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Virginia Tech Football: Hokies top Marshall to secure longest bowl streak

By Matthew Bartlett

BLACKSBURG, VA - DECEMBER 1: Running back Steven Peoples #32 of the Virginia Tech Hokies scores a touchdown against the Marshall Thundering Herd in the first half at Lane Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - DECEMBER 1: Running back Steven Peoples #32 of the Virginia Tech Hokies scores a touchdown against the Marshall Thundering Herd in the first half at Lane Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

2. Virginia Tech has options at quarterback in 2019

The sky was falling in Blacksburg when Josh Jackson left the game against Old Dominion with a season-ending injury. The Hokies’ season hadn’t taken a turn for the worst at that moment in time, but the groundwork had been laid for worry.

Since then, Virginia Tech is 3-5 since turning to backup Ryan Willis. The former Kansas transfer redshirted last season and proved more important than the Hokies’ could have ever expected. Entering the game against Marshall, Willis had thrown for 2,185 yards and 18 touchdowns with eight interceptions.

Desperately in need a win, Willis saved his best for last. The junior threw for 312 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions, leading the Hokies over the Thundering Herd in a rout.

Willis has now thrown for multiple touchdowns and one or fewer interceptions in six of his nine starts (66.7 percent), a feat Josh Jackson managed in nine of his 16 career starts (56.3 percent). Both players can do a bit with their legs, but overall, their statistical profiles are extremely similar. At the very least, Virginia Tech will have a full-blown quarterback competition this spring.

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