An early look at a graphic that will hit your doorsteps tomorrow morning ...

THREE KEYS FOR VIRGINIA TECH

OFFENSIVE DOMINATION: Alabama might end up fielding one of the nation’s best defense. Many offenses will struggle against the Crimson Tide, as Tech did in last Saturday’s season-opening, 34-24 loss. The Hokies ran 51 plays and gained 155 yards – their fifth-fewest in 179 games since the beginning of the 1995 season and their third-fewest in Bryan Stinespring’s 95 games as offensive coordinator. But Tech’s offense has to be more productive against Marshall. The past three seasons, the Thundering Herd has allowed 418.1, 450.8 and 390.9 yards per game, never finishing better than 101st nationally. Last week, Division I-AA Southern Illinois hung 311 yards on the Herd in a 31-28 Marshall win.

RASHAD CARMICHAEL’S PLAY: Senior Stephan Virgil, Tech’s starting boundary cornerback, might not play because he sprained his left knee against Alabama. If he doesn’t play, junior Rashad Carmichael will move from field to boundary corner, and sophomore Cris Hill (Highland Springs High) will make his first career start at field corner. Boundary is the more challenge of the two position, because it requires more man-to-man defense. But Carmichael has practiced there for parts of the past two seasons. Last season he started the season opener against East Carolina at boundary when Victor “Macho” Harris (Highland Springs) was injured. That is the only start of Carmichael’s career. He has one quality required of corners: speed. During testing after last season, he ran 4.26 seconds in the 40-yard dash. It was the fastest time on the team and tied for the fifth-fastest time in Tech history.

KAM CHANCELLOR’S CONFIDENCE: The senior free safety struggled against Alabama, getting beat for passes of 35 and 48 yards. The 35-yarder, in the first quarter, put the Crimson Tide at Tech’s 17-yard line and set up a field goal. The 48-yarder, in the fourth quarter, put the Tide at Tech’s 6 and set up a touchdown that gave Alabama a 24-17 lead it never surrendered. The Hokies need Chancellor to be more reliable in order for them to have a good season.

Offensive domination, Rashad Carmichael’s play and Kam Chancellor’s confidence. Click for more.