Staff Predictions for the 2015 Season

After three straight disappointing seasons, Frank Beamer's Virginia Tech Hokies look poised to reverse their recent mediocrity and return to their perch atop the ACC. Listen, you all know the story of the past few years: Inconsistent quarterback play; suspect blocking; untimely injuries; youth; and a combination of damaging misses on the recruiting trail.

With all that being said, this much is certain: The 7-6 and 8-5 records may have tested your anger management skills, but they've never tested your love for Virginia Tech football.

As currently constituted, the 2015 team has the makings of a special group of players. The defensive line has the potential to finish the season as one of the most talented units ever to don Burnt Orange and Chicago Maroon. Kendall Fuller and Brandon Facyson return to form arguably the stingiest DB duo in all the land. The baby-faced receiving corps of a year ago is now an experienced and complimentary collection of weapons. The offensive line looks to be the best in years. Shane Beamer's stable of running backs looks to be ready to slice and dice opposing defenses. Quarterback Michael Brewer is healthier, wiser and basically BFF's with his supporting cast. Oh, and Beamer Ball looks poised to unleash the fury in true throwback fashion.

Thankfully, there is more than one reason to feel good about this season. It feels more resolute than the blind faith that crept into our psyche over the past few years. Sure, we've become accustomed to qualifying statements like, "If our defensive ends stay healthy, we could be in for a special season." Those are healthy defense mechanisms that differentiate us from the jaded musings of a presumptuous fan base.

Because last year's predictions went so well, The Key Play Staff decided to once again indulge Hokie Nation with our own predictions for the upcoming Tech football season. Feel free to share your outlook for the season too. Happy football season, everyone!

Joe Lanza

Season Prediction:

On paper, this is the best Virginia Tech team since 2011. A reasonable goal this season is for Virginia Tech to win the ACC Coastal division. There are question marks at offensive line, linebacker, rover and quarterback, but not nearly the magnitude of uncertainty of the last few years. I believe this team can be very good if Michael Brewer can limit his mistakes and stretch the field vertically. An injury to one of Tech's starting offensive tackles or defensive ends is one of the worst things that could happen to the Hokies. Tech needs to get back to beating the teams on its schedule it's more talented than. At a minimum that includes: Furman, Purdue, East Carolina, Pittsburgh, NC State, Duke, Boston College, and Virginia. If that happens, 8-9 wins is likely, 10 wins is possible.

Final Regular Season Record: 9–3

Key Matchup: It's either at Miami, or at Georgia Tech. I'll take the latter because the Bees are defending division champs.

Breakout Player: Bucky Hodges.

Alex Koma

Season Prediction:

For two years now, I've explained to anyone who would listen that the Hokies finally have the talent to return to form. Obviously, my skills as a prognosticator are a bit lacking.

That being said, and despite the painful memories of the last two seasons, I'm bullish once more on the Hokies' chances this year.

Take this with as many grains of salt as you must, but consider that the skill positions on offense finally seem up to snuff and the defensive line and secondary are two of the strongest units on any team in the whole country.

The schedule is overwhelmingly forgiving once more, and while Georgia Tech likely deserves to be considered the favorite in the Coastal, the Hokies are very well positioned to win the division this year.

We're in the ballyhooed third year of Scot Loeffler's offense. Michael Brewer isn't new to the system any more and, for now, is fully healthy. The defense is as talented as it's ever been.

If not this year, then when?

Final Regular Season Record: 9–3

Key Matchup: Sure, the Pitt and Miami matchups are important to Tech's Coastal chances, but the Thursday night date with the Yellow Jackets in Atlanta looms as the make-or-break game for the Hokies. Winning the OSU game might have the most transformative effect on the team's season, but realistically, taking this road game over the team's biggest division rival will likely have far more of an impact on the shape of this season.

