Immediate Impressions: Maryland Game
Maryland came in to last nights game with Virginia Tech as the most schizophrenic team in the ACC. However upon watching the match up, its Hokie fans who might have been wondering if someone stole their team’s personality. The offense was not only productive, but creative at times, while the offensive line was dominant and complimented by a running back who absolutely turned it loose.
Here are my off-the-cuff thoughts on last nights game.
First off let me tell you that I was watching in a sports bar and despite the fact that it was full of Hokies wearing Virginia Tech jerseys and apparel, they did not have the sound on. So my observations are not influenced by any of what Kirk, Jesse, Craig, or Erin from ESPN said. Plus I couldn’t hear any interviews. Also, I am very jealous of all of you at the game, because even though I had two tickets to the game, i couldn’t make it. The atmosphere looks great at Lane.
My thoughts:
- What was Maryland thinking defensively? Why would you let a team with 2 injured QBs, all freshman WRs, who hasn’t throwing the ball all year have a record night running the ball? I was shocked that the Terps did not force the issue with the Hokies by stacking the box and making Glennon throw to move the ball.
- Dyrel Roberts, for all his growing pains at WR, sure looks solid as a kick returner. In only a few games, you get the feeling during each of his returns that his smooth, silky stride has big play potential.
- My buddy towards the end of the first half made the comment “Darryl Evans is going to rush for 200 yards tonight”. As I mentioned, not only do I think the Terps messed up game plan wise, but they just looked smallish and out physical-led in this game. Virginia Tech’s o-line was in a groove, and DE was the perfect kind of back for an opponent that is less physical than you.
- Boone at QB, how exciting was that? Just the fact that our offense had a wrinkle (any wrinkle!!) was cause for celebration. And while Boone mostly stuck to runs (shoot, he gets 4 yards just falling forward), we all know there are some play-action throws in that scheme. Definitely something to look forward to.
- The “Boone as Tim Tebow” aspect of the offense also give opponents one more thing to worry about. One more thing to study, one more thing to coach, one more thing to teach, and something that takes time away from some other prep.
- It looks like the punting game is going to be our worry-wort this year. Its killing us. But as I’ve posted many times, I love having a clutch field goal kicker (a shaky kicker is a REAL pain to deal with).
So let’s sit back this weekend, watch the rest of the league beat each other up, and get ready for Miami!!
What are your thoughts on the game???
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Comments
The Hokie offensive line outweighed the Terps defensive line by over 50 lbs. Something had to give there.
Does your friend know that THIS is Darryl Evans? LOL(http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=32942)
My favorite part of the game besides the Brett Warren hit was watching Evans steamroll the defense (http://vt.fanfoc.us/en/Post.5845.aspx). I haven’t seen a back in college football run with more power since Adrien Peterson. If he couldn’t run around him, he sure as hell went through them. He was quoted as saying “They didn’t want to hit us after a while. They were coming up a little timid. A good example of that is No. 1, I seen it in his eyes, he didn’t want to hit me.”
If he keeps that attitude up we are gonna see a first round draft pick grow right before our eyes.
My favorite moment was the Brett Warren hit on Heward-Bey(sp?). That was big!!!
Ash