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It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t crisp, but it was a much-needed victory. Those were my thoughts as I was walking out of an electric Lane Stadium last night, listening to the echoes of “Let’s Go… Hokies” echo throughout the underneath concourse. This was a game the Hokies could not afford to lose. USC, Boise State, Alabama… sure those losses were tough but none of them put the Hokies at a disadvantage in their own conference. This one, however, would have.
Let’s face it, whoever won this game has about a 90-percent chance of being the team that represents the Coastal Division in Charlotte this December. We all know the statistic; the winner of this game has gone on to play in the ACC Championship game every year since the ACC first installed a Championship game in 2005. This one was crucial and with 44 seconds left in regulation, Georgia Tech appeared to have this game well in hand.
But, the Hokies marched down the field thanks to a big catch by Corey Fuller on 1st and 10. Cody Journell was able to redeem his earlier missed 38 yard opportunity and just like that, we’re headed to our first ever overtime game in Lane Stadium history. In overtime, Kyle Fuller was able to pick off Tevin Washington on a 3rd down pass play. All the Hokies needed was a field goal, which they got after a few failed Logandozer attempts up the middle at the one yard line. Just like that, the Hokies had come back to win the game after Georgia Tech had us bleeding and on the ropes with 44 seconds remaining.
Unlike a few past seasons, starting this year out 1-0 is sweet and it came at the expense of a division rival. As it stands, the Hokies and the Miami Hurricanes are tied atop the Coastal Division at 1-0. Miami beat BC on Saturday to give them a bit of a leg up in conference as well.
Now, the Hokies will have four straight out of conference opponents before facing North Carolina down in Chapel Hill on October 6th. With Tech’s offensive ineptitude for two quarters, the Hokies will need to use those 16 quarters wisely.
Logan Thomas 4th Quarter Heroics
All in all, Logan had a rough first outing. His final numbers were 21-38 for 230 yards and two touchdowns. But, the real story behind those numbers were very 1st and 4th quarter heavy. He was borderline awful in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. But when it mattered, the real Logan Thomas stood up and went 9-12 for 140 yards in the 4th quarter.
This was his third come from behind in the 4th quarter victory. He did it against ECU and Miami last season and now Georgia Tech this season. When it mattered, Logan Thomas was at his best.
Running Backs Need Work
I really didn’t know what the title this part of the article because our running backs didn’t play horribly last night. They just lacked any explosive plays. Some of that praise needs to be attributed to the Georgia Tech defense though. Although, Al Groh has a lifetime 1-11 record against Frank Beamer now, he certainly new how to attack our offense, even with a few starters out due to suspensions and injuries.
Michael Holmes led all rushers with 54 yards on 13 carries. Those aren’t horrible numbers and in a way, I think Holmes is a running back that gets better with reps. By the 4th quarter, he seemed dialed in. Hopefully, we can give him some more carries against Austin Peay so he can improve his confidence a bit.
J.C. Coleman was electric but at times, especially on that one pitch in the 4th quarter. He’s shifty, he’s smooth, and he’s going to bust a few big plays this year. But, Coleman isn’t the type of running back you can give 20 carries to in a game. He’s just not consistent enough yet. Plus, he’s more of a change of pace guy that can use his speed to take the defense by surprise.
I do like our stable of backs this year but they just need reps.
Offensive Line Lives Up To Expectations
You really have to give our offensive line a lot of credit last night. Minus one missed assignment by Michael Via, who started at right guard, the line as a whole played very well. Thomas had plenty of time to throw and our line did manage to open up a few holes for our running backs. Honestly, I think you have to be very pleased with this group through one game.
A Fuller Family Affair
Vincent Fuller was in town last night and was honored after the first quarter for his excellence at Virginia Tech and in the NFL. So, it was only natural that both Corey and Kyle Fuller make two very crucial plays in this game. We’ll start with Corey. With Marcus Davis and D.J. Coles limited by injuries, Corey came through with a five reception, 82 yard performance including a clutch 22 yard reception on that final drive in the 4th quarter. Overall, Corey looked like our best receiver last night, matching Marcus Davis in yards (Davis had six catches though).
