In 2020, Virginia Tech finished with its first regular-season losing record since 1992. In what has seemed to become an annual tradition, coach Justine Fuente is on the hot seat again. As usual, this game caps the regular season for both teams. It will be interesting to see what's riding on this matchup when the teams meet this year -- will one need a win to make a bowl? Will Fuente need the victory to avoid getting fired? Or can the matchup be for the division title again, as it was in 2019? That would be a great feat for both schools and a boon for the state of Virginia, given all the preseason predictions that North Carolina or Miami will win the Coastal. Tech gets a chance to make an early statement tonight when it hosts the Tar Heels. Game time is set for 6 p.m. on ESPN.
When: Nov. 27, Time TBA Where: Charlottesville
Series record: Virginia Tech leads, 59-38-5
Last meeting: Dec. 12, 2020; Tech won, 33-15 Streak: One for VT
Last meeting: Dec. 12, 2020; Tech won, 33-15 Streak: One for VT
Last year's record: 5-6, 5-5 ACC
Best win: vs. N.C. State, 45-24
Worst loss: at Pittsburgh, 47-14
Worst loss: at Pittsburgh, 47-14
Coach: Justine Fuente (sixth year, 38-26, 64-49 career)
Starters returning: 21 (11 offense, 10 defense, 0 specialists)
Offensive player to watch: QB Braxton Burmeister. The former Oregon QB -- listed as a redshirt junior for 2021 -- battled with Hendon Hooker to be the Hokies' starter last season. Burmeister ended up starting the first three games of the season with Hooker out because of COVID protocols. The Hokies went 2-1 in those contests, though Burmeister was not necessarily impressive. Hooker came back and Burmeister was benched and subsequently hurt his leg. But Hooker was pulled against Clemson, and Burmeister came in and looked good. He ended up playing his best game of the season in beating Virginia (of course, hehe). Now it will be interesting to see how Burmeister reacts to being the main man and to see if he can build off his positive finish in 2020. All told, last season Burmeister completed 56.5% of his passes for 687 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He also rushed for 193 yards and a pair of scores.
Defensive player to watch: Defensive end Amare Barno. In 2020 Barno, a junior college transfer listed as a junior this year, collected 43 tackles, 16 for losses (tied for third in ACC at 1.45 per game), 6.5 sacks, two breakups, three QB hurries, and two forced fumbles.
Special teams player to watch: KR Keshawn King. Listed as a sophomore, in 2020 King ran back three kickoffs an average of 21.7 yards. He will probably figure more into the return game this year after Khalil Herbert moved on to the NFL.
Offensive player to watch: QB Braxton Burmeister. The former Oregon QB -- listed as a redshirt junior for 2021 -- battled with Hendon Hooker to be the Hokies' starter last season. Burmeister ended up starting the first three games of the season with Hooker out because of COVID protocols. The Hokies went 2-1 in those contests, though Burmeister was not necessarily impressive. Hooker came back and Burmeister was benched and subsequently hurt his leg. But Hooker was pulled against Clemson, and Burmeister came in and looked good. He ended up playing his best game of the season in beating Virginia (of course, hehe). Now it will be interesting to see how Burmeister reacts to being the main man and to see if he can build off his positive finish in 2020. All told, last season Burmeister completed 56.5% of his passes for 687 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He also rushed for 193 yards and a pair of scores.
Special teams player to watch: KR Keshawn King. Listed as a sophomore, in 2020 King ran back three kickoffs an average of 21.7 yards. He will probably figure more into the return game this year after Khalil Herbert moved on to the NFL.
Fun fact: Virginia Tech got off to slow starts last season. The Hokies were outscored in the first quarter 127-61, or by an average score of 11.5-5.5.
Season prediction: The Hokies are picked to finish third in the Coastal Division.
Early game thoughts: Virginia's 33-15 loss last year to Virginia Tech left a sour taste in the mouths of the Wahoos after an otherwise really good closing stretch to the season. It wasn't just that a mediocre Tech team that had lost four straight beat UVa but also that the Hokies looked a lot more energized on the field than the 'Hoos. With a chance to start a win streak over their biggest rival for the first time since the late 1990s, Virginia's players instead looked like they were ready for the holidays. Normally intimidating Lane Stadium was quiet, with only a handful of fans in the stands, but the 'Hoos could not take advantage and get their first victory in Blacksburg since 1998. No matter what happens the rest of this season, I have to think that Virginia will come out with an attitude in this game to make up for the 2020 performance. It won't be easy -- there's no reason to think that because Virginia seemingly had every advantage last year and it didn't make a lick of difference. The Hokies always just seem to want this victory more. But hopefully at a packed Scott Stadium in 2021, that won't be the case.
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