Hokies Present Tough Test
A week ago Virginia Tech was ranked 14th in the College Football Playoff rankings. They weren't likely going to sneak into the final four, but the top 10 seemed almost likely.
Fast forward to now and they find themselves out of the rankings completely after losing to an average Georgia Tech team that didn't have their starting quarterback. They still have a shot at winning an ACC Championship by winning the Coastal division, but 10 wins doesn't look like it will happen after falling to 7-3.
When the Hokies are good, they are very good. They whipped Miami on a Thursday night in Blacksburg when their pass rush dismantled the Canes.
But when they are bad, they are pretty bad. They gave the Tennessee and Georgia Tech games away because of turnovers and were lit up for 561 yards by Syracuse. There is no doubt they can be really good, but they have had ups and downs even in wins this season.
The prevailing thought on Virginia Tech this week is that they will bounce back in a big way versus Notre Dame because they responded so well after losing to Tennessee and Syracuse. After their first loss, they beatdown Boston College 49-0. They stomped Miami 39-16 after the second. Georgia Tech was number three and the Irish await what should be motivated team.
Notre Dame should expect the best from the Hokies, but it's no guarantee that they'll get it. They have had some issues stopping the run for three consecutive weeks and have been a much worse team on the road than at home. They average almost 40 points a game in Blacksburg and give up an average of 15.2 points per game. On the road their scoring average is down to 27.6 and they give up 27.2.
They can be a really good team. But they are also very beatable.
They have a big, mobile quarterback
It's been awhile since Virginia Tech had good quarterback play and they've got it this season from JUCO transfer Jerod Evans. He was the top rated JUCO quarterback in the nation last cycle and committed shortly after Justin Fuente got the job as head coach.
He has done a good job for them throwing for 22 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions, but the lack of turnovers is partly due to the scheme. They run a lot of safe throws where he can get the ball out quickly with only one read. When he has to go through progressions, he's not nearly as effective.
The biggest problem he presents is his mobility. He is big (6'4" 235) and is similar to DeShone Kizer in that he can break tackles with his strength and has some wiggle in the open field. He's dangerous on scrambles and they will call quite a few designed runs for him as well. They don't run the ball that well with their backs because of some issues up front and Evans is relied on to be their primary ball carrier often.
It's going to be huge for Jarron Jones to dominate a below average player on their interior in center Eric Gallo. If Jones can live in the backfield like he did versus Miami, then the Irish have a great shot at blowing up designed runs like this one versus Duke. If Evans has space at the second level, he will move the sticks and be an effective tool for them in controlling the game.
Tough matchups for the ND secondary
I'll get to their top target in a second, but there isn't a lack of options for Evans to spread the ball around too. Tight end Bucky Hodges in particular is going to be a nightmare to cover if they get him matched up in one on one. That's why they like to play him as more of a receiver like they did against Pitt.
The throw is pretty good by Evans and the corner has no shot because Hodges used his 6'7" 245 pound frame to box out the defender with an extra push off to boot. If he is lined up outside and Notre Dame has him in man coverage, it's probably best if it's Donte Vaughn out there trying to take him on because at least Vaughn will have a fighting chance against a monster like Hodges.
Must be aware of Isaiah Ford on every play
Isaiah Ford is probably the best all around receiver Notre Dame will have faced this season. He really can do it all for them and is a go-to guy in every situation. On 3rd down, he is going to be the primary target the majority of the time. If they see him in a matchup they like, chances are high that they will keep feeding him until Notre Dame adjusts.
Even when teams try give him extra attention, they will send him in motion or run back shoulder throws like this to combat it. Pitt's safety is immediately dropping to towards Ford at the snap. If this ball was thrown over the top, it would have to be perfect or it could possibly be picked. The Hokies keep this one on one by throwing it to his back shoulder and he gets that extra separation then makes an easy catch.
They have been awesome on 3rd down on D
Virginia Tech is in the top 5 in the nation when it comes to preventing conversions on 3rd down. It doesn't matter if it's 3rd and short or 3rd and long, they have been awesome on the "money down". They only give up 42% completions and a huge reason why is the pressure they bring. They are capable of getting pressure with 4, but defensive coordinator loves to bring heat as much as possible.
They want to confuse the protection and do so on this 3rd down by having everyone play out of a two point. There isn't a clear indication if anyone will be dropping or rushing. They all ended up rushing with the exception of one player who had the back in man coverage. The back saw him step forward and figured he was blitzing. That left another linebacker free to loop around and have a free rush.
Brad Kaaya had to step up in the pocket and directly into two other rushers. The moral of the story is that Kizer is going to have to get the ball out quickly against them. They make life very difficult for quarterbacks on 3rd down.
Watch out for Woody Baron
They have solid pass rushers at different spots, but the most disruptive player on their defensive is Woody Baron. He plays three technique for them and is often matched up against a team's right guard like he is on this play. Considering that is the weakest spot on the line for Notre Dame, that's a bit concerning. Mark Harrell and Colin McGovern are going to need to play well because he is very quick. This spin move is nasty and Kaaya doesn't even have a shot at getting away from this because the guard is beat so clean.
They can be gashed for big plays
Sometimes in an effort to generate pressure and confuse blocking schemes, they can get caught with gaps left wide open. It was here versus Duke and this hit up inside for big yards.
I think Notre Dame can run the ball on Virginia Tech. They just have to be patient with it. They have worn down in some games have given up big plays late. Baron, who had the sack on the previous play I showed and leads their team in tackles for loss, can be run at. He is terrific laterally, but he can be moved off the ball at the point of attack.
The coaching staff should try to run his way as much as possible on Saturday to wear him down and potentially slow down his pass rush. They may see big holes like this as well if they are consistent with it.
This is a good team Notre Dame is facing, but I don't think they are a great one. If Notre Dame plays well up front on both sides of the ball, I don't see them losing this game.
The chances of going to a bowl game are slim. The Irish need to be motivated and play well. Hopefully it being Senior Day gives them incentive to be at their best because their best should equal a win.