On defense, Kyle was his usual sure-tackling self until overtime. On a 3rd and six from the Virginia Tech 10 yard line, Tevin Washington heaved up a wounded duck to the corner of the endzone where Fuller came down with the interception. That was the only turnover of the night and it all but sealed a Virginia Tech victory.
Where do we go from here?
I’m a huge advocate of taking the season one game at a time. It’s easy to get excited about Clemson or FSU down the road but none of that matters if we poop the bed against Austin Peay. So, focusing on this week’s opponent is top priority. Let’s worry about other opponents when they appear on our schedule.
Obviously, Austin Peay shouldn’t be able to matchup with us on Saturday but we’ve seen this short week affect us before. So, hopefully our guys come ready to play on Saturday and we can mop the floor with Austin Peay. I would love for a lot of younger players to see 20-30 snaps on Saturday. We need to get those guys some experience.
After last night’s heroics though, I truly feel like anything is possible this season.
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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Not to argue with you, but I really think that Vinston Painter missed the assignment last night and not Michael Via that led to Logan getting pummeled. Even the Commentators said that Vinston went to the outside instead of looking inside first. Matter of fact they made reference to the quickest way to get from point A to point B is a straight line, so you have to take away the inside blitzer first. Either way, I was pleasantly surprised with the O Line. How many guys saw action on the O line anyway? Brent Benedict didn’t even get in the game and I didn’t see much of a rotation of guys there.
However, the D line, just wow! I really think that teams are going to have a very rough, tough time running against this D. I would go as far as saying that the pass defense is the weak link on this defense.
Also, I read that Deon Clarke played last night. Did he actually play on defense or was it special teams or something? There goes his redshirt either way.
Any word on injuries i.e. Marcus Davis and DJ Coles? The commentators were very rough on Marcus Davis last night for his drops and also said he is known among the NFL scouts as taking plays off. Have you heard that? I had not heard that until last night.
This was a crazy win and glad to see that VT was able to persevere through sub-par play to get the W. Let’s go Hokies!!!
You may actually be right on the missed assignment. I haven’t rewatched the game but I just remember yelling at Via in the heat of the moment. Normally, the right guard is responsible for the gap but it did look like four of our linemen blocked left while Painter when to the outside. It left that gap open and Logan took the sack. I’ll have to go back and rewatch that play.
As for injuries, I haven’t heard anything this morning. Davis and Coles both returned after their injuries.
As for Coles, I never saw him in the game at LB so if he did play it was on special teams.
So many things I’m feeling today as I digest the game.
Good Feelings: The Fuller Family, Demitri Knowles, Kyshoen Jarrett, Luther Maddy, Jack Tyler
Mixed Reviews: Antone Exum, Bruce Taylor, JGW, LT3, AJ Hughes, Cody Journell, Marcus Davis
0% Fresh: Mike O’Cain and Bryan Stinespring
I was equally impressed and surprised by Corey Fuller. What a game he had from the big time catches, YAC, and falling on that fumble by Marcus Davis. Very pleased. Kyle had his usual great game save that one play in the 1st quarter. Demitri Knowles, what a way to record your first collegiate catch! While being interfered with, no less. Kyshoen Jarrett had a great night as well. He is small but can sure lay the wood. Solid tackling from him all night. My only request is that after you make a big play, act like you’ve done it before. Luther Maddy did WORK in the trenches last night; Hokienation can be excited about his bright future. Lots of praise for Jack Tyler as the man was a tackling machine. 17 tackles, to be exact! He wasn’t great in pass coverage but he eats up the run like I take down Shrimp Scampi.
