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Last month, we pointed out in TSLMail that the ACC returns nine starting quarterbacks for the 2009 season. A number of talented running backs also return, and the vast majority are only sophomores or juniors. There is a lot of young running talent in the league, and if they can get some decent blocking from their offensive lines, the offensive numbers in the ACC should be on the upswing.

Three ACC running backs gained over 1,000 yards on the ground last season, and all of them have at least two years of eligibility remaining.

Jonathan Dwyer, Darren Evans and Da'Rel Scott all enjoyed a lot of success last season, and the fact that they were all freshmen or sophomores makes it even more impressive.

A total of four ACC running backs led their team in rushing as freshmen last season. Darren Evans, Montel Harris, Brandon Pendergrass and Jay Hollingsworth all paced their respective teams in rushing. While Florida State's Jermaine Thomas did not lead his team in rushing, he did average seven yards per carry, and he has the potential to have a big sophomore season.

The list above does not include a number of very talented backs who were not their team's leading rusher a year ago. At Virginia Tech, the Hokies have Ryan Williams, who redshirted a year ago. During spring practice, he looked like Tech's best running back. At Maryland, Davin Meggett ran for 457 yards as a freshman. He'll be sharing time with Da'Rel Scott, but he's a very effective back.

Graig Cooper led Miami in rushing last season, but he will still be sharing time with Javarris James, who was injured for much of last season. Brandon Pendergrass will split carries with Josh Adams at Wake Forest. Adams was the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2007. NC State returns Toney Baker, arguably their most talented runner. Baker missed the 2008 season with an injury. Duke also brings back Re'Quan Boyette, their most talented runner who also missed 2008 with an injury.

The ACC has been a poor offensive conference for the last few seasons, but with so many talented running backs, and nine returning starters at the quarterback position, things look like they could be getting better in 2009. If the offensive lines in the conference can improve, we could see a big jump forward in overall offensive production.

Austin Wates' walk-off homerun in the bottom of the 10th inning gave Virginia Tech a 5-4 win over #10 UVA on Thursday night. The Hokies had lost their previous 12 games against their in-state rivals. The last time Tech beat UVA in baseball before Thursday was all the way back on April 16, 2003. VT knocked off the Hoos 5-3 that day, and it took them over six years to do it again.

The teams will play two more games as part of a three-game series to end the regular season. The games will take place at English Field in Blacksburg, and they will begin at 5:30pm on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16.

To qualify for the ACC Tournament, the Hokies (31-20, 11-16 ACC) must sweep Virginia (38-11-1, 15-10-1 ACC), and they must depend on a Georgia Tech sweep of the Duke Blue Devils. The chances of that happening aren't good, but it's hard to ignore the progress the baseball team has made this year.

The Hokies have won 30 games for the first time since 2003, and their 11 ACC wins is just two fewer than they had in the previous two seasons combined. They also hold a 13-10 record on the road. Tech has not had a winning road record since 2003.

The good news is that most of this team will return for the 2010 season. The Hokies have just five seniors, only three of which get serious playing time. The Hokies have young talent playing the field, including sophomore Austin Wates, as well as on the mound in left-handed sophomore starter Justin Wright.