Virginia Tech Hokies 2022 College Football Preview
August 2, 2022
2021 Recap
Record – 6-7
ATS – 5-8
The Hokies got off to a 3-1 start and were THIS close to a 4-0 opening but they fell to West Virginia in an exciting finish (L 27-21). Thankfully, the Mountaineers delivered a 666 STAR MEGALOCKS GAME OF THE DECADE LOCK winner, but we digress. Virginia Tech was up and down the rest of the way with the highlight probably being a close loss to Notre Dame (L 32-29). They were EVISCERATED by Maryland in the Pinstripe Bowl (L 54-10) and finished the season 6-7.
The Justin Fuente era came to merciful conclusion and it’ll be up to new HC Brent Pry to reset the program and get them back to their winning ways. Let’s go!
Virginia Tech Hokies 2022 Outlook
OFFENSE
The Hokies did a good job on the ground LY (185 YPG, #4 ACC) but were a mess with the THROW GAME (2nd last ACC) and will look to be more balanced in 2022. Virginia Tech made a nice move by grabbing Marshall QB Grant Wells from Marshall (5,623 yards L2Y) but he needs to cut down on his mistakes BIGLY (34-22 INT). Wells will have to work with a very average-looking bunch of WR/TE and note that nobody with more than 300 receiving yards LY returns for battle. There’s decent depth at RB but it looks like just a “committee” on paper without a true #1 workhorse. It never hurts to have a former Wisconsin OL coach teaching the big boys but Joe Rudolph will have to work some magic as they return just two starters whilst losing a pair (!) of NFL DCs. We don’t expect much from the offense but they’ll probably score more than 23.7 PPG (2nd last ACC) like they did in 2021.
DEFENSE
Virginia Tech improved LY over their 2020 PLANDEMIC season performance in most key metrics but were still a fairly average bunch (#8 ACC total defense, #5 scoring defense, #10 sacks). There are some things to like heading into 2022 as they return seven starters, their top-four tacklers, and a good number of their top sack producers. The middle of the defense is in fine shape with the return of LBs Dax Hollifield (#1 tackler, 9 TFL) and Alan Tisdale (7.5 TFL) but the DL could be a problem as there doesn’t appear to be any “star” talent on board, and we don’t think they’ve got an elite pass rusher in the group. The Hokies will be just fine on the back end with the return of several talented playmakers including star safety Chamarri Conner. This stop unit looks on par with last season but they could surprise to the upside if there are hidden treasures in the DL depth chart. Stay tuned!
SPECIAL TEAMS
The INTREPID Phil Steele rated the Hokies’ special teams #9 in the FBS LY but they lose their two best components in PK John Parker Romo (18-22 FG, 32-32 XP LY) and deadly PR Tayvion Robinson (13.7, TD). We expect them to be “average” in 2022.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – Virginia Tech has a favorable docket all things considered. The non-conference tilts are all winnable and they miss Clemson from the Atlantic division. Note that they only have two (!) home games from October 1 to November 19.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – September 2 – at Old Dominion
Virginia Tech has to battle an improving Group of Five program on the road and might be looking just a wee bit ahead to the next game when they face ACC foe Boston College. Not gonna lay the road chalk vs an in-state non-conference opponent.
Season Win Total
per BetOnline Aug 3
Over 6.5 +130
Under 6.5 -160
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Under
The schedule is far from daunting but the roster doesn’t look too hot.
MEGAmazing Tidbit
Check this out, yo. Virginia Tech has booked three losing seasons in the last four years. Prior to that debacle, their last sub-.500 campaign was back in 1992 (!!) when they were a part of the Big East.
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
Virginia Tech had to make a head coaching change, and only time will tell if they chose wisely with Brent Pry. The offense isn’t gonna scare anyone and the defense looks good, but not great. Thankfully, they should be able to navigate the schedule without fear of being blown to bits too many times. This looks like a .500 team, and hopefully they can squeeze into the postseason and get those valuable bowl practices. We expect much better in 2023.
Want more Virginia Tech football ?
WEBSITE
http://www.hokiesports.com/football/
FORUM
http://chat.virginiatech.sportswar.com/message_board/vtfootball/
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http://virginiatech.247sports.com/Board/Virginia-Tech-Hokies-Message-Board-Forum-59428
NEWS
http://virginiatech.sportswar.com/hokie-sports-feed/
https://www.roanoke.com/sports/
http://www.gobblercountry.com/
https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/259/virginia-tech-hokies