Virginia Tech Football: 5 huge keys for the last 5 games of 2023
By Scott Roche
![Sep 22, 2022; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies place kicker William Ross (92) is congratulated on an extra point by punter Peter Moore (85) during the second quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports Sep 22, 2022; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies place kicker William Ross (92) is congratulated on an extra point by punter Peter Moore (85) during the second quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/1e1b2e07c00bf241d336301d6e6a63b9fbc29269c405c35963517151e7a7c663.jpg)
After losing three of their first four games, the Virginia Tech football team won two of their last three games before the bye week to make the final five games very interesting in terms of having the opportunity to become bowl-eligible.
The Hokies return to the field at Lane Stadium Thursday night against Syracuse as they begin the final five weeks of the 2023 regular season. If Virginia Tech is going to become bowl-eligible, here are five keys to doing that in their final five games.
Win the special teams battle each week
This may not seem like a big deal, however, if there is anything we’ve learned this season, it’s that special teams play a critical role. Bhayshul Tuten had a big 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Florida State to bring Tech within five points and then a week later, the Hokies gave a 99-yard kickoff return to Wake Forest. Talk about a swing in momentum.
https://twitter.com/HokiesFB/status/1710771567393960352
There have been times this season when Virginia Tech punter Peter Moore has played a big role in terms of flipping the field position, while placekicker John Love has been reliable in the kicking game.
Again, this may not seem like a big deal, but playing three of the final four games on the road is going to be tough for the Hokies, and gaining an advantage in anything can be the difference between a win or a loss.