Tuesday: Tech defense must patch big hole; Beamer says offense “close”; Full day of baseball on tap

RANDY KING EXPLORES WHAT THE HOKIES WILL DO after their defense suffers a significant blow — the loss of starting defensive tackle Antoine Hopkins for the rest of the season with a knee injury. That leads off Randy’s Tech notebook here. Losing Hopkins will translate into more playing time for freshmen Corey Marshall and Luther Maddy, who have been getting more action each week. Junior Isaiah Hamlette remains in the mix, and Beamer said the coaching staff will take a look at junior Dwight Tucker, who got limited backup duty in 11 games last season, but hasn’t played this year.

AS FOR THE OFFENSE, BEAMER SAYS “WE WERE SO CLOSE