Virginia Tech Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017
Rivalry Week is on the road this season for the Virginia Tech Hokies. It’s worth noting they’ve won 13 straight games over the Virginia Cavaliers. The Hokies won last year’s game 52-10 and this year’s game could have similar results.
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The Cavaliers went 2-10 (1-7 ACC) last season in Bronco Mendenhall’s rookie year as head coach. He has his work cut out for him in season two. The offense lost their biggest playmaker in Taquan Mizzell (940 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns), but they have the talent at wide receiver to replace him.
Wide receiver Doni Dowling should get his fair share of catches, although running back Olamide Zaccheaus led the team with 51 receptions and seven touchdown receptions in 2016.
The offensive line has some holes to fill at the center, right tackle and left guard positions. It will make for another interesting year for quarterback Kurt Benkert.
The Cavaliers weren’t very good in the secondary last season, allowing 256.6 passing yards per game. The Hokies will be sure to take advantage of them here in this game.
Look for wide receiver Cam Phillips to go out with a bang as well. He had six catches for 87 receiving yards and a touchdown in last year’s meeting.
Defensively, the Virginia Tech Hokies forced three turnovers in last year’s game and held Virginia to 108 rushing yards. By the end of the November, this Hokies team should be a special bunch on defense. Look for them to have a big game and potentially put up some points.
Final: Virginia 17, Virginia Tech 42 (10-2, 6-2 ACC)
End of regular season: 10-2 (6-2 ACC)
Call me crazy but the Virginia Tech Hokies’ schedule favors a 10-win season. They won 10 games last year and made the ACC Championship and based on the landscape in the conference in 2017, it favors another run to the championship game.
The Hokies aren’t in bad shape, particularly on defense, which will carry them next season. They have a ton of talent at the linebacker positions and in the secondary. Defensive coordinator Bud Foster will use constant pressure to force turnovers and get stops while the Hokies offense continues to grow under Fuente’s tutelage.
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Quarterback Josh Jackson had a year to get the playbook under his belt and is saying and doing all the right things. He will have an opportunity to lead a young group on offense. Establishing a running game is key for Jackson and he’ll need to rely on the backfield to stay healthy.
Even though Jackson is a dual-threat guy, he should look to use his arm early. The Virginia Tech offense is geared towards passing the ball downfield. If he can make quick decisions and stay healthy, look for Virginia Tech to challenge for the ACC Coastal division crown.