Last year, Virginia Tech lost a legend: Frank Beamer.
After a 30-year run, Coach Beamer retired at the end of the 2015 season. Beamer single handedly put Virginia Tech football on the map and with recognition in the sports world, the university grew.
He created Beamer ball and led the Hokie’s to 28 bowl games. While the campus still idolizes Beamer and his accomplishments, it is time to welcome the Justin Fuente Era – one that has landed the Hokies at No. 17 in the AP rankings.
After the Battle at Bristol, morale seemed to be a little low in Blacksburg. There was so much hype and potential surrounding the game, but the Hokies eventually lost 45-24. The coaching staff even came out and apologized for the mistakes that they made after the loss. Virginia Tech’s first two games were out-of-conference against Liberty and Tennessee, where they went 1-1.
However, everything seemed to fall into place against Boston College and they are sitting pretty 2-0 in conference play with wins against UNC and BC.
Fuente’s has done a phenomenal job with the Hokie’s and has put Virginia Tech into the race for an ACC title – something that Blacksburg hasn’t seen since 2007.
Last year, Virginia Tech came so close to beating top teams’ in their conference, UNC and Duke, but lost both in a nail biting overtime play where they were disappointed by as little as three points. Their record this time last year was 3-3 with one conference win.
Fast forward to this year, the Hokies sit at 4-1 with two conference wins. There is no doubt that the new younger energy has contributed to their success – as well as a new style of play. Fuente has been a blessing in disguise to the Virginia Tech fans.
He has been nothing but respectful to Coach Beamer and his players during the transition and that goes a long way…maybe even to a conference championship game. But, let’s not speak too soon!
