Virginia Tech Football: Can Justin Fuente right the ship in 2021?

Oct 3, 2020; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Braxton Burmeister (3) passes against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half at Wallace Wade Stadium. The Virginia Tech Hokies won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 10, 2020; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Javonte Williams (25) with the ball as Virginia Tech Hokies defensive backs Nadir Thompson (12) and J.R. Walker (19) and linebacker Rayshard Ashby (23) and defensive lineman Norell Pollard (96) and defensive back Jermaine Waller (28) defend in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Hokies’ defense needs to get back to the basics

For a program whose pride for a long time was its stout defenses, the 2020 Virginia Tech defense was anything but. The Hokies were among the worst defenses in the ACC last year, allowing nearly 450 total yards of offense and 32.1 points per game and per game.

The Hokies were regularly torched through the air last season, allowing 266 passing yards per game while on the ground, opposing offenses had it way too easy as well, averaging 181 rushing yards per game. Now, it is worth noting that last season, the Hokies defense and especially the secondary was depleted by opt-outs, COVID, and injuries.

In 2021, the Hokies defense should be better as they return most of their starters from last season and will have a full year plus a more traditional offseason under defensive coordinator Justin Hamilton.

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