Furman vs. Virginia Tech: Complete Game Preview
The Virginia Tech Hokies kicked off the 2015 season in disappointing fashion on Monday, losing to No. 1 Ohio State, 42-24, in Blacksburg. But the Hokies' biggest loss was not on the scoreboard—it was losing starting quarterback Michael Brewer to a broken collarbone for an estimated four to eight weeks, according to Chip Patterson of CBS Sports.
The Hokies don't have a lot of time to regroup as Furman comes to town on Saturday, giving Tech an extremely short week to get backup quarterback Brenden Motley up to speed.
Yes, it's only Furman, but Virginia Tech cannot afford to overlook anyone. Remember 2010?
It was in 2010 when the Hokies—coming off a heartbreaking Monday night loss to Boise State—hosted James Madison and lost to the Dukes in one of the more embarrassing moments in Virginia Tech history.
Furman, like JMU, is an FCS school. However, the difference between the two is JMU is a perennial contender in the FCS. Furman is not.
- When: Saturday, September 12
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Virginia
- TV: ESPN3
- Radio: Virginia Tech IMG Sports Network. Here is a complete list of stations by area.
- Spread: Presently, there is no spread for this game, according to Odds Shark.
Furman's Keys to Victory
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Load the Box and Make Motley Throw the Football
It was clear from watching Monday's game that Virginia Tech isn't comfortable with Motley throwing the football. Sure, that was against the best team in the country, but do you believe a lot will change in five days?
For the Paladins to have a chance at winning this game, they need to put eight in the box and make Virginia Tech offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler call more pass plays. It may or may not work, but it's certainly Furman's best chance.
Attack Virginia Tech's Linebackers
If the Hokies have a weak spot on defense, it is inside linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka, outside linebacker Ronny Vandyke and rover Desmond Frye. All three—particularly Motuapuaka—had rough outings against the Buckeyes. Motuapuaka had trouble shedding blocks, overpursued Ohio State's runners and missed tackles.
Virginia Tech's defensive line is going to be tough to get yards against. The Hokies front four is one of the better units in the country, but if Furman is going to have any shot in this game, it needs to stick with the run—misdirection plays, jet sweeps, reverses, etc., in order to make Tech's linebackers overpursue.
Having some semblance of a running game should help Furman quarterback Reese Hannon, who passed for 365 yards and two touchdowns in the Paladins' season opener.
Virginia Tech's Keys to Victory
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Show Up
OK, it isn't as simple as just showing up. But in actuality, it truly is.
The Hokies were a no-show against JMU back in 2010 after the heartbreaking loss to Boise on Monday night. While losing to the national champion doesn't qualify as heartbreaking, it was a game in which Tech did expend a lot of energy after an offseason full of hype.
Rally Around Motley
Virginia Tech must give Motley everything he needs to succeed. First of all, pound the ball in the running game. Allow Motley to get some intermediate throws off play action. Involve Sam Rogers and the cast of running backs in the screen game.
This will be a big test for Motley and the Hokies. It's an opponent the team should dominate. If the Hokies—and Motley—struggle, then that is cause for concern, and redshirt freshman Chris Durkin and true freshman Dwayne Lawson could get snaps moving forward.
Furman Players to Watch
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Quarterback Reese Hannon
Hannon had a good week last week, passing for 365 yards and two scores. He also threw two picks. He is in for the biggest challenge of his career against the Hokies this weekend.
Tech, with a fierce pass rush, will be angry on Saturday. Hannon will need help from his running game and his offensive line. He cannot afford one turnover against the Hokies, or that will just about do it.
Running Back Antonio Wilcox
Antonio Wilcox had a big day last weekend against Coastal Carolina. He ran for 50 yards, while also catching seven passes for 84 yards. He's a big back at 6'2", 216 pounds, and is surprisingly shifty. The Paladins need to get him 20-25 touches.
Furman's best chance could be moving Wilcox around—line him up in the backfield and the slot, and split him out wide.
Expect to see a lot of him come Saturday.
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Virginia Tech Players to Watch
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Running Back Shai McKenzie
Shai McKenzie returns this week after a one-game suspension for an off-field incident in the offseason. The promising sophomore running back joins a talented and hungry group looking to separate themselves from one another.
McKenzie, who got off to a great start last season before tearing his ACL, should get eight to 10 carries and see where he is as it relates to game shape. The Hokies will need their entire stable of backs, as last season, J.C. Coleman was the only healthy one left standing.
Cornerback Kendall Fuller
Kendall Fuller is an All-American and widely believed to be one of the best defensive backs in the country. On Monday, he had a nightmare of a game defending Ohio State's Mike Thomas. It was so bad that Thomas poked fun at Fuller on social media after the game.
Fuller is a competitor and a great player. Expect him to have a chip on his shoulder not just this weekend but the rest of the season, too.
It will be interesting to see how he bounces back, although it's doubtful he'll truly be challenged.
What They're Saying
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Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer and offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler felt terrible for Brewer after how hard he worked this offseason.
"I feel for Michael," Tech coach Frank Beamer said, per Mike Barber of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. "You’re talking about a guy who put much into it. I told him this week, I’ve never seen him throw the ball better. He put so much into it and one play, he’s done for awhile. I feel for him."
"I put that kid through hell," Loeffler said. "And he played his tail off."
Prediction
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While Furman could stay in this game for a while and surprise some people, it won't last too long. The Hokies will be fired up for this one, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Dadi Nicolas and Tech's defense will look to get after Furman's quarterback. Nicolas and VT's pass rush were held largely in check against the Buckeyes. Defensive coordinator Bud Foster will certainly look to make life rough for Furman on Saturday.
On offense, look for the running game to carry the Hokies, and expect them to go over 200 yards with ease. Motley will only throw the ball between 15 and 18 times, enough to get him some confidence in the passing game.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 38, Furman 10
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