Much like the shocking last second loss to Boston College at the hands of Matt Ryan last year, yesterday's win over Nebraska feels like it will take a few days to really sink in. The Hokies stole that win, plain and simple, and the elation of the final 1:53 for me is damped by the sense of impending doom that is the rest of the season if Virginia Tech continues to play like it did during the 58:17 before that. What the Hokies accomplished yesterday will be a classic Lane Stadium memory we will cherish a long time. I'm ecstatic about it. But there's an anxiousness that keeping me from fully enjoying it.
What more can be said about the Hokie football offensive ineptitude? I feel like I've beaten this horse to death.
First, I was quick to warn that the gaudy offensive numbers against Marshallshould not be mistaken for smooth sailing ahead (BTW Bowling Green put up 394 yards on Marshall this week, granted only 10 points). Against Nebraska, all of our old friends (aka offensive struggles) were back, and frankly the only thing new to me was the amount of attention (and ridicule) it got from the announcers. Though I can understand if some consider yesterday's performance by Bryan Stinespring's group "rock bottom" (10 first downs, 195 yards until the last drive).
Case in point, I got an email via blackberry from a close friend and die-hard Hokie supporter during the inept 3rd quarter of yesterday's game. This individual is almost always postive about Hokie football, but his email made it clear that he was (and I quote) "done supporting this program until the offensive coaching leaders change". I think that may be where we are with the Hokie Nation - even the most dedicated of followers have had enough.
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Honestly, I'm tired of blog posts on Hokie offensive struggles. But I will point out more supporting evidence from yesterday's game (its amazing that each one does bring something new).
- I've never fully blamed our problems on play calling, but yesterday I paid hard attention to VT's play sequence. Conclusion: our offense has no identity. Its impossible to tell what our strengths are and what our foundation is. Early on - 1st quarter primary - it was all Ryan Williams runs. Almost like someone playing a video game, running a play over and over (and granted it was mostly working). But these runs never seem to establish anything else, play-action, deep threats, anything you'd normally set-up with successful runs. Later in the game, BS seemed to completely go to a throw first sequence, totally negating everything established early on.
- Tyrod Taylor looks horrible. I feel awful for the kid because he's way better than he's played. Ironically, he was best yesterday at the end when by his own admission hes was calling his own plays, and then running around just making things happen. I know Tyrod is a talented QB. He's won plenty of games for VT. I've seem him make countless plays on sheer talent against good teams. This year, he just doesn't look confident, throwing or running.
- I'm pretty sure I saw a 3 and out yesterday where 3 different Hokie running backs carried the ball on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd down. I've never seen any team do that before.
- What does Greg Boone add to this offense? I don't like to call any Hokie player out, but has there ever been a more over-hyped player (which really isn't his fault)?
- My jaw almost dropped when the Hokies came out in shotgun formation at the 3 yard line following Danny Coale's long reception in the final minutes. Maybe someone can explain it to me, but I don't think I've ever seen something more stupid. I remember making a mental note on Ryan Williams 1st quarter TD run that we finally had a sure thing RB like Lee Suggs used to be who could pound it in the end zone with assurance. Then when we need it most, we go QB draw, which hasn't worked all year. I don't understand the 'not enough time argument' either - if anything 3 running plays would have left Nebraska with no time left after a winning TD.
- Speaking of Danny Coale, I'm thoroughly impressed by him. Seems like when Roberts, Boykins, or Boyce makes a reception, its a major accomplishment for our offense. Coale is the opposite, you just expect him to make a catch. Wish we took advantage more.
A few comments on the defense: they aren't getting enough credit. Many are seeing big runs, yards, and points and concluding this group isn't up to snuff (or at least Foster's normal level). I disagree. Its a young group, especially at linebacker which means you'll get some bad angles, and thus the occassional long running play.
Though Foster is trying, I also don't see this defensive line being good enough right now to pressure QBs on their own (without blitzing). But given how much they are on the field, and the level of offenses they've played, I'm satisfied with this group and think they will only get better.
That was a great moment yesterday in Lane. It still hasn't sunk in. But given how Miami has looked so far this year, I suspect we have an anxious week in front of us. What do you think??
Go Hokies!!
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