VT - feels confident because they beat us last year on our home turf, thus aren't intimidated and playing at home.
They feel they have talent and are going to be much improved from last year's 7-6 record (due in part because of injuries). And we have significant WR experience shortage and no Joey Bosa.
OSU - feels confident because the circumstances of that game don't reflect the talent of the team. Playing Navy first, losing Braxton, 4 new O-linemen, new D-coordinator/scheme, coaches unprepared for Bear Cover 0, etc.
Also, we demonstrated exponential improvement, Overcoming injuries and tragedy, to the point of beating 3 strong & different styled (one back, pro-style, spread/tempo) more talented teams in a row (W/a 3rd string QB) to win the National Championship.
Both fan fan bases feel confident. Both return the bulk of the team from last year.
VT is a good team. While they MAY improve ... OSU already HAS improved. One hopes and the other one sees. I think the debate boils down to this. We KNOW how much we improved from that game. They THINK they're improved.
With all due respect to our opponent, I'll take the evidence over the wishful-thinking.
