James Madison
N/A0-0
Virginia Tech
1st ACC11-2
James Madison @ Virginia Tech preview
Lane Stadium
You’ll understand if Virginia Tech football fans didn’t recognize their team during Monday night’s crushing loss to Boise State.
And for more reasons than the unsightly black uniforms Nike handed them to wear.
A Hokies program that has long prided itself on a power running game, stout defense and exemplary special teams struggled in all three key phases in succumbing to the Broncos, 33-30, in the nationally televised loss at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. Virginia Tech (0-1) still came within one more first down of winning the game after trailing 17-0 early on, but was ultimately undone by too many costly gaffes.
The 13th-ranked Hokies will have a lot to clean up this weekend with an inexperienced bunch when James Madison (1-0) comes to Lane Stadium on Saturday.
Unleashing the running game will be the key, if Virginia Tech hopes to right things in time for the meat of its schedule. The Hokies were dominated on both sides of the line of scrimmage by the Broncos. Their inability of the offensive line to physically impose its will led Boise State to crowd the line of scrimmage and limit tailback Ryan Williams to just 44 yards on 21 carries. In addition to completing 15 of 22 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns, elusive quarterback Tyrod Taylor also rushed for 73 yards. But coach Frank Beamer knows his team must do better than the meager 128 collective yards rushing it managed if it hopes to be in the mix for another ACC championship this fall.
The same applies to the Hokies’ defense and special teams, both of which had forgettable outings Monday night.
A Tech defense with seven new starters consistently had trouble stopping the run or defending the pass. Broncos quarterback Kellen Moore is one of the nation’s best, but he made it look easy in passing for 215 yards and three touchdowns. He carved up the Virginia Tech secondary at the game’s critical end, completing four of five passes on the final drive, including the game-winning 13-yard touchdown pass to Austin Pettis with 1:09 left.
Special teams mistakes, including a blocked punt as a result of a missed blocking assignment and several egregious penalties, also contributed to the loss.
The Dukes, who beat Morehead State 48-7 last week, will not physically challenge the Hokies in the way Boise State did. But they do have some big-play athletes capable of doing some damage. Junior wide receiver Kerby Long recorded a career-best 112 yards receiving last week to go with his two touchdowns.
Tailbacks Griff Yancey and Jamal Sullivan combined to rush for 131 yards last week. Scott Noble will also be in the mix for JMU after sitting out last week with a suspension.
After wearing black last week, Virginia Tech will be sporting white uniforms and a special helmet for Saturday’s home opener as part of a “White Out.”
Hopefully, their fans will recognize their team this week through its play
And for more reasons than the unsightly black uniforms Nike handed them to wear.
A Hokies program that has long prided itself on a power running game, stout defense and exemplary special teams struggled in all three key phases in succumbing to the Broncos, 33-30, in the nationally televised loss at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. Virginia Tech (0-1) still came within one more first down of winning the game after trailing 17-0 early on, but was ultimately undone by too many costly gaffes.
The 13th-ranked Hokies will have a lot to clean up this weekend with an inexperienced bunch when James Madison (1-0) comes to Lane Stadium on Saturday.
Unleashing the running game will be the key, if Virginia Tech hopes to right things in time for the meat of its schedule. The Hokies were dominated on both sides of the line of scrimmage by the Broncos. Their inability of the offensive line to physically impose its will led Boise State to crowd the line of scrimmage and limit tailback Ryan Williams to just 44 yards on 21 carries. In addition to completing 15 of 22 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns, elusive quarterback Tyrod Taylor also rushed for 73 yards. But coach Frank Beamer knows his team must do better than the meager 128 collective yards rushing it managed if it hopes to be in the mix for another ACC championship this fall.
The same applies to the Hokies’ defense and special teams, both of which had forgettable outings Monday night.
A Tech defense with seven new starters consistently had trouble stopping the run or defending the pass. Broncos quarterback Kellen Moore is one of the nation’s best, but he made it look easy in passing for 215 yards and three touchdowns. He carved up the Virginia Tech secondary at the game’s critical end, completing four of five passes on the final drive, including the game-winning 13-yard touchdown pass to Austin Pettis with 1:09 left.
Special teams mistakes, including a blocked punt as a result of a missed blocking assignment and several egregious penalties, also contributed to the loss.
The Dukes, who beat Morehead State 48-7 last week, will not physically challenge the Hokies in the way Boise State did. But they do have some big-play athletes capable of doing some damage. Junior wide receiver Kerby Long recorded a career-best 112 yards receiving last week to go with his two touchdowns.
Tailbacks Griff Yancey and Jamal Sullivan combined to rush for 131 yards last week. Scott Noble will also be in the mix for JMU after sitting out last week with a suspension.
After wearing black last week, Virginia Tech will be sporting white uniforms and a special helmet for Saturday’s home opener as part of a “White Out.”
Hopefully, their fans will recognize their team this week through its play