The Justin Fuente era is off to a great start. Replacing a legend is never easy, but Fuente has not only kept Virginia Tech among the contenders in the ACC, he has improved their position. Frank Beamer went 7-6 in his last two years in Blacksburg, while Fuente went 10-4 in 2016 and 9-4 last year. His Hokies are now looking to return to the ACC Championship Game and win their first title since 2010.
Virginia Tech 2018 regular season win total
Over 8.5 (-130)
Under 8.5 (+100)
Odds courtesy of BetDSI Sportsbook
What Happened Last Year
Bud Foster’s defense led the way for the Hokies again in 2017. The unit knew what they needed to do with a freshman learning the ropes at quarterback, and they responded well. Virginia Tech finished the season as the fourth-best scoring defense in the country with brothers Terrell and Tremaine Edmunds leading the charge.
For his part, Josh Jackson played well as a freshman. He completed more than 60 percent of his passes and didn’t make the mistakes that kill so many young quarterbacks. If you factor in how bad his running game was, that makes his performance all the more impressive.
What Will Change This Year
Virginia Tech is desperately hoping it can get better production out of its running game in 2018. The Hokies were one of the worst teams in the conference on the ground last year. Their running game averaged just 3.8 yards per carry, and no one carried the ball for more than 440 yards. The offensive line has three starters back, so they are hopeful of improving those numbers.
Jackson should be better with a full season of experience under his belt too. Fuente did a great job of only giving him what he could handle as a freshman, and now the playbook will open up more. If the running game can open things up, he could be poised for a breakout season.
For once, the major questions will be on the defensive side of the ball. Galen Scott was brought on to be Bud Foster’s co-defensive coordinator, but he resigned last month. That will put the onus fully on Foster’s shoulders, yet he will not have a lot of the talent he had last season.
The Edmunds brothers and defensive tackle Tim Settle have gone on to the NFL, and only five starters from last year’s unit return. The strength of the defense should be in the middle, where Ricky Walker and Vinny Mihota are good run stoppers. However, the back seven is a concern.
Outlook & Prediction
Virginia Tech currently has one of the longest bowl streaks in football. They have reached a bowl in 25 straight seasons, and that streak should stretch to 26 this year.
The Hokies can win the ACC Coastal if Jackson takes a step forward and there isn’t too much regression on defense. They open the season with a tough one against Florida State, but they host their two biggest rivals for the division and get an extra week to prepare for Georgia Tech. Virginia Tech has a real chance to nip Miami and make it to the ACC Championship Game.
