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Box Score | Highlights

OK Hokie fans, I’ve finally caught up on all the articles, game film and editing. I’m not sure I can add much analysis regarding the North Carolina game that you haven’t already heard or read, but for archival purposes and to acquiesce to my need to complete things – I will. But, I will keep this short.

Breaking Down the Offense

The first two and a half quarters were probably the worst I’ve ever seen the Hokies’ offense play. Just 80 yards in the first half and what was the most demoralizing aspect of the offense’s ineptness came when the defense recovered a fumble on the UNC 8 yard line and the offense managed to gain one yard on three plays before kicking a field goal. What more do you want Bud Foster’s defense to do? His squad all but scores a TD for you and you can only get a single yard? It was bad, folks, but if you saw the game, you already know that.

Thankfully, things turned around in the last quarter and a half. The Hokies went on a 17-0 run and the offense started moving the ball consistently. It was a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dismal offensive season. Despite the solid ending, the offense actually got worse statistically and is now ranked 112th out of 119 teams. And with a road game this weekend against undefeated Nebraska and its Black Shirt defense, it’s not looking very promising for Tech’s offense. They will need to play their best game of the season if they are going to score on the Huskers’ mamouth defense.

The good news is that the young receiving corps had a pretty good game; 12 catches for 141 yards. Now, that may not sound like a lot, but considering the team was averaging less than 100 per game in the first three contests, 141 is seriously a major improvement. A lot of those yards were big plays, too. The o-line also started opening some big holes and with Blake DeChristopher back at right tackle, the line could be back at full strength for the Nebraska game. They’ll need to be. And speaking of the o-line, they quietly had a very solid game giving up just one sack and three QB hurries. It was their best game in terms of protecting the QB.

One other note, the Hokies have only had one 100+ rushing yard performance this year … Tyrod Taylor’s 112 against Furman. That’s it.

Breaking Down the Defense

The defense gave up some big plays, but as they always do, they made some big plays, too. The defense sacked UNC QBs four times, intercepted them twice (both in the fourth quarter) and combined for nine tackles for loss. This was without question the best defensive performance of the season in terms of putting pressure on the quarterback. In addition to the four sacks, Tech’s defensive front recorded 12 QB hurries.

This defense is gelling quickly and it’s getting to the point where guys are rotating in and the defense isn’t missing a beat. Stephan Virgil continues to emerge as the next great defensive back for the Hokies as he picked off his second pass of the season. Macho Harris also got his first INT of the season. The d-line played very well, picking up where they left off against Georgia Tech.

Breaking Down the Special Teams

Not much to report here other than the fact that Dustin Keys kicked the game-winning field goal with about 10 minutes to play in the fourth quarter. Nothing spectacular until you realize that before he booted that 45-yarder for the win, his previous long of the season was 25 yards. The kid played well under pressure and made both of his FG attempts. He was also named the Virginia Tech Athlete of the Week for his efforts under pressure. Keys was also 2/2 on extra points.

What does it all mean, Basil?

Talk about a tale of two halves. I watched the first half of the game with my old man, but we missed the second half for my cousin’s wedding. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the final score … VT 20, UNC 17. I called my dad over and told him the score. We couldn’t believe it. Somehow, the Hokies found a way to win. Then, when I read the recap, I discovered that UNC’s starting QB, TJ Yates, left the game in the third quarter with a broken ankle that will keep him out for at least six weeks.

When he left, the score was 10-3. On the first play without him, UNC’s Greg Little busted loose for a 51-yard TD run to put the Heels up 17-3. From there, it was all downhill. Mike Paulus, the backup QB, threw two INTS and struggled with the Hokies pressure. Meanwhile, the Tech offense got fired up and did their part with two TDs, including a long scoring drive that was aided by a personal foul call against UNC and a pass interference call that moved Tech to the UNC 10 yard line. Darren Evans ran it in from there to cut the lead to 17-10.

So, while the offense did make some plays, UNC also self-destructed in a manner rarely seen. It was the second biggest comeback of Frank Beamer’s tenure at Tech. The bottom line is that the offense is showing signs of life, but still isn’t reliable. The defense has matured quickly and continues to improve. While it gave up a couple of home run plays, it buckled down for the most part and kept the Hokies in the game.

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