3 keys to Virginia Tech’s season

Quarterback The past two seasons, Taylor has missed a combined five games because of ankle injuries. But former starter Sean Glennon was available as Taylor's backup. Now, the situation behind Taylor is shakier. Redshirt freshman Joseph "Ju-Ju" Clayton, a Hermitage High graduate, is one option. The other is true freshman Logan Thomas, though Tech's coaches want to redshirt him.

The passing game Multiple factors contributed to Tech's passing offense ranking 111th of 119 teams nationally last season, with 129.1 yards per game. The offensive line's pass protection was inconsistent (42 sacks). Three freshman receivers didn't help. And Taylor still was learning to read defenses. Now, the line returns three of five starters. Worth noting: The Hokies have finished 99th or worse nationally in total offense for the past three seasons.

Defensive newcomers The opener against No. 5 Alabama will be a challenge. Defensive coordinator Bud Foster is concerned about three areas: field cornerback, linebacker and depth at defensive end. Junior Rashad Carmichael is the new field corner. Can he produce as Stephan Virgil, now at boundary corner, did last season? A year after using two fifth-year senior linebackers, the Hokies will turn to sophomores Barquell Rivers and Jake Johnson. While junior end Jason Worilds is poised for a big season, will senior Nekos Brown succeed as a starter? And can junior Steven Friday and sophomore Chris Drager, who moved from tight end during the offseason, spell Worilds and Brown?