Hokies still searching for consistency

By Terry Dombkowski  |   Thursday, September 14, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Virginia Tech Hokies
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Following last Saturday's 35-10 victory against North Carolina, Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer was asked about his team's performance.

"One thing I don't question with this team is effort. As long as we get effort, we are what we are," he said.

It's hard to blame Beamer for making such a vague statement, as the Hokies' play in the early season has exhibited both flashes of brilliance and worrisome trends. It is this discrepancy that has fans wondering how the team will fare against higher-caliber opponents.

Take the most recent win against North Carolina. The game was decided by defense and field position, as the Hokies forced five Tar Heel turnovers and also blocked a punt for the second consecutive week. However, a closer look at the numbers indicates that UNC was able to find some measure of success in the game.

The Tar Heels recorded 16 (!) first downs on offense while out-gaining Tech 268-224. North Carolina also won the time of possession battle by nearly 10 minutes, but it was ultimately done in by the poor decisions of quarterbacks Cam Sexton and Joe Dailey. Each signal caller threw two interceptions that led to shifts in both field position and momentum.

It is important to note that this was still a 14-3 contest midway through the third quarter. With the UNC defense holding its own against the Hokie offense, the turnovers proved to be the ultimate backbreaker.

Speaking of the offense, what are fans to make of this unit? For starters, it was only able to convert on 2-of-10 third-down situations. While the young offensive line came up with an improved effort against UNC (allowing just one sack), QB Sean Glennon could not take advantage. Glennon managed just 66 yards on 10-of-17 passing - numbers that will hardly inspire confidence among the Hokie faithful.

On the flipside, Branden Ore ran for 111 yards on 22 carries and three short touchdowns. His individual effort equaled the team's entire rushing output from the opener against Northeastern - another sign that the offensive line is starting to come together.

After the next two games against Duke and Cincinnati, Virginia Tech will begin the toughest phase of its schedule. If the 14th-ranked Hokies can develop a bit more consistency, this hard-to-define team might just come out the other side with its flawless record intact.

Get more Virginia Tech Hokies insight at Realfootball365.com
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