BLACKSBURG, Va. — Dadi Nicolas knows what you think, which is why he wants to make sure you heard him correctly.
"I'm looking forward to Ohio State, and to the whole year," says Virginia Tech's senior defensive end. "This is gonna be a great year and a special year."
What makes him think it could be spec—?
"It's not 'could be,' " he says. "It's 'definitely.' "
Here's why, even if Nicolas' confidence seems strong, he has reason for it. The Hokies, who open the season against No. 1 Ohio State on Labor Day, appear to have the potential for another in a long line of dominant defenses.