It's the Same... Sad Song

It is incredibly frustrating to write about the same shortcomings over and over. But once again, the same issues that have haunted Virginia Tech throughout the Brent Pry era hindered the Hokies in a close football game. Game mismanagement cost Virginia Tech nine potential points in 31-28 loss: the sack-fumble on their next-to-last drive of the second quarter, the choice not to attempt the field goal after Caleb Woodson's interception at the end of the first half, and to go for it on 4th-and-2 in the third quarter, resulting in an interception. Duke's offense, which has been at best mediocre throughout the season, exploited lack of eye discipline and trust in the secondary, continuing a troubling trend for the Hokies over their last three games. Despite an eye-opening performance by redshirt freshman quarterback Pop Watson, the Hokies offensive line killed drive after drive with sloppy fundamentals, unnecessary penalties, and poor communication in pass protection. Once again, the Hokies, outplayed for much of the game, found themselves with a chance thanks to a great defensive fourth quarter, but couldn't keep Watson upright to finish the job.

A Good Game Plan Stymied by a Reactionary Offensive Line

Duke head coach Manny Diaz inherited an aggressive defensive philosophy from predecessor Mike Elko and put his own spin on it. Rather than focus on gap security, Duke blitzes and stunts almost every play to confuse and slow down the opposing blocking scheme. Hokies offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen had a good game plan, using play designs with misdirection to trap Duke's aggressive defensive line up the field and out of position. Against Diaz's defense, it is difficult to stay on schedule because of the philosophy, but it also presents opportunities to hit big plays.

Bowen prepared accordingly, and it was reflected in some of the Hokies offensive success. The Hokies incorporated a variety of runs designed to allow penetration on the edge and in order to pop quick hitters back to the inside. The initial game plan featured a heavy dose of inside traps, inverted veers, and orbit motion to give Collin Schlee an additional option in the run game. This early run highlighted Bowen's philosophy.