Virginia Tech Football: Adjustments Hokies Must Make During Bye Week

The bye week has arrived for the Virginia Tech Hokies, and it couldn't have come at a better time. With injuries to players like Luther Maddy and Marshawn Williams, the extra rest could prove beneficial for the second-half stretch run.

The Hokies finished the first half of their schedule with a 4-2 record, including a 1-1 mark in conference play. 

Virginia Tech is right in the middle of things in the Coastal Division race. Tech is just one game behind the division leaders with six games remaining. 

But for the Hokies to finish the season on a strong note, they need to make some adjustments during the upcoming bye week.

Here are three adjustments Tech must make during its week off. 

Limit Turnovers

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Michael Brewer

At some point, there has to be questions about quarterback Michael Brewer's job security.

For the season, Brewer has 11 interceptions. He has thrown one interception in each game this season and has four games with at least two picks. 

For as good as Brewer moves the offense, his turnovers have cost Tech in a major way. In both losses this season, Brewer's turnovers led directly to points. 

Offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler must work with Brewer during the bye week on limiting his turnovers or get the next guy ready to come in. 

Fix Offensive Line Issues

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Jonathan McLaughlin

Every year brings more questions about Virginia Tech's offensive line. 2014 is no different. 

At offensive tackle, Laurence Gibson and Jonathan McLaughlin have been solid. Not spectacular, just solid. Both players have fared well in the passing game but have struggled at times in the running game. 

On the interior offensive line, right guard Augie Conte—a first-year starter—is arguably the unit's top player. A pair of seniors, David Wang and Caleb Farris, have manned the left guard and center spots, respectively, but with mixed results.

Offensive line coach Stacy Searels played Wang some at center against Western Michigan and inserted redshirt freshman Wyatt Teller in at guard. Teller has big-time potential, and the Hokies may be looking to get him into the starting lineup on a full-time basis during the bye week.

Head coach Frank Beamer is excited about Teller's potential, per Andy Bitter of The Roanoke Times: "He looks the part. He plays the part a lot of the time. We just got to make it all the time."

Limit Big Plays on Defense

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Kendall Fuller

Coming into the season, Virginia Tech's defensive backfield was expected to be one of the top positional units in all of college football. 

That hasn't been the case. 

A big reason for this season's struggles is the leg injury to sophomore cornerback Brandon Facyson. Facyson, along with fellow sophomore Kendall Fuller, had an outstanding freshman campaign in 2013. But when he played this season, particularly vs. East Carolina, he struggled mightily. Now, Facyson may seek a medical redshirt for this season.

Fuller has been a stud. However, the rest of the Hokies secondary has struggled, allowing three players to go over 100 yards receiving this season. Against ECU, the Hokies allowed 427 passing yards. 

Last week vs. North Carolina, Tech shut down the big plays in the passing game. Defensive coordinator Bud Foster must continue to make adjustments during the bye week, as the schedule gets tougher.