Virginia Tech Hokies Take Lessons Away From Boise State Loss

I am mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted after watching the game live at FedEx Field. And every Hokie I’ve talked to feels the same exact way.  

But, in the grand scheme of things, it is only one game. There is still a chance for a national title run, it just needs a lot more help. The score didn’t turn out ideally, especially after the valiant comeback by Virginia Tech, but a lot of lessons can be taken away from the game and these are what they are. 

Tyrod Taylor staked his claim as the top ACC quarterback

This is not meant to say that he is the best QB in the ACC, but he proved that he is incredibly talented. It was definitely the most complete performance in his career, going for a 169 passer rating and rushed for 73 yards against a disciplined defense. Without his poise and composure, Virginia Tech would have had no chance in that game.

After watching the game, other teams have to respect his ability as a passer. Now that it’s Tyrod’s senior season, he has no apprehension running the football. Stinespring should give him more short routes and plays that can develop more easily into runs.

But he can’t overcome rookie mistakes

Virginia Tech had a lot of first-time starters on defense and special teams and it showed.  How anyone can let Austin Pettis run untouched off the line after being told to block him is beyond me. I saw him coming from my seat in the other end zone. And the personal fouls, with the exception of Bruce Taylor’s “late hit," are simply inexcusable.

There were also a few times when the new linebackers gave up big plays including two touchdown passes and D.J. Harper’s 71 yard run. Confusion in pass coverage also came up multiple times though the secondary performed admirably throughout the game, specifically Whitley, Morgan, and Carmichael. If these type of errors continue to pop up throughout the season, there is a serious problem.

The trenches need a wakeup call

There was little to no pass protection throughout the game and the tailbacks rarely had a lane to run through. Williams and Evans are fantastic, but they aren’t miracle workers; they need a lane of some kind. If it was consistently the left side of the line, there would be more optimism because that side is new, but the entire offensive line got dominated.

The defensive line didn’t do much better, but it was at least somewhat expected on that side of the ball given the lack of proven talent. Kellen Moore had difficulty throwing the ball under pressure but that pressure didn’t come often. John Graves and Steven Friday were solid but they will get double teamed all day.

The wide receivers are ready to play

There was not one catchable ball the receivers dropped all game. There were pass interference calls and fantastic defense by Boise, but there were no pointless errors.

The Hokies finally have a complete offense. The Broncos, assuming they play with the same intensity every week, likely won’t give up thirty points again this season and Jarrett Boykin is one of the reasons why we were able to.

Without a legitimate passing threat, the game would have been a blowout. The offense faced many third and long situations and converted for most of the game.

Marcus Davis is poised to have a breakout year and adding David Wilson as another end-around threat is genius. Teams can’t leave them in single coverage and feel safe about it.

The biggest thing to take away from the Boise State game is that the Hokies need to play for sixty minutes, not 43 (the first quarter and the last two minutes weren’t good). Had they played the full hour, Virginia Tech would have come away with a victory.

Don’t misunderstand me, Boise State proved that they are a great football team and have earned my respect, at least for this year.

But a game, especially a season opener, is more than just what the scoreboard reads. While losing yet another season opener is painful, all is far from lost for the 2010 season.