Virginia Tech: How the Hokies are projected to finish 2021 by analysts
The off-season is almost over with 11 days away until the Virginia Tech Hokies host the #10 North Carolina Tar Heels on September 3rd. Several media outlets and analysts are getting their final predictions for the season and the outlook of teams. Among the most discussed collegiate teams are the Hokies and their chance of competing for an ACC Conference title.
This season will not be easy as they host the Tar Heels, host a non-conference game versus the #9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and then travel to face the #14 Miami (FL) Hurricanes. These are the only current-ranked opponents that the Hokies are facing this season.
Several media outlets have said that the Hokies have a winnable schedule with some chance to win big games. The concern for the Hokies lies on the grind and how head coach Justin Fuente can keep them in contention for the Coastal Division. This 2021 season will be a big year for the Fuente and the Hokies as it may be a judgment factor for the future. The other concern is with the efficiency of the Hokies’ offense this season. Their success relies on the arm and legs of quarterback Braxton Burmeister.
The predictions of the Hokies’ season are up-and-down, with several putting their faith in the Hokies getting better. Some do not have trust in the Hokies contending for the Coastal Division in the 2021 season.
Here are some of the predictions from other media outlets:
- ACC Network analysts Eric Mac Lain – leaning under seven wins
- ACC Network analyst Kelly Gramlich – 7-5; if Fuente gets 7-5 and wins a bowl game; he’s safe
- Athlon Sports – 3rd in the Coastal Division (8-4; 5-3 in ACC play)
- Athlon Sports analysts Steven Lasson, Mark Ross, and Jon Kinne – all say 8-4 overall record
- CBS Sports analyst Chip Patterson – 7-5 overall record
- CollegeFootballNews.com – Tied (w/ Pittsburgh & Virginia) for 3rd of the Coastal Division (6-6; 4-4 in ACC play)
- ESPN Analyst Ryan Leaf – 4th in the Coastal Division (7-5 overall record)
- Last Word On College Football analyst Jason Rhea – 4th in the Coastal Division (behind UNC, Miami, and Pittsburgh)
- Sporting News’ Bill Bender – 4th in the Coastal Division
According to most analysts, the Hokies have a window to account for between six to eight wins this 2021 season. All of them believe that they will fall behind the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Miami Hurricanes for the contention of the Coastal Division. Some believe that the Hokies will be behind the Pittsburgh Panthers, while others see the Hokies tie for third in the Coastal Division.
Gramlich went into further details of her predictions of Virginia Tech regarding the job security of Fuente. Hokie fans would not approve of a 7-5, but a bowl win could be enough to have Fuente come back for the 2022 season. It would be even more difficult to have Fuente return after a 6-6 overall record.