If I had just turned on the television to see Virginia Tech pummel North Carolina 34-3, I would have thought it was 2004 or 2005. The Hokies defense was swarming, and kept a prolific UNC offense to 131 yards total. On offense Virginia Tech was physical and bruising rushing for 189 yards on a rain soaked day. When it rains that’s what good teams do they run, and pound the opponents into submission.
Andrew Motuapuaka was flying all over the field making plays defensively, just like some of the Hokie defensive stars of the past.
That’s exactly what Virginia Tech was – more physical, tougher, and just better, but this wasn’t Frank Beamer’s Hokies – this was Justin Fuente’s, and they’ve been building towards this performance all season.
They competed with Tennessee earlier in the year, but were eventually undone by sloppy ball security. You could see in that game the improved playing calling. That’s Justin Fuente’s influence. Next there was a 49-0 over BC, then a 54-17 win over ECU, then today’s 34-3 win over previously ranked North Carolina.
They are playing some of the best football in the ACC.
When you look at the Hokies schedule, it’s one where you could see Virginia Tech run the table and finish the year 11-1 and make it to Orlando. They play at Syracuse, Miami at home, at Pitt, at Duke, Georgia Tech, at Notre Dame, and Virginia.
Miami at home could be tricky. Pitt on the road will be a challenge. Anything else? Notre Dame is reeling. This team is playing with confidence, and maturing as the season progresses. Let’s not forget QB Jerod Evans who is capable of beating you with his legs or arm.
It’s a new era at Virginia Tech, but it looked an awful lot like some of the best Virginia Tech teams. That has to make Hokie fans feel real good.
