After a very uninspiring 24-21 win yesterday against Furman. I think it’s very evident it’s time for a change at Virginia Tech. Here are some reasons, I think it’s time for a change in Blacksburg.
Early Success Was With Beamer’s Players/Recruits
Those first two seasons in Blacksburg where Fuente went 10-4 and 9-4 were mostly with former legendary coach Frank Beamer’s former players. In 2016,the main playmakers on the offense were Isaiah Ford, Cam Phillips, Bucky Hodges, and Sam Rodgers. Those players were all brought in by Coach Beamer. In 2017,the Hokies were a team that relied mostly on defense. The main playmakers on those teams were Tremaine Edmunds, Andrew Montuapuka, Terrell Edmunds, Tim Settle, and Ricky Walker were again all Frank Beamer’s recruits and former players. I think this right here proves that Fuente only had early success in Blacksburg because of the talent Beamer left when he retired.
Culture Shift in Blacksburg
People also need to realize that Fuente has changed the culture at Virginia Tech in a bad way. Last year there were players that wanted to lose games and threatened to fight other teammates when they tried to win games. This all being brought to a Sports Illustrated article in September . Another problem with the culture is this:
This was yesterdays game when the student section emptied out as the Hokies were down 14-3 at Halftime. When in the past that has never been common at Virginia Tech. In the past decade Lane Stadium has been one of the most feared places to play College Football. Now there is students leaving at halftime at football games.
Bad Decision Making
My final point is that Fuente will not make the changes that need to be made on the field . I think it’s obvious that Fuente needs to make a change at QB, with Ryan Willis having 6 turnovers already this season. Also with Willis, the Virginia Tech offense is having trouble moving the ball against inferior competition. The Hokies only scored 3 points in the 1st half last week against Furman . Shouldn’t you make some kind of change? I guess not in Fuente’s mind, as he keeps OC Brad Cornelson calling plays, no matter how horrendous the calls are. No matter how bad things get, Fuente will not make a change. I think that could put him on the hot seat really soon.
The Hokies have a bye week this week and have a chance of going 3-1 and 1-1 in ACC play against Duke the week after. If Funete can get a win it would be a huge step in right direction. Right now though, if the Hokies continue there level of play. Justin Funete will be looking for a new job by the end of the season.
