Western Michigan vs. Virginia Tech: Complete Game Preview
Another week, another disappointing loss for the Virginia Tech Hokies. Fortunately for Tech, the Western Michigan Broncos enter Lane Stadium this Saturday.
Most Virginia Tech fans likely see the Broncos as a formidable opponent since the Hokies are coming off two home losses in a row.
The Broncos, at 2-1, have already surpassed their win total from 2013. They have a high-flying offense averaging just over 41 points per game.
However, WMU hasn't seen a defense like Virginia Tech's this fall.
For the Hokies, they'll be without the services of senior defensive tackle Luther Maddy, who will be out 2-4 weeks after surgery to repair a torn meniscus.
Tech is 3-0 all time vs. Western Michigan. In the previous three meetings, the Hokies have outscored the Broncos 124-0.
- When: Saturday, September 27, 2014
- Where: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Virginia
- Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ACC Network
- Radio: Virginia Tech IMG Sports Network. Here is a complete list of stations by area.
- Spread: Virginia Tech (28), via Odds Shark
Western Michigan Keys to Victory
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Force Turnovers
Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Brewer has been a turnover machine in 2014. In four games, Brewer has committed nine turnovers. If Western Michigan can force multiple turnovers—specifically in Virginia Tech territory—perhaps it can pull off the upset.
Trick Plays
Western Michigan cannot line up and beat Virginia Tech. Yes, East Carolina did, but ECU has considerably more talent on both sides of the ball and is a good program.
If Western Michigan wants to pull off the upset, it must play fast and throw everything at Bud Foster's defense. Flea-flickers, halfback passes, etc., Western Michigan must do anything and everything to keep the Hokies defense off balance this Saturday.
Never say never—James Madison did defeat the Hokies in Lane Stadium back in 2010.
Virginia Tech Keys to Victory
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Show Up
Yes, it sounds very simplistic, but if the Hokies show up this Saturday and play like they are capable of playing, this will be an easy victory.
Tech must continue to run the football and find a feature back. Rotating backs by series is a good strategy if it works, but it really hasn't worked. Tech needs to find a tailback and stick with him before the ACC season gets in full swing.
Stop Turning the Ball Over
Brewer tossed three more interceptions against Georgia Tech. His turnovers and inability to handle snaps properly is becoming a major issue. Brewer cannot continue to throw interceptions. He has an interception in all four games this season.
If the Hokies limit their turnovers this weekend, they will win big.
Western Michigan Players to Watch
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Quarterback Zach Terrell
The scrappy sophomore is having a fine season statistically thus far in 2014. Terrell is 53-of-85 for 752 yards with six touchdowns and only two interceptions. Against the Hokies, Terrell must be able to get some first downs with his feet. He hasn't seen a pass rush like Virginia Tech's thus far.
Running Back Jarvion Franklin
Through three games, Franklin ranks No. 5 nationally in rushing. He has 542 yards on the ground and nine touchdowns. Individually, he rushed for 163, 211 and 168 yards in WMU's first three games.
At 6'0", 220 pounds, Franklin is a load. He will also be facing a defensive line that is without its top player. Expect a lot of Franklin. If Franklin runs for over 100 yards against the Hokies, that will be an impressive feat.
Wide Receiver Corey Davis
Davis is an intriguing player. At 6'2", 205 pounds, Davis has tremendous size to go along with impressive speed and great hands. For the season, Davis has caught 16 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns. He'll likely draw Kendall Fuller, which will be a tough matchup for the sophomore receiver.
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Virginia Tech Players to Watch
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Michael Brewer
At some point, if Brewer doesn't stop turning the ball over, he won't be the starting quarterback. For all of the moxie and gunslinger attributes that Brewer possesses, he's sloppy with the football. Eight interceptions through four games is unacceptable from a quarterback at this level.
Brewer has had some very good moments, but they continue to be overshadowed by his mistakes. Don't be surprised if the Hokies eventually turn to senior Mark Leal if Brewer's mistakes continue.
Trey Edmunds
Edmunds received his first two carries of the season in last week's loss to Georgia Tech. Edmunds, recovering from a broken leg in last November's win over Virginia, has participated in every game, albeit on special teams. The coaches decided it was best to bring him along slowly. Expect him to be more involved in the action this weekend.
Isaiah Ford
The true freshman continues to impress. Ford added eight catches and 114 yards in last week's loss to the Yellow Jackets. For the season, Ford has caught 21 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns. He leads the team in all categories.
Virginia Tech's coaches expected Ford to be a dynamic playmaker, and he hasn't disappointed. The coaches will continue to put Ford in a position to make big plays.
What They're Saying
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Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer felt his team would have growing pains this season, but even two losses in a row have the legendary coach scratching his head.
"I thought we were going to go through some growing pains," Beamer said, per Andy Bitter of The Roanoke Times. "I’m not used to going through growing pains two weekends in a row. The emphasis right now is regardless of who we’re playing this week, Virginia Tech has got to get better."
Prediction
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Virginia Tech has lost two games in a row—in Lane Stadium.
The Hokies won't lose a third.
Expect Tech to come out and be aggressive in all three phases on Saturday and have this one in control by halftime. The Hokies will try and get the running game going; whether it's Edmunds, Marshawn Williams or Shai McKenzie, Tech will have a big day on the ground.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 45, Western Michigan 7
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