I like Virginia Tech’s chances against undefeated and No. 2 ranked Boston College Thursday night, but I am honestly surprised, given the Hokies struggles on offense, that they opened as a 3-point favorite. There can be only one explanation for the line … Lane Stadium.

If this game were at Boston College, the Eagles would most certainly be favored. The only reason, in my mind, that the Hokies aren’t the dog in this game is because of the fans that will pack Lane Stadium Thursday night and make it damn near impossible for the Eagles to hear anything.

And it is no secret that the Hokies, particularly their defense, feed off of the crowd’s energy. I have seen many games at Lane over the last 15 years, but I can’t recall a game in which the Hokies defense responded more to the Hokie faithful than the 1999 demolishing of Syracuse. The Orangemen (at the time) were talking trash during the week before the game about how they were going to be the team that made redshirt freshman Michael Vick look like the freshman he truly was. Uh huh.

Tech proceeded to place its hand on the forhead of the Orangemen and kept them a safe distance away whilst they swung furiously, yet fruitlessly at the Hokies. Tech merely hopped and skipped its way to a 62-0 beatdown in the “Terror Dome.” I remember the crecendo of the crowd’s excitement building with each big sack, each interception, each bone crusching hit. And watching the defense build on the crowd noise to make even bigger plays. It was one of the most amazing home games I have ever seen in terms of a team feeding off of the crowd’s energy.

I hope that the Tech defense - and the fans - come to play Thursday night. The offense is in flux, especially with the quarterback situation being what it is, so I have a feeling that the defense will determine the outcome of this game. If they show up and play like they’ve been playing since the LSU game, then BC is likely in for a long night. But if they struggle, I am not so optimistic about our odds.

I do take solice in the knowledge that Tech is 13-2 (if memory serves correctly) on Thursday night ESPN football games. Of course, in the same breath, both of the those losses came against Boston College; once in 1995 at home and again last season at BC.

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.

Tech won the game. First and foremost the 15th ranked Hokies whipped the 22nd ranked Clemson Tigers, 41-23. It was certainly not the game Hokie fans expected. While most hoped for a win, I think any Tech fan that tells you they thought Beamer and the boys would hang 41 on the Tigers in Death Valley is lying.

Tech pounced all over the Tigers with great … no, check that … otherworldly special teams play. Tech’s punt and kickoff return teams gained 280 yards for the game including a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Macho Harris and an 82-yard punt return for a touchdown by Eddie Royal. Royal also had a 75-yard return for a TD called back because of a block in the back penalty. Bud Foster’s defense got the scoring started early in the first quarter with an interception returned for a score by D.J. Parker.

The offense was again a major disappointment and while I didn’t think it was possible, I think it actually got worse. The offense gained a paltry 219 yards - 118 of which came via the feet of freshman quarterback Tyrod Taylor, a.k.a. T-Mobile. I followed the TSL message boards and the Bryan Stinespring supporters that have vehemently defended the embattled OC for the last several years appeared to be A.W.O.L. Six games into the 2007 season and the offense isn’t improving. No gelling. No coming together. No signs of life.

T-Mobile accounted for more than half of Tech total offense with 118 yards rushing. He completed 7 of 14 for just 65 yards. The offense had the ball 13 times and went 3-and-out on five of those drives and another drive resulted in a safety for Clemson.

Tech’s defense was on the field for more than 32 minutes of the game and despite being completely gassed by the fourth quarter, they held on and gutted it out to preserve the win. Six of Tech’s drives took up less than two minutes. The longest offensive series for the Hokies was a six-play drive to begin the 3rd quarter that lasted 3:49.

So … who among us still thinks that the offense is starting to come together? If so, I would love to know what makes you so optimistic about the future of Tech’s offense.

I know what you are thinking … well, not really, but for the sake of this article, I am going to assume I know what you are thinking. You are thinking that I am all doom and gloom and that I can’t find anything positive to focus on. Not so fast my judgmental friends!

