Homecoming Game Preview: VT vs. Western Kentucky (Video Included)

By Natalie Gardner
October 3, 2008

Virginia Tech's inspiring win against Nebraska last weekend did not come without cost. Injuries sustained in the win will create an added challenge in the game on Saturday, when Virginia Tech will face Western Kentucky at home for the Hokies' annual homecoming game.

Sophomore Davon Morgan suffered a torn ACL during a kick return against the Cornhuskers.  The non-contact injury happened as his foot got caught on the field while attempting a cut.  Junior Dorian Porch will step into the role of rover for the rest of the season.  Porch is a solid tackler and should maintain the standard set by Morgan. 

The list of eight injured players on Virginia Tech's lineup include at least five players who are out for the season (Ron Cooper, Marcus Davis, Brandon Dillard, Joe Jones, and Kenny Younger) and three players for whom are awaiting likely surgery(Xavier Boyce, Davon Morgan, Bruce Taylor).

How the Hokies deal with the numerous injuries will reveal how much depth there really is within Virginia Tech's roster. The Hokies began the season with ten new starters and will need to see progression from young players in order to continue to improve this season.

At the start of the season coach Frank Beamer said, "We [he and the staff] understand what's real right now and that's work hard and improve as a football team. And that's what we plan to do." So far, the Hokies have executed this plan nicely.

Since the opening game loss to East Carolina University, Virginia Tech has increased its time of possession from 26:52 to 34:44 per game. The Hokies also made a return to the Top 25, coming in at number 20 this week.

The Hokies will, in fact, have the opportunity to pick up two wins this Saturday. The football team will be represented in Homecoming Court through backup snapper Matt Tuttle. Many players have sported t-shirts with the saying "Join the Huddle, Vote for Tuttle" to help to win some votes for their teammate.

"It would be nice to kind of go back to the high school days, when you see the homecoming king being the captain of the football team or something," said offensive lineman Nick Marshman.

The Hilltoppers (2-3) are not expected to pose a serious threat, but with the Hokies being banged up and the landscape of college football being so unpredictable, anything is possible. 

The kick off is schedule for 1:30 p.m. and will be available on XM Satellite Channel 192 and online through ACC Select.

NOTE: In addition to the numerous losses do to injury, wide receiver Ike Whitaker has been indefinitely suspended for violation of team rules.

Video by Ryan Call: