#13 Louisville v Virginia Tech: Previewing The Hokies

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 16: Jeff Brohm the head coach of the Louisville Cardinals against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 16: Jeff Brohm the head coach of the Louisville Cardinals against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA – OCTOBER 26: Cole Nelson #25 and Antwaun Powell-Ryland #52 of the Virginia Tech Hokies react in the second half during a game against the Syracuse Orange at Lane Stadium on October 26, 2023 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA – OCTOBER 26: Cole Nelson #25 and Antwaun Powell-Ryland #52 of the Virginia Tech Hokies react in the second half during a game against the Syracuse Orange at Lane Stadium on October 26, 2023 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images) /

Can Louisville and Jack Plummer overcome the physical Hokie defense?

Louisville hasn’t put up as many points as they probably should have last week, but coming out of the gates the Cardinals looked lethal last week against Duke. You can say the same about the Hokies defense in recent weeks.

The Hokies allow 22.9 points per game, allow 141 passing yards a game, allow 150 rushing yards per game, while also only allowing 291 yards on average to opponents per game. What stands out from these stats is how the Hokies are ranked 19th in yards per game allowed and 3rd (yes 3rd) in passing yards allowed per game in the FBS. That’s not even mentioning how they held Garrett Shrader to -42 yards rushing and Syracuse overall last week to 0 rushing yards total.

The Hokies held star QB Jordan Travis of FSU to just 170 yards passing. Jeff Brohm and Jack Plummer need to be prepared coming into this game.

Virginia Tech has 30 sacks on the year to also go along with 4 interceptions and 9 fumbles forced for this defense. They had 8 sacks against Syracuse last week, and I know it’s Syracuse but that is impressive for a team that gave up 35 points to Rutgers earlier this season.

Brent Pry is finally getting things together for Virginia Tech this season, and the defense has found its way just like the offense has.

Louisville will need to be on point to overcome the Hokie defense. I’m looking for Jawhar Jordan to get a lot of carries in this game to try and get the Cardinals up early in this game. The Hokies will likely try and make Plummer win this game with his arm, and if they do I just hope Brohm can somehow scheme a way for Plummer to get easy throws for first downs.

The Louisville offense will need to be firing early to slow down this surging Hokie defense.