2021 season: 6-7, 4-4 in the ACC (3rd in the Coastal Division)
Head coach: Brent Pry (1st season)
The Hokies continued their trend of mediocrity that has followed them in recent years last season, falling right in the middle of the ACC standings and winning just as many conference games as they lost for the third time in four years. They capped their 2021 season off with an embarrassing 54-10 loss to Maryland in the Pinstripe Bowl. In an attempt to shake things up, Virginia Tech replaced then-head coach Justin Fuente with ex-Penn State defensive coordinator Brent Pry. Similar to Duke, this coaching change is an interesting new component to the team that could define their trajectory heading into the 2022 season.
Last year the Hokies were more or less average at virtually every aspect of the game among their ACC rivals. Defensively, they were seventh in total yards per game and eighth in total touchdowns allowed. They were slightly better at defending against the pass as opposed to the run, but both sides still left a lot of room for growth. A defensive-minded head coach in Pry may allow for that, along with the fact that Virginia Tech is returning seven of their starters. This includes star linebacker Dax Hollifield, who led the Hokies in total tackles and sacks with 92 and 4.5, respectively.
Offensively, they will have a new signal-caller in Marshall transfer Grant Wells. He has shown sparks of impressive talent, but has had a past of high turnover numbers, including 22 interceptions in his two seasons as a starter. He has also tallied 34 total touchdowns in that time, however, including a 3,535 yard season in 2021. Regardless of his turnover tendencies, he is a huge addition for what was an atrocious passing offense that ranked 13th in average yards per game in the ACC. Virginia Tech lost their lead back from last season, but still retains an experienced Malachi Thomas. He may allow the Hokies to keep relying on a run game that did them wonders last season, where they finished fourth in the conference in rushing yards per game.
Similar to Duke, this will be a defining year for Virginia Tech with new quarterbacks and coaches. There is a lot further for them to fall if things go wrong, however, as well as greater potential to grow if they strike gold with their new additions.
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