Virginia Tech Football: The 5 Most Telling Stats for the Hokies This Season
Numbers never lie. And for the Virginia Tech Hokies, numbers tell the story of why Tech is 4-5 on the season and facing an uphill battle to be bowl-eligible for the 22nd consecutive season.
As the losses continue to mount, Virginia Tech's run of 10-win seasons seems like a distant memory.
In a year that began so promising with the Hokies' upset win over Ohio State in Week 2, Tech has stumbled to a 2-5 record since that monumental victory.
Injuries and youth have no doubt played a large part in VT's struggles. However, an inconsistent quarterback, porous offensive line play and a struggling defense have all contributed to the worst season since 1992, when Virginia Tech won just two games.
Here are the five most telling statistics that have led to Virginia Tech's disappointing 2014 season.
MIchael Brewer's 11 Interceptions
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In the season's first six games, quarterback Michael Brewer had 11 interceptions. In the three games since, the junior quarterback has none.
Virginia Tech's record in the first six games: 4-2. The Hokies have not won a game in Brewer's three turnover-free games.
While it would seem the trend would go the other way, it's just not the case with Brewer. He hasn't been as aggressive over the last three games for a variety of reasons. The fear of throwing interceptions has hampered Brewer's best trait: his aggressiveness.
A lack of pass protection and virtually no running game haven't helped him either.
Yards Per Carry/Rushing Offense
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The Hokies rank No. 95 in rushing offense, averaging just 3.76 yards per carry. That's not Virginia Tech football.
While the problem is troubling this season, it has been an issue for the Hokies over the past three seasons.
When fans see such paltry rushing numbers, it's always easy to blame the running backs. However, it goes much deeper than that for the Hokies. Sure, Tech doesn't have a Kevin Jones, Ryan Williams or David Wilson on the roster, but it's not as if the Hokies are bereft of talent in the backfield, either.
An unproductive offensive line is the main culprit for Virginia Tech's inability to run the football.
Turnover Margin
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Longtime defensive coordinator Bud Foster prides himself on two things: stopping the run and forcing turnovers.
Both have been issues in 2014.
The Hokies have 18 turnovers on offense and have forced just 14. Winning the turnover battle was one thing Virginia Tech did every season.
Brewer's turnovers have skewed this statistic somewhat, but former quarterback Logan Thomas had turnover issues, too. And the Hokies still generally won the turnover battle.
Outside of Kendall Fuller, Tech has had issues in the secondary all season. The Hokies have also struggled to get to opposing quarterbacks on a regular basis. Add these factors together and you have a defense that struggles to force turnovers.
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4 Home Losses
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Four of Virginia Tech's five losses in 2014 have come in the friendly confines of Lane Stadium. The Hokies have lost to East Carolina, Georgia Tech, Miami and Boston College in Blacksburg.
In past years, Tech would go the entire season—or multiple seasons—without a loss at home.
Perhaps no other statistic defines the 2014 season more than VT's record in Lane Stadium.
Run Defense
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We discussed turnover margin as being an area where Virginia Tech has struggled. The Hokies run defense hasn't been much better.
The Hokies rank No. 70 against the run in 2014, allowing 165 yards rushing per game.
That number is inflated a bit with Miami rushing for 364 yards against the Hokies. But Tech struggled to stop Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech and Boston College on the ground, too.
Just this season, Tech has allowed quarterbacks on opposing teams to eclipse 100 yards rushing on three occasions. The Hokies lost all three games.
Defensive coordinator Bud Foster's inability to limit opposing quarterbacks on the ground is a troubling trend that VT must fix moving forward.
Unless otherwise noted, all stats courtesy of NCAA.com.
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