Breakout Player: Greg Stroman. Even if the rumors about him spending time on offense are greatly exaggerated, he still has a real shot to start at nickel and make some more big plays on the punt return. His Military Bowl performance was electric and the staff seems high on him this year, so I see no reason why he's not due for a big step forward this season.

Kevin Weiss

Season Prediction: With this being the first year covering and following Tech football closely, I don't quite have the insight or background knowledge as other contributors on TKP. With that being said, if there was a time for a make-or-break season for Frank Beamer and his coaching staff, 2015 is that time.

To me, it's the best opportunity the Hokies will have for the next few years to lay claim to the Coastal Division and possibly the entire conference, thanks to the embarrassment of riches on the defensive side of the ball, the schedule and an added year of experience for starters at the skill positions.

However, there are still plenty of questions about this team that could cause a team with the potential to win nine games to flatline to another 6-6 regular season.

The biggest concerns I see are lack of depth, particularly on the offensive line, the receiving corps and the back-seven. It's just unrealistic to expect the team's two-deep to look the same in November as it does now once you factor in the idea that injuries will happen.

Easing those concerns a tad is a schedule that misses Notre Dame, Clemson and FSU.

If Frank Beamer and his coaching staff can't get it done in 2015, will they ever?

Final Regular Season Record: 9–3

Key Matchup: While many people may look ahead to the road game against Georgia Tech as the season's key matchup, I'm keeping my eyes square on the fifth game of the season against Pitt on Oct. 3rd. Yes, it's a home game for Tech, but they'll be coming off two consecutive road games, which is never an easy task. I think the Pitt game could really determine how the remainder of the season shapes up, either way. Lose to Pitt and that could spiral the season out of control with NC State (no slouch, either) coming to Blacksburg just six days later, and then the Hokies follow that up with a road game against Miami (which is always stacked with talent from the 305). Maybe I'm jaded from when I was covering USF football in college (don't even get me started), but early season conference losses take the wind out of a team's sails.

Breakout Player: Isaiah Ford. Technically, he was a breakout player last season as a true freshman, but I really believe he'll make major strides in his sophomore campaign. He's solely focused on football, he's added over 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason and he's been outstanding in every live-action setting the media has been able to witness. Maybe it's my Florida bias (Ford's from Jacksonville), but I could see him being the Tech wideout that finally breaks the 1,000-yards receiving and 10-TD receptions barrier sometime during his tenure as a Hokie.

Jonathan French (french60wasp)

Season Prediction: After piecing together an offense during his two years as offensive coordinator, Scot Loeffler finally has all the makings of an explosive offense. He has several talented and experienced running backs, potential superstars two deep at wide receiver and tight end, an experienced quarterback, and an offensive line that carried the team with their run blocking down the stretch last season. Defensively, Bud Foster returns perhaps the best defensive line in the country. He has two shutdown corners, and potentially a third shutdown cover guy in Chuck Clark. He has an outstanding blitzing linebacker in Deon Clarke. As Joe said, if the Hokies are going to return to the top of the ACC season, the time is now.

That being said, the margins are razor thin. One ankle injury at corner means a complete re-haul in the secondary. Mike linebacker and rover are question marks, as is defensive end depth. Even with 3/4ths of the returning defensive line, Miami and Pitt were able to run the football. Pass protection, ball security, and keeping Michael Brewer upright are all worries on offense. The Hokies don't have the depth yet to survive an injury at a critical position.

The opposition is strong too. I haven't been shy when I say that Ohio State is a good matchup for VT, but they are the defending national champions. Pitt, UNC, Georgia Tech, and NC State will all likely be improved teams. The schedulers didn't do the Hokies any favors by scheduling an outstanding spread-hurry up offensive system (ECU) right before a power team like Pitt. Then, they sprinkled salt on the wounds by giving the Hokies a short week to prepare for NC State — a team that they have not played since the Tom O'Brien era. If consistency is an issue, I wouldn't be shocked to see the Hokies beat Ohio State, and then lose 2-3 conference games.

