BLACKSBURG, Va –– Despite missing 23 players and four members of the coaching staff, including new defensive coordinator Justin Hamilton, due to COVID protocol, the Hokies asserted their will early and often against the Wolfpack on Saturday night.
Head Coach Justin Fuente commented after the game, “I’ve never been a part of a leadup to a game like this in terms of guys being out, not being able to practice, getting guys back for the game, losing our defensive coordinator the morning of the game. I’m just really proud of the team effort from the doctors, trainers, recruiting. It was a selfless effort by the players and the staff and I’m proud of a group.”
Ryan Smith, who was hired this past offseason from James Madison University as the cornerbacks coach, called the plays for the new era of Virginia Tech’s defense in Hamilton’s absence.
Fuente remarked, “Ryan is a star. He was ready for the moment. We practiced this in fall camp, during our second scrimmage we had our backup play-callers [call plays]. He was prepared, he had great support and the kids played their tails off.”
The offense started hot jumping out to a 17-0 lead within the first five minutes of the contest. Quarterback Braxton Burmeister looked sharp in his first in-game action since leaving Oregon in 2018. Burmeister came out of the game in the first half following a hand injury but returned in the second half. The Hokies put up 31 points in the first half and controlled the game for the remainder of the night en route to extending Fuente’s record in Virginia Tech season openers to 5-0.
Quincy Patterson, who saw the field at times in 2019, performed well in the passing game as well as the ground game and continued the offensive charge for the Hokies. Virginia Tech amassed 345 rushing yards on the night, 104 coming from Kansas transfer Khalil Herbert.
Regarding the running game, Fuente stated, “It started off strong, they’re a big physical front, they were down a couple guys but the fact we could move the line of scrimmage helped. We didn’t get Raheem [Blackshear] involved as much, but Khalil [Herbert] was effective and showed quickness and strength. I’m awfully glad he’s here.”
Virginia Tech’s long list of transfers, including Burmeister and Herbert, contributed immensely towards the Hokies’ cause. Justus Reed was a force at defensive end and made the right side of the NC State offensive line look lost on numerous occasions. Raheem Blackshear wasn’t involved as much as Fuente would have liked, but when he touched the ball, he was effective. Brock Hoffman made an immediate impact at center during his first playing time for the Hokies following the debacle with his waiver for last season.
All in all, the Hokies could not ask for more following the adversity the program endured throughout the last several months. The Hokies COVID-related issues were well documented heading into the game, but they emerged through of the turmoil a stronger collective unit and that showed on the field tonight with a dazzling performance throughout.
The Hokies are slated to take on the Duke Blue Devils next Saturday afternoon (4 PM) in Durham.
Featured Image Courtesy of the Atlantic Coast Conference
