Virginia Tech Football: 5 Major Concerns After the Marshall Game

With a big game against the No. 13 Clemson Tigers looming, the Virginia Tech Hokies would liked to have enjoyed a confidence-building blowout against the Marshall Thundering Herd.

But Saturday's game probably raised more questions than provided answers. The Hokies struggled against Marshall in all three facets of the game at times.

After Saturday's disappointment, here are the five biggest concerns about the 2011 Virginia Tech Hokies football team.

Health at Wide Receiver

While just two weeks ago we were calling wide receiver the deepest position for the Virginia Tech Hokies, now there is great concern at wideout heading into the matchup with the Clemson Tigers.

After Dyrell Roberts' season was ended with a broken arm against the Arkansas State Red Wolves, Jarrett Boykin tweaked his hamstring in practice and Marcus Davis sprained his foot against the Marshall Thudering Herd.

While hopefully Boykin and possibly Davis will return for the Clemson game, if they don't, there will be a lot of pressure on Danny Coale and D.J. Coles, who is nursing a shoulder injury himself.

Holes for David Wilson

Once again, the holes were sparse for Virginia Tech Hokies running back David Wilson this week. Despite the fact that Wilson eventually picked up 132 yards, it took him 26 carries (on many of which he was hit in the backfield) to get there.

The offensive line continues to fend off pressure in the passing game, they just cannot seem to get any push in the running game. They will have to do better this week, or the Clemson Tigers will force Logan Thomas into tough passing situations.

Problems with the Hurry-Up

The Marshall Thundering Herd offense was stifled for most of the day Saturday, except when they transitioned into a hurry-up, and promptly traveled the length of the field for an easy touchdown at the end of the first half.

With Clemson Tigers' offensive coordinator Chad Morris' background in the hurry-up, I imagine the Virginia Tech Hokies will be seeing some of it this week after showing such ineptitude against Marshall's.

Bud Foster will have to better prepare his players for a quick-paced attack this week in practice.

Logan Thomas Still Not in the Zone

Logan Thomas provided another up-and-down performance Saturday, mixing good throws and strong running with bad decisions and inaccuracy.

Thomas finished the game against the Marshall Thundering Herd 22-of-33 for 229 yards, with a five-yard rushing touchdown. However, he still threw into tight coverage too many times, resulting in another interception.

This will have to be a big game for Thomas if the Hokies are going to stand any chance against the Clemson Tigers.

Struggles in the Kicking Game

Place kicker Cody Journell has struggled to find consistency this season. After four games Journell is just 4-of-7 on field goals, with two of the three misses coming inside of 40 yards.

Saturday's game against the Marshall Thundering Herd was rough for Journell, as he missed another field goal and had an extra point attempt blocked.

The punting game is even worse, as Scott Demler seems to have failed his audition for the starting role, after averaging just 35 yards per punt after four games. Receiver Danny Coale assumed the punting duties late in the Marshall game.

The normally strong Virginia Tech Hokies special teams are a major concern at this point in the season.