Virginia Tech Football: What You Should and Shouldn't Be Concerned About
For years, Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer has been lambasted about his team's inability to win the big game. So last week's win over No. 8 Ohio State in Columbus was particularly satisfying for the legendary Beamer.
"I think this is a big, big win for this program, for the status of this program," Beamer said, per ESPN.
So everything is right in Blacksburg after one of the biggest wins in recent school history, correct?
Well, maybe, but things still aren't perfect. The Hokies have a long way to go if they want to compete for an ACC title and a spot in the first annual College Football Playoff.
Here are some things Hokie fans should and shouldn't be concerned about on the eve of Tech's Week 3 matchup against East Carolina.
Should: Inconsistent Running Game
1 of 6
The Hokies have talent at running back. A pair of freshmen, Marshawn Williams and Shai McKenzie, have had their moments through the first two weeks. McKenzie ran for over 100 yards on just nine carries in his first collegiate game.
Also, last year's leading rusher, talented sophomore Trey Edmunds, has yet to take his first carry this season.
So, what's the problem?
After rushing for over 200 yards against William & Mary, the Hokies ran for just 125 yards against Ohio State. Yes, the Buckeyes are a perennial power and have one of the top defensive lines in the country, but the same problems that haunted Virginia Tech in recent years appeared again versus OSU.
The Hokies struggled to run the ball inside, and while Tech was strong on the ground in the season opener, that dominant rushing effort was against an FCS school.
For the Hokies to thrive, the running game—specifically the offensive line—must continue to improve.
Shouldn't: Pass-Catchers
2 of 6
Would you believe the Virginia Tech Hokies have never had a receiver go over 1,000 yards in a single season?
Former Hokie Andre Davis set Tech's single-season record with 962 yards receiving in 1999.
The Hokies likely won't have anyone reach that mark this season, but probably for a different reason than you may think.
Tech is loaded with pass-catchers in 2014, specifically at tight end. Therefore, no single receiver is likely to get enough receptions to break Davis' record.
Through two games, tight ends Ryan Malleck and Bucky Hodges have combined for 17 receptions, 163 yards and two touchdowns. Malleck leads the team in receptions, and Hodges is tied at No. 2 with receiver Willie Byrn.
The Hokies aren't barren at receiver, either. True freshman Isaiah Ford looks like a future star, and this year's top breakout candidate entering the season, sophomore Joshua Stanford, combines with Byrn to comprise a formidable corps of receivers.
Should: Defensive Line Depth
3 of 6
VT is usually pretty strong on the defensive line. This year is no different. Led by All-American candidates Luther Maddy and Dadi Nicolas, Tech's defensive line is strong. Add in Corey Marshall and Ken Ekanem, and it's a pretty good starting four.
However, the depth is a concern.
The Hokies are solid at defensive tackle with Woody Baron and Nigel Williams backing up Maddy and Marshall, but it's defensive end where Tech could struggle if one of the starters get injured.
The concern led coaches to move true freshman Melvin Keihn to defensive end from linebacker in fall camp. Marshall may move back to defensive end if he's needed, as coaches have confidence in Baron and Williams to start at defensive tackle.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Shouldn't: Defensive Back Seven
4 of 6
Heading into the 2014 season, Tech's secondary was expected to be one of the best, if not the best, in the country.
This group has done nothing to change that notion. Cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and Brandon Facyson have been excellent and were a big reason for Tech's ability to shut down Ohio State's passing game.
But what about the linebackers?
If there were a concern for defensive coordinator Bud Foster this summer, it had to be at linebacker. Senior Chase Williams would replace Jack Tyler in the middle, and Deon Clarke would replace Tariq Edwards on the outside.
At Whip, Ronny Vandyke returned, but his injury history opened the door for senior Derek DiNardo.
The trio of Williams, Clarke and DiNardo have been outstanding thus far. The group has combined for 31 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.
The scary part: Tech's defense will only get better.
Should: Pittsburgh
5 of 6
If there is one game on Virginia Tech's schedule that Hokie fans should be concerned about, it's Pittsburgh.
Tech travels to the Steel City on Thursday, October 16.
The Hokies lead the all-time series, 8-5; however, Pitt won the previous four meetings until the Hokies pulled out a 19-9 win last year in Blacksburg.
Led by running back James Conner and receiver Tyler Boyd, the Panthers are a team to be reckoned with. The last time Tech went to Pitt—in 2012—the Hokies suffered one of the more embarrassing defeats in recent school history.
Conner has 367 rushing yards and five touchdowns through two weeks for Pitt. He'll be a big test for Tech's front four.
Shouldn't: Quarterback
6 of 6
A big reason Virginia Tech had very little expectations entering 2014 was the concern about the quarterback position. Who would play quarterback, and would that player last the season?
Well, Hokie fans, that concern is no more.
Junior Michael Brewer has answered all of those questions and then some.
Brewer was efficient in the season opener versus William & Mary. He wasn't locked in on one receiver and was accurate.
In Week 2 at one of the more hostile environments in all of sports, Brewer again was accurate, composed and tough. He could barely walk in the postgame press conference.
The Texas Tech transfer continues to win over his teammates, and Brewer has moxie, something former Hokie quarterback Logan Thomas lacked. Not to discount Thomas or his contributions to the Hokies, this team just has a different feel to it. And Brewer is the biggest reason why.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