Exum couldn’t shed blocks to save his life last night. Yeah, he broke up that pass, but everytime a receiver blocked him, he just absorbed it and watched the running back fly by. Gotta work on that. Bruce Taylor, what can I say. Inspirational, motivator, but he is slow. That can hurt. JGW played pretty well and I jumped out off my couch and probably woke the neighbors when he put a world of hurt on Tevin Washington with that hit as he threw. LT3, I’m hoping the 2nd and 3rd quarters are out of your system and you play the like man possessed you did in the 4th. AJ Hughes, I’m mostly pleased with you. Yeah, you’re mostly responsible for the field position that led to 7 GT points, but last year, you were playing High School football and I don’t even think you’re on scholarship. Good work, but work on the hangtime.
Lastly, WTF are Mike O’Cain and Bryan Stinespring doing up there in the coaches box?!?! Two people couldn’t look more confused. Embarassing. Pathetic. Sad. Seriously, O’Cain, get over yourself and the bubble screen, man! Especially when Holmes starts doing work up the middle. I don’t have words to elicit my anger/frustration. The playcalling in this game was atrocious and explains the sleepfest that was quarters 2 & 3. Holy cow. And don’t even get me started on throwing back to back passes to Ryan Malleck with 30 seconds left 3 yards away from the line of scrimmage. Seriously, WTF IS THAT? I realize Frank Beamer will never do anything about this problem that has plagued the offense since the beginning of time, but I can’t help but cry about it.
Sorry if I got too animated and most people probably already stopped reading this novel, but I needed to vent. Thanks for your site, Justin. You do a great job. Go Hokies.
JP
I thought the play calling was actually very good last night. My only critique is that we may have used too many different formations, which I believe negatively impacts a QB’s timing and footwork.
Let’s stop with the Offensive Coordinator bashing. Remember, LT is being sent to the line of scrimmage with several play options. It’s his responsibility to pick the right one based on what he is seeing. He should have optioned out of the WR screens when he saw the DBs playing press coverage. He should have not threw the ball on those short outs to Malleck. The 3-4 look may have disguised things from him a bit. The “uptempo” pace may have made him feel like he had to rush the snap. Whatever the case, I feel like LT made a few bad reads. Of course, he made the right ones when the game was on the line and that is was great QB’s do. But seriously, I’ve found no reason to bash the play calling, and in fact, I thought that was the most progressive offensive game I’ve EVER seen VT play.
I tried to mention this on a ESPN blog and got laughed out of the blog by fellow Hokie fans. I’m not crazy I saw DJ Coles on the field in the 4th quarter he was limping even after the commentators said he was done for the night. And what’s up with Dyrell Roberts is he a Deep threat or just a possession receiver? I thought he was a burner with good hands, but last night I’m kind of worried about his production, because he didn’t demonstrate to have the hands to catch passes like Boykins or Coale.
DJ Coles did go back in the game. I noticed that myself and he did look gimpy.
For some reason I said to myself before the game that I felt like we would hold them to under 200 yards rushing AND we did!!! I know that sounds crazy to think but I really do think we have a top 5 DL in the country; fsu, alabama, VT, lsu and not necessarily in that order.
What I didn’t expect was Logan being that off BUT I think it is important to realize what we lost on offense. All things considered I thought the offense looked ok; especially holmes, JC, and fuller. The OL did awesome for a first game I thought!
If we are going to use the Pistol, then LET’S USE IT! AND I think we need to run more seam routes with the TE up the middle; that’s basically what gave us our first TD.
Anyway, I think we have a TON of potential and I hope teams underestimate us for the rest of the year. I’m going to go ahead and say it; if LT gets right with the receivers, the secondary holds up, and special teams become just a little bit more special then I actually think we could win the National Championship….this year AND espcially next year if LT comes back!!!
BUT….one game at a time….one game at a time
GO HOKIES!!!
The way that we played last night I would have to say that our defensive line is really really good. They showed us the run support aspect of their game, and I am really excited to see more James Gayle and the pass rush ability. I would consider us significantly more complete of a line than FSU, especially without Jenkins, and every other line in the country. It is just hard to say that we are better.
Randall Dunn needs to be our TE. Nothing against Malleck but i was not impressed with his pass cathing ability or route running.
Dunn can’t block. A TE who can’t block is a TE who doesn’t play.