Final Regular Season Record: 9–3

Key Matchup: I have Pitt circled as the game that scares the bejesus out of me. The Panthers have the best play-action big play threat in the conference in Tyler Boyd, the best running back in the conference in James Conner, and a coach that won't give up on power football and play action in Pat Narduzzi. In 2013, the Hokies shut down Pitt using their base defense and a hybrid look with Dadi Nicolas at whip. Last season, the front did their job, but both Hokie safeties got steamrolled several times one-on-one with Conner in the alley. With inexperienced players Desmond Frye and Adonis Alexander at rover, Coach Foster will need to use his defensive front to keep Conner from getting downhill in order to win this match-up.

Breakout Player: Since the spring, I have thought that Isaiah Ford will have a huge season. Ford has tortured the Hokie cornerbacks on double moves all spring and fall, often getting 5-10 yards of separation. I fully expect Bucky Hodges to be split out like a wide receiver, and defenses that don't have great nickel corners or cover safeties are going to be forced to double him. Nobody on the Hokies is better at beating man coverage than Ford. If Brewer can hit him, Ford should have a monster season.

Mason Naumann

Season Prediction: "Will the offense be able to move the ball?" It's the same question we have been asking ourselves for years here in Blacksburg, and this offseason has been no different. The Hokie offense was one of the least explosive in the country last year, and I'd be more optimistic if the blame could be laid at the feet of a single player or coach. Instead we saw a systemic failure involving every position group. The offensive line struggled to create holes for the running backs or a pocket for the QB; running backs struggled to pull away from defenses for big gains; wide receivers struggled to get separation; and a quarterback who struggled to find them when they did.

I have seen a lot of improvement this past spring and summer during public scrimmages; however, there isn't a ton of depth on this team and just a handful of injuries could prove fatal. I think this offense could be very productive. Until I see it though, I have to trust my gut.

Final Regular Season Record: 8–4

Key Matchup: UVA. The Coastal is going to have a lot of parity this year and I don't think any team runs away with it. Tech could afford to lose to Duke, Georgia Tech or Pittsburgh and still win the Coastal (although probably not all three). Let's forget about the postseason though. At the end of the day, I'm a Hokie. Only two things matter: Beating UVA and winning championships, in that order.

Breakout Player: Brandon Facyson. I've been a huge fan of him ever since I saw him play in his first spring scrimmage and I was disappointed with how his injuries stole his season from his last year. In his return to the field, I expect him to get the national recognition he deserves for his coverage skills.

Brian Marcolini

Season Prediction: There's a strong sense of improvement throughout the TKP staff. Each of us look up and down the roster and simply see more talent on it than any time in the past three years. A trio of big time receiving threats and a stable of backs highlight the offense, while the defensive line is (go figure) one of the most dangerous in the country.

And while it's going to be really fun to watch all of those areas develop over the next few months, the problems are still there. The offensive line is currently made up of a left tackle who was moved from the position last year (Jonathan McLaughlin), a demi-god who may get on the nerves of his position coach (Wyatt Teller), a sophomore center with no real experience (Eric Gallo), a guard who struggled most of last season (Augie Conte), and a former DIII defensive tackle (Wade Hansen). They could be much improved, or they could be just as inconsistent as last year.

And that's not even mentioning that nobody's quite sure what kind of quarterback Michael Brewer is. Could he be a confident gunslinger who looks nothing like the player who barely completed passes beyond five yards? Definitely. Could we see Operation Bubble Screen by Week 3? Also...definitely.

As our fearless leader likes to say, "Not great, Bob."

Add the fact that the C.J. Reavis situation could put the secondary in a bad spot, and we may be looking at another year that falls short of expectations. It'll be better than the last few, but that doesn't mean we'll be happy about it.

