Deshawn McClease
FILE - Virginia Tech quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) tosses the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Virginia in Charlottesville, Va., Friday, Nov. 29, 2019. Hooker emerged last season as a reliable decision-maker, finishing with 13 touchdown passes and just two interceptions. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
Fuente, Hokies optimistic with many key players returning

By Hank Kurz Jr. Sep. 01, 2020 04:08 PM EDT

Texas players celebrate their win over Utah in the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game in San Antonio, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Ehlinger leads Texas' Alamo Bowl romp over No. 12 Utah 38-10

By The Associated Press Dec. 31, 2019 11:21 PM EST

Kentucky quarterback Lynn Bowden Jr. hands off to running back Christopher Rodriguez Jr. who rushes for a touchdown against Virginia Tech in the first half of the Belk Bowl NCAA college football game in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Bowden's late TD pass lifts Kentucky past VTech 37-30

By Eli Pacheco Dec. 31, 2019 03:52 PM EST

Virginia Tech quarterback Hendon Hooker, right, is wrapped up by Virginia defensive tackle Eli Hanback (58) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Charlottesville, Va., Friday, Nov. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
FBC--Belk Bowl Preview Capsule

By The Associated Press Dec. 30, 2019 04:07 PM EST

Virginia Tech quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) is hit by Virginia linebacker Noah Taylor (14) as he throws the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game between Virginia Tech and Virginia in Charlottesville, Va., Friday, Nov. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Perkins, late FG lift Virginia past No. 23 Hokies, 39-30

By Hank Kurz Jr. Nov. 29, 2019 03:59 PM EST

Virginia Tech quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) recast after scoring a touchdown on a short run in the first half of an NCAA football game against the Georgia Tech Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Panthers, No. 25 Hokies meet in key ACC division battle

By The Associated Press Nov. 21, 2019 06:12 PM EST

Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman (12) is sacked by Virginia Tech defender Jarrod Hewitt (5) in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Blacksburg, Va. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP)
Hendon Hooker, Hokies beat No. 22 Wake Forest 36-17

By Jimmy Robertson Nov. 09, 2019 07:01 PM EST

LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (22) dives over Alabama's Raekwon Davis (99) and Markail Benton (36) to score a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
No. 1 LSU holds off No. 2 Alabama 46-41

By The Associated Press Nov. 09, 2019 05:23 PM EST

Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book (12) throws a pass in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Kelly, No.16 Notre Dame facing red-hot Virginia Tech

By John Fineran Nov. 01, 2019 01:10 PM EDT

Rhode Island players Kyle Murphy (74) and Nick Correia (75) celebrate a field goal in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Blacksburg Va., Saturday, Oct. 12 2019. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP)
Hooker's 3 TD passes lead Hokies past Rhode Island, 34-17

By Hank Kurz Jr. Oct. 12, 2019 07:30 PM EDT

Virginia defensive back Caleb Farley (3) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Miami, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Hokies waste huge lead, then rally to top Miami 42-35

By Tim Reynolds Oct. 05, 2019 07:36 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2018, file photo, Marshall head coach Doc Holliday argues a call during an NCAA college football game against Charlotte, in Huntington, W.Va. Marshall is getting a $300,000 for playing at Virginia Tech on Saturday, but Thundering Herd coach Doc Holliday says the bigger payday is more intangible. (Sholten Singer/The Herald-Dispatch via AP, File)
Marshall eager to play Virginia Tech in 'Blacksburg Bowl'

By Hank Kurz Jr. Nov. 30, 2018 10:27 AM EST