Virginia Tech comes out of its second bye week with a lot on the line and a tough road test waiting in Dallas. The Hokies head to SMU on Friday night for an ACC matchup that could shake up the conference race, and both teams are still very much alive in the chase for Charlotte.
The Hokies arrive at 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the ACC after their 20-16 win over Clemson on Oct. 24, a result that snapped a long drought against the Tigers and gave the program its first victory over Clemson since 2007. SMU, also 6-2, sits at 4-2 in league play after falling 30-27 at Syracuse.
For Virginia Tech, the extra time off gave James Franklin and his staff a chance to clean up issues that have shown up during the season. The biggest one starts up front. The offensive line has to do a better job protecting Ethan Grunkemeyer after the Hokies gave up six sacks against Clemson and managed only 70 rushing yards in that game.
That challenge gets even steeper against an SMU defense that has piled up 22 sacks in eight games. Virginia Tech did get a boost during the bye week, though, with Franklin saying Monday that offensive linemen Montavious Cunningham and Brody Meadows are expected back. Their return would bring needed experience and depth to a group that has been dealing with injuries.
The ground game could be the key to easing that pressure. Jeffrey Overton Jr. has been one of Virginia Tech’s steadier weapons this season, rushing for 639 yards at 5.7 yards per carry. If the Hokies can get him going early, it would help keep SMU’s pass rush from pinning its ears back on obvious passing downs.
The other side of the ball presents a different kind of test. Virginia Tech’s defense has been trending upward, but it now has to deal with SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings, who has completed 185 of 251 passes for 2,414 yards, 21 touchdowns and five interceptions through eight games. The Mustangs are averaging 35.3 points and 464.1 yards per game, so this is not a unit that gives you many easy possessions.
Still, the Hokies have shown more bite defensively lately. They’ve collected 27 sacks and 77 tackles for loss on the season, including 13 tackles for loss against Clemson. Brent Pry’s defense will need another disruptive outing, especially with Jennings operating in Rhett Lashlee’s system.
One stat worth watching: Virginia Tech has only two interceptions this season, and one of those came in the last seven games. That puts even more pressure on the front seven to affect Jennings without losing track of coverage responsibilities. SMU’s quarterback was sacked four times in the loss to Syracuse, which at least offers Virginia Tech a template for how to make life uncomfortable.
The stakes are pretty clear. Virginia Tech is 3-2 in ACC play, and a win would push the Hokies to 4-2 and keep them squarely in the hunt for a spot in Charlotte. A loss would drop them to three conference defeats and make the road much tougher.
The Hokies have already won three road games this season, including the Clemson upset, but SMU has not lost at home. That said, the Mustangs’ two best home wins came against Virginia and Cal.
Virginia Tech will also be playing for the first time in nearly two weeks, which adds another layer to the night. But after the Clemson breakthrough, this is another chance for Franklin’s team to prove that win was more than just a one-off.
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