Virginia Tech Football: What Hokies Must Fix During Bye Week

Two big things happened with the Virginia Tech Hokies football team last week. First, the Hokies actually won a football game. Second—and most importantly—legendary head coach Frank Beamer announced his retirement on Sunday after 29 years in charge at his alma mater.

Tech, now at 4-5 (2-3) on the season, hopes to become bowl eligible for the 23rd consecutive season in order to send Beamer out on a winning note.

For the Hokies to get back to a bowl, some things need to be fixed during the team's current bye week. 

Here are four areas Virginia Tech must improve in order to finish the season strong and make sure Beamer goes out the way he deserves—as a winner.  

Keep Michael Brewer Healthy

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Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Brewer

Starting quarterback Michael Brewer returned to the lineup late in the loss to the Miami Hurricanes. Brewer broke his collarbone in the season-opening loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes, and Tech struggled without him.

Would the Hokies have won if Brewer—and not Brenden Motley—had started against the Hurricanes? Well, that's revisionist history.

Brewer returned to the starting lineup two weeks ago in the Hokies' four-overtime loss to the Duke Blue Devils. He played well, passing for 270 yards and three touchdowns. Brewer again played well in the win over the Boston College Eagles.

Unfortunately, he was sacked three times in each of those contests. Brewer also took several additional hits. 

For the Hokies to become bowl eligible, Brewer must be under center. While it's important for him to get some reps in with his receivers in practice this week, the coaches must be careful with the senior signal-caller. 

With Brewer under center, the rest of Virginia Tech's schedule isn't particularly daunting, with the possible exception of the North Carolina Tar Heels. 

Work on Pass Protection

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Virginia Tech offensive tackle Yosuah Nijman

The Hokies found a consistent running game since naming Travon McMillian the starting running back in October. While McMillian deserves a lion's share of credit for the improved running game, the offensive line has improved, too. 

Except for protecting the passer.

It's tough for an offensive line to dramatically improve in one area in the middle of the season. It's up to the coaches to do things that make it easier for the linemen and mask potential weaknesses. Things like getting rid of the ball quicker, calling for shorter routes and using the screen game more often. 

Yosuah Nijman, a raw but physically gifted true freshman, needs more time at left tackle with the first-team offense. Nijman is going to take his lumps, but he's Tech's best option on the left side, allowing current starter Jonathan McLaughlin to move back to right tackle, where he's more comfortable. 

Stop the Big Plays on Defense

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Linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka scoring a touchdown in the win over BC

Whether it's through the air or on the ground, Virginia Tech's defense has given up too many big plays in 2015.

Sophomore linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka has gotten plenty of blame for Tech's issues defending the run. While some of that criticism is warranted, it goes much deeper than just Motuapuaka. 

VT's defensive line hasn't been as good as advertised. Defensive tackle Corey Marshall, an All-ACC performer last season, has missed time with an injury, while star pass-rusher Dadi Nicolas continues to play hurt. 

Things improved in the win over Boston College last week, but let's be honest, it was Boston College. The Eagles have one of the worst offensive units in college football and were led by a freshman walk-on at quarterback.

The bye week comes at a good time for defensive coordinator Bud Foster as he prepares for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets' triple-option offense Nov. 12 in Atlanta. 

Focus on Football

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Beamer and wife Cheryl discussing his retirement

Beamer likely hated announcing his retirement during the season. He isn't the type of man who seeks attention. However, he ultimately did what was best for Virginia Tech, just like he said he would do.

How can the Hokies possibly focus on football this week?

They'll have to, and Beamer will have them ready next week. A win next week would put the Hokies one win closer to becoming bowl eligible. 

Making the announcement during the bye week was perfect timing for Beamer and the Hokies. The press conference is out of the way, and Beamer can get back on the field Tuesday with his players. 

So many players—past and present—have come out with love and appreciation for Beamer. The best way for the 2015 Hokies to honor their legendary leader is to finish the season with four consecutive wins.