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ACC Football: Power Rankings for the 2022 season

By Dante Pryor

Sep 11, 2021; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) runs down the hill prior to the game against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) runs down the hill prior to the game against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 19, 2022; Lynchburg, Virginia, USA; The Virginia Tech Hokies defense celebrates knocking down a Liberty pass in the second half at Williams Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lee Luther Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
November 19, 2022; Lynchburg, Virginia, USA; The Virginia Tech Hokies defense celebrates knocking down a Liberty pass in the second half at Williams Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lee Luther Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Virginia Tech Hokies

Record: 3-8, 1-6

Team Leaders: 

Offense: Grant Wells (Passing) 2171 YDS, 9 TD, 9 INT

Keshawn King (Rushing) 443 YDS, 3 TD

Kaleb Smith (Receiving) 37 REC, 674 YDS, 3TD

Defense: Dax Hollifield (Tackles) 82 Total Tackles, 2 Fum. Rec.

Four players with one interception

TyJuan Garbutt (Sacks) 6.5

Key Wins: @ Liberty 23-22, V. Boston College 27-10

Bad Losses: @UNC 41-10, @ Pitt 45-29

Season Overview: This was a zero year for first-year head coach Brent Pry. The former Hokie grad assistant and Penn State defensive coordinator has an uphill climb rebuilding the talent depth of this roster. Legendary head coach Frank Beamer made this job look easier than it is. Former head coach Justin Fuente did not leave a full cupboard when he was fired.

The offense struggled to score most of the season, but the defense played well after a rough three-game stretch against North Carolina, Pitt, and West Virginia. The Hokies allowed 39.6 points in those three games; they did not allow 30 in any other game.

2023 Outlook: Pry has something to build upon with the way the Hokies defended last season. Offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen has his work cut out for him, but he’s a great recruiter and will bring quality talent to Blacksburg. One such player is quarterback Kyron Drones, who is transferring from Baylor.

Drones panning out at quarterback would stabilize an offense that struggled last year. It would make rebuilding the offense a lot easier as well.

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