Virginia Tech Football: 5 Hokies Who Must Improve Down the Stretch
Legendary Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer announced his retirement last week. Beamer has led the Hokies to 22 consecutive bowl appearances—good for the second-longest current streak behind Florida State. Currently, though, at 4-5, the Hokies need two wins in their final three games to become bowl-eligible for the 23rd straight season.
The Hokies are back in action on Thursday night after a bye week. The opponent: Georgia Tech.
For Tech to finish the season strong, the Hokies will need big performances from key contributors. Quarterback Michael Brewer, running back Travon McMillian and wide receiver Isaiah Ford show up every week, and coaches continue to expect big things from them.
But what about some other players that either haven't lived up to expectations or were thrust into starting positions before they were ready?
Here are five Virginia Tech players who must improve throughout the rest of the 2015 season in order for Beamer to head into retirement a winner.
Linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka
1 of 5
Sophomore inside linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka is probably the most criticized Hokie in 2015. In his first full season as a starter, the much-maligned Motuapuaka has had his share of issues.
In the season opener versus Ohio State, Motuapuaka often found himself out of position and struggled to fight off blocks. That would've been understandable if they had only been against a team the caliber of OSU, but Motuapuaka's struggles continued.
Some of the big runs opposing quarterbacks have had against the Hokies this fall are because Motuapuaka either missed a tackle or was out of position. The coaching staff hopes experience corrects some of these issues.
Perhaps that school of thought is working, as the sophomore 'backer had a big game in the win over Boston College.
If the Hokies are going to defeat Georgia Tech and its triple-option, they will need a good, disciplined game from Motuapuaka.
Defensive End Dadi Nicolas
2 of 5
It's almost unfair to put Dadi Nicolas on this list. But going by production, Nicolas hasn't had a good season.
Against Boston College two weeks ago, Nicolas picked up his first sack of the season. That's unbelievable considering the expectations Nicolas had entering the season. An All-ACC performer last fall, Nicolas was considered one of the top pass-rushers in all of college football.
Unfortunately, injuries on both hands have hampered Nicolas. He broke one hand in the preseason, while he jammed his fingers on the opposite hand a short time later. It's led to him having to tape his fingers together on gameday. Playing with your fingers taped together is a tough task for anyone, much less a pass-rusher.
Defensive coordinator Bud Foster is disappointed by the lack of sacks but thinks, overall, Nicolas has played well, per Andy Bitter of the Roanoke Times (via the Virginian-Pilot).
"It's the dangedest thing I've ever seen this year for him. He's been in good position. He's got some good pressure. So you don't want to dwell on it too much. It's kind of like a guy that fumbles. You don't talk about it too much. The next thing you know, he's fumbling all the time. So we're just going to keep playing hard and hope to finish plays.
"
The Hokies hope the game against Boston College and the bye week are a springboards for a strong finish from Nicolas.
Cornerback Terrell Edmunds
3 of 5
When All-American Kendall Fuller went down with an injury in late September, someone had to step in and fill some big shoes.
Enter redshirt freshman cornerback Terrell Edmunds. The second eldest of three brothers currently on the team, Terrell stepped in. However, the first-year starter has endured some growing pains.
Against Miami last month, Edmunds slipped and fell on a fourth-quarter touchdown pass that ended Tech's chances of winning.
Edmunds has tremendous potential. He's adjusting to this level of play and must also do a better job in run support. Some of the runs Virginia Tech has given up are because of missed tackles in the secondary.
The coaching staff obviously believes in Edmunds or he wouldn't be starting. The experience will be good for Edmunds next season, but the Hokies need him to finish strong in 2015.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Safety Adonis Alexander
4 of 5
Anytime a true freshman starts, there are going to be issues. For freshman safety Adonis Alexander, he's had his ups and downs.
Alexander is a physical specimen. At 6'3", 193 pounds, Alexander is big, fast and physical. However, the rover position in which he plays requires more than just athleticism. Alexander is often required to cover opposing tight ends or to come up and give support in the run game.
The freshman has had some good moments—he leads the team in interceptions and is third in tackles—but he's not making enough plays in the backfield.
Alexander missed the Boston College game with a shoulder injury. He should be ready on Thursday after a week off.
Down the stretch, Foster wants a few big plays from his rover. Alexander is capable. Can he deliver?
Tight End Bucky Hodges
5 of 5
It's not as if sophomore tight end Bucky Hodges has struggled this year. He hasn't. But his numbers aren't quite on par with what he did as a freshman in 2014.
And that's not completely his fault.
Opposing defenses have made stopping Hodges a focal point this season. Whether he's been lined up in the slot or at the traditional tight end position, Hodges is often double-teamed. With that, the quarterbacks—in particular Brenden Motley—often looked away from Hodges versus trying to throw into tight windows.
Now that Brewer is back under center, Hodges is being used more. For the Hokies offense to reach its full potential, it'll need a lot from the ultra-talented tight end.
When Virginia Tech faces North Carolina on November 21, the Hokies will likely need to score 30 points or more. That means Tech will need a big day from Hodges.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
