2015 record: 7-6, 4-4 in the ACC (5th in the Coastal Division)
Head coach: Justin Fuente (1st season)
The road team has won the last three games between Duke and Virginia Tech, and to break that streak this year the Blue Devils will have to quickly adjust to a new-look Hokie offense.
With legendary head coach Frank Beamer calling it quits after last season and Justin Fuente coming in, fans in Blacksburg are in for an offensive culture shift. And given Fuente's track record, it will probably be up-tempo and exciting. The former TCU offensive coordinator and Memphis head coach has worked with two of the most prolific passers in college football history in Andy Dalton and Paxton Lynch. If he can get veteran Brenden Motley or junior college transfer Jerod Evans comfortable running his fast-paced offense, the Hokies could rise to the top of the Coastal Division with the offensive talent they have returning.
Virginia Tech brings back a 1,000-yard rusher in Travon McMillian, a 1,000-yard receiver in Isaiah Ford and its most versatile offensive playmaker in 6-foot-7 tight end Bucky Hodges, a matchup nightmare in the red zone. The Hokies also return four offensive linemen from a team that had little trouble moving the ball last season.
Perhaps the best thing Fuente has done so far as head coach is keep long-time defensive coordinator Bud Foster, who is trying to re-energize a defensive unit that struggled last season. Virginia Tech allowed at least 30 points five times last season—including in a four-overtime loss at home to Duke—and is hoping cornerback Brandon Facyson can get healthy to shore up a leaky pass defense. The Hokies are trying to replace stalwarts Luther Maddy and Dadi Nicholas up front, but led by Foster have traditionally had little trouble producing one of the best defensive lines in the ACC.
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