2016 Football Season in Review

Record-setting season ends with thrilling win in Belk Bowl

January 13, 2017

Virginia Tech head coach Justin Fuente’s first year in Blacksburg led to national attention, a record-setting offensive performance, the resurgence of the #LPD and ended with a thrilling comeback victory in the Belk Bowl.

Fuente, who led Tech to its first 10-win season since 2011, was the consensus ACC Coach of the Year and was also named the top first-year FBS head coach in the nation by the Football Writers Association of America, sharing that honor with USC’s Clay Helton.

In 2016, the Hokies returned to the national polls after a two-year absence and finished the season ranked No. 16 in both the Associated Press and Coaches Polls marking the highest final mark for the Hokies since 2010 (No. 16 AP, No. 15 Coaches).

Under the direction of offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen, Tech tied or broke 10 offensive single-season records in 2016. Those included points (490), total TDs (61), first downs (330), passing first downs (172), TD passes (31), total offense (6,223), completion pct. (62.1%), passing yards (3,660), pass completions (279) and total plays (1,087).

Behind defensive coordinator Bud Foster, the #LDP finished in the top 10 among Power Five schools in three categories. The Hokies boasted the second-lowest third-down conversion rate (27.5%) in the nation behind only Michigan (21.0%). Tech ranked fifth in opponent’s completion percentage (50.1) and 10th in opponent passer rating (111.1).

Tech’s season concluded with a dramatic 35-24 come-from-behind victory over Arkansas in the Belk Bowl, the team’s 24th straight bowl appearance which is the longest streak in the nation as recognized by the NCAA. The Hokies’ first ever three-game bowl winning streak included the largest comeback in school history, as they trailed 24-0 in the second quarter but scored 35 unanswered to claim the win.

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