Going into the season, the defensive line was considered one of the more experienced groups on Virginia Tech's defense. A unit that returned three starters, led by senior defensive tackle Ricky Walker (6-2, 300, r-Sr.) along with junior defensive end Houshun Gaines (6-3, 235, r-Jr.). Unfortunately, another one of those returning starters was junior defensive end Trevon Hill, who was recently dismissed from the football team. Even with the recent change on the defensive line, they didn't seem to miss a beat in their performance on the road against then-No. 22 Duke.