Nebraska—Va Tech: Is Darren Evans' Injury a Game-Changer?

(Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

Virginia Tech has stated that starting tailback Darren Evans tore his ACL in his left knee on Tuesday during practice, according to SI.com.

Evans led the team with 1,265 rushing yards and added 11 touchdowns for the Hokies last season. Virginia Tech has talented replacements waiting in the wings, but only one with any game experience.

So what will this mean for Nebraska's Sept. 19 date in Blacksburg?

Don't get me wrong: Virginia Tech is not getting any less daunting with this injury. However, it will allow Nebraska a chance to keep the Hokies more one-dimensional, putting Suh and the defensive line to work to shut down the run and force Virginia Tech to throw the ball.

Nebraska returns a few seasoned secondary players and could have an advantage if it removes the option to run.

If this injury does lead to a change in fate for the Huskers on the road, a win over Virginia Tech means Nebraska could very likely win 10 games—11 if it beats Texas Tech or Oklahoma (both home games). If everything goes right, Nebraska could finish among the country's elite in the top-10.

In case you haven't really noticed, this could potentially be very big.

However, Josh Oglesby, Ryan Williams, or David Wilson (or a combination of the three) could very well step up and restore Virginia Tech's running threat.

But until they're tested on the field, Nebraska will be forced to wait to see who it will face and what he will be.

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