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Virginia Tech is set to carry the momentum from a strong finish to the 2023 season into their 2024 opener against Vanderbilt on Saturday afternoon in Nashville, Tenn. The Hokies, who closed last season with five wins in their final seven games, are eager to build on that success as they kick off the new campaign.
Virginia Tech’s Experienced Roster
Head coach Brent Pry, who has a history with Vanderbilt from his time on their staff between 2011-13, leads a Virginia Tech squad that returns 22 starters—more than any other team in the country, according to 247 Sports. This deep well of experience includes 11 offensive starters, nine on defense, and two specialists, giving the Hokies a solid foundation across the board.
The Hokies’ offense is fueled by quarterback Kyron Drones, who returns alongside the team’s top three rushers, led by Bhayshul Tuten with 863 yards, and Drones himself contributing 818 yards. Five of the top six receivers from last season are also back, with Da’Quan Felton leading the charge after racking up 667 receiving yards.
On defense, Virginia Tech is anchored by leading tackler Keli Lawson (80 tackles), interception leader Dorian Strong (three interceptions), and Antwaun Powell-Ryland, who led the team with 9.5 sacks and forced three fumbles. Strong and transfer defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles, who notched 5.0 sacks at Duke last year, were both named to the preseason All-Atlantic Coast Conference first team.
With such a talented and experienced roster, expectations are high for the Hokies this season. “Yeah, I would probably be disappointed (if we didn’t make the ACC championship game),” Pry told ESPN.
Vanderbilt’s Rebuilding Efforts
On the other side, Vanderbilt is coming off a tough 2-10 season in 2023, where they lost all nine games against Power 5 teams by at least 16 points. In response, head coach Clark Lea has taken on the additional role of defensive coordinator and brought in former New Mexico State head coach Jerry Kill and offensive coordinator Tim Beck to overhaul the offense.
Vanderbilt’s new-look offense will be led by quarterback Diego Pavia, a transfer from New Mexico State who racked up 2,973 passing yards and 928 rushing yards last season. The Commodores are expected to run a versatile offensive scheme, with sophomore running back Sedrick Alexander likely leading the ground game.
“You’re gonna see kind of like an NFL offense,” Pavia said. “Take what they give us, and when they give us an opportunity to take a shot, take a shot. If it’s not there, check it down. Establish the run game, just do the little things right.”
The Commodores will also lean on big tight end Cole Spence, who missed all of 2023 due to injury, and sophomore wide receiver Junior Sherrill to make plays in the passing game.
Defensively, Vanderbilt’s hopes rest on All-Southeastern Conference candidates Langston Patterson at linebacker and CJ Taylor at safety, along with several impactful transfers, including hybrid safety/linebacker Randon Fontenette from TCU.
Game Outlook
With Virginia Tech bringing a highly experienced roster to the field and Vanderbilt undergoing significant changes in their lineup and coaching staff, Saturday’s game will be a showdown of continuity versus rebuilding. The Hokies will look to leverage their experience to start the season strong, while the Commodores hope their offseason adjustments will quickly pay off as they seek to turn their fortunes around in 2024.
