Catching up with Virginia Tech: Will Hokies come out rushing or passing against Boise State?
by Kevan Lee on Mar 29, 2010 8:15 AM PDT
in Boise State football
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PrintWhat have the Virginia Tech Hokies been up to this spring? Apart from losing defensive players every which way you can lose them, VT is building an offensive powerhouse and loading up for big run through the ACC.
After the jump, find out what has changed and what hasn't with the Hokies thus far, and weigh in with your thoughts on the Labor Day matchup and the matchups you think will be most important. Here's one to chew on: Argainst the Broncos, ae the Hokies better off going with a run game of returning 1,000-yard rushers Ryan Williams and Darren Evans or should they focus on the passing of Tyrod Taylor? Vote in the poll and chat in the comments.
All this week, OBNUG will be checking in with Boise State's 2010 opponents to see how their spring is going. Now: Virginia Tech. Next: Wyoming.
The last indelible image of Virginia Tech's 2009 season
Chick-fil-a Bowl LULZ! (via alt.coxnewsweb.com)
Chick-fil-a Bowl victories are the best. The Hokies routed Tennessee, 37-14, to give VT 10 wins on the season even though victories over Lane Kiffin teams should be considered three-fourths of a win at best.
What has changed
Seven defensive players will not be back this season, including defensive stars Cody Grimm (leading tackler) and Jason Worilds (leading pass rusher). Worilds broke VT hearts when he declared early for the NFL Draft - not a bad thought considering there may not be an NFL in 2011. Plus, three-fourths of the Hokie secondary will be new.
Virginia Tech and DC Bud Foster are big-time enough that they won't rebuild, they'll reload, but I would not want to get caught reloading while Kellen Moore, Jeremy Avery, Titus Young, and Company have you squarely in their crosshairs.
On offense, the left side of the Hokie line will not be around in 2010, including the biggest offensive loss, LT Ed Wang (and second-biggest, LG Sergio Rennder). Again, reloading-not-rebuilding-blah-blah-blah, but that is a pretty significant loss when you are dealing in terms of entire groupings rather than individual positions. The Wang-Render replacements will have their work cut out for them.
Also of note, All-ACC punter Brent Bowden is gone, meaning Brad Elkin may be the second-best punter on the field on Labor Day.
What hasn't changed
The Hokies have one of the nation's best backfield bundles in QB Tyrod Taylor and RBs Darren Evans and Ryan Williams. Plus, VT's three top receivers return in 2010. Basically, picture what the Hokies were able to do to Tennessee in the Chick-fil-a Bowl, replace Tennessee with a token ACC team, and you'll have a pretty good idea of how the Virginia Tech offense is going to look this season.
Biggest spring storyline
How will Virginia Tech share Ryan Williams and Darren Evans?
Here are some fun facts about VT's top two returning running backs:
- Ryan Williams rushed for 1,655 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. The yardage numbers were a Virginia Tech record and third-best single-season mark in ACC history. The touchdown total is an ACC record.
- Darren Evans 1,265 yards in 2008. (Evans missed all of last season with an ACL tear.)
Hmm, an offense with a pair of outstanding running backs. Sound familiar, Bronco fans?
The spring will be the first chance for Evans to re-take the field with the team, and while his participation may be limited, he and Williams are expected to give the Hokies two healthy 1,000-yard rushers by opening weekend. A simple way to solve this? Four words: Two year Mormon mission. I'm surprised Frank Beamer hasn't thought of this yet.
Runner-up for best storyline: the defensive line
No Worilds hurts. Losing three of four starters total stings. And not having your top backup to make it all better is really just rubbing it in. Warm bodies are needed to step up in Blacksburg this spring.
The question: Is Virginia Tech better off attacking Boise State with the run or with the pass?
You can vote in the poll below, but let me set the stage for you. Virginia Tech will have two 1,000-yard rushers for its game against Boise State. QB Taylor will have his top three receivers back and Taylor is good. How would you gameplan against BSU's defense? Pass or run?
Some things to consider, and I'm open to hearing any and all thoughts in the comments:
- Will Boise State's defense be tougher against the run or the pass?
- Though VT's Williams got a lot of praise following the Chick-fil-a blowout, Taylor's passing was what really set the stage for the laugher. Therefore, does VT pass to set up the run? Vice versa?
- For the first game of the year, how far along will the VT offensive line be? Is it easier to pass or run with a green line?
