Va. Tech returns 86% of its production from last year. By far, this is the most in the nation compared to all other FBS schools, as it is one of two teams with more than 80% of its production back for another season. Experience is on the side of Va. Tech, but will it translate to 2024? Will the defense keep pace with an improving offense?
Offense: QB Kyron Drones is the key to the Hokies' success. As Drones go, so does Va. Tech. Drones threw for 17 touchdowns and over 2,000 yards while adding over 800 rushing yards and five more scores on the ground. Drones was the running game for Va. Tech, and most of that happened when there was no one to pass to or the Oline broke down in protection. With a healthy receiving unit (Lane, Jennings, & Felton) back intact, the passing game should improve. These three were hurt one and off for most of the year, but when healthy, they had chemistry with Drones, and they did damage to opposing teams. The Hokies don’t have an outstanding individual receiver, but the sum of the parts is dangerous. Jersey native Bhayshul Tuten led the Hokies in rushing last year with 863 yards. I’m not impressed with him as an RB. More than half of his yards came in 3 games against Tulane, UVA., and Syracuse. Drones’ ability to run made teams respect the ground game.
Overall: Va. Tech’s offense is more challenging this year than in 2023. Rutgers must control the clock and score quickly to keep the Hokies off-balance. You don’t want to give Va. Tech’s offense a chance to get into a groove and set the tone. This means Rutgers has to put pressure on an average Oline while not losing containment on Drones. This is where Drones is most dangerous, and his actions get the Hokies going. Unless the RB can complement Drones, you can make them one-dimensional, and they become their own worst enemies.
Defense: DE Antwaun Powell-Ryland may be as good as the top DE in the B1G. Powell-Ryland was the D-line for the Hokies last year and finished with 9.5 sacks. HC Brent Pry was so concerned with the inconsistent play of the D-line Pry dipped in the transfer portal for 3 defensive tackles to help free up Powell-Ryland and make him more effective. Another impact player for the Hokies is CB Dorian Strong. He set career highs in tackles, pass breakups, and inceptions. Strong is the Hokies best overall secondary player. The strength of the defense is along the D-line and secondary.
Overall: While Virginia Tech's stats may make them look good against the pass, the truth is that teams often exploited their run defense. Adding the D-line transfers could be the missing ingredient that the Hokies need to balance their defense and complement their offense. Although Strong leads a 'solid' secondary, the unit still has questions to answer, just like the D-line. The fact that Virginia Tech replaces their MLB with a transfer from Middle Tenn. indicates that the middle of the defense remains a concern. The middle of the defense looks good but it is a little undersized and relies on quickness to defeat size and strength.