There is plenty to be excited about. First, the return of Beamerball! For the first time in Frank Beamer’s tenure as a head coach at Virginia Tech, the Hokies scored on both a punt return and a kickoff return. Add to that the interception returned for a score and you are talking about Beamerball at its absolute best.

The defense gave up a lot of yards (380), but while they bent at times, they didn’t break. Clemson was forced to go to the air because Tech’s run stopping held the Tigers to eight yards rushing. Clemson QB Cullen Harper attempted … seriously … 66 passes, a school record! He completed 38 of those 66 attempts for 372 yards. But it wasn’t like they were dissecting Bud’s defense. Tech gave up some big pass plays, but when it mattered, they held their ground and preserved the win. Oh, and they also managed a pair of interceptions, including a pick six.

Another reason to be optimistic is the fact that Tech players kept their heads in the game, even under a lot of pressure (which this game had a lot of) they didn’t commit any stupid personal foul penalties. There were plenty of opportunities because this was an extremely physical game featuring a plethora of hard hits (see the highlight video on my video page - coming soon!).

One last reason to feel optimistic … Tyrod Taylor has another start under his belt. He has another game tape to break down, learn from and improve. He has started his first game against a ranked ACC opponent. He took some nasty shots and got back up. He made chicken salad out of chicken … well, you get the point. Every game is a learning experience for T-Mobile and in this game, he did just enough to help the defense and special teams win the game. There is no doubt that T-Mobile will improve every game … unfortunately, I fear that he will improve at an exponentially greater rate than the rest of the offense. Again … I am not blaming the players; I am blaming the offensive game plan which has lacked creativity, flexibility and originality. Something has to give, but will it?

The famed brainiac and resident genius Albert Einstein said, “Insanity is doing the same thing again and expecting a different result.” That’s right. I just quoted Al and you probably know where I’m going with this.

I read Bill Roth’s latest “Roth Report” and while I agree with the “check engine light is ablaze” analogy used to describe Tech’s offense, I have to call “company man” on the rest of it. It’s not Bill’s fault - he works for the Man, so he can really criticize him too much.

Me, I don’t work for the man, so I don’t have to worry about losing my job like John Miller did after he criticized Peter Angelos’ management of the Baltimore Orioles. No, the problem with the Hokies offense isn’t “just one guy here” or “one guy there,” as Bill’s article would have you believe. No, the problem is much deeper than that. And yes, I know many of you are sick of hearing his name, but the problem, in all honesty, is the offensive coordinator.

Yes, Bryan Stinespring is why the offense isn’t working. While most offensive coordinators would adjust an offense that isn’t playing well, Coach Stinespring just keeps running the same schemes and plays hoping that it will eventually “click.” Instead of clicking, Stinespring has run this offense into the ground (for negative yardage) and it is now one of the worst offenses in the country in virtually every category.

It is beyond me, and most rational Tech fans, how you can have a quarterback like Tyrod Taylor, receivers like Morgan, Hyman, Royal and Harper, and a runningback like Branden Ore, but still have an offense that struggles against I-AA and sub par I-A teams. If it weren’t for our better than average defense and stellar special teams play, Tech could easily be 2-3 with losses to LSU, ECU and UNC.

I am honestly scared at what could happen in the other Death Valley Saturday night. The way Clemson has been playing and the way our offense has struggled, I have a difficult time trying to convince myself that things will fall into place in time for Clemson. In fact, I fear the only thing that will keep Tech in the game will be its defense and special teams.

Sure, Tyrod Taylor will show more signs of greatness, but it will be of his own making because the plays Stinespring is calling isn’t going to give T-Mobile much to work with. His biggest plays will come as a result of broken plays. Think about it, if you can’t move the ball against UNC … at home, what do you think your chances are (be realistic) of moving the ball against Clemson … in Death Valley?

Now, there are those blindly loyal fans out there who scoff at other Tech fans who dare to question the Tech coaches. These are the same people who believe that the government always has the people’s best interests in mind and we shouldn’t question their decisions because they know what’s best for us. Sorry, but I’m not a lemming.