You may start disliking this person
Tyrod Taylor
He is a rich man's Nathan Enderle. A very, very rich man who bought Apple stock in 1989 and who names his children Nolan. Taylor is highly regarded as one of the ACC's best passers, and considering the way the offseason hype machine blows through town, he may be one of the nation's best by Labor Day.
But consider this: Taylor completes under 60 percent of his passes, and he threw for only 13 touchdowns last season. His QB efficiency rating is rather stellar, but is that enough to lionize the guy? Forget Nathan Enderle. We may be treading in Colin Kaepernick waters.
Spring schedule
- Today: Hokie head coach Frank Beamer will address the media today to kick off spring practice for the Hokies.
- Wednesday, March 31: Spring practice officially begins for VT.
- April 10: Scrimmage
- April 17: Scrimmage
- April 24: The Maroon-White game
Spring reading
SB Nation has a Virginia Tech blog titled Gobbler Country, and even if I wasn't contractually obligated to mention them, I would mention them. Also, I have a pen pal who writes College Game Balls - a VT-like blog. And the Washington Post, which I did not know still existed, has a beat reporter covering the Hokies.
To the comments ...
Excited about the possibility of Kellen Moore facing seven new defensive starters? Think the Hokies will go for a run-first approach or a pass-first approach against the Broncos? Content with disliking Tyrod Taylor? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Comments
I say run.
I’m guessing the opening playbook will have 11 runs, 4 pass plays. A few will be disguised as option reads, QB scrambles, but the Hokies will try to win it on the ground first. And I would recommend they do so. I think the Boise secondary will be waiting for Tyrod to get off to a bad start as he warms up against his first opponent. The ACC is also a very turnover-based league. Look for them to limit those turnovers by starting on the ground.
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
They have a tall, speedy receiving corps...
…which could present a matchup problem with our shorter, less experienced corners. But their ball delivery system may not be ideal.
I think we will be ready for the run and scramble.
Obviously you're not a golfer...
Whether its smart or not is irrelevant
I believe they will see the departure of Kyle Wilson as a weakness to exploit. 3 Bradyn Thompson picks later may encourage them to try something else.
No NFL in 2011?
come again?
Someday I hope to look in a mirror and see something special... something like a coach pete protoge'.
Has Kevan every been wrong?
I’m mean, besides the Pick’ems…
Catch me on the BroncoNation Podcast!
by OBNUG Intern on Mar 29, 2010 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Munson'd
ever not every. I really miss that edit button!
Catch me on the BroncoNation Podcast!
by OBNUG Intern on Mar 29, 2010 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions
2011
No NFL in 2011?
come again?
Many NFL folks are quite adamant there will be a lockout in 2011. I sure hope they’re wrong.
"Hell, I can get you a toe by 3 o'clock this afternoon... with nail polish."
Thatgreat news!
Looks like we don’t need to worry about any juniors declaring early next year!
Someday I hope to look in a mirror and see something special... something like a coach pete protoge'.
I mean "that's great news!"
Someday I hope to look in a mirror and see something special... something like a coach pete protoge'.
It happens.
Catch me on the BroncoNation Podcast!
by OBNUG Intern on Mar 29, 2010 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions
We will run
We will always run until our opponent proves they can stop the run. Then we’ll go play action pass. Then we’ll run again. Then we’ll throw a screen to a split end with no blocking receiver in front of him. Then we’ll run again. Then we’ll run a reverse with our slow, white flanker. Then we’ll run again. Rise, wash, repeat.
You now have our complete scouting report.
A bullhorn, a bottle of whiskey and a dream. GobblerCountry.com
In the words of Ken Harrelson
Hegown.
Yeah, Boone graduated. I was sad to see him go, but there’s a chance freshman Logan Thomas will see time at TE this year. He’s also battling for the backup quarterback job. He’s a faster, lighter version of Boone and like Boone is one of those guys that you just have to get on the field SOMEWHERE. Senior Andre Smith will probably start at TE because he’s the best run blocker in the bunch.
A bullhorn, a bottle of whiskey and a dream. GobblerCountry.com
by furrer4heisman on Mar 29, 2010 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions
slow, white flanker.
Awesome! We have one of those, too!
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
Hey...
I resent that!
Catch me on the BroncoNation Podcast!
by OBNUG Intern on Mar 29, 2010 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions
soooooo....
did you watch the Fiesta Bowl this year?
apparently, we figured out how to stop the run…
Thank you, Nick Adenhart. You will always be remembered. #34
by howiestheman on Mar 29, 2010 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Not sure he was saying that we couldn't.
