Today, we begin to transition from our preseason coverage as we take our first look at the Flames’ first opponent, Virginia Tech. Here are 4 things to know about the Hokies:
1. They will have a new head coach for the first time since 1986.
Photo courtesy: Washington Post
After a few disappointing seasons, longtime Tech coach, Frank Beamer, retired at the end of the 2015 season. In November, Justin Fuente was named the new head coach. Fuente spent the previous 4 seasons as head coach at Memphis where they won 19 combined games in the past 2 seasons. Prior to his time as a head coach with the Tigers, Fuente had coaching stints at TCU and Illinois State.
2. The Hokies are still searching for their starting QB.
Photo courtesy: virginiatech.sportswar.com
Jerod Evans seems to be the favorite. He was the top rated quarterback in the country coming out of Trinity Valley Community College this past year. He’s the guy that new head coach Fuente targeted. Brenden Motley is a redshirt-senior who started 6 games at QB in 2015 when Michael Brewer was injured. He was 92/164 for 1,155 yards, 11 touchdowns and 7 picks. He also rushed 88 times for 224 yards and 3 TDs. Until earlier this week, those were the two guys battling it out. Then, this past Tuesday, Coach Fuente says true freshman Josh Jackson has fought his way into the competition. We probably won’t know who their starter is until game week, at the earliest.
3. Isaiah Ford is one of, if not the, best wide receiver in the ACC.
Photo courtesy: ESPN
The junior product from Jacksonville, Florida will likely go down as the best receiver in school history. He was the only Hokie to be named 1st team All-ACC in 2015 after he led the league with 1,164 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s already set all the single-season school records for receiving, and he’s likely to break all the career marks this year, as a junior.
4. Despite not being named head coach, Bud Foster has remained on staff as defensive coordinator.
Photo Courtesy: the Daily Press
For years, many expected VT’s defensive coordinator, Bud Foster, to be named Beamer’s replacement whenever he decided to call it a career. Foster is entering his 30th season on staff at Tech, and he’s been the defensive coordinator since 1995. Foster has had opportunities to go to bigger programs as defensive coordinator, but he has always opted stay in Blacksburg.