Final Regular Season Record: 8–4

Key Matchup: NC State is going to be a much more important game than it seems right now. It's between two teams that seem to be on the rise, and the winner could quite possible find themselves in the Top 25. I really like the Pack as a sleeper in the Atlantic, and this is going to be on a big stage. It may be on a Friday, but it's still a night game that will bring people out in force.

If Tech wins, there could be some serious momentum that comes from it. But if they don't? Remember how flat everything felt post-Miami last year? There are six games after NC State visits Blacksburg, and things would get pretty dire should the Hokies be listless to end the year.

Breakout Player: For the past few years, the team has had a number of guys who haven't really fit a position but are athletic enough to make something happen should they get the ball in their hands.

That's right, I'M RUNNING BACK THE JOEL TRAIN.

Psych. But guys in the mold of Caleb, Carlis Parker and Deon Newsome have all been intriguing. They started off as high school quarterbacks, and simply looked like athletes looking for a role. Now, let me reintroduce you to Travon McMillian.

The former QB out of northern Virginia has seemed to shake off the stigma of the other signal callers who switched positions. There was even talk that he would possibly play last year as a true freshman, before ultimately being redshirted.

But now he's here, he's had a whole offseason of work and looks like he may be the big play threat that has eluded the program since the departure of David Wilson. He'll be used at running back, he'll be split out wide, he'll be brought in motion, and I think he will endear himself to fans in the first few weeks.

Pierson Booher

Season Prediction: Heading into the 2015 season, much of the talk has focused on the strength of the Hokies defense and the promise of the Hokies offense. Here's the thing: That has been the narrative heading into virtually every season for the past 14 years. So pardon me in advance for sounding unoriginal, but I feel like this season's success — possibly more than any season over the last decade — rests solely with the offense. Maybe it's just naivete, but I'm unfazed by the notion that this team has to make a run this season so as not to waste the absurd amount of talent on the defensive side of the football. Year-in and year-out, Bud Foster continually finds a way to reload this Hokies defense into a staunch unit — In Bud We Trust.

I want to see this team get back to annual ten win seasons as much as the rest of you. Do I think it is possible? Yes. Do I think it is realistic? If everything breaks right and Scot Loeffler stays out of his own head, maybe.

Michael Brewer may not be the dynamic playmaker most of us have grown accustomed to under center, but this season marks the first in years where we should feel comfortable knowing we don't need to have a do-it-all quarterback. The staff has done a phenomenal job loading up on playmakers, providing Brewer with a talented and complimentary backfield; a pair of extremely talented young receivers; and three dangerous tight end options. Lefty finally has the bevy of weapons he has longed for since arriving in Blacksburg, and I think this is the year where the offense begins to look like a strength rather than a hindrance.

Final Regular Season Record: 9–3

Key Matchup: Every season that requires the Hokies to travel to Dorne (Miami) and Hardhome (Boston College) in a three week stretch, I get a bit nervy. Toss it into the midst of the Hokies' scariest month — October, with Pitt, NC State, Miami, Duke and BC, in order — and you've got the makings of 1-2 letdown games. Falter through that stretch and the perceived importance of the November 12th matchup against Georgia Tech could be moot. That's why I think the October 3rd game against Pitt is so important. Beat a team that has historically given good Hokies teams fits and you've built some confidence heading into the Friday Night tilt with the Wolfpack. Lose, and you're left searching for answers heading into the gauntlet.

Breakout Player: Travon McMillian. Sure, the Hokies backfield is crowded, but McMillian has flashed the ability to add an extra level of dynamism to this offense. He can run between the tackles, he can turn the corner, and he looks to be a threat in the receiving game. While each member of the backfield has a unique skillset that complements the whole, McMillian appears to have the makings of a well-rounded talent that could keep defenses on their toes. As Brian rightly pointed out, many of the "weapons" Scot Loeffler & Co. have tried to create over the years have been somewhat one dimensional; once Parker and Newsome stepped onto the field, everyone on the planet knew that they were either getting the ball or serving as a decoy. McMillian has the ability to enter the lineup and provide a multi-dimensional threat that blends into the offense, rather than a focal point of a package everyone is aware of. I may be in the minority, but I prefer my threats lay in the weeds.

