Virginia Tech football: Phil Steele forecasts electric offense, improved defense

Virginia Tech football will be significantly better in every position group according to Phil Steele.

Phil Steele’s college football preview magazine is widely regarded as one of the most accurate resources heading into every new season.

It’s obvious Steele views Virginia Tech football as a true contender in the ACC, riding on an explosive upgraded offense and improved defense under second-year defensive coordinator Justin Hamilton. Let’s dive deeper into Steele’s forecast for Justin Fuente’s Hokies this year.

Offense

The Hokies will rely on Braxton Burmeister at quarterback, who transferred from Oregon ahead of last season. On paper, the Hokies have a group of receivers that will cause nightmares for opposing defensive coordinators. “VT returned 3 of their top 5 last year but only 4 recorded more than 1 catch in a season,” Steele noted. “Tayvion Robinson (had 592 yards, 15.6 avg), Tre Turner finished with 529 yards (15.6 avg). Versatile TE James Mitchell was #3 with 435 yards (16.7 avg).”

Hokies’ offensive coordinator Brad Cornelson must be grinning ear to ear. The trio Steele highlighted above have unique individual skillsets, creating matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. The 2020 stat lines don’t paint an accurate picture with constant adversity and change making chemistry nearly impossible to form. Redshirt-freshman wideout Jaden Payote is a potential breakout candidate on Steele’s list.

While there likely isn’t a running back in Blacksburg that will replicate Khalil Herbert’s record-setting campaign, Steele likes the depth and versatility of the VT backfield. Raheem Blackshear managed to finish 2020 with 912 rushing yards in a season where Herbert posted a staggering 1,735. Sophomore Keshawn King is back in the mix after missing last season and Jalen Holston flashed promise. “King will be part of a deep RB group. Blackshear is their most versatile. This will be a committee approach and they are unlikely to match last year’s output.” Steele also noted all Hokies’ backs are solid receivers, which will be key for Burmeister making off-schedule passes when he’s on the move.

“VT had 35 points per game in Fuente’s first year, but 28.2, 29.8, 30.8 the next 3 years. This year they have 8 starters back on offense and hopefully they can keep their QBs healthier than recent years. They should have their best points per game numbers since 2016.”

Defense

Steele didn’t hold back when talking about the struggles Virginia Tech football faced on defense a season ago. He also noted that the lack of practice from COVID-19 and new players missing every week provided an unprecedented challenge for first-year defensive coordinator Justin Hamilton.

“Foster retired and new defensive coordinor Justin Hamilton had 10 returning starters but he was replacing a legend,” Steele said. Virginia Tech was missing a bunch of players almost every week and Hamilton even missed the first two games. They struggled on defense allowing 447 yards per game and 32.1 points per game, their highest totals since 1973. This year they will be much stronger in Hamilton’s second year with time to implement his system”

The defensive line appears to be a major upgrade with the addition of Clemson transfer Jordan WIlliams. Amare Barno was named a third-team honorable mention by Steele following a breakout year where he switched from linebacker to defensive end. The secondary is anchored by Chamarri Connor and Jermaine Waller Jr.

Virginia Tech football 2021 forecast

Steele makes it simple and calls it based on the facts. Last season was almost too difficult to judge because of the constant obstacles that came with COVID-19, but Fuente has the talent in place to cause disruption in a year where the ACC Coastal is competitive at the top, but Clemson isn’t a lock to take the title.

“Last year they had an experienced team and high expectations. Their opener got postponed and VT was down 20+ players each game early, but still managed to open 4-2. After a 3 point loss to Liberty, they led Miami 24-13 in the 4th quarter but lost then had a turnover fueled loss to Pitt and an expected loss to Clemson.

“This year they have 15 returning starters and hopefully have their full squad ready for every game unlike last year.

I look for improvement on both offense and defense and they always have a top notch special teams. My Most Improved list takes teams that had a losing record last year that I expect to make a bowl and a team like Virginia Tech that had a 27 year bowl streak, and is off a losing record, naturally makes that list.