Gramlich and Mac Lain: 2021 Virginia Tech Football preview
On Tuesday’s episode of Gramlich and Mac Lain, ACC Network analysts Kelly Gramlich and Eric Mac Lain provide an in-depth 2021 Virginia Tech Football preview.
The Hokies were picked third in the ACC Coastal, but Mac Lain thinks that is too high. They are coming off a 5-6 season that saw their 27-year bowl streak come to end. Virginia Tech head coach Justin Fuente will look to turn the team around behind starting quarterback Braxton Burmeister.
Burmeister went 3-1 as a starter last year, threw for 687 yards, and had four total touchdowns and an interception. While his overall completion percentage was 56.5%, Burmeister completed 73.5% of his passes and averaged 9.97 yards per attempt in Virginia Tech’s final two games against Clemson and Virginia.
“When you look at his overall performance, it was spotty to say the least,” Mac Lain said. “I think inconsistent is kind of a big trend here. If he [plays like he did in the final two games], sure, they’re going to do very well in the Coastal and maybe even be playing in the [conference] championship with those type of numbers, but I just don’t know if that’s realistic.”
The Hokies’ receiving corps is a bright spot, but replacements are needed at running back
Led by preseason All-ACC tight end James Mitchell, the Hokies’ receivers are solid. Mitchell had 26 receptions for 435 yards and a team-high four receiving touchdowns last season. Fellow receivers Tré Turner and Tayvion Robinson are poised to produce as well.
On the ground, Virginia Tech lost Khail Herbert to the NFL and will need young backs like Raheem Blackshear and Keshawn King to step up in his place.
“I think the Khalil Herbert loss is huge,” Gramlich said. “This guy, Khalil Herbert, was incredible last year. Came out of nowhere, transferred from Kansas, people were like ‘Who is this guy?’ And he was awesome, and I think obviously part of his success, obviously give a lot of credit to Khalil Herbert, but [offensive tackle] Christian Darrisaw, he’s gone.”
The Minnesota Vikings took Darrisaw in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, but other veterans remain in Blacksburg on an offensive line that should be solid.
“If they have two guys coming in that are at least average at best, they’re going to be just fine,” Mac Lain said.
Last season Virginia Tech 240.1 rushing yards per game and 200.6 passing yards per game.
“I feel like ideally, almost if you flip that, right? If you’re at 200 rushing yards a game and 240 passing, you’re a little more balanced and you’re using some of these weapons in the receiving game,” Gramlich said. “Are they capable of that? I mean 200 rushing without Khalil Herbert? I would be impressed if they are able to do that.”