Just commenting on the VaTech way.
Brings me to this thought, though. I watch any college football game I can get during the season, and I try to play sofa coach and tell my TV what play needs to be selected against that particular defense and field position. I consider myself quite good at it. But I never noticed myself doing that to Boise State.. mostly because their play calling is not a typical offense you would see on any Saturday (not intended to make a joke about not ever playing on Saturdays — but it turned out that way). This must be what attracts me to Boise State. This coaching staff just does things …differently… than most other teams.
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
You're correct
Not at all saying Boise State can’t stop our run game. Hell, Duke stopped it last year and forced us to throw nearly every down because it put 13 guys in the box.
We will just always try to establish the run first and foremost. Our offense is all about ball control, trying to physically wear down the opposing team’s front seven and then exploiting that in the fourth quarter. This is also designed to keep our defense on the sideline so it will be fresher at the end of the game.
A bullhorn, a bottle of whiskey and a dream. GobblerCountry.com
by furrer4heisman on Mar 30, 2010 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Question for you.
How many special teams plays will Va Tech make against Boise? I don’t want to label you as all Beamer ball, but you know it’s going to come up.
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
I expect one big return
and we were usually good for one a game last year. In recent years we’ve gone away from trying to block punts to setting up the return to help with field position. Both the kick return and punt return units were pretty solid last season and Dyrell Roberts was 4th in the country in KO return avg. He wasn’t nearly as spectacular as Spiller, but 25-35 yards per return was automatic. Unfortunately, we’re losing one of the better punters we’ve had come through Blacksburg in Brent Bowden. Because it’s “just the punter” I think that’s a storyline that will fly under the radar from now until September. But we were spoiled rotten having Bowden back there who was consistent and had a powerful leg.
A bullhorn, a bottle of whiskey and a dream. GobblerCountry.com
by furrer4heisman on Mar 30, 2010 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Ed Wang
is our biggest offensive loss based purely on weight. CGB and I celebrated his graduation with cupcakes and balloons.
A bullhorn, a bottle of whiskey and a dream. GobblerCountry.com
Ed “False Start” Wang
Football is my anti-drug. CollegeGameBalls.com
by collegegameballs on Mar 29, 2010 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions
Neither
They will prob run first. Then, after a 3 ‘n out for a loss of 18 yds, they will resort to their play action. With Colonel Winterswyk and Big Bad Bacon puttin’ on the pressure, they will have to either throw out of bounds, run (right into the arms of Winstonie), or pass to a dual covered reciever. g’luck with that plan Hokies…. not really tho.
*Perfection is our goal, excellence will be tolerated*
Big Bad Bacon
I like that! We can call him “Triple B”!
Catch me on the BroncoNation Podcast!
by OBNUG Intern on Mar 29, 2010 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions
I'll say they need to pass
I think they have seen what Boise State can do against the running game and if they don’t expand their passing game, they will not be able to keep us honest on defense.
We will focus on their running attack and make them throw it. If they can’t do that successfully, then it could be a loss for them.
I think they will run a lot even so, but I think they are going to go after our secondary more than you think.
BSU don't need smoke and mirrors to get the job done, they got orange pants.
Pass...flat out
Beamer’s a smart coach, not stupid. He knows what we do to more than one 1000 yd rusher per team (UNR anyone?). He’ll start with the run, then probably force Tyrod Taylor to pass just because while they’re picking up ground, 1-2 first downs before punting is never ideal. I agree with McNalley on challenging Brandyn Thompson, it just won’t work. So I think this game will not be a blowout, however it won’t necessarily be close either.
Oh and BTW…Venable’s going to have a field day with a rushing QB. Way too early prediction — Tyrod Taylor out with a concussion by the end of the game.
"Speak softly and wear a loud shirt" - Kimo's Rules
"The Wang-Render replacements"
… would be a great name for a band.
by D_Summit on Mar 29, 2010 11:32 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Gameplan...
Last year Boise’s gameplan was stop the run, make them pass. I believe after last year, Boise’s DBs got quite a bit of experience because everyone was pretty scared of KW. So Boise’s DBs are experienced.
If Beamer has the “we’re bigger than them” mentality, he’ll probably start with the run. If he doesn’t. Then I think he will pass toward the less experienced DBs. Or try to make some mismatches between the WRs and DBs.
Intangible: They haven’t even started spring scrimmage yet. There could be some injuries that happen (I am not wishing for this, but they could happen).
