In 2013, the Blue Devils rode four interceptions of Hokie quarterback Logan Thomas to beat then-No. 16 Virginia Tech for the first time since 1981. Last year in Durham, head coach Frank Beamer’s squad got revenge, capitalizing on an sloppy day by Duke, which committed three turnovers and missed two field goals.
Redshirt senior Michael Brewer returns for his second year under center in Blacksburg after tossing for 2,692 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. If Beamer’s squad is to return to the top of the ACC Coastal Division in 2015, the 6-foot-1 quarterback will need to cut down on his mistakes—his 15 interceptions stalled too many Hokie drives. Brewer’s favorite red-zone target, 6-foot-7 tight end Bucky Hodges, returns with intentions of replicating his team-leading seven-touchdown campaign as a freshman. Virginia Tech employed a by-committee approach to the ground game, racking up almost 2,000 yards on the ground without a dominant rusher. J.C. Coleman led the way with 533 yards and three scores and Marshawn Williams added 475 more, but an ACL tear leaves the sophomore as a question mark entering the season.
Defensively, the Hokies boast two returners on the line that have each earned All-ACC recognition during their careers, and 2014 second-team All-America cornerback Kendall Fuller will anchor the secondary, long been a stalwart of Beamer’s program.
The Hokies open the season Sept. 7 in primetime against defending national champion Ohio State.
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