Virginia Tech Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

Nov 26, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies offensive lineman Augie Conte (72) and head coach Justin Fuente celebrate with the ACC Coastal Division Championship Trophy after beating the Virginia Cavaliers at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 26, 2015; Shreveport, LA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back Travon McMillian (34) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Finding consistency at running back

It’s not often a great sign if a team’s quarterback is its leading rusher. Sure, it can win a player a Heisman, such as it did for Lamar Jackson last season, but conference and national championship teams don’t often ride their QBs heavily in the running game over the course of a season.

Therefore, having a consistent option at running back is key. Travon McMillian looked like that option two years ago when he gained 1,043 rushing yards and scored seven touchdowns while earning third-team All-ACC honors as a redshirt freshman.

However, McMillian wasn’t consistent enough last year. He ran for 127 yards against Tennessee and gained 131 yards on the ground versus Miami, but averaged 37.5 yards per game against everyone else and only broke 40 yards in two other games – against North Carolina and Duke.

McMillian has All-ACC caliber talent, and has the inside track to be the team’s top ball carrier in 2017. Though Fuente isn’t likely to ask him to be a workhouse, the Hokies need someone capable of carrying the load for the Hokies on a week-to-week basis when called upon. If McMillian can’t, expect Deshawn McClease, Steven Peoples or D.J. Reid to have an opportunity to take over.

The Hokies failed to gain four yards per carry in eight different games last season, and despite the fact they were able to come away with wins in six of those contests, the 2017 squad probably won’t be as fortunate. Why? There’s no Jerod Evans to pull them out of the fire.

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