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Georgia Tech Football Preview 2020: Virginia Tech

By Lee Cagle

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 29: The Virginia Tech Hokies warm up before the start of a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 29: The Virginia Tech Hokies warm up before the start of a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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Virginia Tech will be looking to at the very least replicate their 8-5 season with an eye on something bigger for 2020.

The Virginia Tech Hokies enter 2020 with high expectations after a quality rebound season in 2019 after a disappointing 2018 season. The Hokies should be one of the favorites to win the ACC Coastal this upcoming season along with Miami Hurricanes and the North Carolina Tar Heels.

2019 Recap: 

Last season was quite the series of up-and-downs for the Hokies. After a disappointing start to the season at 2-2 with losses to Boston College and Duke, the Hokies won six of their next seven games, improving their record to 8-3. They would, however, finish their season on a down note with back-to-back losses to Virginia and Kentucky in the Belk Bowl.

Overall, the Hokies  had a good defense last season ranked inside of the top 50 in the country and will look to continue that upward trend going into 2020 to go along with a promising offense. The Hokies have set themselves up to be a tough and experienced team in the coastal division for the next several seasons and potentially put themselves into a prime position to return to the ACC title game.

Key Losses: DC Bud Foster, WR Damon Hazleton

There is going to be something a little different about the Hokie sideline this season and that comes in the shape of a coaching change on the defensive side of the ball. Long time defensive coordinator Bud Foster has retired, giving way to Justin Hamilton.

Additionally, the Hokies lost a few offensive weapons but we’ll go with Damon Hazelton here. The now Missouri Tiger has the ability to be a No.1 wide receiver but after not having the greatest of 2018s, Hazelton hopes a change of scenery leads to a big 2020 season with Missouri.

Key Returners:  QB Hendon Hooker, WR Tre Turner, LB Rayshard Ashby

The Hokies have a real weapon under center with Hendon Hooker who was a great spark plug for the Virginia Tech offense last season. Wide receiver Tre Turner is an explosive weapon in the Hokies receiving corps and could be in for a huge season. Finally on defense, Rayshard Ashby was one of the natoin’s top tacklers a season ago and will look to find a way to follow up his 125-tackle season from last year.

Overall:

Justin Funetes will have his hands full in 2020 as he looks to take the next step in the development of his program. Virginia Tech with its schedule could make a case for national relevance if they manage to get past their game with Penn State early in the year.