Once a model of consistency in college football with 8 straight 10 plus win seasons, the Virginia Tech Hokies last 3 years have been down years for Frank Beamers’ program. This season seems to be the year they get back to competing for ACC Championships.
Last season they proved extremely talented, but they were inexperienced. The Hokies had most of their offensive production come from freshman last season. The defense has always been solid if not spectacular under defensive coordinator Bud Foster, but the offense has stalled, the main reason for the last 3 disappointing seasons.
The offense showed much promise after an impressive 35-21 road win over eventual national champion Ohio State last year, but never was able to play that way again and fell to an average 7-6 record. However, the offense showed improvement as every loss, but one was by 7 points or less. That means they were in basically every game and could’ve won them if not for youthful inconsistency and mistakes. Those talented freshmen are now sophomores with a year of experience under their belt and also have had the spring to fully understand the offense.
Isaiah Ford, Bucky Hodges, Cam Phillips as well as Marshawn Williams all have bright futures in Blacksburg, but it all starts up front. The offensive line has been suspect in years past, but is gelling nicely led by senior Wade Hansen. They need to give quarterback Michael Brewer time to read defenses and deliver the ball as well as open up lanes for J.C. Coleman and Marshawn Williams.
The defense lost both safeties and 2 linebackers but return everyone else, including a Thorpe Award candidate (best DB) Kendall Fuller and last year’s team leader in sacks Dadi Nicholas. The schedule sets up nicely as they avoid FSU and Clemson and get Ohio State at home. If they can be more consistent on offense and not turn the football over, they should be able to finish those close games they failed to last year and very well could find themselves in Charlotte playing for another ACC Championship.
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