Virginia Tech Hokies 2017 NCAA Football Preview

College Football Predictions – Virginia Tech Hokies 2017 NCAA Football Preview

2016 Recap

2016 Record – 10-4

2016 ATS – 8-6

It is hard to argue with the job that HC Justin Fuente did in his first year with the Hokies. Virginia Tech rattled off a 10-win season culminating in a Belk Bowl win over Arkansas (a 1382471290874 star MEGALOCKS loser – we appreciated the epic comeback). And lest we forget – the Hokies made the ACC Championship Game and lost to eventual National Championship winner Clemson by a mere TD (42-35). Gobble gobble, indeed.

2017 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating

Coastal Division – #2

Atlantic Coast Conference – To be determined

OFFENSE

Virginia Tech was fantastic on offense last season averaging 35 points per game. There are a lot of new faces this season and some key departures, not the least of which, QB Jerod Evans who threw for over 3,500 yards while also leading the team in rushing. They also lose two of their top three receivers from the 2016 campaign.

The starting QB role is likely going to be in the hands of redshirt freshman Josh Jackson although there are other players in the mix. The Hokies return only one RB who had significant production last season (Travon McMillian – 671, 7 TD) and one WR (Cam Phillips – 983, 5 TD) so there are going to be some growing pains. The offensive line appears to be in good shape with three starters returning.

DEFENSE

The Hokies played strong defense (sound familiar ?) last season allowing just 341 yards per game (#18 FBS) while allowing only 50% completions (#5 FBS) and tallying 32 sacks.

The main concern on defense this season is the relative inexperience on the defensive line as only one starter from 2016 returns. The good news is that almost the entire starting LB and DB corps from last season are back for battle in 2017. The LB unit includes two great talents (Tremaine Edmunds, Andrew Motuapuaka) who were the Hokies’ leading tacklers in 2016. You have to believe that they will find a way to be disruptive up front despite the new faces, and if that is the case, opponents are going to have a really hard time moving the ball.

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK Joey Slye is back for another go and he connected on 20/27 FGs last season. The problem was making any kick from 40+ yards as he was only 1/7 (!). They have to break in a new punter. The return game should be fine.

Potential ATS Trouble Spots

September 23 – OLD DOMINION. Will be laying a big number with Clemson on deck.

November 24 – at Virginia. Rivalry game and third road test in four weeks.

MEGAmazing Minutia

The Hokies outscored opponents 268-143 (+125) in the second half last season. They were +46 in the first half. #HalftimeAdjustments.

DC Bud Foster enters his 23rd (!) season in that role. Whoa.

MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 5.0

MEGALOCKS says:

Overall, we give the HOKIES a 5.0 ATS Value Rating (Average) this season.

It is going to be interesting to see how the offense fares with many new faces and a young QB. Things start out in evil fashion as they take on West Virginia. Things get manageable after that as they only have one really tough one (Clemson) before a November 4 DATE WITH DESTINY match-up in Miami.

Normally we would be have tempered expectations with the reload on offense, however, we have faith in HC Justin Fuente and a defense that should be nasty. Best ATS advice at press time ? Careful laying big numbers with these guys but respect them in the key ACC games if they are underdogs.

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