Virginia Tech football: Three important ACC games for the Hokies

The Virginia Tech Hokies are playing a tough schedule in this critical 2021 season. After last season it feels like this coaching staff and program is on thin ice with the fanbase, creating the pressure for success.

This roster is talented enough to win the Coastal Division of the ACC, but it’ll be a tough test. One that starts in week one against a North Carolina team, who are the clear favorites.

The Hokies have a tough schedule this season with a lot of pressure to create upsets. No game will be easy for them, but we look at three important divisional games.

North Carolina

The game versus the Tar Heels has been generating a lot of attention

since the end of last season. This is a game where the Hokies are clear underdogs. It’s the opening matchup, one that could set the tempo for each team’s season. It will also have huge implications for the Coastal Division.

North Carolina has been getting a lot of attention as the favorite to win the Coastal Division. They are also the most likely team to challenge Clemson on the quest to the playoffs. With Heisman candidate Sam Howell under center and an all-around efficient roster, North Carolina be a tough test for the Hokies on September 3rd.

The last meeting was a rough one for the Hokies, falling 56-43. The defense struggled tremendously. This season, the Hokies have to come out better this go around, but I do look for this game to rely heavily on the offense, on both sides.

The Hokies are coming into the game as underdogs, so if they show up and come away with the win, it will be massive for the Hokies.

Virginia

This rivalry game is always an important game for the Virginia Tech football team, no matter what their record is going into it. Although, if things go as planned for Virginia Tech, this could be the game that propels the Hokie’s record to an eight or nine-win season after the disappointing 2020 season.

The recent matchups against the Cavaliers have been much closer than Hokie fans would want, and this season will probably be more of the same. Virginia will be a decent football roster, which will be a test for this team.

There will be a lot of pressure on the team for this game and a ton of eyes watching. It’ll be an important one for the Hokies to put in the win column and end the season on the high of knocking off the rivals.

Miami

Miami is always a big test for the Hokies, and this season won’t be any different. Miami is going to be a legitimate conference contender if D’Eriq King fully recovers from an ACL tear last season. King is a dynamic quarterback that could propel them to an ACC Championship at the end of the season.

The Hokies do not play the Hurricanes until November 20th, their second-to-last game. The defense will be a huge factor in this one. Virginia Tech will have had all season to become cohesive and should be playing their best ball at this point.

With this game being so late in the season, it could be important for the Hokies to stay in contention for the Coastal Division and go to another bowl game.