#6 Notre Dame vs. #24 Virginia Tech: Stream, keys, and predictions

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TALLAHASSEE, FL – SEPTEMBER 03: Eric Kumah #83 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates with teammates after returning a blocked punt for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on September 3, 2018 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Virginia Tech Keys To Victory

Beamer Ball Lives: Former head coach Frank Beamer is legendary around the college football world and many who are familiar with the program are familiar with his style of coaching. During his time of coaching, in the 90s specifically, Virginia Tech led all of college football with blocked kicks with 63. Over the course of his entire tenure, the Hokies blocked 136 kicks.

In week one against Florida State this season, Beamer Ball made an appearance with a blocked punt being a return touchdown for the wide out Eric Kumah and the Hokies. Current head coach Justin Fuente has continued to emphasis the importance of great special teams play. The Hokies have fed off those altering plays and with a rowdy crowd behind them, a key special teams play or two could give the team a major spark.

Defend The Deep Ball: If there is one “weak link” in the Hokies defense, it is in the secondary. A group that was truly decimated by injuries and attrition over the past few months. The Hokies allow 304.0 passing yards per game, ranking 123rd in that category. They also rank 111th in passing plays allowed of 20 yards or more (21) and 95th in the country in passing plays of 30 yards or more (9). That is very uncommon by a Virginia Tech defense to be that much of a liability in that aspect. Big plays in the air by Notre Dame can turn this contest one-sided real quickly.

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