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Virginia Tech Football: Final report card for 2020 season

By Dante Pryor

BLACKSBURG, VA - NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Justin Fuente of the Virginia Tech Hokies and defensive back Brion Murray #37 of the Virginia Tech Hokies run onto the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Lane Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Justin Fuente of the Virginia Tech Hokies and defensive back Brion Murray #37 of the Virginia Tech Hokies run onto the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Lane Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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Nov 21, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) passes against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) passes against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Overall offensive grade: B

It’s quite remarkable how good this offense was, considering there were times they were one-dimensional. Games were multiple receivers were out, the Hokies could do nothing but run the football. Essentially, it became the Hendon Hooker and Khalil Herbert show in Blacksburg.

Despite the fluctuating roster week to week, Virginia Tech still averaged over 30 points per game. There were only three games all season Virginia Tech was held under 20 points.

The offensive line was the only group not ravaged by the virus. That showed how well the Hokies ran the football. Virginia Tech’s 240 rushing yards per game was good for 10th in the country. Though the Hokies did not often pass, Tech quarterbacks took care of the football, throwing 13 touchdowns to six interceptions when they did.

Outstanding players

  • Khalil Herbert, RB: 1,183 carries, eight touchdowns; 10 receptions,179 yards, one touchdown

The Kansas transfer was the most important player on Virginia Tech’s offense this season. Herbert averaged six yards per carry or more in eight games last season and ran for over 100 yards in six games, including a 208-yard performance against Duke.

  • Hendon Hooker, QB: 1,139 passing yards, nine touchdowns; 620 rushing yards, nine touchdowns

Hooker was by far the Hokies best quarterback this season. Despite missing time due to novel coronavirus protocols, Hooker led the team passing yards and touchdowns and was second on the team in rushing. Hooker’s ability as a duel-threat quarterback hid the lack of explosive receivers.  Herbert benefitted greatly from Hooker’s ability to run as well.

Quarterback: B-

Though the quarterbacks did not throw the football that often this season, the quarterbacks played well, considering what happened this season. COVID-19 caused the position to be a bit of a revolving door. Hendon Hooker missed time due to coronavirus and injury. Braxton Burmeister and Qunicy Patterson performed admirably when called upon.

Running Back: B

The running back group was carried by Kansas transfer Herbert and Hooker. Herbert was outstanding when the Hokies needed a go-to player on offense. Hooker was the perfect running mate for Herbert. Defenses had to respect the keep with Hooker in the backfield. Rutgers transfer Raheem Blackshear proved to be a good change of pace back who could catch the ball out of the backfield.

Wide Receiver/Tight End: C+

Damon Hazelton transferring to  Missouri was a huge loss to the Hokies’ receiving corps. The receivers were not dynamic and fairly inexperienced coming into this season. Their leading receiver had fewer than forty receptions. However, this was due in part to losing players to COVID-19 restrictions and injury.

Offensive Line: B+

The offensive line played well this season. The fact the Hokies finishing 10th in the country is indicative of that. The pass blocking was okay at times. The Hokies finished 56th in sacks allowed (22 sacks allowed) this season. The Hokies did have issues with the blitz at times, but those are too many sacks to surrender, considering the Hokies did not often throw the football.

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