Virginia Tech continues streaks, readies for 2019Virginia Tech continues streaks, readies for 2019
Football

Virginia Tech continues streaks, readies for 2019

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VIRGINIA TECH CONTINUES STREAKS, READIES FOR 2019        
• Virginia Tech concluded the 2018 season by keeping a pair of the nation's most significant streaks intact.  
• Tech extended the nation's longest active bowl streak to 26 consecutive seasons, a mark that ranks as the third-longest in college football history.
 
NCAA RECORD BOOK - LONGEST BOWL STREAKS

StreakTeamYears
35Nebraska1969-2003
33Michigan1975-2007
26Virginia Tech1993-present
25Alabama1959-1983
24Florida State1991-2012

 
LONGEST ACTIVE POWER FIVE BOWL STREAKS

StreakTeamYear Began
26Virginia Tech1993
22Georgia1997
20Oklahoma1999
19LSU2000
17Wisconsin2002


THE GENESIS OF "BIG PLAY" TRE
• In 2018, freshman WR Tré Turner turned into a key target when the Hokies needed a "money play" - a play resulting in a first down or a touchdown - and he even got his first taste of BeamerBall against Virginia (11/23/18).
• After making an acrobatic, one-handed touchdown catch in the first quarter against UVA, Turner blocked his first career punt on the next UVA possession that was recovered in the end zone for a touchdown.
• Along with the blocked kick, Turner racked up 112 yards of offense (43 rushing, 69 receiving).
• His performance against UVA earned him the honor of wearing Frank Beamer's No. 25 vs. Marshall, where he turned in a career-high 99 receiving yards on three catches and a 45-yard TD reception.
• Of Turner's 25 career receptions, 17 have gone for a first down and three have been touchdowns.
• Turner's first eight catches of his career went for first downs.
• His 20.6 yards per reception finished third among FBS true freshmen in 2018:
 
FBS Leaders - Yards Per Catch, True Freshmen

PlayerYPC
1.Justyn Ross, Clemson21.7
2.Tré Turner, Virginia Tech20.6
3.Seth Williams, Auburn20.5
4.Jaylen Waddle, Alabama18.8
5.Chatarius Atwell, Louisville16.9


THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR THE #LPD  
• Despite boasting one of the youngest defensive units ever fielded by Bud Foster at Virginia Tech, a host of underclassmen proved their mettle for the Hokies in 2018.
• Sophomore LB Rayshard Ashby led all ACC underclassmen with 105 total tackles (57 solo), a mark tied as the second-best total in the league. He will enter the 2019 season tied as the league's top returning tackler. Ashby tied for second on Tech with 9.5 TFL.
 
2018 ACC LEADERS - TOTAL TACKLES 

TacklesPlayerYearSchool
107LB Ryan GuthrieSeniorSyracuse
105LB Rayshard AshbySoph.Virginia Tech
105LB Cole HolcombSeniorNorth Carolina
105LB Justin StmadJuniorWake Forest
104LB Germaine PrattSeniorNC State

 
• S Reggie Floyd will return for his senior season. He ranked second on the squad with 88 total tackles (56 solo) and 9.5 TFL.
• Even though he only started five contests, freshman LB Dax Hollifeld ranked fourth on Tech with 62 tackles (27 solo). He added 8.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, a FF and a FR.
• In total, the Hokies are anticipated to return 10 primary defensive starters, losing only DT Ricky Walker.
• Tech's top five tacklers from 2018 will all return in 2019.