Scouting Virginia Tech Ahead of The ACC Showdown
By Caleb Hall
A look at #13 Louisville v Virginia Tech through an expert on the Hokies
Louisville will face the Virginia Tech Hokies tonight and while the Cardinals will be favored in the game, the Hokies have been on a roll recently and shouldn’t be overlooked. Virginia Tech comes into the game at 4-4 and ties Louisville for 2nd place in the ACC. Whichever team wins this game will have sole possession of 2nd place in the ACC and will have a much better chance of going to the ACC championship game.
I talked to Scott Roche, the Virginia Tech expert at Fightingobbler.com and he gave me a better perspective on who the Hokies really are and how they think this game will go. Here’s what he had to say:
Big Red Louie: What is VT’s biggest challenge to overcome against Louisville?
The biggest challenge for Virginia Tech this weekend will be whether or not the offense will be able to put points on the board to keep the game close. They are not a team built to come from behind and in each game they have lost, they have dug themselves into early holes and allowed too many big plays. Getting off to a good start is a must for the Hokies.
Who are the keys for the VT offense against Louisville and can Kyron Drones be good enough on offense for the Hokies?
Roche: The keys on offense for the Hokies have been the emergence of running back Bhayshul Tuten and quarterback Kyron Drones, both transfers who have been a big part of their success since ACC play began. Drones is a dual-threat QB who had some big plays against Florida State, while Tuten and M’Nalachi Thomas have been very good recently running the ball. Jaylin Lane has emerged as Drones’ to wide receiver and Da’Quan Felton had two touchdown receptions against Syracuse.
What are the keys for VT defense against Louisville and will they be able to shut down Jawhar Jordan?
Roche: One thing that is a big key for the Virginia Tech defense is creating turnovers. They have created several in the last couple of weeks, both forcing fumbles and taking advantage of opposing quarterbacks scrambling to make plays and getting interceptions. Jordan is an explosive back and those types of backs have caused problems for the Hokies this season. It’s hard to envision as well as Tech has been playing that they’ll be able to shut down Jordan.
VT has been explosive on offense in the last couple of weeks. Will they be able to continue that against Louisville?
Roche: Offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen has done a nice job the last month calling plays and he has even worked in some trick plays. Louisville will be the toughest defense Tech faces all season, aside from Florida State, and if they are going to have any success, they need to keep it balanced with the running and passing game.
VT held Syracuse to 0 rushing yards and had eight sacks last week, should the Cards be worried about the front 7 and their ability to stop the run?
Roche: The Hokies defense has been very good since ACC play started. Take out the first quarter against the Seminoles and they have been dominant. Antwaun Powell-Ryland has emerged as one of the top edge rushers in the conference and their linebackers have done a very good job against the run. They have been getting healthier on defense as the season has gone along and we will find out very early on whether or not they will be able to contain Jordan and the Louisville running game.
What does VT need to do to pull the upset and what can Louidville expect from them in this game?
Roche: There are several things Virginia Tech needs to do to pull the upset, but surviving the first quarter is key. They allowed 22 points to FSU in the opening quarter and in all three of their road games, falling into deficits has been an issue. They are going to have to create turnovers on defense and stay ahead of the chains on offense, not getting into many second and third and longs. Finishing drives with touchdowns instead of field goals is a must as kicking field goals on the road won’t do them much good.
Final prediction for the game between Louisville and Virginia Tech?
Roche: As well as Tech has played in the last month Louisville is the more talented team and should win by double-digits as the Hokies are not ready for this moment, yet.