Despite what some might say, the sky isn't falling. Yes, Virginia Tech only made it to the Russell Athletic Bowl this season. However, that doesn't mean we're in line for the same thing next year. In last year's Russell Athletic Bowl (which was called the Champs Sports Bowl at the time), Florida State faced off against Notre Dame. The very next year, FSU tied a school record for wins with 12 and won the Orange Bowl. Notre Dame hasn’t lost since their trip to Orlando last December, and they are currently ranked #1 in the country.
Virginia Tech is going to return a very strong defense next season, and I think they'll be good from the very beginning. They'll return their kicker, punter, and all kick and punt returners. The big question mark, as usual, will be on the offensive side of the ball.