Appalachian State @ Virginia Tech preview

THE STORY: No. 13 Virginia Tech is expected to be a factor in the ACC race again, but it will need to develop during a four-game, non-conference slate that begins against Appalachian State. The biggest question the Hokies need to answer is at quarterback, where promising sophomore Logan Thomas will take over for four-year starter Tyrod Taylor. Appalachian State, which started the 2007 season by winning at Michigan, has some talented offensive players back that should test a Virginia Tech defense replacing five departed starters.

TV: ACC Network, ESPN3.com. LINE: None

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (2010: 11-3, 8-0 ACC): The Hokies are confident they will have a solid offense, despite losing four key players in the backfield. David Wilson, who averaged more than nine yards every time he touched the ball last season, should be a major threat as the new No. 1 tailback. Thomas also has three veteran wide receivers back, led by Jarrett Boykin (847 receiving yards), and OT Blake DeChristopher is an All-ACC preseason pick. All-American CB Jayron Hosley, who had nine interceptions in 2010, and safety Eddie Whitley lead a talented secondary.

ABOUT APPALACHIAN STATE (2010: 10-3, 7-1 Southern): The Mountaineers have won six straight Southern Conference titles as a member of the Football Championship Subdivision, formerly I-AA. Quarterback DeAndre Presley returns after becoming the fourth player in FCS history to throw for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in a season. Wide receiver Brian Quick, an NFL prospect who has 2,322 career receiving yards, is the top target. The offensive line is a concern, however, due to three new starters. Linebacker Lanston Tanyi, who missed the 2010 season with toe surgery, leads a defense transitioning from a 4-3 to 3-4 scheme.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Appalachian State and Virginia Tech are the only two Division I teams to win 10 or more games the last six seasons (Va. Tech’s streak is seven).

2. The Hokies are 3-0 against Appalachian State, having played in 1979, '81 and '82.

3. Coach Frank Beamer has 198 career wins at Virginia Tech; Jerry Moore has won 199 at Appalachian State.

PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 35, Appalachian State 14 -- Wilson has drawn rave reviews in the preseason and that should help Thomas settle in. The Mountaineers need to force turnovers to stay in it.