2012 Virginia Tech Football Schedule, Hokies-Georgia Tech on Labor Day Evening

The delays are over, and the schedule is finally here (complete ACC helmet schedule is here).

Sept 3 Ga Tech (Monday)
Sept 8 Austin Peay
Sept 15 at Pitt
Sept 22 Bowling Green
Sept 29 Cincy (Washington DC)
Oct 6 at UNC
Oct 13 Duke
Oct 20 at Clemson
Nov 1 at Miami (Thursday)
Nov 8 Florida State (Thursday)
Nov 17 at Boston College
Nov 24 UVA

Our opponents in 2012 will be much tougher than those we faced in 2011. Last season we didn't play a single non-ACC BCS opponent during the regular season. This year we play two: Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, neither of which will be in Lane. Also, Wake Forest rotates off of the schedule and Florida State comes on. So we play the two best Atlantic Division teams.

Hosting Georgia Tech Labor Day weeked to start the season is an obvious luxury. We'll be able to prep to defend the option during spring ball and August. It's also fortunate that we play North Carolina in the first half of the season. The 'Heels are very talented, and return Bryn Renner behind a veteran offensive line, but it will take them some time to learn the intricacies of Larry Fedora's spread. Playing Duke the week before Clemson is a bonus too.

The trip to Death Valley marks a three game stretch that could make or break the season. Last year, the Tigers limited our otherwise productive offense to 3 and 10 points, the lowest totals on the season. When (moderately) healthy we had success stopping Chad Morris' offense, but stopping Tajh Boyd and a bevy of playmakers is no easy task. We do get extra rest before heading to Miami for our first Thursday night game. Four extra days between games is important to 1) get healthy and 2) refocus after a big win or loss. Miami is team in transition —lacking depth and they're young— but Al Golden is working to change from a flashy to hardworking team, so expect another well contested game.

Florida State is my preseason favorite to win the ACC. To summarize Heather Dinich, "THEY'RE BACK!" Returning talent that is, from Bud Elliott of Tomahawk Nation.com who had the following to offer.

FSU returns its quarterback, roughly 70% of its carries (no defined starter at tailback), 7 of its top 8 receivers, and four starters on the offensive line. Some services list "two" returning starters on the offensive line, but the other two seniors COMBINED to start only five games total as they were lost to injury.

On defense, FSU returns 100% of its defensive linemen from the ACC's best defense [4th nationally in total-D, VT was 10th]. FSU has to replace Nigel Bradham at linebacker, but does return five of its top six including Christian Jones. And the 'Noles return three of four starters in the secondary, and five of their top seven. Kicker dustin hopkins returns, but FSU must replace punter Shawn Powell.

It looks like FSU will be a tough out, even at home on a Thursday night.

We finish the year against two improving teams. Boston College is looking to bounce back from a disastrous 4-8 season. Losing Montel Harris for spring ball isn't going to help them though. Harris tweaked his left knee (the one that caused him to miss most of 2011) in an early workout and will be held out.

Before 38-0, UVa looked like they had turned an early corner under now third year (pun intended, maybe?) coach Mike London. Then, well, the Hoos didn't limp through the finish, as much as they got beat from behind with 2x4s across it. The Cavaliers young talent is certainly starting to mature, and they're a pretty well coached and hungry team. I don't expect another blowout/shutout like last year, but I predict a win.

As of right now, I would set the over/under at 9.5 regular season wins. How many do you think we'll win? Do you guys think the schedule is manageable? Aside from Virginia, what are our must-wins? What games are you heading to the 'Burg or elsewhere for?