TheFifthFuller

Season Prediction: While I am more optimistic about the upcoming season than I have been in a long time, I wanted to share one sobering fact with you: This may be our last season with a Fuller, until the next generation shows up and allows us to play an entire Fuller secondary. I believe Kendall will want to leave his mark and we are going to see the Fuller season of all Fuller seasons. Combine that with our stellar d-line, and defense is not a problem.

Offense? I truly get the sense across all the positional groups (particularly TE) that we're finally moving from choosing the least bad/mediocre option to actually having selection dilemmas of the talent variety. Our o-line appears to be marginally competent; Brewer is healthy (for now); our receivers are talented and older; and our running backs all bring something different to the table that I'm gullible enough to believe (again) that Shane has finally figured out how to use effectively. That being said...

Final Regular Season Record: 12–0

Key Matchup: Honestly, we've now proven we could conceivably lose to any conference opponent on our schedule. Well, except for LOLUVA. So I'm picking them, because at that point, we'll be 11-0 and focused on our pending revenge match with Clemson in the ACC Championship Game. The Hoo administration will wise up and will have already fired Mike London, significantly improving their chances of upsetting us while shades of looking past an in-state opponent may haunt us; though to be fair, this one's not as strong as JMU.

Breakout Player: I'm not sure Kendall's Heisman campaign will count as "break out" so I'm going with Greg Stroman. He's shown glimpses, but I think he demonstrates his return abilities to the point where people refuse to punt to him by the end of the season. They'll also try to pick on him as the weak link in the secondary at the nickel spot, but they'll forget this is a Torrian Gray secondary. There IS no weak link. He'll get picks and pass break ups simply because opposing quarterbacks will be too scared to throw at Fuller or Facyson.

Joel Smith (joelestra)

Season Prediction: (/chugs Kool-Aid straight from the pitcher) This is our best team in several years, and I can easily talk you into 10+ regular season wins and an ACC Championship. Who will stop us? The defense will completely shut down opponents, the offensive skills players are incredibly talented, the quarterback has finally had time to actually prepare for the season, and by most accounts the offensive line is practicing with a real chip on it's shoulder. So it's really easy to say Ohio State maybe beats us, and maybe we stumble against an ACC foe.

But while that is all possible, there's also reality. The offensive line would almost have to be better, but I'm not really buying some sudden transformation, and the ability of skill players doesn't mean a whole lot without good line play. Injuries will happen to Tech just like every other school, maybe (probably) even before the season starts. Say Cam Phillips and Joey Gallo go down. How are you feeling now? While I think this is a team on the rise, it would take quite a bit of injury luck and offensive line improvement to make this season special. I see three losses, most likely to Ohio state, Georgia Tech, and one of the multiple ACC opponents that we are better than, but not so much better that we can't lose.

Final Regular Season Record: 9–3

Key Matchup: Georgia Tech. Why do they feel so under-the-radar this year? They play a tough schedule so they likely aren't playoff contenders, but we've become used to years of them not having a great triple-option quarterback. Well now they have one and are a real shot to win the ACC. Aside from the implications for who will win the Coastal, this looks like our most difficult conference game and could seal the division.

Breakout Player: I struggle with what will constitute a "breakout" player, so I'll just go with whoever I think isn't being talked about much now but will be talked about plenty during the season: Deon Clarke. Until the offense improves I'm going with a defensive player every year, and half of the defense isn't even eligible to be a "breakout." Opponents will likely emphasize the quick, short passing game and not test the edges much in the run game, so I see Clarke involved on almost every play and talented enough to take advantage.

