Last November, when James Franklin was hired feels like a long time ago, folks, but we have done it; we have made it to the first game week for James Franklin at Virginia Tech. It feels like there were lots of twists and turns to get here, but here we are. Game 1 of the James Franklin era.
Now, the first game should be a win, and let's face it, it needs to be a rout. VMI is in the FCS and lost its season opener last weekend by four touchdowns at Idaho State. Virginia Tech is nearly an eight-touchdown favorite, which seems rather unattainable, but you never know.
This is the first of 12 games, and each week, we'll drop three bold predictions for each game. We'll start with three predictions against VMI, despite the Hokies being a huge favorite.
1. Davion "Fat Rat" Brown scores a touchdown
One true freshman who has been turning heads at camp is Virginia native Davion "Fat Rat" Brown at wide receiver. He has been making some big catches and plays, while going up against some of the top cornerbacks that Brent Pry's defense has to offer.
Virginia Tech is set with Que'Sean Brown and Ayden Greene as the top two receivers for quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, but Brown is playing himself into the lineup. He'll get a shot against the Keydets and is expected to get some balls thrown his way. The feeling here is that he'll find paydirt through the air at least once.
2. Virginia Tech scores a defensive or special teams touchdown
VMI runs the triple-option, and you have to think that the Hokies and Pry will figure it out early and shut it down. The defense will be aggressive, trying to stop the run, and will more than likely force some fumbles; it wouldn't be surprising to see a scoop-and-score.
If the defense doesn't find the end zone, there could be a fair amount of punts for VMI, and it wouldn't be surprising to see them brought back. Franklin would love for the special teams dominance to continue under him. You get the feeling that special teams are going to play a big role this fall.
3. Virginia Tech scores less than 50 points
At the time this article is being written, the Hokies are a 55.5-point favorite. That's an insane number. However, let's get crazy and say that Virginia Tech won't only not cover, but they won't score 50-plus points. James Franklin's team rarely scores 50 points in their group of six or FCS games, and we'll bank that they won't this weekend.
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