Virginia Tech Football: 5 Things the Hokies Must Fix Before ACC Play

The Virginia Tech Hokies are 3-0 in 2011. So what? It certainly does not feel that way for Tech fans heading into the game against Marshall on Saturday.

Sure, there are promising signs for this potential ACC champion team. The linebackers are faster. Jayron Hosley is a first round NFL pick. David Wilson should have his own video game, much less a highlight reel.

But, chinks in the armor have to be addressed. The offense is predictable. The playcalling is vanilla. And too much weight is being carried on the shoulders of the defense and David Wilson. 

It is time for the Hokies to have their best showing. Virginia Tech needs to practice this week like they are playing Alabama or Florida State. Why? "Cause they ain't done nothin yet." Fortunately, all of the problems are fixable for Frank Beamer and company.

Here are five things Tech needs to address before the Clemson tilt. 

Penalties, Penalties, Penalties

Nothing keeps the defense on the field or disrupts an offense's rhythm like an offsides call or false start penalty. 

Virginia Tech has shown they are effective at controlling the ball and limiting mistakes by Logan Thomas by running the football and dominating time of possession. The Hokies average over 210 yards on the ground and rank fourth in time of possession. This is the winning formula. 

However, Tech is committing 58 yards worth of penalties per game. This creates long downs and distances for the young quarterback to navigate, thus causing mistakes and predictable play calling. As competition stiffens, keeping time of possession will be difficult playing behind the chains.

Against stronger defenses, Thomas' best friend is third-and-short. If the players can avoid drive-stalling penalties, the coaches will have a myriad options to keep the ACC defenses on their toes in manageable situations.  

Start Michael Branthover

Virginia Tech ranks 114th out of 120 schools in average punting. That is not Beamer Ball standards. Heck, that is awful by any standards.

The Hokies are losing valuable field position with every punt attempt. Scott Demler averages just under 35 yards per kick. That figure is over 15 yards behind the leader in the punting category.

Fortunately, Beamer has another option waiting in the wings. Michael Branthover, a true freshman, showed promise in training camp averaging nearly 50 yards per attempt in his last scrimmage.

Tech would have to be willing to pull the redshirt for the freshman punter this season. At this point, the extra piece of mind and 10 yards per punt in field position would be worth the price.

The move is imminent, with Branthover suiting up last week against Arkansas State. For Tech fans, the move could not come soon enough.  

No More Dropped Passes

The wide receiving crew for the Hokies have used up its quota for dropped passes. That's it. No more. 

Every completion that Logan Thomas makes is a small confidence booster for future success. The overwhelming number of dropped passes by his experienced receivers contribute to his clear indecisiveness in the pocket and tentative throws.

Furthermore, drops portray a lack of cohesiveness on offense and lead to quick three-and-outs. Thomas is more of a pocket passer than Tyrod Taylor and possesses a stronger throwing arm, requiring receivers to be alert when the ball comes their way.  

In the first three games, dropped passes cost Tech first down conversions and larger winning margins. When playing Clemson, Georgia Tech, and North Carolina, dropped passes will dictate wins and losses.  

Logan Thomas Needs to Improve Decision Making

There are several reasons for Thomas' sub-par completion percentage thus far. One of which is the following stat line.

• David Wilson - Three receptions, 11 yards in 2011.

Two things come to mind. First, why does the offensive play selection not call for more screens to the electric halfback? Second, this stat shows that Thomas is not checking down to his running back when his receivers are not open.

Early in the season, Thomas is understandably indecisive in the pocket. He has forced throws into coverage and seems to lock in on one target before the snap. This has led to crucial interceptions, and thankfully for the Hokies, several dropped interceptions.

Thomas needs to go through his progressions more effectively and check the football down to Wilson and Josh Oglesby. Who knows? The easiest 90 yard passing play in college football might be a three yard dump-off to No. 4.

Solidify the Hokie Swagger

Marshall is not a top-notch program. And the Thundering Herd are not WVU. But the game is played in West Virginia, and the Hokies need to treat this game like a rivalry game.

More than anything, Virginia Tech needs a lopsided victory akin to the Appalachian State game to build confidence heading into the ACC conference slate.

A 10 point victory will not suffice. Tech should expect to dominate this game in all phases and make conference foes take notice when the scoreboard update appears in their respective stadiums.

Conference rivals Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Miami, Clemson, and Florida State have all made statements in non-conference play.

On Saturday, its Virginia Tech's job to remind the ACC why this team should not be overlooked in the conference race.