This series takes an early look at the teams on Virginia Tech’s 2024 schedule. It will run up to the ACC's media days in late July.
Vanderbilt
• When: Aug. 31 at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. (noon ET, 11 a.m. local time/ESPN)
• Last year’s record: 2-10, 0-8 SEC (7th in East)
• Coach: Clark Lea, 9-27 in three years at Vanderbilt
• 2024 SP+ ranking: 97th
Last meeting
The Hokies won 18-0 in a 1989 matchup in Blacksburg. Freshman kicker Mickey Thomas, from nearby Dublin, connected on all six of his field goal attempts to account for all the scoring in Tech’s shutout win. The mark is still an NCAA record for most field goals made in a game by a freshman and remains tied for the school record Joey Slye matched against Pitt in 2016. The Hokies forced four turnovers and held the Commodores to 146 yards of total offense. Defensive tackle Scott Hill led the way with three tackles for a loss. Tech improved to 5-3-1 with the win.
The big picture
This might be a do-or-die season for Lea, who made changes on both sides of the ball after losing 10 straight to finish the 2023 season, bringing in New Mexico State offensive coordinator Tim Beck to run the offense and taking over defensive coordinator duties himself.