Virginia Tech Football: 5 Keys Against Michigan in the Sugar Bowl

The 13^th-ranked Hokies' Sugar Bowl berth caught a lot of flak from analysts around the country. This backlash could help the Hokies if they can turn it into a chip on their shoulder. Virginia Tech has always played at their best with an “us against the world” mentality. Unfortunately, negative media coverage isn’t the only distraction Frank Beamer’s team has had to face recently.

Place kicker Cody Journell has been charged with a felony for breaking and entering (along with many other charges). Journell’s moronic actions have led to an immediate suspension from the football team. The kicker had a solid season and was an honorable mention on the All-ACC team. This loss is a big one for the Hokies.

There isn’t a consistent backup behind Journell, and his absence could change Virginia Tech’s offensive game plan. Look for the offense to go for it on manageable fourth downs, rather than attempting field goals.

The Hokies need to move past these two distractions if they want to win this game. There are five things the Hokies are dependent on if they want beat the Michigan Wolverines and leave New Orleans with the Sugar Bowl in hand.

5. Jayron Hosley’s Head

Hosley had a mediocre 2011 season when compared to 2010, but his presence on the field means a lot to Bud Foster’s defense. Case-in-point the ACC Championship Game; Hosley left the game with a concussion in the first half. At the end of the half the score was 10-10, but Clemson was able to score 28 points in the second half with Hosley on the sideline. Hopefully he will be ready for the Sugar Bowl.

His health isn’t the only distraction that Hosley is dealing with. Hosley also has a large decision looming over this game; whether to go to the NFL or stay for his senior year. Hosley appears to be on his way out, but this could be a huge distraction for the corner.

The Sugar Bowl could be his last collegiate game and it is important to have a good showing in front of NFL scouts. Hosley hurt his draft stock in 2011, but a good showing in New Orleans will help. A good showing will also help the Hokies, so it is important that Hosley has his head on straight on January 3^rd.

4. Danny Coale’s Arms and Legs

Danny Coale had a great season in 2011, he also showed his versatility. He was a starting wide receiver, punt returner and punter. Coale caught 52 passes this season for 787 yards and three touchdowns. He is a true possession receiver, but he has the ability to make the big play.

His play as a receiver has been a big contribution to the Virginia Tech offense, but his special team’s play may have been his biggest contribution to the team. Punting was the team’s biggest weakness before Coale took over the position; now it is a strength. Coale is averaging over 40 yards a punt this season, and he is by far the most consistent punter the Hokies have on the roster.

Place kicker Cody Journell’s arrest puts more of a burden on Coale as a punter. Coale may now be asked to punt in situations where he normally wouldn’t. If the Hokies’ offense stalls on Michigan’s side of the field, then Coale will probably be asked to pin the Wolverines back in their zone.

3. David Wilson Must Return to Top Form

Like Hosley, Wilson has a big decision to make after the Sugar Bowl, but he doesn’t seem as set on leaving early for the NFL. A good performance in New Orleans might make the decision for Wilson. The Hokies can’t win this game unless David Wilson can run. He couldn’t find holes against Clemson during the ACC Championship Game.

The running back only had 11 carries for 32 yards against Clemson in Charlotte. It seemed like the Tigers knew what was coming, because Wilson was constantly running directly into the blitz. That wasn’t Wilson’s fault but rather play-caller Mike O’Cain's. Despite that performance, Wilson is still one of the top rushers in the country.

It is important that he play like it in the Sugar Bowl. It won’t be easy against Michigan’s defense. The Wolverines defense was a joke in 2010 but they have quickly turned it around in 2011 under new head coach Brady Hoke and defensive coordinator Greg Mattison. The Hokies’ offensive line needs to create holes and David Wilson has to find them if Virginia Tech is to win this game.

2. Logan Thomas Can’t Turn the Ball Over

The Hokies had an impressive 11-2 record in the 2011 season. The difference between the 11 wins and 2 losses was turnovers. Thomas turned the ball over four times during the two Clemson losses. The first offensive play of the ACC championship game was a Thomas fumble.

Wilson may be the spark to this offense, but Thomas is the fuel injection. The story of Virginia Tech’s season has been the growth and play of Logan Thomas. This offense works one way. Wilson starts the offense but Thomas has to keep it going.

When Thomas plays well the offense is unstoppable. If he doesn’t play well, then Virginia Tech becomes a one-dimensional offense. Wilson won’t be as successful running the ball if the Wolverines know its coming. The Hokies need Thomas to get into a groove early in the game. The best way to make that happen is to keep the offense on the field. If that is going to be the case, then Thomas can’t turn the ball over. 

1. A Change in Coaching Philosophy

The Hokies' play in BCS bowls has been well documented. Frank Beamer’s team doesn’t always show up in the big game. That is why it is so important that the team has a chip on their shoulders. The Hokies can’t win this game if they go about it the same way that they have gone about past BCS games. This falls on the coaching.

The Hokies need a business-like attitude for the Sugar Bowl, but that doesn’t mean that they need to go about the Sugar Bowl in a business-as-usual attitude. In fact, that is the last thing that they need. This falls on all of Virginia Tech’s coaches.

Offensive coordinator Brian Stinespring and play-caller Mike O’Cain need to avoid the predictable offense that the Hokies have been chastised for in the past. The Hokies won’t beat Michigan if they run on first and second down and then pass on third-and-long.

Defensive coordinator Bud Foster has to keep the defense motivated and well prepared. Head coach Frank Beamer has to overlook all of this but also make sure that the special teams is ready despite the loss of one of the unit’s biggest contributors.

Virginia Tech needs to win this game in order to change the national perception of the Hokies. The Hokies must accomplish these five things if they are going to win the Sugar Bowl.