Every team has issues to address this offseason, and this week, we're taking a look at the most glaring holes for each ACC team and figuring out where they might find answers between now and the season opener.
Position to improve: Quarterback
Why it was a problem: The reactions came swift after Michael Brewer led the Hokies to a road upset of Ohio State that the transfer quarterback was going to solve the QB issues in Blacksburg. However, that game was probably the highlight of Brewer’s season as the newcomer was up and down over the final 10 games. Brewer ranked eighth in the conference and 88th nationally in passer rating. The biggest issue for Brewer was ball security, as he threw 15 interceptions, many of which came in close losses. He threw two in a seven-point loss to ECU and three (and no touchdowns) in a three-point loss to Georgia Tech. With so many injuries, especially at running back, the Hokies needed Brewer to protect the football, and he did not do that, especially early in the season.
How it can be fixed: Before moving on to any other part of his game, the Hokies need to drill into Brewer’s mind how important the football is to an offense built on the back of a strong defense. It wasn’t just that Brewer was throwing interceptions, it’s that they came in bad situations and on poor decisions. Seasoning with the Virginia Tech coaches this offseason could help that, especially now that there should be some pressure off Brewer this fall with the offense getting healthy. The Hokies need to work on Brewer’s accuracy, too. Twice he finished with a completion percentage below 50 percent, and seven times he fell below 60 percent.
Early 2015 outlook: Brewer played well in spots last year, and he made several big plays when asked. Against Virginia, despite struggling all game long, Brewer orchestrated a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter. So it’s not as if Brewer cannot get the job done. He’ll have the rest of his backfield with him, too, so he won’t be asked to do as much in his second year as the starter. And of course, the Hokies should be very good on defense once again, which could give Brewer short fields to work with. Virginia Tech can win with Brewer as long as he grows from the mistakes of a season ago.