Virginia Tech Football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2020

Week 13: Virginia Tech football vs. Virginia (Nov. 28)

Losing to your arch rival is one of the most agonizing defeats in all of sports. Virginia Tech had not had to experience this feeling since 2003. That all changed on the night of November 29, 2019, at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Va.

The Virginia versus Virginia Tech game was not only a renewal of a bitter rivalry but also the de facto ACC Coastal division title game. This added some intensity to an already volatile encounter.

The Gobblers and Wahoos battled back and forth before a late field goal gave Virginia a 33-30 lead. Hendon Hooker thought he would save the day with a clutch drive for a game-winning score. Instead, he was sacked on three straight plays, and the last one led to a fumble recovery touchdown for the Cavs, giving them the win and a trip to Charlotte.

Clemson made easy work of Virginia, but their own trip to the College Football Playoff opened the door for the ‘Hoos to play in the Orange Bowl, where they gave Florida a tussle but fell 36-28. Bronco Mendenhall had to be pleased with his five-year turnaround at Virginia.

Virginia aims even higher in 2020, despite the fact that most stars on the offensive side of the ball are gone, leaving a redshirt freshman quarterback, Brennan Armstrong, to take the reins.

The defense is said to be very strong.

Virginia Tech smells blood in the water in Charlottesville. A green Virginia offense and the home-field advantage make things ripe for the Gobblers to take back bragging rights.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 41, Virginia 21 (9-3, 6-2)

And so, in closing

The Virginia Tech Hokies are not regarded as a national title contender. However, if Hendon Hooker can find some chemistry with his teammates and the defense can keep up the good work, an 8-9 win season is a plausible goal.

Justin Fuente hopes to recreate the magic that Frank Beamer brought to campus years ago. He knows that eventually he will have to turn VPI back into a conference title favorite. A good 2020 season will help recruiting and get things moving in a positive direction.