Billy Berlin (BilldozerVT)

Season Prediction: Every year before the season my wife asks me how the team is going to be. Every year I respond with: "I actually think we are going to be really good this year." I then go into talking about things like how we do have question marks and we lost some key players from the year before, but this team is underrated, young, and talented.

So, how do I think the team is going to be this season? I actually think we are going to be really good this year.

This team will come out hot against OSU on Labor Day. I can just feel it. I can't promise victory, but at the very least it will be a close game against the defending national champs. After that, I predict we win the games we should and we finally make it back to the ACC Championship Game.

Final Regular Season Record: 10–2

Key Matchup: The easy pick here is the Georgia Tech game since most media outlets have picked either the Hokies or the Jackets to win the division. I think they come into that game with three conference losses and we will firmly control our own destiny at that point, so, let's go with Pitt. First conference game of the season against a team led by Pat Narduzzi.

Breakout Player: Isaiah Ford. Tech's first 1,000 yard receiver.

Joey Coogan

Season Prediction: It was nearly three years ago now — Labor Day night, 2012 — my first game as a Virginia Tech student. There I was in the top row of the East Stands celebrating Cody Journell's (!!!) game-winning field goal to beat Georgia Tech. Sure that this was just the beginning of four years of Hokies football greatness. Brief sample of thoughts running through my head:

"Might as well book a room in Charlotte, we've got the Coastal wrapped up!"

"10 wins every year? I could get used to this!"

"There's a fourth Fuller coming?!?!?" (This one worked out OK.)

"I love you, Cody Journell!"

So I suppose it's fair to say the past three years haven't transpired the way "Freshman Me" may have expected. But for some reason, whether it's yet another terrifying Bud Foster defense or some equally frightening talent on the offensive side of the ball, I'm convinced this year will be different. And to be honest, this year has to be the year, because Mr. & Mrs. Coogan aren't paying for a 5th fall in Blacksburg.

I'm calling ten wins and a December trip to Charlotte. But on a day, and summer, full of predictions, here's one certainty — Labor Day can't come soon enough.

Final Regular Season Record: 10–2

Key Matchup: Pittsburgh. First game of the ACC slate for the Hokies may just be the biggest. A win would be huge for momentum; a loss equally debilitating.

Breakout Player: Deon Clarke. Does Clarke even qualify as a "breakout player?" I'm not quite sure, but I do know the lack of noise surrounding the Hokies best linebacker has been startling. Clarke tallied 74 tackles and 5 sacks in 2014, and I fully expect both of those numbers to rise in his final go-round for the Hokies.

Mark Umansky

Season Prediction: It was incredibly tempting to put that we're going undefeated, that the offense finally gets its act together and takes care of the ball, Bud Foster's defense strangles every other team to a win, and Frank leaves with a title. Then I had my morning coffee and thought about it some more. I do believe that this team will be markedly improved from the past few years. The offensive line is, on paper, less of a patchwork than in the past, the running backs and wide receivers have another year of experience under their belt, and Bud Foster's defense looks to be the best in the country. All signs point to improvement, but will the Hokies buck the trend of the past few years? I think so, and I think it ends with a return trip to Charlotte in December and a return to a 10 win season. My brain says we lose to Ohio State and one ACC team on the road. My heart says we beat Ohio State, then drop two head scratchers later in the year.

Final Regular Season Record: 10–2

Key Matchup: NC State. It's about halfway through the season and our second ACC matchup. A win here and we might find ourselves in the Top 25 with two ACC wins and very nice overall record. A loss here (on primetime Friday Night Lights TV, no less) and we suddenly are looking at a very tough schedule in the ACC for the next month, with a lot of doubt about everything.

Breakout Player: Ryan Malleck. Every year I get the feeling he's about to become The Next Big Thing at tight end, but injuries and other woes on offense have held him back the past few years. With Bucky Hodges (rightfully) getting a lot of attention in preseason, I think Ryan is flying under the radar a bit.