After beating Clemson, 20-16, in what was a statement road win in the first season of the James Franklin era in Blacksburg, the Hokies are on a much-needed and well-deserved bye this week, sitting at 6-2 and already bowl-eligible.
There are several factors as to why they are already eligible to play beyond Thanksgiving Weekend this season after they host Virginia in the annual Commonwealth Cup. Going into the winter last season, Franklin had some big-time roster turnover, and when the dust settled, he ended up getting a commitment from Penn State transfer Ethan Grunkemeyer. He also brought in a couple of other signal callers while retaining one. However, what isn't certain is who will be the backup to Grunkemeyer if something should happen. Franklin is using this week to evaluate that situation.
James Franklin explains what he's using the bye week to look at
The Hokies are a banged-up team, especially along the offensive line. That hasn't stopped Grunkemeyer from being one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC this season. Who is his backup? That, apparently, is still up in the air between Bryce Baker, Kelden Ryan, and Troy Huhn.
"It's still a close competition with those other three guys and who's battling each week for the backup quarterback spot," Franklin said. "So I think that's been probably as valuable as anything."
Let's be honest, this is coach speak, no? If something happened to Gurnkemeyer, Franklin and offensive coordinator Ty Howle would know who to bring in next. If we had to guess, it would be Baker, the North Carolina transfer. Ryan is back after being part of one of Brent Pry's recruiting classes and Hugh is a promising freshman. However, what's going to be fascinatiing is how things play out after the season.
All four quarterbacks have eligibility remaining, but there is also Class of 2027 four-star Peter Bourque who is committed and on his way to Blacksburg next season. It might force some current QBs to consider hitting the Transfer Portal. That's a different story for a another time.
As for the current situation, Grunkemeyer has been good, but who would be next in line? Again, Franklin and Howle know who the next man up is, but it is always good to have competition in practice, especially during a bye week.
As for the rest of the week, it appears that Franklin is going back to the route he took during the summer in fall camp. However, Franklin and the coaching staff are limiting reps for some players who are looking to get healthy and others who just need rest.
"Very similar to a training camp model, very similar to a spring ball model, but not out here very long," Franklin said. "A little bit longer meetings, but probably the most important thing is getting everybody back involved in practice, and very little D-squad stuff. More good on good."
Coming out of the break, the Hokies have a tough November stretch and need all the healthy bodies they can get back.
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