Hokies Off to A Good Start in Downing Appy State

1-0 is better than 0-1. Every time. Last year, the Virginia Tech Hokies opened against powerhouse Boise State on a neutral field and lost.
This year, opening against Appalachian State at home, the Hokies did what you are supposed to do. They won big. When you win big you can make those opening day mistakes and not have them cost you the game. When you win big you can play a lot of people and develop depth you'll need as the season wears on and the inevitable injuries strike.
Last season, the Hokie defense just wasn't that good. Fortunately, the offense led by Tyrod Taylor, was so good the Hokies won 11 games. But in the BCS bowl game against Stanford, the Hokies mediocre defense was torched.
What was bothersome about the Hokies defense last year was that they didn't appear to learn from their mistakes. They kept making the same kind of mistakes all year long. They were out of position, they would over react and leave their lanes, they appeared to be easily fooled by clever offenses.
Even though it is only one game, the play of the Hokies defense is encouraging. They appear disciplined and stay in their assignments. The team speed on defense also appears to have picked up, especially at linebacker. Appy State had a good offense and a very good, athletic quarterback. Against the Hokies, he never got going.
The game was over at halftime with the Hokies up 38-0. Besides the defense, the offense and special teams look like they can be, well, special. Tyrod Taylor is playing for the Baltimore Ravens. His successor, Logan Thomas, appears to have amazing upsides. All he lacks is experience, which he will gain quickly. At 6-6, 250, he is going to run over defensive backs and be able to throw over the out-stretched arms of rushing lineman.
And we haven't got to the best part, yet. That is David Wilson, the running back who is threat to score EVERY time he touches the ball. He may not sustain a 10 yard per carry average throughout the season (162 yards on 16 carries) but he should have his share of long runs. What is incredible to watch is that even with his great speed, Wilson runs well right up the middle.

Keeping in perspective this is just one game against a non-conference foe, the signs are promising. The next three games, East Carolina, Arkansas State and Marshall, should give the Hokies chances to keep winning and gaining experience before heading into conference play.
The Hokies are young, outside the O-line there aren't many seniors starting. None of the Atlantic division ACC teams the Hokies play this year are named Florida State.
It's a long year, we'll see how it plays out. But it's hard to argue with a good start.