Part 4 - Better, but Where?

Quietly, Virginia Tech's special teams units have been very good in 2023

Special teams hardly gets noticed unless a big play occurs. Such attention getters include:

• Field goal or punt block

• Field foal or punt over 60 yards

• Fake field goal or punt

• Kickoff or punt return for a big gain and/or touchdown

• Onside kick recovery by the offense

Otherwise, special teams tend to get short-changed, despite their outsized impact field position, point totals, and the willingness of the offensive and defensive coordinators to be aggressive in their play calling.

At 40,000 feet, there does not appear to be much of a difference in Virginia Tech’s special teams play in 2023 compared to last year.

Through nine games, the Hokies have graded out at 76.4 in overall special teams, an increase of 1.9 from last year’s 74.5 grade.

However, as one digs into the numbers, the improvements become clearer.