Virginia vs. Virginia Tech: A Clash of Epic Proportions

Analyst Written on November 21, 2007

(Page 7 of 8)

8th ranked Virginia Tech Hokies

Perhaps the most dangerous player on either roster is the Hokies’ prized freshman quarterback, Tyrod Taylor from the Hampton Crabbers in Hampton, Virginia. Taylor was all-world out of high school and has put together a dazzling display of throws and runs that reminds me of a combination of Mike Vick’s running style with former OSU Buckeye Troy Smith’s ability to throw on the run. This season the man tabbed as “The Prodigy” by Virginia Tech linebacker Vince Hall has completed 64 of his 119 attempts for 849 yards, while throwing five touchdowns and two interceptions. He suffered a bruise to his side when a Miami defender drilled him with a helmet in the side. If he’s not 100 percent, it will likely hinder Virginia Tech’s offense greatly, because having Taylor under center is their best chance at winning this game, because he poses so many match up problems.

The Hokies’ other option at quarterback is much-maligned Sean Glennon, who has demonstrated his propensity to turn the ball over and make terrible decisions with the football. If you need some video evidence of this, please go back and watch the Hokies’ second half meltdown last season in the 2006 Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl in which Virginia Tech blew a 21-3 half time lead and eventually lost to Georgia 31-24. Glennon was the man that fueled the Bulldogs comeback, because he threw three interceptions in the 4th quarter. Glennon still makes mistakes, he just hasn’t had the opportunity to make as many this season because he’s been benched several games for Tyrod Taylor. This season Glennon has completed 99 of his 161 passes for 1,202 yards, while throwing seven touchdowns and just two interceptions. If you’re a Hokie fan, you certainly don’t want Glennon in the game on Saturday, because he’s a disaster waiting to happen.

Taylor’s ability to elude defenders in the open field will be called upon Saturday, because the Hokies’ offensive line unit is one of the most atrocious in all of college football, allowing a mind-boggling 39 sacks. That’s not good news when your offensive line is going up against two of the best defensive ends in college football. Virginia’s pair of defensive ends could be called the best in the country. All-American defensive end Chris Long has played like a man possessed this season, harassing quarterbacks left and right. Long has earned his All-American status this year and then some by posting hair-raising numbers: 69 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 7 pass breakups, and one interception. Those numbers are exactly the reason why Long is an automatic lock to be a top 5 selection in the 2008 NFL Draft. Sophomore Jeffrey Fitzgerald has the potential to be the greatest defensive end in Virginia football history and has snagged two interceptions this season, returning one for a touchdown. He’s also racked up 9.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. So clearly, Virginia Tech’s offensive line is going to have to have an “out of body” experience if they want to protect their quarterback against two of the nation’s best defensive ends. The Cavalier defensive unit has recorded an eye-gouging 34 sacks this season and will look to feast upon the porous Hokie offensive line.

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written on November 21, 2007 Sports

Bleacher Report has a featured columnist opening for UVA Football.

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