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ACC Football: 5 most important non-conference games in 2017

By Jerran Anderson

Apr 8, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Derwin James (3) during the Spring Game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Derwin James (3) during the Spring Game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Justin Fuente waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Virginia Tech defeated Arkansas 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Justin Fuente waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Virginia Tech defeated Arkansas 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Virginia Tech vs. West Virginia, Sept. 3

The Virginia Tech Hokies open the season on the national stage in Landover, Maryland at Redskins Stadium against the West Virginia Mountaineers. As the ACC is on the rise, the Big 12 has found itself in a bit of an identity crisis.

It wasn’t long ago the Hokies and Mountaineers met regularly to faceoff for the Black Diamond Trophy. However, the teams haven’t met since the 2005 season. The Hokies won the last meeting 34-17.

The bad blood should continue to boil over when the two teams meet to open their 2017 campaigns. Both teams will be going through offensive overhauls so this may be a close game in the beginning.

The Hokies defense should make a lot of noise as they return seven starters. Led by linebacker Mook Reynolds, this could be a special season in the ACC for this Virginia Tech defense.

Reynolds should be prime for a breakout season after recording 9.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. There’s also linebacker Tremaine Edmunds who was second on the team with 16.5 tackles for loss in 2016.

All in all, the Hokies season opener should be a good one against the Mountaineers. They’ll need to replace their quarterback, but with three to choose from, they should be okay on offense.

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