My take on Virginia Tech and This Game

Nov 27, 2016, 2:04 PM

Figured you'd guys like to know a little bit about our team from one of us, so here goes...

QB: Evans is a solid QB. He can run a bit, he can pass a bit. He is a little raw as a passer and tends to be one... MAYYYYBE two reads and run.

RB: We have a mess here. Going into the season, we thought we were loaded. By Marshawn Williams got hurt, Shai McKenzie has had some off-field concerns, and McMillian is not a natural RB as he runs too high and can't seem to fall forward. I expect us to start Sam Rogers, a converted FB.

WR/TE: Isaiah Ford is one of the best receivers in the country. Bucky Hodges is one of the best physical specimens in the country (He's taller than Logan Thomas for instance, haha) and is a converted TE. Outside of them, Cam Phillips is a solid receiver but then there is little else behind him. All three are Juniors, but only Phillips is expected back next year.

OL: We have gotten very little push from our OL in the run game, but we seem to be OK in pass blocking. Wyatt Teller is a very good OL, but tends to get penalized a lot. Overall, we are about average on the OL.

DL: Ken Ekanem is a solid pass rusher and Trevon Hill is developing in a similar mold. DTs are solid, but not spectacular. That said, remember the name Tim Settle. You'll hear it quite a bit over the next year or two.

LB: The weakness of the defense that simply lacks the overall speed we are used to in Blacksburg. Andrew Motuapuaka is targeted by opposing offenses and with reason. At times, it's almost as it he can't see very well because he takes himself out of plays he should be in the middle of. Tremaine Edmonds is a decent physical specimen, but is probably starting a year earlier than he should be, thanks to a lot of recruiting misses we have had at the position.

DB: We have gotten the nickname of DBU over the years, and with good reason. But our current DBs simply aren't at that level. Brandon Facyson was better when he was younger, but injuries seem to have rendered him a step slower. Greg Stroman is fast, but is very raw. He has made great leaps, but isn't quite there yet. Safeties are above average, but nothing to write home about.

STs: Joey Slye is solid inside of about 40 yards. But unreliable at best outside of 40. Mitchell Ludwig is not very strong legged at Punter, but is decent at pinning opponents deep. Kick/Punt returning had been below average, but the discoveries of Henri Murphy seems to have created a spark in the kick return game.

As for how I see the game, it really depends on what team shows up. If the team that showed up in Syracuse or against GT shows up, you guys runs us out of the stadium. If the team that played UVA, BC, or UNC shows up, we have a shot.

Ultimately, I think we'll play well for a while, possibly even having the lead at halftime as our defense will keep your offense relatively in check. But a couple turnovers will turn the game and Clemson wins going away 34-17.

flag link

military_tech

thumb_down

thumb_up

I think you only have one advantage on both sides of the field and that's Ford vs Tankersley and that can be mitigated some with safety help. Hodges isn't really a Great wr, he's a big target and wins jump balls, but he doesn't separate on his routes, so he really only scares me in the red zone.

To your point I don't think you'll be able to run much, unless it's with misdirection. Your QB will likely be your best option to allow for misdirection and to take advantage of an extra blocker. If you can't run and have to play from behind the chains I think it will be tough to neutralize the pressure venables will bring.

This years va tech defense is physically tough but not as talented as prior years. I imagine we'll struggle to run as well with traditional runs, but I think that the quick screens and QB runs can be effective. Plus I think our wrs vs your dbs is a win on paper.

Ultimately I think we're the more talented team on both sides of the ball so for us it comes down to not turning the ball over as that's really the only reason we've lost or been in close games. I think you guys have to find an alternative to the traditional run game, like Pitt did, and build an offensive game plan around that to have a chance and create turnovers.

Looking forward to the game.

My take on Virginia Tech and This Game

Thanks. Worth the read. Helpful. nm

Tim Settle...

He's getting his stuff together

Is the spread still -9?***

10.5***

I'd tend to agree

I agree that we'll have a hard time running

Re: My take on Virginia Tech and This Game

Re: My take on Virginia Tech and This Game

Congrats on making the Champ game - glad to have yall back

So what causes your bad games ?

Turnovers are big for us too

+1 for finding a way to mention the

After the game Saturday, you'll never forget

TigerBoard POTD