Virginia Tech Football: 5 Keys Against UVA

The Hokies have quietly moved their way into the top five of the BCS standings. The No. 5 ranking is the highest that Virginia Tech has been ranked since 2007. Frank Beamer may have a chance this year at that elusive national title, but at this point it is a long shot.

Virginia Tech will need a lot of help from the four teams ahead of them in the standings if they want to go to New Orleans in January. The Hokies don’t control their own destiny; they only control how they play in the next game.

If VT beats Virginia on Saturday, then the Hokies are going to the ACC Championship Game in Charlotte for a rematch against Clemson. If Virginia wins, however, then they will be going to Charlotte next week. This is the biggest Battle for the Commonwealth Cup since the Hokies joined the ACC.

The Hokies must focus on the ACC before they can even think about the BCS Championship. The following is a list of five keys for the Hokies' game against the Cavaliers.

5. Take Notes from the FSU-UVA game

Florida State had a chance to knock the Cavaliers out of the Coastal Division race last weekend; but Virginia was able to squeak by with a 14-13 win. The Seminoles seemed to overlook the team from Charlottesville.

FSU played their worst game of the season. It was an ugly performance that handed the Cavaliers their eighth win of the season. The Seminoles committed 11 penalties in the game for 94 yards, turned the ball over once and only converted 3-of-13 third-down attempts.

The Hokies can’t afford an FSU-like performance. The Cavaliers are a solid team this year, one that isn’t to be trifled with. The Seminoles didn’t take UVA seriously, which is something the Hokies can’t afford to do.

4. The Hokies Must Play a Full Game

Virginia Tech has only been able to play a good game from beginning to end twice this season. They accomplished this feat against Miami and against Georgia Tech. Last week’s UNC game was more of a typical Hokie performance.

The Hokies played great offense and defense for two quarters (the second and third quarters) and they played poor, inconsistent football in the other two quarters (the first and fourth). Virginia Tech outscored the Tar Heels 24-0 in the two good quarters, and were outscored 21-0 in the poor quarters.

The Hokies need to march into Charlottesville and immediately take the Cavaliers' belief and crowd out of the game. If Frank Beamer’s team can accomplish this, then they must go for the knockout blow once they have Virginia on the ropes. The Hokies can’t give the Cavaliers' belief like the Seminoles did.

3. David Wilson Must Get Back on Track

David Wilson failed to run for 100 yards for the first time since week 3. The Tar Heels didn’t allow the offensive line to open holes or seal the edge. Wilson was able to run for 82 yards, but it was his poorest performance of the season.

Wilson is the spark plug in this offense. He gets the offense going. The Cavaliers have a solid defense that has the ability to stop the run. The Seminoles were only able to run for 186 yards as a team against Virginia. If David Wilson and the offensive line can get off to a quick start, then they can wear down the defense and open up the passing game.

2. The Defense Must Avoid the Big Play

The defense played three good quarters against UNC. The Tar Heels were only able to score seven points during that 45-minute span, but Bud Foster’s squad gave up 14 in the fourth quarter. Despite the fact that the Hokies won the game, the Tar Heels actually gained more yards. UNC gained 358 yards to Virginia Tech’s 340.

The Cavaliers have a serviceable offense, but it is far from explosive. Virginia Tech has had problems giving up the big play this year. The best way to beat the Hokies is to take advantage of those plays whenever they happen. Bud Foster’s squad has been able to overcome the mistakes, but the best way to do so is to not make them in the first place.

The Hokies' defense is good enough as it is; but if they can avoid the big play against UVA, then they should be able to control the game and win handily.  

1. Logan Thomas Needs to Keep the Offense on the Field

Logan Thomas has played well the past two weeks; but one statistic from the past two games explains the Hokies offensive success, and that is the third-down conversion rate. Virginia Tech was able to convert 9-of-16 third downs against the Tar Heels.

A lot of that success falls on Thomas. The quarterback has done well completing passes on third-and-long plays and running to the sticks on third-and-short. Thomas started the season as a liability, but he has quickly grown to become one of the Hokies' biggest assets.

Thomas will be the x-factor in this game. The Hokies have won handily when he plays well but have struggled when he has been inconsistent. He is the running threat in the end zone, and the quarterback sneak has become a large part of the offense because of it. It is difficult to bring down his 6-foot-6 frame, which has made him a huge threat inside the five-yard line.

If Thomas can keep the offense on the field, then this game could turn into a blowout. But if he doesn’t, then the game could slip away.