Virginia Tech Football: 3 red flags for the Hokies moving forward

By Scott Roche | Oct 19, 2023

Oct 14, 2023; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive back DaShawn Jones (10) breaks up a pass intended for Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Stephen Gosnell (12) during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 4

Sep 16, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive lineman Josh Fuga (6) celebrates a defensive stop during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Virginia Tech needs to create more turnovers and get off the field on third-down

One of the things the Virginia Tech football team was looking to do more of in 2023 was creating more turnovers. When they have, good things have happened. Against Old Dominion, three second-half turnovers led to the Hokies pulling away from the Monarchs.

Against Pittsburgh, they created a third-quarter turnover deep in Panthers’ territory that quarterback Kyron Drones turned into a touchdown. Last weekend against Wake Forest, they created turnovers and turned two of them into 14 points.

Getting off the field on third down has been an issue in each game especially against Pittsburgh and Wake Forest. It was a huge issue in their non-conference games against Rutgers and Marshall. Both teams were able to run the ball, use up the clock, and keep the Virginia Tech offense off the field late to thwart any comeback bid.

Chris Marve has the defense playing better before the bye week and coming out, they will be challenged with three of their final four games on the road at Louisville, Boston College, and Virginia. Creating more turnovers and getting off the field on third down is going to be key.

Home/Virginia Tech Football