Josh Pate reveals how he sees Virginia Tech being a major ACC contender in 2024.
Heading into the 2024 season, Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones will be under close scrutiny. The Baylor transfer lost the starting job to Grant Wells last season, but when Wells was injured in Week 2 against Purdue, Drones nearly finished the game. In the final drive, with the Hokies down 24-17, Drones led the offense into Boilermaker territory before a turnover on downs ended their comeback hopes.
Drones started the next week at Rutgers, gaining experience, and then again the following week at Marshall before ACC play began. Once he settled in, Drones’ true potential emerged, arguably saving the Hokies’ season after a 1-3 start. Under his leadership, Virginia Tech went 5-3 in the ACC, becoming bowl-eligible and eventually defeating Tulane 40-21 in the Military Bowl.
The extra month of practice was crucial for the Hokies, as it helped retain key players, including Drones. Running back Bhayshul Tuten also announced his return, maintaining one of the ACC’s top QB/RB duos for a full season. With Drones and Tuten, Virginia Tech has a strong chance to be a contender in the ACC, as noted by Josh Pate.
Josh Pate reveals what it would Virginia Tech to be an ACC contender in 2024
Virginia Tech ranks No. 4 in the country in returning production for the 2024 campaign and Drones and Tuten are a dynamic duo. The running game should be opened with the wide receiver retention that the Hokies got along with the offensive line. Josh Pate on his podcast said the following about how the Hokies’ can be a contender this fall in the ACC.
“You would see a contender to win the ACC if you were to guarantee me that Kyron Drones, at quarterback, is a member of a Top-5 rushing offense.”
Drones ran for 818 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games last season, but keep in mind that Wells played most of the snap count in the opening two games against Old Dominion and Purdue. On 173 carries last season, Tuten gained 863 yards in the rush; if healthy, those figures should rise. With the addition of some depth players, head coach Brent Pry can still lead the Hokies to a top-5 rushing offense in the ACC. There is no reason why they can’t both be 1,000-yard rushers.