(Image via ndinsider.com)
1. Virginia Tech needs to get their defense on track. Again, the Hokies gave up over 400 yards, 45 points, and many big plays. The Hokies defensive backs have been struggling ever since FSU. The Hokies have given up 220 passing yards every game this season, and 250 passing yards in 3 of their 5 games. In the Hokies 2 losses, they have missed DB Divine Deablo to a hamstring injury. Divine has played well for the Hokies giving the younger DB’s help over the top.
2. Virginia Tech’s offense looked good even in the loss. If you over look all the mishaps such as shooting themselves in the foot on 3 drives, and fumbling the ball which lead to a Notre Dame touchdown, the Hokies offense wasn’t all that bad. QB Ryan Willis threw for his second 300 yard game going 31/52 for 309 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 interception. The Hokies offense totaled 441 yards which was more than the Irish (438). If Virginia Tech could have finished a few more of their drives it would have been a different ball game.
3. Damon Hazelton has been exactly what the Hokies were hoping for. Damon caught 12 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. That was his 3rd 100 yard receiving game this season, and Damon has caught a touchdown in every game this season.
4. The Hokies are still undefeated in ACC play. Even though the Hokies are 3-2, they are still the front runners for the Costal with a 2-0 ACC record. Everyone in the Costal, except Miami, has an ACC loss. If the Hokies can win out the rest of their schedule, they will play in the ACC Championship game.
5. The Hokies have a very young team. 6 of the Hokies starters on offense and 8 starters on defense are sophomores or younger. A total of 17 starters will be returning for the Hokies next year (assuming none enter the draft). Virginia Tech has a lot of young depth in the QB, WR, and RB positions and most of the Hokies defense will be returning for next year.
