Notre Dame football: Kyren Williams should run wild against Virginia Tech
Notre Dame football: Kyren Williams should run wild against Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech’s Offense
When Justin Fuente came to Virginia Tech, the offense was his calling card. Now, the offense has never been bad while he’s been with the Hokies, but it also hasn’t been to put together a great season from start to finish on offense. Last year was no exception, as they scored more than 30 points in six different games, which is great.
The issue was the other games where they laid absolute duds on offense. In three of their games, including to teams like Wake Forest and Pitt, they scored 16 points or fewer. Finding a way to be more consistent on offense in 2021 is going to be incredibly important.
This starts with having a consistent answer at quarterback, and while there is some debate here, Braxton Burmeister is probably going to be the guy. An Oregon transfer, Burmeister played in six games lasts season for the Hokies, to mixed results.
Still, he’ll have to do as Hendon Hooker transferred out of the program. If Burmeister doesn’t become more consistent, it’s pretty doubtful that Virginia Tech will put everything together on offense.
At least Burmeister should have help from the running game, even if last season’s top two rushers have moved on. Look for Raheem Blackshear, who started about half of Virginia Tech’s games last season, to step into the role of primary running back. Meanwhile, Jalen Holston will be asked to step up, after getting 40 touches last season.
Beyond that, there is a long list of unproven Hokies on the roster who will have opportunities to step up in a running back by committee room.
At wide receiver, there’s talent, if not the same depth as the running back room. Still, Tre Turner is an excellent option to stretch the ball downfield, averaging 17.2 yards per catch in his career. Across from him will be Tayvion Robinson. Robinson was good for 38 catches and 592 yards last season and should build on both those numbers in 2021.
There is a bit of turnover on the offensive line. There will be at least two new starters, including replacing one of the best tackles in all of college football. There’s a chance this unit goes through some growing pains.
All in all, this is a very capable offense that isn’t without its questions. The depth and a few new faces are going to be their biggest obstacles though.