Unranked Hokies eye upset

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) -- It's been awhile since Virginia Tech entered a season unranked and with modest expectations. A win over No. 1 Southern California would change perceptions of this year's Hokies in a hurry.

"If we can shake things up the first game, there's no telling what the future holds for us," defensive end Jim Davis said.

The Hokies and Trojans play the first big game of the season Saturday night in the Black Coaches Association Classic at FedEx Field, home of the Washington Redskins.

USC opens its title defense without All-American Mike Williams. The NCAA on Thursday denied the wide receiver's request to regain his eligibility.

USC rejoined college football's elite with a national championship last season. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, slipped out of the class of perennial title contenders with an 8-5 record. The Hokies are entering the season unranked for the first time since 1998, the year before Michael Vick took them to a national title game.

The post-Michael Vick era has been a bit of a letdown in Blacksburg.

"After Michael Vick left, expectations were really high," quarterback Bryan Randall said. "We were preseason top 10 a couple of times in the last couple of years, but that's a good thing. But you also have to live up to those expectations, which can sometimes be a negative if you're not producing."

In the last three seasons the Hokies have won 26 games -- nothing to be ashamed of -- but they are only 6-11 after Nov. 1 in those seasons and each year they've played in a less prestigious bowl game.

Last year, Virginia Tech climbed to No. 3 in the polls before losing five of seven -- including the Insight Bowl to California.

The luster clearly has come off the Hokies. Now they are looking to get it back, and no better way to do that than to knock off No. 1, which Virginia Tech has never done in six tries. USC is a 17½-point favorite.

"Yeah, it's a huge opportunity for us as a ballclub to go out there and gain some respect," Randall said. "We think we're very capable of winning this game."

Randall has the top job to himself this season after sharing it last year with Marcus Vick, Michael's little brother who was suspended from school for getting into trouble with the law in the offseason.

Randall has proved capable of carrying the team at times. He threw for 1,996 yards and 16 touchdowns and was second on the team in rushing with 404 yards in 2003.

"When you play a quarterback that can run with the football and strike you dead from that position after the play begins, that is the most difficult element of any football team to defend," USC coach Pete Carroll said.

No matter who has been at quarterback for the Hokies in recent years, they've had terrific tailbacks in Lee Suggs and Kevin Jones to lean on. This year Cedric Humes, who averaged 5.8 yards a carry last season, takes the top spot after Jones left early for the NFL.

The Trojans lost several stars from last season's 12-1 squad, but return quarterback Matt Leinart and have unsurpassed depth and athleticism.

USC's biggest concern may be dealing with a series of offseason distractions -- some of which are about to become in-season distractions.

Williams tried to enter the NFL draft after his sophomore year but was stymied by a court ruling. USC has receivers with speed and ability, but few with game experience.

"You can't compare anyone to Mike, but we have a lot of great young players," said Leinart, who threw for 3,556 yards and 38 TDs in his first season as a starter.

The Trojans also will be without Hershel Dennis, one of their three talented tailbacks who has been suspended for violating team rules.

Sophomores Reggie Bush and LenDale White, who led the team in rushing last season, should make up for Dennis' absence.

There's also been no resolution to a sexual assault investigation that police said involves at least one USC player. No one has been charged or named in the investigation.

The Trojans are breaking in four new starters on the offensive line. They are sure to be a target for a Virginia Tech defense that likes to bring pressure.

"They're a very aggressive defense, they like to blitz a lot and they use a lot of man coverage," Leinart said. "They're going to be a good test for us."