:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70020579/usa_today_16970094.0.jpg)
The Virginia Tech Hokies dropped to 3-3 on the season after Saturday’s ugly 28-7 loss to the Pitt Panthers. Sadly, it was a game in which Virginia Tech fans came in expecting to lose, and Lane Stadium looked nothing like it did the week before against Notre Dame.
Despite two consecutive losses and an ineffective offense, Virginia Tech still sits at 1-1 in ACC play, meaning it still has a shot in the ACC Coastal.
Don’t get your hopes up.
In addition to last week’s loss to Pittsburgh, the Hokies also lost a pair of key defenders in the loss. Redshirt freshman linebacker Dean Ferguson will miss the remainder of the season and undergo shoulder surgery.
Also, redshirt junior safety Devon Hunter injured his knee and is also lost for the season.
Justin Fuente is here speaking with reporters. He has some injury updates: Dean Ferguson (shoulder) and Devon Hunter (knee) are out for the season. #Hokies
— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) October 18, 2021
Ferguson appeared in five games and recorded five tackles. Hunter also appeared in five games, and he made seven tackles.
While neither are current starters, it does deal another blow to Tech’s already perilous depth. The injury to Hunter is especially difficult.
One of the top recruits in school history, Hunter’s time in Blacksburg hasn’t gone as many envisioned. However, he remains one of the most popular players and hardest workers on the team. Hunter missed the 2020 season due to an off-field incident, and head coach Justin Fuente brought him back in 2020 because of his respect for Hunter.
We wish both Devon and Dean speedy recoveries and a return to the field.