Going into the season's final weekend, the Virginia Tech football team needs a win to keep their season alive for a bowl game. Virginia is in the same boat this season, sitting at 5-6 and also needing a win to reach bowl eligibility. There is much on the line on Saturday night in Blacksburg for both teams.
As we look ahead to an important matchup for both teams for not only this season but also big for the future of both programs, here are three keys to victory for Saturday night’s showdown at Lane Stadium for the Hokies.
Pop Watson gets a good week of practice and is ready to go
Kyron Drones and Collin Schlee are both questionable according to Pry heading into the game mid-week, despite both being listed on the depth chart. Pop Watson and Davi Belfort are likely getting the QB1 and QB2 snaps in practice and Pry even referenced getting four quarterbacks ready for the game.
In the end, it’s tough to envision Drones or Schlee playing, although if one or both did, it would be a boost for the Hokies. Watson played well enough in relief last weekend at Duke for fans to have enough confidence that he can step in and get the job done. A healthy as possible Bhyashul Tuten would certainly help.
Wide receivers step up
No matter who is at quarterback, it’s a must that the Virginia Tech wide receivers step up and make plays against the Cavaliers' defense. Drops were a major issue against Clemson, while against Duke, Watson was able to step up and make some good throws for completions.
Ali Jennings is getting healthy which is a plus and Stephen Gosnell is someone who offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen needs to get involved in the offense early. Ayden Greene and Jaylin Lane also need to be key players on offense that can step up and make plays whether it’s running the ball or catching it.
Don’t allow big plays
I know, you could say this about every game, but this is one where there is little to no room for error. The numbers speak for themselves this season for the defense and the amount of big plays allowed, but this weekend would be a season-ender. You can bet that Virginia will test the Tech secondary early and often.
Keeping Virginia in second third and long will key also, allowing Virginia Tech’s defensive line to get after Anthony Colandrea more. This is the final game for a number of defensive players and you would think they would want to go out on a good note in their final time in Blacksburg donning the Hokies uniform.