Stewart Mandel with a "A Bold Prediction"

SI.com published their 2013 Preseason Crystal Ball today. All 7 prognosticators had Alabama in the title game, 4 picked them to win.

One of the hotter takes belongs to Stewart Mandel.

After suffering through a second straight seven-win season, Virginia Tech coaching icon Frank Beamer graciously announces his retirement after 27 seasons, handing the reins to ever-loyal defensive coordinator Bud Foster.

Also, Zac Ellis predicts a bounce back season for Logan Thomas.

Thanks largely to Beamer's hiring of Scot Loeffler as offensive coordinator, Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas will rebound from a forgettable 2012 campaign (16 interceptions) and start living up to his potential. The Hokies will vie for the ACC Coastal division as Thomas enters early-round NFL draft conversations.

Given the national media's perception of the Loeffler hire, Thomas' regression last season, and how the Hokies looked in spring, Ellis is probably sticking his neck out as much as Mandel.

DISCLAIMER: Forum topics may not have been written or edited by The Key Play staff.

Comments

Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.

“I hope that they’re not going to have big eyes and pee down their legs so to speak,” -- Bud Foster

Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.

"That move was slicker than a peeled onion in a bowl of snot." -Mike Burnop

Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.

"That move was slicker than a peeled onion in a bowl of snot." -Mike Burnop

Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.

"Mountains get big cause they have no natural predators." - Ken M

Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.

It’s later than you think.

Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.

“I hope that they’re not going to have big eyes and pee down their legs so to speak,” -- Bud Foster

Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.

It’s later than you think.

Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.

"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders via Ricky Bobby

Please join The Key Players Club to read or post comments.

H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

Proud Member Of The Key Play Community Since January 2012.