Hokies invade Chapel Hill to kick off conference play

By Terry Dombkowski  |   Wednesday, September 06, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Virginia Tech Hokies
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The 16th-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies hope to open up ACC play on Saturday in the same manner that they closed it in 2005 - with a victory against North Carolina.

These two division foes met last November in a game won by the Hokies, 30-3. The Virginia Tech defense ruled the day in that contest, holding the Tar Heels' offense to under 200 total yards. The victory also secured the ACC's Coastal Division crown for Tech. And while the Hokies are heavily favored to notch another win in this rivalry on Saturday, they are hardly in midseason form.

Let's first take a look at the positives. Yes, Virginia Tech took care of business with a 38-0 romp of Division 1-AA Northeastern this past weekend. And yes, Sean Glennon performed with the poise and confidence of a seasoned vet, throwing for 222 yards and three TDs against just one interception. In addition, the special teams were able to block both a punt and a field goal, and the defense held the Huskies' rushing attack to just 2.7 yards per carry. However, the contest also showed some potential problems that must be evaluated as the season moves along.

Northeastern dominated the time of possession in the game, holding the ball for over 35 minutes to the Hokies' 24:49. Granted, this discrepancy can be partially explained by a few long Virginia Tech touchdown plays. However, the Hokies still allowed Northeastern to move the chains 15 times for first downs. That number is just too high against a Division 1-AA opponent.

The Hokies' running game also left a lot to be desired, as the team ran the ball 27 times for only 111 yards. While Branden Ore and George Bell were both able to find the end zone on short touchdown runs, the young offensive line has to do a better job at opening up holes for these talented backs. This brings us to Saturday's opponent, the North Carolina Tar Heels.

North Carolina comes into the game fresh off a disappointing 21-16 defeat at the hands of Rutgers. Led by Ray Rice, the Rutgers' ground game was able to exploit the work-in-progress UNC defense for 217 yards at an average of 5.3 yards per carry. The Hokies should be able to follow the Scarlet Knights' lead and find better ground opportunities this week.

It will be interesting to see if Glennon can build upon his stellar game this week on the road. While Kenan Stadium isn't exactly the Orange Bowl, the UNC fans will be sure to present the young QB with a very hostile environment. Glennon may also have to work without the services of top WR weapon Eddie Royal, who sprained a toe in the game against Northeastern. For those of you with a short memory, Virginia Tech's last trip there in 2004 resulted in a tight victory, 27-24. Needless to say, the outcome of this game is far from guaranteed.

This contest should provide Virginia Tech with a more accurate picture of the team's strengths and weaknesses, and it should certainly be focused and up to the task. With home dates against Duke and Cincinnati on the horizon, the Hokies should be able to breathe easier before welcoming a talented Georgia Tech squad at the end of the month.

For more Virginia Tech Hokies insights visit Realfootball365.com
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