The college football season is just around the corner, and fans of the Virginia Tech Hokies are eagerly anticipating the upcoming campaign. With a new coaching staff in place, led by head coach Brent Pry, and a roster that has undergone significant changes, there are many questions surrounding the team's prospects for the 2023 season.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Virginia Tech football team, including their strengths, weaknesses, and potential outlook for the season. We'll also provide some predictions on how the team might perform and highlight some key games to watch.
Team Overview
The Virginia Tech Hokies finished the 2022 season with a disappointing 3-8 overall record, including a 1-7 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play. The team struggled on both sides of the ball, ranking near the bottom of the conference in scoring offense and scoring defense.
However, with the arrival of new head coach Brent Pry, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the program. Pry, a former defensive coordinator at Penn State, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for building strong defenses.
Strengths
While the Hokies' 2022 season was largely forgettable, there are some areas where the team showed promise. Here are a few strengths that could carry over into the 2023 season:
- Defensive line: The Hokies return several key players from last year's defensive line, including tackles Jordan Williams and Mario Kendricks. This unit has the potential to be one of the strongest in the ACC.
- Wide receiver corps: Virginia Tech has a talented group of wide receivers, led by returning starters Kaleb Smith and Jadan Blue. This unit has the potential to be one of the most explosive in the conference.
- Special teams: The Hokies have a strong kicking game, led by placekicker John Parker Romo. The team also has a capable punter in Peter Moore.
Weaknesses
While the Hokies have some strengths, there are also several areas where the team needs to improve. Here are a few weaknesses that could impact the team's performance in 2023:
- Quarterback play: The Hokies have yet to settle on a starting quarterback, and the team's quarterback play was a major issue last season.
- Offensive line: Virginia Tech's offensive line was one of the worst in the ACC last season, and the team has lost several key players from that unit.
- Secondary: The Hokies' secondary was a major weakness last season, and the team has yet to find a reliable cornerback to pair with returning starter Armani Chatman.
Season Outlook
Given the team's strengths and weaknesses, here's a possible outlook for the 2023 season:
- Wins: 6-8
- Losses: 4-6
- Bowl game: Possible, but not guaranteed
The Hokies have a tough schedule, with games against teams like Clemson, North Carolina, and Pittsburgh. However, the team also has several winnable games, including contests against teams like Old Dominion, Marshall, and Rhode Island.
Predictions
Here are a few predictions for the Hokies' 2023 season:
- Virginia Tech will start the season 3-1: The Hokies have a relatively easy schedule to start the season, with games against Old Dominion, Purdue, and Rhode Island.
- The team will struggle against Clemson: The Hokies have historically struggled against the Tigers, and this year's game could be a major challenge.
- Virginia Tech will finish the season strong: The Hokies have a relatively easy schedule to end the season, with games against teams like Duke and Virginia.
Key Games to Watch
Here are a few key games to watch for the Hokies in 2023:
- Virginia Tech vs. Clemson: This game could be a major challenge for the Hokies, but it's also a great opportunity to prove themselves against one of the best teams in the ACC.
- Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina: The Hokies have historically struggled against the Tar Heels, but this game could be a key matchup in the ACC Coastal Division.
- Virginia Tech vs. Virginia: The Hokies' annual rivalry game against the Cavaliers is always a big deal, and this year's contest could have major implications for the team's bowl game chances.
Gallery of Virginia Tech Football
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Virginia Tech football team's schedule for 2023?
+The Hokies' 2023 schedule includes games against teams like Clemson, North Carolina, and Pittsburgh.
Who is the head coach of the Virginia Tech football team?
+The head coach of the Virginia Tech football team is Brent Pry.
What are the Hokies' chances of making a bowl game in 2023?
+The Hokies have a possible chance of making a bowl game in 2023, but it's not guaranteed.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the Virginia Tech football team's prospects for the 2023 season. With a new coaching staff in place and a roster that has undergone significant changes, there are many questions surrounding the team's potential. However, with a tough schedule and several key games to watch, the Hokies could be a sleeper pick in the ACC Coastal Division.