I love the colors Orange and Blue. Go Broncos!!! Go Titans!!! BAD WORD Gators!!!
Whether they pass or run doesn’t matter. TCU was no offensive slouch last season. When Boise can hold them to 36 yds on the ground and get 3 picks. I’m not worried. Even without Kyle the secondary are ball hogs!
by Dustin Peterson on Mar 29, 2010 1:46 PM PDT reply actions
I like talking strategy in March
It is never too early to get started on this stuff.
Good feedback, all. I think run is definitely to be expected both because it is VT’s bread-and-butter and because it will be the first week of the season. Remember BSU’s vanilla gameplan against Oregon last year? I don’t think VT should decide what to do based on where they see BSU being more vulnerable. VT needs to do what it does best because the BSU defense has no discernable weakness.
"Lunch has been canceled today due to lack of hustle." - Tony Perkis
Is it too soon to start getting ulcers?
by CaptainBronco on Mar 29, 2010 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions
No.
Three things that happen to me between the Bowl gam and the first game of the season.
1. I lose more hair. Mostly from pulling it out because every off season I picture in my mind the worst things that could happen to us in the opener, ie: Georga.
2. I get fatter (till my soccer leauge starts) because I eat lots of icecream and other comfort foods to make me feel better about that scary first tough game of the season.
3. I lose sleep because my head is cold, I have indigestion and I really want football season to start tomorrow.
I really think if I could get away with it I would put myself in a chemical induced coma about this time of year and sleep till about mid August. The Bowl win “high” is really wearing off and the crappy nerves are setting in. All I do from Jan-March is snowmobile and that is pretty much over at this point. I don’t care about NCAA basketball. I can tivo all my shows and the NBA playoffs. If I woke up mid-August that would give me chance to catch up with everything and regain some muscul mass for opening day. This may be the best idea I have ever had.
"I think I know what you guys are trying to say.....We need to build a space helicopter." Nathan Explosion
by forseyfan36 on Mar 30, 2010 12:42 AM PDT up reply actions
I'd
bet run, given that it is Vatech, but also (even with Wilson gone) you had a better chance against us last year against the run than the pass, I think, and pretty much everyone is gone.
I think they will need to pass to win, but they will come out running.
I also think this being the first game they will play a safe game plan, which will be a heavy dose of the run. They of course will mix in the pass, but I would lean towards a 70-30 run to pass ratio. I’m more interested in how V-Tech’s D will look and perform.
We will run, in the beginning.
Williams is a special kid, and i think he will get his yards. The most interesting thing for me will be watching Oglesby and Jake Johnson in spring practice. Oglesby was just moved to FB and Johnson to DE. I’m also believe that Williams will get at least 70% of the carries, but Evans will be productive when he gets in the game.
Also, most VT fans hate it when people call us “VA Tech,” especially the announcers. I’m looking forward to this game and cant wait for this season. Virginia Tech’s offense is going to be better than it was last year and the real question is our defense, but if anyone can put up a top 10 defense while replacing that many starters it is Bud Foster.
VT will pummel Boise
Boise will not be ready for the physical game that VT will give them. Those two RB’s are two of the best in the nation and Tyrod is becoming more and more of a passer. The defense will be unbelievable to the Boise players and the special teams just may score every time they touch the field. It will not even be worth watching unless you are a VT fan.
Boise needn’t bring those same out of shape players that missed blocks and held TCU in the Fiesta Bowl. BTW that was the worst BCS bowl I ever tried to watch.
by SECorBust on Mar 30, 2010 1:48 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
No, please...
Tell us how you really feel.
Catch me on the BroncoNation Podcast!
by OBNUG Intern on Mar 30, 2010 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Apparently watching 2 teams play real defense against each other is not fun for you.
Not to worry, I’m sure when this game finally happens there will be enough offense to satisfy you. Don’t be surprised if it’s not from the team you think it is though.
by hummerofdoom on Mar 30, 2010 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions
...adding,
I’m prepared for the possibility of BSU losing to VT, we’re talking about an elite team here. So I don’t mind the trash talk regarding that. What’s lame is that tired old yarn about how ‘bad’ the Fiesta Bowl was. Or how ‘boring.’ Yawn. Trying paying attention next time you watch a game.
by hummerofdoom on Mar 30, 2010 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Funny thing coming from an SEC fan, too.
The SEC is made up entirely of defensive games. One of the reasons I actually give respect to the conference. It’s just that a defensive game between two teams not in the SEC must be a complete fluke.
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
Defensive games are awesome!
