According to Mike Niziolek of the Roanoke Times, Virginia Tech will be without several starters including wide receiver Damon Hazelton and defensive end TyJuan Garbutt.
Here's the full list of starters that are expected to be out according to stories and tweets from Niziolek and others, and pregame observations of player rotations.
- WR Damon Hazelton
- OG TJ Jackson
- C Zachariah Hoyt
- DE TyJuan Garbutt
- CB Jovonn Quillen
Hazelton's absence likely means that Kaleb Smith will once again have a larger role as he did last week when he had 4 receptions including a touchdown. Meanwhile, Doug Nester could be poised for a starting role at right guard with John Harris likely to be the Hokies' starting center today.
On the defensive side, redshirt freshman Jaevon Becton is likely poised to be the primary replacement for Garbutt with Eli Adams also likely to see an increase in playing time and Amare Barno being another option. With Quillen out, Jermaine Waller is expected to slide into the second starting cornerback job.