Quote:Virginia Tech finally in the ACC, where it belongs

Editor's note: The is the ninth in a series of stories previewing prospects this season for ACC and SEC schools.

By Brian Murphy
Telegraph Staff Writer


It only took 50 years, but Virginia Tech has finally found its way into the Atlantic Coast Conference.

During a long and convoluted expansion process, the Hokies went from outsiders to members of the conference they've longed to belong to since it began in 1953.

"We are where we always wanted to be. That's just the truth of the matter. And it's a great place to be," senior safety Vincent Fuller said. "This is a great conference, and we're looking forward to being a member in it and representing ourselves well."

The Hokies know that their football program - which has risen to a perennial force under Frank Beamer - is the main reason for their inclusion in the new-look ACC.

"We're proud of what's taken place, and I think most people would say that the Virginia Tech football program helped considerably to make this move," said Beamer, who begins his 18th season this year.

But the program seems to have slipped from its apex in the late 1990s. With Michael Vick under center, the Hokies played for the national championship in the 2000 Sugar Bowl.

Since Vick left following the 2000 season, Virginia Tech is 26-13, having lost at least four games in each season.

In each of the last three seasons, the Hokies have stumbled down the stretch. In 2001 and 2002, Virginia Tech lost four of its final six games. Last season, the Hokies dropped five of their last seven.

"Our goal is, I wouldn't say dispell that tradition, but to definitely not let it happen again. We definitely don't want to be known as a team that starts off strong and struggles at the end," Fuller said.

The off-season has been nearly as bad as the end of the season. Quarterback Marcus Vick, twice arrested, has been suspended for the season, and two teammates have been benched for the first three games.

Despite those losses, Fuller said the team is more dedicated this off-season, a change he hopes leads to more victories in October and November.

"People weren't out here last summer. They weren't as committed, they weren't working as hard," Fuller said. "We're definitely putting in the hours to make sure what happened last year doesn't happen again."

The Hokies will be tested early and late this year. Virginia Tech opens the season on Aug. 28 against defending co-national champion Southern California in Baltimore and concludes the regular season at Miami.

"Those are bookends right there," Beamer said.

In between is the ACC schedule they've waited so long to play.


VIRGINIA TECH AT A GLANCE

• Last year: 8-5 (4-3 in Big East)

• Bowl game: Lost to California 52-49 in Insight Bowl.

• Coach: Frank Beamer (125-74-2 in 17 seasons at
Virginia; 167-97-4 in 23 seasons overall)

• Returning starters: 4 on offense, 5 on defense, 1
specialist

• Local impact: None

• Coming Wednesday: Wake Forest