The Hokies will need to make some significant changes from their performance against Vanderbilt last weekend if they are to win their home opener.
After a tough loss, the best remedy can sometimes be getting back on the field right away. However, in football, the week-long wait between games can feel even longer, especially following a disappointing result. For the Virginia Tech football team, it’s set to be a long week after their season opener ended in an unexpected defeat to Vanderbilt.
While there’s still plenty of time for the Hokies to turn things around, the process begins with their home game against Marshall this weekend. Once again, Virginia Tech is the heavy favorite, but to prevent another upset, key adjustments will be crucial. Here are three major changes they need to make to secure a win against the Thundering Herd.
Aggressive play-calling
I couldn’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu from 2023 with the conservative play-calling in the first half last weekend. However, things took a turn in the second half, and so did the offense’s success. The game opened up, they found the end zone three times, and started hitting big plays downfield.
This kind of approach needs to happen right from the first possession against Marshall. Playing at home, in front of a crowd that’s been eagerly awaiting the home opener all offseason, should provide a spark. Get the ball to the playmakers early and let them do what they do best.
Limit critical mistakes
It’s easier said than done. The most significant misstep came in the third quarter when a delay of game penalty pushed Vanderbilt out of field goal range. However, the Hokies were then penalized for having two players wearing No. 0 on the field—an inexcusable mistake. This gave Vanderbilt back the five yards they lost, allowing them to hit a crucial long field goal.
It felt like the Hokies handed them points, which proved costly as the game went into overtime. Errors like that simply can’t happen, and a sharper focus on the details from everyone is essential to avoid similar costly mistakes.
Feed Bhayshul Tuten early and often
Building on the need for more aggressive play-calling, throwing the ball downfield early will help open up the running game for both Kyron Drones and Bhayshul Tuten. When the Hokies were at their best in the last two months of the season, their success stemmed from an effective running game. With the talent they have at the skill positions, there’s no reason to struggle as much as they did in the first half last weekend.
There are clearly several adjustments to be made, and Coach Pry is well aware of that. Expect a stronger, more focused performance against Marshall this weekend.
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