From the sidelines
Marty Gordon
Hokie fans can catch a glimpse of the new and improved Virginia Tech football team later today, Saturday, April 13, during the annual Spring Game.
The Hokies are coming off a 7-6 campaign in 2023 during Head Coach Brent Pry’s second season, winning six of their last nine games, including the Military Bowl, 41-20 over Tulane.
It was Tech’s first bowl win since 2016 and Pry’s first win over a ranked team as head coach.
Quarterback Kyron Drones was named Military Bowl MVP after rushing for a Military Bowl record and Virginia Tech bowl record 176 yards.
Drones and nearly the entire offense return in 2024, along with several key contributors on defense. Up to 20 starters in 2023 will have the opportunity to make an impact and provide continuity in all three phases.
The question for onlookers is what we will see when the Hokies take the field for the end of Spring workouts. There are concerns over who will be QB2, will the team have depth at running back and who will stand out in a very crowded receiver room.
On defense, many new faces have slid into spots on the line and what can a couple of transfers bring to the table at linebacker.
The coaching staff will also be centerstage after a slow start on both sides of the ball this past season.
Pry said the format for the game will be four quarters.
“Yeah, we’re going to continue with what we’ve done. We’re going to play four quarters. Right now, the first quarter, our plan is to be 15 minutes; in the second quarter, 12 minutes, true clock, both quarters. Then, in the third and fourth quarters, twelve minutes of running clock. Sometimes injuries and other things can affect that, but that’s the plan right now,” Pry said.
The second-year coach hopes to make the game more competitive while exploring talent.
“I do, and that’s one of the reasons we’re going to continue with the plan to make it competitive. I don’t know if that was the right thing to do last year for that reason. But I do think we’re in a better place from a depth standpoint on both fronts. Really across the team to play competitively for four quarters, with the team split, which is, you know, if we can go do that, that’s a good sign,” Pry said.
The real question is what fans should expect from the field.
Linebacker Jaden Keller told reporters earlier this week that are plenty of excitement around the Spring game.
“Oh, man, that’s the best thing I can wait for. After the season ends, all you can wait for is for that first game back. So, we’re doing all this hard work, all this hitting, all this stuff. But really, the main goal is to get back in there. So just prepare every day until I come back,” he said.
If you’re keeping a report card, the defense needs to show an increased “killer instinct”. Pry’s expertise has been touted as this side of the ball, and now is the time for them to show some improvement.
Meanwhile, Kyron Drones has been given the key to the convertible, and he must show a leadership role from the QB1 position. This is even more important this off season as there is real no quarterback battle for him to deal with. Instead, the second level is the key as Drones must avoid injury or else. The “or else,” who is his backup? Expect Dylan Wittke and Pop Watson to see lots of action during this spring game.
The Hokies must also set the foundation for a better running game. This will help take the pressure off of Drones and enable him to shine in his second season in Blacksburg.
The overall expectations must remain guarded at least for the near future. Long-term, we simply don’t know how this coaching staff will handle a very talented roster.
The future schedule is setup to allow for this development and should give fans a taste of winning for the first time in four years.
Kickoff for the Spring game is set for 3 p.m. ET in Lane Stadium and as always is free admission. The Hokies open the 2024 season on Aug. 31 at Vanderbilt with their home opener against Marshall on Sept. 7.
