Virginia Tech Football: Three keys of the game versus Middle Tennessee

Sep 3, 2021; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Braxton Burmeister (3) drops to throw a pass during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

The excitement is high for the #19 Virginia Tech Hokies (1-0) as they kicked off the 2021 college football season with a 17-10 win over the #10 North Carolina Tar Heels at home on Friday, September 3rd.

The defense for the Hokies came out strong against a preseason Heisman Trophy favorite and a serious contender for the ACC title. Offensively, they found some rhythm to make some efficient drives and didn’t turn the ball over multiple times.

Now the Hokies are taken into serious consideration for the Coastal Division and to contend for the ACC title. The Hokies are currently the second-ranked ACC team in the AP Poll behind the #6 Clemson Tigers (0-1). They will need to use the momentum and hype gained with the victory over North Carolina for preparation for the remainder of the season.

This Saturday, the Hokies will host the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (1-0). Last week, the Blue Raiders defeated the Monmouth Hawks 50-15 at home. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

The Hokies are coming into this game against Middle Tennessee State as a 20-favorite. While Virginia Tech is a big favorite, they will be going into this game with the same determination and intensity as they had when versus North Carolina this past week.

The Hokies cannot afford any mistakes through the remainder of the season. One mistake would be allowing the Blue Raiders to keep a close game against Virginia Tech. Here are three keys to the game versus the Blue Raiders on Saturday.