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Defending ACC champion Virginia Tech opens with East Carolina

Aug 30, 2008 - 10:12 AM No. 15 Virginia Tech vs. East Carolina, 12:00 pm EDT

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Ticker) -- No. 15 Virginia Tech hopes to begin another successful season on the right foot Saturday when it faces East Carolina at Bank of America Stadium.

The defending Atlantic Coast Conference champion Hokies have enjoyed four straight double-digit win seasons and are contenders to return to the top of the ACC.

Virginia Tech went 11-3 last season, which ended with a 24-21 setback to Kansas in the Orange Bowl.

Virginia Tech's two-quarterback attack will be heavily relied on this season with the departure of running back Brandon Ore and a number of wide receivers.

Passing-oriented Sean Glennon and speedy Tyrod Taylor complemented each other well last season, combining for 24 touchdowns. However, Eddie Royal, Josh Morgan and Justin Harper have all left and will not be on the receiving end for the duo this season.

The defense for Virginia Tech also lost key players, notably cornerback Brandon Flowers, and return only four starters from last year's team, which allowed 16.1 points per game.

East Carolina scored 30 or more points eight times last season but did lose 1,400-yard rusher Chris Johnson to the NFL.

The Pirates played the Hokies tough last year, dropping a 17-7 decision in the season opener at Blacksburg, Virginia.

East Carolina won seven of its last nine games, capped by a 41-38 victory over Boise State in the Hawaii Bowl to finish the 2007 campaign at 8-5.

Overall, the Hokies have won six straight games against the Pirates and are 9-4 in the all-time series, which began in 1956.