It’s sloppy games that are ugly where players miss blocks and tackles and just play slow that are hard to watch.
"...I want everyone to think here for a second. How much does this game mean to you? If it means something to you, you can't stand still. You understand? You play fast. You play strong. You go out there and dominate the guy you're playing against, and make his ass quit. That's our trademark. That's our M.O. as a team. That's what people know us as..."
geez...
i know u dont live in boise but EVERY YEAR we hear this from opposing teams fans..it gets really old. I mean you dont win 2 BCS Bowl Games and have multiple undefeated seasons and top 10 rankings and not know how to play football.
1. WAC – I mean seriously?
2. Beating a good TCU team is like beating Mississippi State on an average day. Any football fan will tell you that do or die trick plays are the mark of desperate teams. Boise was fortunate to beat OU.
3. I’m not saying that Boise doesn’t know how to play football because they obviously do. Boise wants respect like OSU, USC, Alabama, Florida, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas, VT and etc. and it just ain’t going to happen. Boise doesn’t have the recruits, fans or facilities of the major BCS schools and will lose games to major schools consistently when and if they play them. Either the WAC needs to get better or Boise needs to find a place in a better conference rather than go shooting off at the mouth like they are so good that no one will play them.
P.S. Please get rid of that smurf Turf, nobody else likes it.
"...I want everyone to think here for a second. How much does this game mean to you? If it means something to you, you can't stand still. You understand? You play fast. You play strong. You go out there and dominate the guy you're playing against, and make his a** quit. That's our trademark. That's our M.O. as a team. That's what people know us as..."
Personally If I were a BSU fan:
I would be out there painting that crap green myself.
"...I want everyone to think here for a second. How much does this game mean to you? If it means something to you, you can't stand still. You understand? You play fast. You play strong. You go out there and dominate the guy you're playing against, and make his a** quit. That's our trademark. That's our M.O. as a team. That's what people know us as..."
That blue turf was one of the more ingenious maketing ideas in college football. It is easily recognizable (or you wouldn’t be complaining) and there is no doubt to any college football fan whose home field that is when you see it. For all intensive purposes it is very much like the trademarks of many major corporations…easily recongizable and easily identifiable. You don’t have to like it. The BSU fans and school do.
No, I respectfully disagree.
The branding is your logo which is as noticable and easy as anything used to identify your field, including grass color. Boise probably has a small following because many potential fans are put off because of the obnoxious and unnatural color. I see that you’re having a philosophical problem with how you identify your football.
See you think: blue field = bronco football.
Where I see: Play fast. Play strong. Dominate the guy you’re playing against, and make his a** quit. = Alabama Football.
"...I want everyone to think here for a second. How much does this game mean to you? If it means something to you, you can't stand still. You understand? You play fast. You play strong. You go out there and dominate the guy you're playing against, and make his a** quit. That's our trademark. That's our M.O. as a team. That's what people know us as..."
I thought you said "respectfully"
but hey, you know…
I guess you’re right.
- Alabama Football is vastly superior to all.
- Boise State will never be Alabama Football
- The SEC is the greatest conference in College Football
- I hope we never have to play a team like Alabama
There. That is what you wanted, right? You come here to mock us because we are just as proud of our team as you are of yours, but for some reason that makes us foolish because we are fans of an up and coming team. We all have to start somewhere, right?! Get a life!
Catch me on the BroncoNation Podcast!
by OBNUG Intern on Apr 1, 2010 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd the Intern.
This is a fun game. Feed the SEC ego!
Alabama is not only the undisputed national champion, they fought the toughest games against Tennessee and Auburn — and even Texas for the title spot. My only dream is to live in the South where I can watch real football played. I mean, we have to gimmick up our field to be noticed — And that’s just to be hated! Hated or not, though, we need the attention. And I’m glad we finally got it from SECorBust. Let’s bring Alabama Brad back so they can both tell us how real football teams and fans should be.
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
If you were personally a BSU fan,
you wouldn’t be saying any such thing… because you’d be a BSU fan.
Logic fail.
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
hmm
The time you’ve wasted on this site could have been put to better use by writing some ADs in the SEC and encouraging them to schedule the Broncos.
by hummerofdoom on Mar 31, 2010 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm rec'ing you.
It’s not everyday a delusional SEC fan comes on here and spouts of unfounded nonsense. You almost made me feel like I was reading an ESPN message board. Good job!
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
by Loque on Mar 30, 2010 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
rec'd
for the 4 letters message board comment.
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