HOT SPRINGS -- No longer can Virginia Tech's football program play its much-used "no respect" card.

Returning 14 starters from a team that captured last year's ACC title in its inaugural season in the league, Tech was picked to win the conference's Coastal Division title in voting released Monday by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association.

Tech garnered 62 of 92 first-place votes to easily outdistance second-place pick Miami. Virginia received the other first-place vote and was tabbed third.

Florida State, which has won or shared the title 11 times in its 13 years in the league, was an overwhelming choice to win the Atlantic Division.

It marked the first time that Tech has been picked on top of a preseason poll in the Frank Beamer era. The Hokies won or shared the Big East title three times from 1991-2004 before capturing the ACC as a sixth-place preseason pick last year.

"I'm proud of the fact that you guys think we would have a team that's capable of finishing at the top," Beamer said.

"I try not to look at the media crowd," added Beamer, laughing, "but if they say it or write it, it must be true."

Hokies senior tight end Jeff King said Sunday that he would be "a little surprised" if Tech were picked ahead of longtime powerhouse Miami in its division.

"We're not usually really the beautiful pick," King said. "But we really don't pay much attention to polls. It doesn't mean you're going to win it. Am I a little surprised? Yes. But do I care? No."

While they have been picked in the top 10 of most of the preseason national polls, the Hokies realize they've got to produce on the field in order to live up to their advance billing.

"We understand there is work to be done ... what should happen is not what always happens," Beamer said. "I was watching the news [Sunday] night and found out that Jeff King and Darryl Tapp had taken their [ACC championship] rings off. So I took my ring off, too. I'm awfully proud of what we did last year, some great memories and such, but it's time to go try and earn another ring."

More accolades

Tech placed a league-high four players -- offensive lineman Will Montgomery, cornerback Jimmy Williams, defensive end Darryl Tapp and tight end Jeff King -- on the preseason All-ACC team.

Hokies place-kicker Brandon Pace, a first-team All-ACC choice last season, failed to make the squad.