The Virginia Tech Hokies had their fewest wins since 1992 last season. They also snapped a 28 year bowl streak as well. Nothing went right for first year head coach Brent Pry. The Virginia Tech Hokies look to get back to a bowl game in 2023. Can Brent Pry and company get the job done? Here is the preview for the 2023 Virginia Tech Hokies.
Offense
The offense definitely needs a rejuvenation after last year’s disastrous performance. Last year’s starter Grant Wells comes back but I don’t think that job is as secure as people think. They bring in Kyron Drones from Baylor and I believe it’ll be a battle for the starting job all throughout camp. However, Virginia Tech did add three pass catchers through the transfer portal that could help the receiving core become more improved.
Those three receivers are Ali Jennings (Old Dominion), Jaylin Lane (Middle Tennessee State) and Da’Quan Felton (Norfolk State). These new additions have the chance to help change the Virginia Tech offense to make it much better than it was a season ago. They have one senior on their offensive line, which is Jesse Hanson at right guard who started 11 games at left guard last season. This year on the left side they are super young as they have two redshirt freshmen starting at left tackle and left guard. They are going to need the offensive line to help keep the quarterback on their feet in 2023.
Defense
The Hokies defense is starting nine upperclassmen this season. The big names of this defense are linebacker Keonta Jenkins and safety Nasir Peoples. They are going to need their front seven to create more havoc up front. One thing the Hokies will also need to improve on is forcing turnovers. They forced fewer than ten total turnovers last season which was 129th in the nation. With the upperclassmen at the helm this season, look for the Hokies to improve defensively and to create a lot more havoc in 2023.
Win Total Prediction
The win total is set at 5.5 on the FanDuel Sportsbook, with the over line set at +118 odds and the under line set at -148 odds. I see this as a growth year for the Hokies. Virginia Tech needs to figure it out offensively. If Grant Wells takes that step forward, or whoever is the quarterback comes in and produces early on, the Hokies could contend for six wins.
I think the bounces won’t go their way as I have them just under the win total. Do I think there is potential that they can go over? Yes, I do. However, they have a tough non-conference playing two Big 10 teams that I think are better than them. Also having to play a tough-ish conference schedule will hurt them. Stay away from the win total, but don’t be surprised if they surpass the 5.5 win total mark.
Schedule Predictions
Win vs Old Dominion (1-0)
Loss vs Purdue (1-1)
Close Loss at Rutgers (1-2)
Loss at Marshall (1-3)
Win vs Pittsburgh (2-3)
Loss at Florida State (2-4)
Win vs Wake Forest (3-4)
Win vs Syracuse (4-4)
Loss at Louisville (4-5)
Close Loss at Boston College (4-6)
Loss vs NC State (4-7)
Win at Virginia (5-7)