There were some wonderful things, but there were so many that it was difficult to choose between the two or three awful things and the two or three ugly ones. It has developed into an undesirable pattern. GO HOKIES!
It was Miliary Appreciation Day and a White Effect Game
The highlight at the start of the game was the impressive flyover by three Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, a tribute to service members, accompanied by the swearing-in ceremony of a large group of Army ROTC cadets.
The Blackhawks, flying in formation from south to north, set a strong tone, but things felt off as the day progressed. Despite the spectacle, there were some noticeable glitches: the marshmallow roaster effects fizzled out early, with one flame jet malfunctioning, and the smoke generator barely produced anything. It seemed like an omen of sorts, especially when the Hokies lost the coin toss—something that’s becoming an all-too-frequent occurrence, defying the odds like Spock beating the computer at 3D chess.
The beginning just felt off. Even the weather couldn’t decide if it wanted to rain or simply darken the skies and mess with the camera settings. Unfortunately, this recap of the “Good, Bad, and Ugly” could easily be a copy-paste of previous weeks, and that’s the most telling note of all.
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The Good That Did Happen, Anyway
Despite being listed as doubtful before the game, Bhayshul Tuten suited up with a knee brace and ended up being the Hokies’ standout performer. Tuten accounted for 18 of Virginia Tech’s points with explosive, long runs, amassing 122 yards on the ground at an average of over 8 yards per carry. His consistent production kept the offense afloat in a game where, without him, there would have been little to no offensive spark.
Surprisingly, the much-criticized offensive line played a key role in Tuten’s success. While they’ve faced scrutiny, the line executed well in run blocking, creating the necessary gaps for Tuten to shine. Though their pass blocking wasn’t perfect, as Kyron Drones did face pressure on occasion, they generally provided him with enough time on most plays. It’s an odd contrast—the run blocking has improved, but the pass protection still lags behind. Nevertheless, the offensive line wasn’t the primary culprit in this game’s struggles on offense. There are still areas to improve, but the line wasn’t the biggest issue this time around.
Okay… Found Two ‘Goods’ but the Bads Cometh
As I mentioned to someone on the sideline while making my way back down the field after the Hokies’ first possession, “That’s it… That’s how we lose this one…”
Another Wasted Slow Start
Bowen limped onto the field, and the Hokies quickly went three and out, with three lackluster play calls executed without much energy. It felt as if the players sensed they wouldn’t move the chains after a ‘jet sweep’ to Jaylin Lane was tackled just behind the line. The second down play went nowhere, and the third down pass was a complete breakdown, thrown short of the sticks and falling incomplete. It was a frustrating start, and even after the defense forced Rutgers into a three and out, there was little confidence that Tech would do anything productive with the ball.
Things only worsened when Lane, after a review, was called for a fumble on a punt return, allowing Rutgers to drive straight into the end zone and score the game’s first points on a particularly embarrassing mistake.
The Old Turnover Bug is One Thing, Drops and Wasted Opportunities Abounded.
Tech had significant issues holding onto the ball, with two fumbles and a critical interception that derailed a two-minute drive to either tie or win the game. The passing game was lackluster; Kyron Drones had ample time to execute short routes, but they just weren’t available. He faced a choice between screen passes that fell short of the line to gain or low-percentage deep balls, which he often overthrew. While Drones managed some yardage through designed runs and scrambles, the offense remained one-dimensional—yet somehow nearly won with just that aspect.
Imagine if Drones had access to even half of Rutgers’ quarterback’s passing options; the Scarlet Knights averaged 10.8 yards per attempt compared to Tech’s 5.1. This average included several low-percentage deep throws without adequate intermediate checkdowns. Tech frequently found themselves in third-and-medium situations, yet opted for challenging bombs instead. A significant issue was Felton’s struggle to get to the ball, and even when he did, he often had trouble securing it.
Not Much Zebra Laundry, But What Was, Really Hurt
Tech was only penalized four times for a total of 34 yards, but one call stood out—a questionable pass interference penalty on Mansoor Delane. The stadium replay showed nothing more than incidental contact typical in pass plays, leading to protests from the crowd. This dubious call allowed the Scarlet Knights to secure a crucial first down after a third-and-long situation, adding to the frustration, especially given some other dubious flags thrown during critical moments.
What You Don’t Play, You Don’t Practice
Tech’s secondary faced a tough challenge throughout the game. Rutgers was able to move the ball effectively with a mix of intermediate passes and occasional runs. While Tech’s run defense performed admirably, holding Rutgers to 2.9 yards per carry and limiting them to just 34 rushing yards, the Scarlet Knights relied more on passing for significant yardage. When they needed to advance, they did so easily through the air.
This performance highlights a notable shortcoming for Tech’s pass defense, which seemed unprepared for the challenge. While credit is due to Rutgers’ offensive coordinator for their effective strategy, it also serves as a warning to the Hokie defensive staff. The secondary struggled to adapt and adjust to the passing attack they faced.
There is Just Too Much Ugly…
You can fill in the gaps with a list of serious issues plaguing this program. Have you ever waited for an elevator that just wouldn’t arrive? Everyone has—it’s a common frustration in high-rises. You can either stand there waiting, maybe chatting with a friend or stranger, or take the stairs, but if it’s an express to a high floor, that’s not an option. So, you keep pressing the call button, hoping the elevator will finally show up.
Right now, I feel like that frustrated person. The problems this season, last season, and even seasons before that are persistent. The offense just isn’t working! How many times do we have to keep hitting our heads against the wall before realizing this approach isn’t effective? The play calling is subpar, the game planning is unimaginative, and the plays are straight out of a basic high school “Power Spread” playbook.
The offensive coaches (I refer to them as “The Dancing Itos,” a nod to the O.J. trial, dating myself in the process) flail about for 10 or even 30 seconds, only to result in a bland dive play that nets just two yards. Take, for example, the ill-fated jet sweep with a slot receiver against Rutgers. If you want to stretch the field with a run, why not give Bhayshul Tuten a toss sweep on the outside? Instead, you follow that with another dive into the line, putting a struggling quarterback in a third-and-long situation where the defense can easily capitalize.
None of it makes sense. A single explosive run doesn’t compensate for the numerous plays that go nowhere.
Moreover, this team has repeatedly missed chances to finish games with effective 2-minute drills that could quickly set up scoring opportunities. The absence of a competent 2-minute offense is a glaring weakness. Such a strategy relies on an intermediate passing game that the team barely employs.
Fans are already voicing strong demands for changes, and many aren’t willing to wait for a new season. Hokie Nation is in a mood, and that’s the last ugly aspect of the situation.
The final ugly truth is the discontent among a significant portion of the fanbase. They were promised a top-tier program, only to discover it’s more like a clunky old car under the hood. When fans feel disillusioned, they stop showing up and lose interest.
We’ll leave it at that, for now.
The Pictures are up on Facebook.
Friday is also an awfully little window of time to get ready to be picked by a team that has a bird as its mascot. The journey to Miami is expected to be difficult. I don’t think there’s much chance that play calling and game preparation will “suddenly and miraculously” improve. Hopefully, Coral Gables’ walking wounded list won’t be too big to prevent them from fighting Stanford.
GO HOKIES!
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