Virginia Tech’s running backs must step up to save the season

By Lee Roberts  |   Thursday, November 06, 2008  |  Comments( 1 )

Virginia Tech Hokies
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The Virginia Tech Hokies, despite two straight losses, are in the pole position to win the ACC Coastal Division crown. However, the Hokies are suffering through injuries and are in danger of losing their grasp on the division race. If Virginia Tech is going to play for the ACC title, its running backs must rise to the occasion.

Commentary: With wins over Georgia Tech and North Carolina already in the books, Virginia Tech controls its own destiny in the conference. The Hokies are part of a five-way traffic jam atop the division, with each of the five teams having two losses. The Hokies also have Miami and Virginia left on the schedule, so if they can win those games, they’re all but assured a trip to Tampa.

However, to get there, Virginia Tech’s running game is going to have to carry the day. The top two quarterbacks on the roster, Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon, are both hurt at the moment. Taylor’s loss hurts the passing game and the running attack, as he’s the second-leading rusher for the Hokies. Third-string quarterback Cory Holt is not a threat to opposing defenses, so look for opponents to stack the line of scrimmage.

Currently, Virginia Tech is fourth in the ACC in rushing offense with an average of 160 yards per game. However, if you take Taylor’s rushing yards out, the Hokies are only averaging 104.75 yards per game, which would be good for 10th in the conference.

With Taylor either out or highly limited, Darren Evans and Kenny Lewis must pick up the slack. If Virginia Tech can establish a running game, it will take significant pressure of whoever is playing quarterback.

Fan Pulse: This blog thinks the Hokies need 20 points out of their offense to get the win Thursday night against Maryland, but you never know which Terps team will show up.

Injury Watch: Taylor and Glennon are listed as questionable on the Virginia Tech injury report. Frank Beamer said earlier this week that both would be game-time decisions.
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About Lee Roberts

Born in Richmond, Va, I moved south to UNC-Chapel Hill for college and received a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. I currently live in Charlotte, NC and cover Auburn, LSU and the ACC.
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