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Oct
13
2016

In Order to Show Progress as a Football Program, Virginia Tech Must Defeat Pittsburgh This Year

Bud+Foster+Georgia+Tech+v+Virginia+Tech+JA-owbMX8pdlGood evening, Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) fans.

Let’s talk about Virginia Tech football – the Hokies have had a really good run since the Battle at Bristol (vs. Tennessee).  As site owner and blogger, Jeffrey Fann (@TalkinACCSportssaid, once the turnovers got fixed, the Hokies turned into a top 15 team.

Let’s take a look at the Hokies national defensive statistical rankings as of October 13, 2016 (all statistics come from the NCAA’s FBS stats site):

 

Defense Category

National FBS Statistical Ranking

Pass Efficiency Defense

#1

Third Down Percentage Defense

#2

Number of Passing Yards Allowed

#2

Total Defense

#3

Fourth Down Percentage Defense

#4

Scoring Defense

#10

Punt Return Defense

#15

Rushing Defense

#17

Red Zone Defense

#19

The Hokies are also making plays on special teams with 2 blocked kicks and 1 blocked punt.

On offense, the Hokies have a top 50 red zone offense, are top 15 in time of possession, and have a top 50 rushing offense.  Again, as Jeff previously stated, the Hokies are looking like the teams we saw in 2004 and 2005 with a tough as nails defense – and an offense that can run the ball when it needs to.

The Hokies have the look of a team that can make a deep run in the ACC Coastal Division – but have a major roadblock – and it’s not one you would generally think of, unless you’re a lifelong Virginia Tech fan.

Since 2004, here is Virginia Tech’s record vs. ACC Coastal Division Teams:

 

ACC Coastal Team

Win/Loss Record

Virginia

12-0

North Carolina

10-3

Duke

10-2

Georgia Tech

9-3

Miami

7-5

Pittsburgh

1-3

And folks, if we go back to the Big East days – back to 1996, Virginia Tech is 5-7 in its last 12 games vs. Pittsburgh.

Virginia Tech has not won on the road at Pittsburgh in ACC play – and to extend that further, has not won at Pittsburgh since 1999.

That is a big dry spell if you’re a Hokie fan.  Many Hokie fans seem to think that Heinz Field – and other trips to Pittsburgh are haunted.  To a degree, there is some truth to this.

In order to show progress as a program, Virginia Tech must win at Pittsburgh this year.  This is a must win for a team that has been owned by Pittsburgh in the last twelve games – and in ACC play.

And here’s the thing about that – I think Virginia Tech is better than Pittsburgh this year.  Will it happen?  Can’t wait to find out.

Go Hokies!!

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