Of the 59 wins Al Groh compiled in his time at Virginia, only one came against Virginia Tech. Mike London succeeded Groh from 2010-2015 and recorded zero wins against the Hokies in his tenure. Quite simply, Virginia Tech has dominated the rivalry this century, and Virginia fans are hoping Bronco Mendenhall will be the man to turn things around.
Virginia Tech will take on Mendenhall and the Cavaliers with a new head coach of its own. Justin Fuente, known for his sharp offensive mind and for turning around a previously porous Memphis program the past four seasons, takes over for the retired Frank Beamer.
Tech, which has gone 7-6 each of the past two seasons, escaped with a 24-20 win over the Cavaliers the last time the teams squared off in Lane Stadium. Virginia held a 20-17 lead late in the fourth quarter but couldn’t hold on.
Virginia Tech Peek
- Head Coach (record at school): Justin Fuente (0-0)
- 2015 Record: 7-6
- Offense 2015 Total Yards Game: 385.2
- Offense 2015 Points/Game: 31
- Defense 2015 Total Yards/Game: 369.8
- Defense 2015 Points/Game: 26.3
What To Expect On Game Day
Offense:
Virginia Tech has some offensive weapons, but the key is finding a quarterback and getting better offensive line production. Junior college transfer Jerod Evans edged out senior Brenden Motley and true freshman Joshua Jackson as the starter for September 3 season opener against Liberty. He was highly productive as a passer and runner against junior college competition, so we’ll see how he adjusts to the FBS level.
At tailback, senior Sam Rogers is a factor in the running game as well as the pass game, but you can expect to see a lot of Travon McMillian, who rushed for 1,043 yards last season. Preseason All-ACC wide receiver Isaiah Ford headlines a potent receiver group that also includes Bucky Hodges and Cam Phillips. Ford, Hodges, and Phillips were the Hokies top three receivers last season.
The offensive line returns experienced players but must improve, particularly in the sacks-allowed department. The Hokies surrendered 34 sacks to opposing defenses in 2015.
Defense:
Keeping Bud Foster, one of the nation’s best defensive coordinators, was huge. Defensive line coach Charley Wiles stayed on, too, while defensive backs coach Torrian Gray headed to the University of Florida following National Signing Day.
Don’t expect Virginia Tech’s defense to look much different from in year’s past. Senior defensive end Ken Ekanem (4.5 sacks) and linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka (73 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 interception) lead the front seven, while versatile safety Chuck Clark is the top returning defensive back. Clark, one of the team’s leaders, had 107 tackles one year ago.
Cornerback Brandon Facyson returns as a starter after recording 10 pass break-ups in 2015. Adonis Alexander impressed as a freshman last season with 55 tackles and four interceptions. He is suspended for the season opener but likely will start at cornerback opposite Facyson once he returns.
Virginia Tech will count on younger players such as sophomore Rover Terrell Edmunds, sophomore linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, and sophomore Whip Mook Reynolds to step up this season.
Special Teams:
Joey Slye returns and is one of the top placekickers in the country, while punter Mitchell Ludwig replaces the consistent A.J. Hughes at punter. Greg Stroman, who is listed as the starting cornerback opposite Brandon Facyson, is a dynamic punt returner who averaged 7.8 yards per return in 2015. He’ll handle punt and kick return duties for the Hokies.
