Reviewing the Justin Fuente era at Virginia Tech

With their win over Duke, the Virginia Tech Hokies sit at 7-2 and are on the verge of going to the ACC Championship. Experts and fans agree that head coach Justin Fuente has exceeded expectations in his first year with the program.

Despite a disappointing start to the season, Virginia Tech's offense came together and has been performing at a high level. In fact, Tech's win over Duke was the first game all season where Evans failed to throw a touchdown.

Now ranked No. 14 in the CFP Poll, the Hokies find themselves in a position to appear on the national spotlight. Should they reach the ACC Championship as expected, Virginia Tech could cause a shake-up in college football with an upset over Clemson or Louisville.

The Hokies' success this season didn't happen overnight, contrary to what people may think. Fuente implemented a new offensive system with quarterback Jerod Evans, which took much adjustment during the offseason. From bringing Evans into the program to making changes during the season, it has been an eventful year for Virginia Tech.

A look at Virginia Tech's campus and student life

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, commonly referred to as Virginia Tech, is the third-largest university in the commonwealth of Virginia. Home to over 30,000 students, the institution prides itself in its dedication to service through its motto, “Ut Prosim.”

Throughout its history, Virginia Tech has been notorious for its commitment to service, the Corps of Cadets, its world-renowned engineering program and, in recent decades, its football program. With hundreds of clubs, organizations and activities, the student body has much to do outside of the classroom.

Virginia Tech’s campus consists of many iconic buildings and memorials. The Pylons, located in front of Torgersen Hall, evoke the university’s eight core values and dedicate the cenotaph to the seven alumni who have received the Medal of Honor. Other key buildings on campus include Burruss Hall, War Memorial Chapel and Lane Stadium.

As a former military institution, Virginia Tech is a unique civilian-military community with the Corps of Cadets. The Corps consists of over 1,000 students studying leadership in Army ROTC, Navy ROTC, Air Force ROTC and its unique Citizen-Leader Track.

When it comes to sports, Blacksburg has a rich tradition in college football. The Virginia Tech Hokies boast the nation’s longest active bowl streak with 23 consecutive postseason appearances. When looking for a packed football stadium in southwest Virginia, look no further than Lane Stadium. Holding over 66,000 fans every home game, the Hokie Nation knows how to celebrate on Gameday.

Virginia Tech campus shows the meaning of 'Ut Prosim'

Founded in 1872, Virginia Tech is home to over 30,000 Hokies who live out the motto "Ut Prosim" every day. From Lane Stadium to the Pylons, the university's campus exemplifies the meaning of service and community.

Torgersen Hall is considered the flagship building of Virginia Tech's engineering program.

The Classroom Building located on West Campus Drive is Virginia Tech's newest academic building, and is LEED certified.

Built in 2013, Lane Stadium's video board is among the biggest in college football.

32 Hokie Stones in front of Burruss Hall are dedicated in honor and memory of the 32 members of the Hokie community who lost their lives on April 16, 2007.

The Pylons evoke Virginia Tech's core values. This Pylon represents Service.

Burruss Hall, the university's main administrative building, overlooks the Drillfield.

Virginia Tech holds a number of quads that on-campus students call home.

The cenotaph at the Pylons displays the names of the seven Virginia Tech alumni who have received the Medal of Honor.