10 teams that will take the next step after big win in bowl game

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines prepares to take the field with his team prior to a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

5 of 10

BLACKSBURG, VA NOVEMBER 18: Virginia Tech quarterback Josh Jackson (17) prepares to throw a pass from the pocket during a game between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Pittsburgh Panthers on November 18, 2017 at Lane Stadium on Worsham Field in Blacksburg, VA. (Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

6. Virginia Tech

9-3 (5-3)

Camping World Bowl: Hokies vs. Oklahoma State, Thursday, Dec. 28

Like Texas, Virginia Tech is an underdog in its upcoming bowl game. The Hokies are currently listed as a 4.5-point dog to another Big 12 squad: Oklahoma State. And, as with the Longhorns, a victory wouldn’t be a huge surprise – and an upset would set the stage for higher expectations in 2018.

Virginia Tech won nine games in Justin Fuente’s second season in Blacksburg, and unless something unexpected happens to lure him away after bowl season, it appears the Hokies were able to avoid another program poaching the talented head coach. It’s also highly likely defensive coordinator Bud Foster will be back for his 24^th season with the program – which is great news for an outstanding Top 15 unit that must replace four senior starters, and potentially highly talented junior linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who could be a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Foster is sure to have the Hokies humming along on defense again in 2018, and the Virginia Tech offense should also be in good hands with the return of as many as seven starters on offense. Most importantly, freshman quarterback Josh Jackson is expected to return after completing a solid 60.3 percent of his passes for 2,743 yards and 19 touchdowns with eight interceptions, as well as 274 rushing yards and four TDs on the ground.

Jackson will miss top receiver Sam Phillips when he graduates, as well as leading rusher Travon McMillian, who will transfer, not to mention three starters on the offensive line. However, Jackson will likely have the majority of his receiving corps back, plus Deshawn McClease and hopefully a healthy Steven Peoples at running back in order to make a run at the ACC Coastal.

Home/College Football