Early Scouting Report: Virginia Tech
Fall camp is off and running at the Carol Soffer Football Training Facility as head coach Mario Cristobal begins his 3rd fall camp at Miami. The 2024 college football season is right around the corner. We are getting ready for the season by previewing each opponent on Miami’s schedule at CT.
For the first time, I will be providing weekly scouting reports on and off for Miami’s upcoming opponent that will include an in-depth look at personnel, advanced stats, scheme background, betting information, series history, program profile, and keys to victory. That is just around the corner.
But it’s never too early to start getting some homework done. We are now pumping out some early scouting reports as we research and take a closer look at the foes on Miami’s schedule.
- Week 1:Â Early Scouting Report: Florida Gators
- Week 2:Â Early Scouting Report: FAMU
- Week 3:Â Early Scouting Report: Ball State
- Week 4: Early Scouting Report: USF
Virginia Tech offense
Let’s take a look at the numbers Virginia Tech’s offense posted in 2023.
- Scoring: 29.5 (No. 57 overall in FBS)
- Yards Per Play: 6.0
- Yards Per Rush: 5.0
- Yards Per Pass: 7.4
- Red Zone TD Percentage: 88.4%
The Hokies discovered a significant development in quarterback Kyron Drones, who flourished upon assuming the role of the starting quarterback. The Baylor transfer contributed to 22 touchdowns across 11 starts, ultimately providing Virginia Tech with a potential long-term solution at the quarterback position. Furthermore, Drones revitalized the ground game with his versatile dual-threat abilities.
Prior to Drones taking over, the team averaged 60 rushing yards per game, but this figure increased to 213.4 yards after his arrival, with tailback Bhayshul Tuten (863 yards and 10 touchdowns) stepping up as a key contributor.
At the receiver position, the team’s strength has reached unprecedented levels, with Ali Jennings returning triumphantly from a knee injury to reintegrate into a veteran trio comprising Da’Quan Felton, Jaylin Lane, and Stephen Gosnell. Together, they amassed 101 catches, 1,553 yards, and 17 touchdowns.
At the line they continues to be the primary concern, although it demonstrated notable progress in 2023.
Virginia Tech defense
Here is a look at their defensive stats from last season
- Scoring: 23.9
- Yards Per Play: 4.9
- Yards Per Rush: 4.3
- Yards Per Pass: 6.4
- Team Sacks: 39
The Hokies exhibit notable strength in pass coverage, particularly with Dorian Strong and Mansoor Delane, who are often considered to constitute one of the premier cornerback duos in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The team secured the fourth position nationally in terms of passing yards allowed, with an average of 168.8 yards per game. This achievement was closely aligned with a rejuvenated pass defense, which has seen a significant increase in performance following their previous ranking second in the ACC, with 39 sacks. This impressive performance was spearheaded by edge rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland, who led the team with 9.5 sacks.
Having secured the top pass defense ranking in the ACC during the previous season, the Hokies are poised to maintain their strength in the secondary once more. Despite the departure of their leading talent, Derrick Canteen, who has transferred to Cincinnati, the pass defense remains formidable.
Overview
The Hokies are set to face several challenging conference matches, followed by a back-to-back trip to Miami and Stanford, concluding the season with a game against the Cavaliers in Virginia. Despite these formidable challenges, the Hokies find themselves in a favorable position. Their schedule not only accommodates these intense matchups but also presents an opportunity to secure a respectable standing in the ACC.
Trinton is the owner of CanesToday. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, he is a freshman in high school and wants to graduate from the University of Miami
