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Notre Dame Football: First Thoughts on Virginia Tech

By Bobby Norell

Dec 26, 2015; Shreveport, LA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back Travon McMillian (34) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Shreveport, LA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back Travon McMillian (34) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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For the first time ever, Notre Dame will take on Virginia Tech in 2016.

For the first time in over 25 years the Virginia Tech Hokies will be guided by someone other than Frank Beamer. Beamer built the Hokies into a national power, but over the past couple of seasons Tech has taken a step back. It wasn’t too long ago when Virginia Tech was making annual ACC Championship Game and Orange Bowl appearances. Justin Fuente of Memphis was hired this offseason to help bring Hokies back to prominence.

Fuente was a hot commodity this offseason as he guided Memphis to a 10-3 record in 2014 and a 9-3 record in 2015. Before his four-year stint with the Tigers Fuente was in charge of TCU’s high powered offense. He’ll look to do the same with VT as he’ll introduce his spread offense.

Virginia Tech is losing their starting quarterback in Michael Brewer, and Fuente has a few eligible suitors for the job. Redshirt senior Brenden Motley and incoming freshman Jerod Evans are expected to compete for the job. Evans was Fuente’s first major signing, and many are expecting an immediate impact from the freshman.

The Hokies do return their top two offensive producers. As a freshman in 2015 running back Travon McMillian rushed 200 times for 1,099 yards and seven touchdowns. Junior wideout Isaiah Ford caught 75 balls for 1,164 yards and 11 touchdowns.

While Beamer may be out, Virginia Tech did retain his top assistant in defensive coordinator Bud Foster. Foster has been one of the best coordinators in the country for quite some time now, and is a main reason why the Hokies usually have a pretty strong defense. Last season the Hokies had a top 50 defense and return some of their top playmakers. Leading tackler Chuck Clark returns, in 2015 Clark had 107 tackles. Defensive end Ken Ekanem also returns. He led the Hokies in sacks last season with 4.5.

Next: First Thoughts on Michigan State

The Hokies are in rebuilding mode, and aren’t close to being back to an elite program. This is a game the Irish should win. The Virginia Tech game will also be senior day at Notre Dame Stadium, and under Brian Kelly the Irish have faired well in those games. Since 2010 Notre Dame is 5-1 on senior day games. Hopefully the Irish will be in the middle of a playoff run at the time of the game. I like the Irish to win this one, and do it handily.

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