Virginia Tech Football: Logan Thomas and Other Arkansas State Post-Game Thoughts

The Virginia Tech Hokies improved to 3-0 today with a victory over the Arkansas State Red Wolves. While the Hokies looked elite in some respects, other areas were lacking and provide cause for concern. Moreover, the Hokies were snake-bitten with a few troubling injuries. 

Here are some quick post-game thoughts after the Hokies' third victory of the 2011 NCAA football season.

A Mixed Bag for Logan Thomas

Logan Thomas had a rough game last week against the East Carolina Pirates, but he looked more comfortable today against the Arkansas State Red Wolves.

Through three quarters, Thomas had phenomenal stats. He finished the game 21-33 for 293 yards and two touchdowns. He was especially impressive on a couple of long passes.

However, Thomas still had a few major errors. In the 1st quarter, he threw what should have been an interception, and he missed tight end Randall Dunn on an easy short throw that should have gone for a touchdown. In the 4th quarter, he tried to force a ball in to Marcus Davis and it was intercepted.

Thomas is a work in progress, and he will continue to have his ups and downs. But the confidence and accuracy on deep balls he displayed today are good signs.

Jayron Hosley, All-American

Jayron Hosley made it clear today why he was a second-team All-American last season and is considered a top NFL prospect as a junior.

Hosley, charged with guarding top Arkansas State Red Wolves receiver Josh Jarboe all game long, played lights out. Despite being targeted about a dozen times, Hosley allowed Jarboe only four catches for 38 yards.

Moreover, the Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback recorded two interceptions, returning the pair of them for a combined 42 yards. I can't imagine too many teams will be testing Hosley after today.

There Are No Holes for David Wilson

The Virginia Tech offensive line looks to be the Achilles' heel again this season. While the pass protection through three games has been sufficient, the offensive line just doesn't seem to be providing any holes in the run game.

The way Virginia Tech was stuffed three times in a row inside the 10-yard line in the 1st quarter was absolutely unacceptable. Coach Curt Newsome needs to get his group in gear or David Wilson is going to need an ice bath after every quarter.

The injury to offensive tackle Andrew Lanier in the 4th quarter certainly doesn't help matters. We can only hope Lanier will be back soon and that the injury is not too severe.

The Defense Continues to Dominate

While the Hokies are losing in the trenches on one side, they are dominating on the other. The defensive line, led by Derrick and Antoine Hopkins and James Gayle, are getting tremendous push and pressuring the quarterback.

The secondary looks solid, with Jayron Hosley shutting everyone down and Kyle Fuller growing up very quickly. And the linebackers, led by Bruce Taylor and Tariq Edwards, are flying around the field.

Bud Foster's fast unit limited the Red Wolves to just 269 yards and seven points today. The one bad play was an early pass on which Fuller bit on a pump fake and gave up a big gain.

A Tough Break for Dyrell Roberts (no Pun Intended)

Senior wide receiver Dyrell Roberts is perhaps out for the rest of the season with a broken arm. Roberts only played in five games in 2010 due to injury, so your heart breaks for him. Hopefully he can acquire a medical redshirt and return in 2012.

Luckily for the Virginia Tech Hokies, the wide receiver position is crowded. D.J. Coles showcased his talent today with a long touchdown reception, and of course there's Jarrett Boykin, Marcus Davis, and Danny Coale (who had a huge day).

Roberts' loss will likely be felt more in the return game. We all remember his big kickoff return touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2009.