Blue & Gold Illustrated: 2019 Notre Dame Football Preview
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BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ✦ 125 BY BRYAN DRISKELL After leading Virginia Tech to a 19-8 re- cord in his first two seasons while replacing Hall of Famer Frank Beamer, current head coach Justin Fuente and the Hokies took a huge step back a season ago. Following a 2-0 start, Virginia Tech went on the road and dropped a 49-35 game to Old Dominion, and its 45-23 home loss to Notre Dame two weeks later began a 1-5 stretch that proved to be a major setback for the program. But despite last season's struggles and a number of offseason departures, there is a more upbeat vibe at Virginia Tech. "Hokie fans have cautious optimism that last year's struggle was a bit of an aberra- tion," HokieHaven.com editor Tim Sullivan noted. "There's validity to that thought, too, given the level of injury, attrition and simple lack of depth that last year's team had. "Taken in tandem with one of the easier Power Five schedules pos- sible, two Football Cham- pionship Subdivision teams on the slate … avoiding Clemson and Syracuse, there should be a bounce back season. Notre Dame might be the only game the Hokies aren't favored in at the sea- son's outset, so contending for the Coastal Division title is the expectation." Virginia Tech built its rep- utation on defense, but an offense led by former walk- on quarterback Ryan Willis should be the driving force behind any turnaround, as- suming he can do a better job protecting the football. "Willis … has a huge arm, and impressive athleticism when he pulls the ball down to run," Sullivan said. "The biggest thing he can improve, though, is valuing the foot- ball. "He didn't throw a ton of interceptions last year [nine], but he also fumbled four times and not generally in situations where his line sold him out. He needs to be smarter and quicker in his decision making." The talent around Willis will be one of the best col- lections of weapons Notre Dame will face in 2019. "If the individuals play up to their capabilities, this should be a historically good Virginia Tech receiving corps," Sullivan said. "[Red- shirt junior wide receiver Damon] Hazelton is a jump-ball threat and big-play machine, [sophomore wide receiver Tre] Turner is an absolute blazer with a slot's skill set despite standing over 6-2, and [junior Dalton] Keene is an all-field threat from the tight end posi- tion." Virginia Tech's young but talented line- backer corps will look to lead a defense that must improve upon its 31.0 points allowed per game from last season. Reasons For Optimism • Playmaker at quarterback • Weapons on the perimeter • Back seven potential Fifth-year senior signal-caller Ryan Willis was a surprise standout for the Hokies last season, show- ing the ability to make plays with his arm and legs … Willis will have a talented group of pass catchers to target … The back seven of the Hokie defense has a lot of speed, led by junior linebacker Rayshard Ashby. Reasons For Concern • Line play • Run game woes • Tough road schedule Virginia Tech's offensive line is a problem area and the defensive front failed to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, ranking 98th in pass rush by Pro Football Focus … The Hokies allowed 210.3 yards per game on the ground and 5.5 yards per rush last fall … Virginia Tech's road schedule will be tough, with games at Miami and Notre Dame. VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES GAME 8 • NOV. 2 • NOTRE DAME STADIUM X-FACTOR: Fifth-year senior Ryan Willis did not open last season as a starter, but he surprised with 2,716 passing yards and 24 touchdowns against just nine interceptions. The 6-4, 223-pounder also rushed for 354 yards and four scores. PHOTO COURTESY VIRGINIA TECH ATHLETICS 2019 SCHEDULE Date Opponent 2018 Result Aug. 31 at Boston College L, 31-21 Sept. 7 Old Dominion L, 49-35 Sept. 14 Furman — Sept. 27 Duke W, 31-14 Oct. 5 at Miami (Fla.) L, 38-14 Oct. 12 Rhode Island — Oct. 19 North Carolina W, 22-19 Nov. 2 at Notre Dame L, 45-23 Nov. 9 Wake Forest — Nov. 16 at Georgia Tech L, 49-28 Nov. 23 Pittsburgh L, 52-22 Nov. 29 at Virginia L, 34-31 QUICK FACTS All-Time Series: Series tied 1-1 Last Meeting: Notre Dame 45, Virginia Tech 23 (Oct. 6, 2018; Blacks- burg, Va.) Head Coach: Justin Fuente, 25-15 at VT (4th year) and 51-38 overall (8th year) 2018 Results: 6-7 overall, 4-4 ACC Coastal (tied 3rd); lost to Cincinnati 35-31 in the Mili- tary Bowl Returning Starters: 15 (5 offense, 10 defense) Prediction: Notre Dame 30, Virginia Tech 20 RETURNING LEADERS Rushing: RB Deshawn McClease (433 yards, 2 TD) Passing: QB Ryan Willis (2,716 yards, 24 TD) Receiving: WR Damon Hazelton (802 yards, 8 TD) Tackles: LB Rayshard Ashby (105) Sacks: DE Houshun Gaines (4.5) Interceptions: S Reggie Floyd and CB Caleb Farley (2)