The Virginia Tech football team picked up a big win against Georgia Tech in their season opener, but have lost a key component for the rest of the year, as senior wide receiver D.J. Coles is out for the season.
Coles re-injured his surgically repaired right knee in the first quarter of Tech's win against the Yellow Jackets.
He will likely be granted a medical hardship waiver, which will allow Coles to play next year as a fifth year senior.
The Hokies will have a quick turnaround this week, as after going to overtime Monday, 15th-ranked Tech will take on FCS opponent Austin Peay Saturday.
Junior quarterback Logan Thomas says, "I guess the only challenge is going from a 3-4 defense back to a 4-3, just getting our minds geared back for that. I think we'll be just fine. These guys are professionals. We're coming out here to work hard in practice every single day."
The Governors lost to Western Kentucky by 39 points in their season opener, but the Hokies won't be looking past the FCS foe.
Virginia Tech lost to JMU in a very similar situation just two years ago.
Senior linebacker Bruce Taylor says, "As we know, on any given day, you can be beaten. We show the most respect to Austin Peay. When they come in here, we're going to treat them the same way we treat any opponent that comes into Lane Stadium. We're just going to try to take care of business."
Virginia Tech and Austin Peay kick off Saturday at 1:30pm.
