The Hokies have finally finished their 2019 football schedule, and its a pretty weak one. Virginia Tech will play against two fcs teams over the course of the season, Furman and Rhode Island. Similar to last year, the team will open the season with an ACC Atlantic rival in Boston College. According to Athlon Sports, the Hokies enter the year as the 26th ranked team in the country, making it easy to crack the top 25 with a win in week one. So let's take a look at the Hokies' path to the playoff.
Week 1: At Boston College
Last year, the Eagles came into Blacksburg and snuck out with a victory. It would be the last one of the Golden Eagles' campaign. Boston College will have their star running back AJ Dillon healthy for this game. Pair Dillon with Anthony Brown at quarterback, and it could be trouble for the lunch pail defense. With a more experienced defense, led by Dax Hollifield, the Eagles should be no threat, and the Hokies have an opportunity to start the year off 1-0.
Week 2: Vs Old Dominion
We all remember what happened last year. A road loss to one of the worst teams in the country triggered the worst season in the Fuente era. On top of the crushing loss to the Monarchs, the team also had to say goodbye to Trevon Hill, who has transferred to Miami. The Hokies will not forget this night. They also will be coming out trying to remind former Hokies Eric Kumah and Chris Cunningham that Virginia Tech is the better school. Both those wide outs decided to leave after receiver coach Holomon Wiggins left to take the same job at Alabama. There are many more storylines to follow in this game, including the fact that last years game's hero, Blake LaRussa, former Old Dominion quarterback, will no longer be playing football as he has joined a seminary school. The crowed is too pumped up for football to be back in Lane Stadium, and the Hokies stomp on Old Dominion in a revenge game.
Week 3: Vs Furman
The Paladins of Furman traveled to Blacksburg a few years ago, in a game that turned into a blowout. It was so bad in fact, that some receivers and cornerbacks switched positions in the end of the game. Even though Furman is returning their leading rusher, Devin Wynn, they won't be able to hang with the Hokies at home.
Week 4: Bye
A week of rest before playing some potential trap games.
Week 5: Vs Duke
Coming off their first bye week of the year, the Hokies play host to their first ACC Costal opponent of the year in Duke. It will be the first time in a few years that Bud Foster's defense won't have to face Daniel Jones at quarterback. The Hokies caught glimpses of Duke's projected starter, Quinten Harris at the end of last year's game. The Hokies finish their 4 week stay in Blacksburg in this game as well. In the past, Duke coach David Cutcliffe has caused trouble for the Hokies, but it won't happen in this one. Hokies win easy to improve their record to 4-0.
Week 6: At Miami
Miami is at the helm of a new coach, Manny Diaz, a former hurricane and defensive coordinator. His first squad shouldn't amount to much. One story to watch in this game is the fact that former Hokie, Trevon Hill, who was dismissed from the team last year after an altercation with a coach during the Old Dominion game last year, has transferred to the U. Another transfer that Miami has landed is former Netflix star (QB1) Tate Martell. After losing the starting job last year to Dwayne Haskins, and most likely losing it again to another Netflix star, Justin Fields, Martell decided to go to the U as well. He also brings former high school teammate Brevin Jordan with him. Another win for the Hokies, but could be a tricky game to escape with a victory. 5-0
Week 7: Vs Rhode Island
The Hokies play host to another fcs team in week 7 because the athletic department cancelled their matchup against ECU. Due to bowl eligibility rules, the Hokies must win 7 games this year because only one win against an fcs opponent can count as a victory that tallies toward a team's bowl eligible win count. Should be an easy victory at Lane. 6-0
Week 8: Vs North Carolina
Similar to Miami, North Carolina has a new man in charge ... or a coach coming out of retirement and returning to the sidelines. Mack Brown is coming back to the UNC sideline as Head Coach. Both sides of this game are hoping that they won't be playing on a puddle in a rainstorm again. UNC's team won't be as good as last year, and Tech's team will be better. Another Hokie win at home. 7-0
Week 9: Bye
A much needed week of rest and preparation for the biggest game of the year.
Week 10: At Notre Dame
We all remember what happened last year. The Irish came into Lane and stomped all over Tech. But last year's Notre Dame team was a playoff level team, and the Hokies were barely bowl eligible. Coach Fu has proved that he can win in South Bend, as a few years ago, the Hokies stole a game on the road in a hostile Notre Dame stadium. Can he do it again and rally his squad. It will be tough to get a win in this game but it is possible. Notre Dame will be coming off a road game against a tough Michigan. Virginia Tech will have a bye week before the game to prepare. Even with the extra preparation time, I don't think that the Hokies can pull it off. A loss after a last minute touchdown puts the Hokies at 7-1.
Week 11: Vs Wake Forest
The Hokies return to Blacksburg to play Wake and the Deamon Deacons. Another Netflix star (QB1 again) will lead the Wake Forest offense in Sam Hartman. The Deacons are trying to reach their 4th straight bowl game. The Hokies are trying to avoid celebrating a 0-0 tie. The Hokies will achieve their goal and move to 8-1 on the year.
Week 12: At Georgia Tech
The Hokies are looking to win their grab a win against the Yellow Jackets for the first time in a while in this game. Georgia Tech will be in the middle of a rebuild season and struggling. It will be a different look Georgia Tech team without Paul Johnson running the triple option. The Hokies get win number 9. 9-1 on the season.
Week 13: Vs Pitt
Last year, Pitt won the ACC costal. They were lead by a duo of high speed and strong running backs. This year, both those backs are gone, and so is their leading receiver. Pitt has caused trouble for the Hokies in the past. There will be no trouble for the Hokies in this one. 10-1
Week 14: At Virginia
Cavalier fans will be sining that "Today is the Day." Maybe next year ... again. UVA will again fall tragically short. 11-1. ACC Costal Champions. Playoff Bound?