanta and I don't see how anyone can come out of the game not feeling upbeat, even with the outcome of the game.

Here's my take from the game.

Strengths: Offensive line, which was previously a question mark made holes for our running game. Tech's 153 rushing yards were more than any opponent had against Alabama last year except for Texas A&M (165 yards). Seriously, did anyone expect our Offensive Line to perform this well against one of the best D-line's in the country?

RB: Trey Edmunds had the best first game for a Virginia Tech RB ever -135 yards against one of the best defenses in the nation.

Defense: Wow. Only 7 teams in the nation allowed less yards last week and none were against ranked teams (let alone the number #1 team in the nation). With the exception of the big pass play late, there weren't any major breakdowns. We dominated an offensive line that is normally one of the best in the country. I realize they graduated 3 O-linemen last year, but they really do re-load. I know at least one of their new linemen is already a projected first rounder. We made a really good group look really bad...

Play-Calling: It was obvious watching the game that we are leaps and bounds ahead of where we were in past years. And after reading french60wasp's review and highlights of the running game, I am pumped to see how the offense molds over the rest of the year.

Weaknesses:

Wide Receivers: They looked awful. Logan gave them some big opportunities and they fell flat. Didn't we somewhat expect this? It's been talked about in the preseason that our WR's were dropping balls. I hear a lot of negative things about Demitri Knowles not catching the ball, which is warranted. But did anyone notice that he continually burned the Bama DB's??? He's got speed that's faster than the "SEC Schpeed". If someone will start throwing him some tp rolls he can have a heck of a career.

Another thing I've heard people complaining about is why we aren't recruiting pure WR's...Ummm, is no one else paying attention to our incoming recruits? Cameron Phillips WR that was supposed to go to to UVA and we stole away. Kid had 7 receptions for 140 yards and a td for Dematha against last years Florida 5A champs. Maybe it's just me, but I'm pumped he'll be putting on a VT jersey and don't be surprised if he's playing a lot next year. Additionally, I only saw this posted once, but from twitter: "Jeff Greer@jeffgreer22 Aug - #Gamecocks and #Hokies listed by FS Florida as leaders for 2014 Atlantic WR Adly Enoicy, the most mystifying prospect I've ever covered." This kid is listed as 6'5" 220 pounds - THAT'S A HS SENIOR! He also has excellent hands...watch his highlights the kid is a beast, there are 3 td grabs on his highlight reel that he either catches from deflections or rips away from the DB's. Also, someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that Atlantic is the High School that David Clowney came from. Give Morehead some time, he's starting to reel in some big time talent.

Special teams: Flat out looked awful. Everyone is giving Beamer grief about this. I had a friend tell me it was the "SEC Schpeed" that beat us. No, it was the freshman we were fielding on special teams that beat us. But can you blame FB for playing the freshman in that role? Punt and Kick returns are where the most injuries happen, with all of the attrition we've had it's hard to blame him for trying to keep the starters out of those roles. Now he's going to try and get some some more experienced players to help out, but it's a fine line and not an area that I think you can necessarily blame him.

Passing Game: It's hard to get a good read on LT from that game. He had several drops - 1 that looked like it was going for a td to Knowles. He also had an overthrow of about 2 yards to Knowles, but if you're going to miss the receiver, miss him long. Give him and the WR core time to gel. I really believe it will happen. There's no doubt in my mind LT has talent. I think that was obvious when he had a really good receving core around him.

Summary: If we keep getting better and this will be a really good team. I saw on ESPN they said that no one in the ACC had a chance of making it to the OB, except for Clemson or FSU. I disagree, if this team can get better in the areas that we struggled it will not be one to mess with. It looks like the VT defense of the Mid-2000's (Xavier Adibi/Vince Hall years).

Now I want everyone to close your eyes and imagine for just a second. I want you imagine a Virginia Tech team where the offense isn't struggling. Where we don't have to have Pick 6's and special teams returns to beat teams. Where both sides of the ball are on equal footing. Can you see it?

Because I can and I feel like these coaches we've brought in are recruiting the players that they need to make both sides of the ball special. This can still be a very successful year, barring any more injuries I expect this team to get better and by the end of the year to be very special. Not only that, but I expect the 2014 and especially 2015 teams to be on a different level. To the point where people aren't comparing us to the ACC, but to the rest of the country. Isn't that how we've been in our best years?

Finally, sorry for the long-winded first post, maybe no one will read this because it's so long. But it just bugs me that people are being so negative about the game. I heard people in the game talking about how it's time for Frank Beamer to go. I say that's bogus, that he finally has the right collection of coaches to put us in the top 10 and to win the big games. So as a VT fan I say stop worrying about our team and start worrying about the fact that for the first time in 93 games we aren't going to sell out. Those kids are playing their Butts off and our coaches are working theirs off. They deserve better!!!