At the beginning of the season I expected Virginia Tech to have a rough year. They were scheduled to play three tough non-conference teams, and would be playing an extended 13 game schedule that stretched from late August to early December. They lost most of their defense last year, and had serious questions about their quarterbacks.

When they beat three ranked teams in a row, were 8-0, and ranked 3rd in the nation, I was truly astonished. Now that they've lost 3 in a row, I'm wondering if they can win another game this season. Their young defense that looked so impressive through 8 games has all but fallen apart. They were not much of a match for West Virginia's 2nd ranked rushing game last night.

The lack of offense hasn't done much either. Mistakes in their field goal kicking have proved disastrous. In last week's Syracuse game, kicker Carter Warley missed two chances to win the game with a field goal. Down 21 to 18 against WVU, the lack of faith in their 9 for 19 kicking game caused them to press the endzone for a win rather than play it safe with a tie going into overtime. Quarterback, Bryan Randall's inexperience showed when he tried to force a pass into the endzone for a win and ended up giving the game away with an interception. Of course, they wouldn't have been in that situation if their offense didn't stall several times prior to that in the red zone.

VT has two games left, against Virginia and Miami. Both will be tough. Virginia is their in-state rival, and is always a tough game. Miami, well, that's Miami. (in the Orange Bowl, at that)

Miami is on upset watch tonight versus Pittsburgh. I think Pitt could pull this game out if their defense does the job. Miami was slow to start against both Boston College and Rutgers. Pitt on the other hand will be playing for their first Big East title. Given that Miami is favored by 21 points, I'll put my money on Pitt any day.

One bright note, Tech tailback Lee Suggs broke an NCAA record by scoring a touchdown in 24 straight games.