Dunn is a threat in the passing game malleck might be able to block but he offers nothing outside of that. Martin is a much better option.
Malleck is our most well rounded TE. He is a better receiver than Martin and a better blocker than Dunn. Also, he is a SO so I would much rather him get the snaps; plus Frank rarely plays underclassmen over 2 seniors, so that tells you he’s our best option.
And you know this because you are at all the practices? Martin is a way better blocker and Dunn is a wayy better reciever. Malleck showed nothing great against GT blocking or recieving.
Honestly, Martin is a better redzone option where as Malleck is a little better between the 20s. But, I have been impressed with Martin’s improvement in the passing game. The more he can give us in that aspect of the game the better we’ll be.
I am so happy. I was really nervous heading into that game, but now we got our 1st win of the seasons and we have a few weeks to get healthy and sure up some troublesome areas. This game really showed us where we need to improve (except our secondary wasn’t to tested). Now that the players have shaken the rust and have got back in the swing of things we should look even better. I am pretty excited moving forward. A few questions, what happened on the first fg attempt, did gresh lose his helmet? When will Edwards be back? Why didn’t benedict or scales play? Did anyone get hurt? Were any recruits at the game? Do the fullers have anymore kids after Kendall? Who played on the O-line?
Shaaaakey but a win. Some career games in spite of the lackluster performance. Defensively, K. Jarrett, Govia Winslow and probably L. Maddy had great and maybe even career games. Good games from T. Wilson, K. Fuller and Jack Tyler. We got what we expected from the Hopkins brothers, J Gayle and JR Collins. Two guys that had their ups and downs because of new positions were B Taylor (he was lost on 3&4 downs!) and D. Bonner who missed some tackles and looked a bit lost on occasions. Offensively, the OL gets a C – C+, when it all said and done Miller and Wang should grade out the best. M. Via was beat quite a bit but we did not see B. Benedict…not sure why, unless I missed it? A career game from C Fuller and of course D Knowles, but M. Davis has to pick up his intensity. At RB, M. Holmes was mostly a disappointment…13 carries and 54 yards is misleading, there were 24 negative yards and 20 yds. were from 4 plays in a row were he just could not get his feet going? He had less than 3 yards per carry in reality. JC Coleman averaged over 6 yards a carry so look for more of a 50/50 split of carries as the year progresses. JC is just a better RB…More talent, quicker feet and a tough SOB. As for the coaching, Bud did a very good job other than not dialing up the blitz on 4th and 6 at the 330 mark? B. Taylor was in no man’s land and should have brought the pressure instead of watching for 6 seconds Washington run around. The play calling was better than usual I just did not like the fact we did not use JC more in space or attack the middle like we did in the last series of regulation. We have a lot of work to do in working the pistol F. Beamer looked a little out of touch in the last 130 of regulation. Coaching 101, when a team has a known # of plays left in the game..1st and goal inside the 10 yard line with an eternity left 130! Got to call a least 1 time out there. He did say later in an interview that he wished he had but that was almost a HUGE blunder on his part….We get the ball back with a minute left and we would have had a couple of shots at the end zone in regulation!
Miller did not play well; he lost leverage on a few runs and was blown up on at least one pass protection. Holmes played very well on his small amount of carries. No freaking clue what you’re talking about with the negative yardage; that was attributed to JSG and AJ’s bad exchange. Holmes absolutely averaged that 4.2 YPC. He is without a doubt our best option as an every down back.
You have to cut Miller some slack, he had to block a guy that was 6’7″ and 360 pounds.
The great thing about the win on Monday is now there is so much less pressure on our kids now. We get three tune up games Austin Peay, Pitt, and Bowling Green before Cindy and the acc. I feel the offense will light up Austin Peay and the defense is going to hurt there rb’s qb’s, anything that moves. This win is so huge no matter how ugly. It’s better to win ugly then lose pretty, aka the sugar bowl. If this defense can stay healthy, and the offense can score at least 20 points, sky is the limit.