The quarterback situation has gotten most of the attention so far this season at Virginia Tech. But the onus to improve after a season-opening loss to East Carolina is also on the offensive line.

The offensive line struggled against the Pirates. The Hokies also lost tackle Blake DeChristopher, to a leg injury. He's expected to be out two to four weeks.

The line's play is always key for an offense, but perhaps even more so for Virginia Tech. The Hokies lost all four of their top receivers, as well as one-time all-Atlantic Coast Conference tailback Branden Ore, following last season.

Coach Frank Beamer says developing a running game that can grind out yards would make everything easier as the rest of the offense gains experience.

Virginia Tech faces Furman Saturday. The two teams haven't met in more than 60 years, when both were members of the Southern Conference.