Bucky

The Virginia Tech Hokies under-performed this past season. After a predicted 2nd place finish and a win total O/U 8.5, the Hokies finished 6-7 and 5th in arguably the worst division in the Power 5. The defense was abysmal, while the offense was inconsistent. Their lowpoint–and the only thing people remember about the 2018 Hokies–was their upset loss to Old Dominion. Hopefully Justin Fuente is going to get his team to bounce back, but their needs to be much improved play across the board.

Prestige Ranking (If NCAA Football 20 Existed): 4 Stars

2018 Record: 6-7 (4-4 ACC), Lost to Cincinnati in Military Bowl

Returning Offensive Starters: 9

  • Ryan Willis, QB
  • Damon Hazelton, WR
  • Hezekiah Grimsley, WR
  • Tre Turner, WR
  • Zach Hoyt, C/G
  • Lecitus Smith, G
  • Silas Dzansi, T
  • Christian Darrisaw, T
  • Dalton Keene, TE

The good news is that the Hokies get Ryan Willis to return as their starter. Willis started for Virginia Tech after the original starter, Josh Jackson, was injured against Old Dominion, and now with Jackson transferring to Maryland, Willis seems to be the clear-cut starter. The Hokies also maintain a good chunk of their top receivers, keeping three of their four reception leaders. The offensive line will be an unknown. They have Hoyt, who started nine games at center and guard, and Christian Darrisaw, who started 12 games at left tackle as a true freshman. They also have Lecitus Smith and Silas Dzansi who started four games each last year, but overall the entire unit struggled. Maybe more time and reps will help, but at this point I am on the fence.

Returning Defensive Starters: 11

  • Jarrod Hewitt, DT
  • Houshun Gaines, DE
  • Emmanuel Belmar, DE
  • Rayshard Ashby, LB
  • Dax Hollifield, LB
  • Dylan Rivers,
  • Khalil Ladler, DB
  • Divine Deablo, DB
  • Reggie Floyd, DB
  • Bryce Watts, DB
  • Caleb Farley, DB

The reason why the Virginia Tech was so poor on defense was because they had 11 players have the first start of their careers this past year. Six of them–Ashby, Farley, Hewitt, Hollifield, Rivers, and Watts–are back for another season. So having that experience and working through the growing pains last year could pay dividends this year. The three keys things for the Virginia Tech defense is creating more turnovers, getting more sacks, and stopping the run. Luckily they still have a majority of their leading tacklers back, and interception leaders.

Returning Special Teams Starter: 2

They Hokies have both kicker Brian Johnson and punter Oscar Bradburn returning. Johnson hit on 68% of his field goals last season, something that needs to improve but…it’s college kickers. Bradburn was an All-ACC honorable mention with a 42.6 yard gross gain per punt, 23 punts inside the 20, and a 72 yard punt against Boston College.

Key Losses

They lost 11 players due to transfer, and few more that went to the draft–none where drafted. The big losses being Josh Jackson, Steven Peoples, and Ricky Walker.

Key Newcomer: Jaden Payoute, Athlete

Payoute is the 7th ranked Athlete according to 24/7, playing wide receiver and defensive back. The Hokies can certainly use his abilities on either side, but it appears he will be playing wide receiver. If that’s the case, he will provide a good balance as he has decent size and speed.

Wins Conference If:

They stay consistent on offense, and provide more big plays on defense–sacks and interceptions. That will win them the division. To win the conference, they better hope they face an injury-riddled Clemson team or anyone else in the conference because Clemson was injury-riddled. Not rooting for that outcome, but that’s the reality.

Circle This Game On The Calender: at Notre Dame, November 2nd

As we all know Notre Dame is just a bunch of phonies. However, since Virginia Tech is in the ACC Coastal, and their Atlantic opponents are Wake Forest and Boston College, Notre Dame will be their toughest test.

Alcohol Prediction: Corona Extra

Not the best beer in the world. But when you are comparing to Busch Light, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and Nature Light, it’s not so bad by comparison. It’s the kind of beer that you get because you are waiting for you paycheck to get the good stuff, but you also need beer like right now.

2019 Outlook:

at Boston College L

vs. Old Dominion W

vs Furman W

vs Duke W

at Miami W

vs Rhode Island W

vs North Carolina W

at Notre Dame L

vs Wake Forest L

at Georgia Tech W

vs Pittsburgh W

at Virginia L

Overall: 8-4 (5-3)