ACC Seeks Elite Team, Respect

The way Frank Beamer sees it -- and the head coach has a crystal-clear view as a three-time ACC football champion -- being a member of the ACC is good for Virginia Tech. And he's hopeful Virginia Tech is good for the ACC.

Of course, the Hokies will get the opportunity to boost the reputation of their program and the ACC when they open the regular season against Alabama Sept. 5 in Atlanta's Georgia Dome. Both teams could be ranked among the top 10, and a victory will provide early momentum and respect.

"I thought there were a lot of good teams [in the ACC last season], maybe not a great team, but I think we are going to take it up another step and hopefully be a factor in that national stage, too," Beamer said Monday during the ACC Football Kickoff in Greensboro, N.C. "It's a competitive league and I think all of us are stepping it up a little bit right now."

It's not like the ACC has an inferiority complex when compared other conferences around the country. But...

Sure, an NCAA-record 10 ACC teams were bowl eligible in 2008. Despite high-quality parity, however, ACC teams were not mentioned in national-title chatter. In fact, until Virginia Tech beat Cincinnati in the Orange Bowl last January, no ACC team had won a BCS bowl game this decade. (Florida State's January, 2000 Sugar Bowl win over, ironically, Virginia Tech for the national title was the last.)

The ACC is determined to strengthen its national image in 2009, and Virginia Tech can help that cause against the Crimson Tide. Clemson had its chance in this opener last year but fumbled. The Crimson Tide used a 34-10 blowout of then-No. 9 Tigers to climb to No. 1 in the polls for most of last season.

"Playing a game like that makes you better overall," Beamer said.

"I think it makes your summer practices go better. We will have better preseason practices because we have to make great preparation just to compete with this Alabama team. We are proud of our past and proud of how consistently we've been able to win, but we understand what a challenge we got starting out the year."

Last season was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Hokies. Look what happened. Virginia Tech won the ACC Championship, it won the Orange Bowl and it finished with 10 wins -- a combination that has raised this year's expectations to the point where fans could start muttering about a national championship.

The Hokies return much of their talent from last season, starting with quarterback Tyrod Taylor (1,036 passing yards) and running back Darren Evans (1,265 yards). Both the offensive line and receivers should be better, too.

"I think our offense will be better. I think we are closer to being able to attack you with a passing game or attack you with a running game and not particularly care which way we need to," Beamer said.

"I think Tyrod is getting ready to have a heckuva year. I think his throwing is better, I think his decision making is going to be better, I think he works very hard at it. He's a smart kid and very competitive. It's his team and he's acting that way right now."

And, with any Virginia Tech defense under Beamer, look for the Hokies to swarm to the football in a hurry. With attitude. Virginia Tech's defensive line, anchored by end Jason Worilds, could be the best in the conference. Plus, on Monday, the media picked Virginia Tech to wins its third consecutive ACC Championship and fourth overall by beating Florida State in the December title game in Tampa, Fla.

Beamer didn't flinch.

"I think high expectations are great as long as you don't forget what got you those high expectations, and that's working hard and working together," he said.



The ACC, meanwhile, is also looking to raise its expectations despite making NCAA history last season with 10 bowl teams. The ACC went 4-6.

"It never happened before in college football, so I don't think it's something that we can expect to see on a year in and year out basis," ACC Commissioner John Swofford said Monday in reference to league's 10 bowl-eligible teams in 2008.

"We had such parity last year, and parity at a high level. Parity can be good and not-so-good in terms of quality, and our parity a year ago was very high quality parity in my opinion. It was just tough for any one team to separate itself, or any two teams to separate themselves from the rest of the pack in either division. And that lent itself to producing 10 bowl teams. I don't think we can necessarily think [we'll have] 10 bowl teams year in and year out, but I do think the competitiveness within the league and a lot of the parity will continue."

The ACC just might be riding on the Hokies' coattails this year. Again, Beamer doesn't seem to mind one iota.

"Being a member of the ACC is certainly great for Virginia Tech and I am hopeful we've been good for the ACC. But I know the ACC has been great for us," Beamer said.

"Our fans, they've probably never been more excited. We bought every ticket we could for the [kickoff game] in Atlanta; I know Alabama did, too. I think we've sold all of our season tickets. Our fans are just great. I try to make them feel like they are a part of our success. When you start talking about Virginia Tech football, it's not long until you are talking about the fans of Virginia Tech football.

"I am proud of where we've gotten to but I still believe our best days our ahead."