I firmly believe that Tech’s offense will never realize its full potential until there is a change in game plan, which likely means a change in offensive coordinators. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening any time soon. I don’t know what it would take to get Stinespring out, maybe two straight years of having one of the worst offenses in the country? If so, Tech’s well on its way.

The scoreboard lies. Sure, 44-3 looks great, and I am not about to poo poo a win, even against a I-AA team. However, if you saw the game - watch the game here - you are probably a little concerned about the offense, which appeared to take a step back from the previous game against Ohio University.

The first two offensive drives stalled inside the Tribe’s red zone and Tech had to settle for field goals. The first drive saw the Hokies at the 12 yard line. The first play was a rush that resulted in a 3-yard loss. The next two plays were incomplete passes. With all due respect to William & Mary’s defensive line (which was giving up nearly 20-50 pounds to Tech’s o-line), there is no excuse for not being able to run the ball against a small, I-AA team.

Tech’s running game showed signs of life with a few big runs, but for the most part, the offensive line was unable to open many holes for the tailbacks. On the very next Tech possession, the Hokies got down to the Tribe 9 yard line. First and goal from the nine and Tech managed only four yards. Branden Ore ran up the middle for three yards on first down and then ran for a yard over the left guard on second down. On third down, Tech offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring called a pass play, but quarterback Tyrod Taylor had to hurry the play because of poor blocking up front.

This wasn’t East Carolina (1-3), and this wasn’t Ohio (2-2). This was William & Mary, a I-AA team that our offense should have run over. Instead, it struggled to find its rhythm. Taylor managed just 72 yards passing. He put up 287 against Ohio. Taylor also led the team in rushing with 52 yards … 52 yards … and he picked up 45 of those on one play. Our top two tailbacks managed a combined 68 yards on 20 carries.

Here are some more numbers that will make you think: the leading receiver in this game - take a guess, go ahead! Was it Eddie Royal? Nope! He didn’t even have a catch. In fact, I’m not sure they ever threw to him. Was it Josh Morgan? Nope. He has zero catches. Justin Harper? Wrong, again. No catches for him either. How about Josh Hyman? Nope, but he did have catch … for eight yards. Four outstanding wide receivers and between them, they had only one catch for eight yards. Those same four receivers combined for 13 catches for 196 yards against Ohio.

The leading receiver for the game was Andre Smith who had two receptions for 39 yards. Of course, those came in the second half. The first half leading receiver was tight end Sam Wheeler who had two catches for 15 yards.

The numbers don’t lie. Tech fans would be justified in showing concern about the team’s offense, even with a more dynamic quarterback like Taylor in the game. Sure, he gives you more options, but he is only as good as the plays he’s given to run. And based on what I saw in the William & Mary game, I don’t think Taylor is getting much to work with.

Now, my old man taught me that if you are going to complain about something, you better bring a solution to fix the problem. So, here is my solution: in lieu of hiring a more dynamic offensive coordinator, which isn’t likely to happen as long as Beamer is still the coach, I think Tech needs to shift to a spread offense. You have the speedy wideouts. You have the big, but fast tight ends. And you have Tyrod Taylor, who can do amazing things with an open field. Tech has the speed to wear other teams down. Turn that speed loose and quit trying to play old school, smash mouth, run it up the gut football. The o-line isn’t opening up the holes and the defense you have played so far have manhandled Tech’s running game. Imagine what Miami, Boston College, Clemson, Virginia and Florida State are going to do unless the blocking game improves.

I believe these kids will improve. Rather, I hope they do. I hope that at some point, the lightbulb will come on and things will start clicking. And when things start clicking, confidence grows. And when confidence grows, it becomes contagious. That is what this team needs right now; some confidence to get everyone back on track.

Oh, I almost forgot. The first-team defense was stifling. It played like you would have expected against a I-AA opponent. The second and third teamers gave up big plays and a field goal, but they held the entire second half and didn’t give up any more points. As I mentioned in my earlier blog, “What to Expect Against William & Mary,” Tech got some quality playing time for some of the younger guys and the first-teamers picked up another touchdown while the special teams did the same.