All the proof that the Hokies are a force to be reckoned with

Virginia Tech has had it rough in recent years when it comes to football. But while the past four seasons have been difficult for die-hard Hokies fans, they definitely have something to be proud of this year, and there are a number of reasons why.

Rankings matter

The Hokies have finally started to be more unpredictable on defense. According to The Roanoke Times, the Hokies D is nationally ranked in five different categories, including No. 2 overall defense and No. 1 passing defense. In the last two games, Tech’s defense has only given up 17 points. If defense is at the top after three weeks, imagine how much better the team can get if the offense and special teams can hang.

Bud Foster is back

Along with defense comes Bud Foster. Foster has been with the Hokies since 1987, and is a well-respected coordinator throughout the country. Last season was one of Foster’s worst, but he has turned things back around for the Hokies. Foster’s reputation among the football community still stands, and his team doesn’t take advantage of playing for him.

Defensive coordinator Bud Foster

“It’s an honor [to play for Foster]. I consider him the best,” cornerback Brandon Facyson said. “That was a big reason as to why I wanted to go to Virginia Tech. If you do little things off the field, you’ll do them on the field. He’s a great guy to learn from.”

Tech is blowing out opponents

After an upsetting loss at Bristol against the Tennessee Vols, the Hokies have proven to be relentless. In the two games against Boston College and ECU, Fuente’s team scored a total of 103 points. Reporters agree that the Hokies are not to be overlooked.

Jerod Evans is exceeding expectations… by a lot

This year’s new addition, Jerod Evans, has helped shape an entirely new offense. According to ESPN reporter David Hale, Evans is the only quarterback in the country with more than 13 touchdown passes and only one interception. It’s hard to put into perspective how great that is. In the last decade, only 12 other quarterbacks have done that in their first four games of the season—and that includes two Heisman winners, three first round draft picks and nine quarterbacks that have played in the NFL.

Need to see proof? Check out Evans’s 55-yard touchdown for yourself!

Beamerball hasn’t gone away

Virginia Tech’s special teams are stepping up their game. Last weekend against ECU, the Hokies had three touchdowns by special teams—one punt return, a blocked field goal and a blocked punt.

Talk about a team effort.

The Hokies prepare to return the kickoff against ECU

Fuente’s offense is looking good

Coach Justin Fuente is laying the ground work for a successful program. The offense has improved thus far in many areas: points per drive is up, percentage of possible yards is up tremendously, touchdown rate is up and the amount of plays per drive is also up according to ESPN. Coach Fuente has started an up-tempo offense that the team has started to master.

“We’re all comfortable with the tempo,” Jerod Evans said. “We push tempo every day in practice.”

And it shows! Over the past two weeks, the Hokies have blown out Boston College and ECU after having trouble defeating them in recent years.

Home-field advantage has returned

Last but not least, Enter Sandman has been noted to be one of, if not THE best, college football entrances in the country. According to NCAA reporter, Joe Boozell, Virginia Tech has some of the loudest and most passionate fans! What’s a football team without its fans?

The crowd gets ready for Enter Sandman