Last year was a perfect storm of sorts that created an opportunity for Va Tech to win. OSU had a offensive line that had the second fewest starts in D1 college football, a quarterback who not only was making his second start as a Buckeye but because of his redshirt and an injury early as a highschool senior, was only his second game as a QB in three years. Add to that a first time starter as runningback who had wrist surgery 3 weeks prior so he split time with a true freshman running back, and because of an injury, was starting a 2nd string tight end.
That left them very susceptible to blitzes, especially ones that they weren't familiar with. Credit to the VT coaches for recognizing that and utilizing the Bear front which absolutely confused the heck out of OSU's offense.
On defense the Buckeyes had 2nd time starters at NT, DE, Will LB, cornerback, and safety. At the other safety was a player making his thrid start.
While I'm sure the Hokies spent a good deal of time prepping in Fall camp for the game, the OSU coaches had the misfortune of having the first game against Navy. A team not as talented as the Hokies but a style of play that required a lot more attention and time preparing for than the normal first OOC game.
All this isn't an excuse for why OSU lost. Just significant reasons as to what contributed. As I said, credit the Va Tech coaches for the plan, discredit Meyer and staff for not being prepared and failing to make the adjustments, and of course Va Tech players executed when they needed to and OSU didn't when they needed to do so.
And that's not to say that a perfect storm of sorts can't happen again. We won't know who prepares and executes better until after the game. As much as OSU fans are saying that the team wants to prove that last year was a fluke, I'm sure your guys are as determined to prove that it wasn't
And finally the pressure is all on the Buckeyes. Not only as the defending NC's who want to repeat, but they probably want to rout the Hokies. We know what happens all too often when a team is more concerned about the point spread and looking good than winning. They often don't.
And finally, I'm expecting a tough and loud crowd. If the game is close, the fans motivate their players, and OSU starts to feel the pressure, you now have another perfect storm.
I hope I'm wrong about all of the above, but if I were a VT fan, I wouldn't downplay the potential for another victory.