ACC Football: Coastal Division Power Rankings Preseason
If Tomorrow Never Comes
Game versus North Carolina: Won 34-3
Returning Starters: 12 (5 on Offense, 7 on Defense)
Lowdown: In his first season following a legend, Justin Fuentes took the Hokies to the ACC Championship game. A late interception cost them the chance to upset Clemson, but expectations remain high for the Hokies, who enter the season ranked in the top 25.
However, after such a strong season, the Hokies saw their quarterback and two of their top three receiving threats leave for the NFL, leaving fans in Blacksburg wishing tomorrow never comes. Virginia Tech gets a strong test opening against West Virginia in Maryland.
Strengths: Bud Foster’s defense. For the past 20 plus years, the defense at Virginia Tech has been a staple of Blacksburg under the long time defensive coordinator. Despite losing five starters from last season, until proven otherwise, the unit remains elite.
Weaknesses: Quarterback. It may seem odd to pick on a position that Fuentes has proven to be successful at developing, but with the loss of Evans, this has to be where the questions rise.
After starting a Juco transfer last year, the Hokies look to start a freshman this year. If the guy isn’t Evans, the team might regress.
Best Case Scenario: Last year was just the beginning as the Hokies storm out of the gate winning seven of their first eight games on their way to a 10-2 season and another shot at an ACC championship.
Worst Case Scenario: The defense struggles, the offense never clicks and Fuentes needs another year to get over the loss of 10 starters. The team loses six of their last eight and sees their 24 year bowl streak come to an end with a 5-7 record.