Can Thursday Night Plus Holt Be The Solution For The Hokies?

Thursday night + Lane Stadium + ranked opponent = a recipe for success

This was always a solution in years past for the Hokies.  In fact, the explosion of Thursday night football games could be attributed in Virginia Tech's willingness to showcase their team to a nationwide audience.

Of course, the past few games have thrown history out the window.  Virginia Tech had only lost one ACC game since joining the conference before this year's Boston College game.  Two games later, they now have only lost three ACC games on the road.

Of course, Coach Frank Beamer is looking for another formula to determine who will start at quarterback.  Instead of looking at talent, the answer may lie in the ankles of Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor.  Both suffered high ankle sprains in the Florida State loss which saw the emergence of quarterback-turned-wide receiver-turn quarterback, Cory Holt.

Cory Holt played admirably after not taking any snaps at quarterback during practice after the East Carolina loss.  He played well enough to throw his hat into the quarterback ring for starter.  To be honest, Beamer should look at this route for at least this week.

Glennon and Taylor have their strengths, but neither have shown the dedication that Cory Holt has in doing everything he can to get on the field and help his team (plus healthy ankles).  Learning the wide receiver position may give Holt the edge in connecting with this year's young receiving corps. With everyone on the team knowing of Holt's dedication, this may inspire and focus this team down the stretch.

Once "Enter Sandman" starts, Lane Stadium will be electric.  The fans and players will be covered in maroon for the "Maroon Effect" game.  The ESPN announcers will take note on the atmosphere as everyone waits for kickoff.  The fans will be looking for a few early plays to keep that electricity going.  Seeing an injured quarterback lead a hapless offense is not the answer.  Giving the fans a quarterback that they can support even after a mistake would take the pressure off of Holt and keep the crowd buzzing.

Of course, Virginia Tech's defense can allow the offense a few early chances.  If the game starts like the 2004 version of VT-Maryland (55-6), the offense should have no problems.  It does not hurt to have the Maryland quarterback give the "deer-in-headlights) glaze after an interception/sack/fumble.

Tech will need Glennon and Taylor down the line to help in obtaining a berth at the ACC Championship Game.  Keeping both these guys out of this game would allow them another week to heal while giving this team a chance to have the light switch to go off and have everything click.

Will Thursday night lead to Tampa?  Virginia Tech knows what they need to do, win one game at a time.