2017 ACC Football: Coastal Division Power Rankings week 8
True Believers
Does anyone believe more in Virginia Tech than themselves? The nation doesn’t seem to.
Virginia Tech was picked by most to finish second in the ACC behind Miami. Additionally, the Hokies rank 13th in both polls behind six one-loss teams. Only Notre Dame might have a better loss than Virginia Tech’s against Clemson.
Virginia Tech also has the Conference’s top-rated passer in Josh Jackson. Jackson is having a Michael Vick-like season and yet no one is talking about him on a national level. Against UNC, Jackson finished with three touchdowns as his team won by 52.
Virginia Tech’s coach, Justin Fuente, consistently finds ways to win. Fuente has won 16 games in a season and a half since coming to Blacksburg. The Hokies had 14 total wins the two prior seasons.
Additionally, he has 35 wins the past three-plus seasons. He has done this despite changing programs and losing most of his passing game from last season. However, he is still not in most conversations for National, let alone ACC, Coach of the Year.
Despite all of this, Virginia Tech still has a chance to make an impact on the season. The Hokies still control their own destiny in the Coastal Division, though they do still have three road games left.
If they win out, they will not only win the ACC but will have a win against a top-ranked Miami squad. They’d also have a ranked championship win against either Clemson or NC State. That should be enough to get Virginia Tech into the playoff conversation.
If they make the playoff, then all they have to do is win. That will make true believers out of anyone. Virginia Tech welcomes in their second straight North Carolina opponent when they host Duke this week.