Analyst reveals Virginia Tech football's path to being a major ACC contender

Going into the 2024 season, there are going to be a lot of eyes on Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones. The Baylor transfer was beaten out last season for the starting job by Grant Wells, but he was injured in Week 2 against Purdue and still nearly finished out the game. On the game's last drive and with the Hokies down 24-17, Drones led his offense into Boilermakers' territory before turning the ball over on downs to end any comeback hopes.

Drones started the following week at Rutgers and got his feet wet in that game, then again the following week at Marshall before ACC play began. Once he got comfortable and conference play began, the real Kyron Drones came out and you can make the case that it saved the Hokies season, which started 1-3 through the first month. Drones led a turnaround where Virginia Tech went 5-3 in the ACC to become bowl-eligible before beating Tulane, 40-21, in the Military Bowl.

That extra month of practice was huge as the Hokies got a ton of retainment between the final regular season win against Virginia and the bowl game, including Drones. Running back Bhayshul Tuten also announced he was returning and it keeps one of the better QB/RB duos in the ACC together for a full season. They have an opportunity to be good again, but Josh Pate thinks Drones and Tuten are key to Virginia Tech being an ACC contender.

Josh Pate reveals what it would Virginia Tech to be an ACC contender in 2024

Virginia Tech ranks No. 4 in the country in returning production for the 2024 campaign and Drones and Tuten are a dynamic duo. The running game should be opened with the wide receiver retention that the Hokies got along with the offensive line. Josh Pate on his podcast said the following about how the Hokies' can be a contender this fall in the ACC.

"If you were to promise me Kyron Drones at QB is part of a Top-5 rushing offense, you would see a contender to win the ACC
"

- Josh Pate

Last season Drones rushed for 818 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games, but you have to remember, Wells took a majority of the snaps in the first two games against Old Dominion and Purdue. Tuten rushed for 863 yards last season on 173 carries and if healthy, those numbers should improve. There is no reason why they both can't be 1,000-yard rushers and add in some depth pieces head coach Brent Pry has on the roster, there is a path to the Hokies having a top 5 rushing offense in the ACC.