Normally, I have my thoughts scribbled out a day or two after a game, which are then translated (after much head scratching over my illegible handwriting) into a blog that I post both here and on my vt.fanfoc.us blog. However, because the Hokies had this weekend off, I thought I would give myself a little more time to reflect back on the game against Duke.

I sat down this morning and spent a couple of hours breaking down the game tape, pausing and replaying most of Tech’s offensive plays with Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon under center. Overall, it was an impressive win against a team that has shown a great deal of improvement this season. This was the first game that Duke was never really in it.

Tech moved the ball well during its first two drives, but both stalled deep inside Duke territory leaving the Hokies with a pair of Jud Dunlevy field goals. However, the offense finally pulled the trigger in on their third offensive possession when Taylor hooked up with Josh Morgan for a 19-yard touchdown. Of course, it was 3-play, 23-yard drive after Tech recovered a muffed kickoff return. The Hokies scored on three consecutive drives for only the second time this season; the first time against a I-A team (they scored on three straight drives twice against William & Mary).

Before Taylor left the game with a bum ankle, he was 5-of-7 for 88 yards with 1 touchdown pass, and 15 yards rushing. I think he was well on his way to having a great game. The only thing that slowed the Hokies down offensively was the rushing game, which despite the return of Ed Wang to the offensive line, they still have a tough time opening holes and picking up blitzes. The Hokies gained just 99 yards on the ground for an average of 2.2 yards a carry.

Duke is a much improved team, but Tech’s strength over the years has been its running game and after watching the o-line closely in this game, it is clear that they are getting pushed around most of the time on running plays, constantly getting pushed back behind the line of scrimmage. This isn’t a blocking scheme problem, this is about guys who have not been prepared to play offensive line in the ACC. The front line averages more than 300 pounds and 6ft. 4inches tall, frequently dwarfing their defensive counterparts. They have the strength and the size to be dominant, but it seems to me that they lack the proper preparation.

However, they have done a decent job when it comes to pass protection. Tyrod and Glennon combined to go 20-for-31 for 346 yards and three passing touchdowns.

With regards to Sean Glennon’s impressive performance, I still can’t quite put my finger on where it came from. It was clear to me that he was seeing downfield better than he probably ever has; and he seemed to read the defenses pretty well. So, what changed between his benching and Saturday’s game against Duke? Who knows for sure, but theory is that the offense had developed some confidence with Tyrod Taylor in the game and that confidence translated to Glennon when he stepped in.

Additionally, I think being on the bench for five weeks and being able to focus on the game film sessions without the nerves of being a started helped Glennon get his game under control. Those, again, are just my theories. Regardless of the reasoning behind his vastly improved game, he played a hell of a game, one of the best of his Hokie career.

The question now is, can he do it again against Boston College? Well, I doubt it. Not because he isn’t cable (though I have my suspicions), but BC’s defense is damn good. Their safety, Jamie Silva leads the ACC in interceptions (5). Whether it is Tyrod or Sean, the Hokies will need to be aware of Silva at all times.

Unlike the Clemson game, I feel good about the Boston College game. It is the same old song and dance for the Hokies during the last couple of a seasons: hope the defense plays their A game and that the offense does just enough to not lose the game. I’m nervous as hell about Thursday night, but I still like our chances.