Quick Reaction Post

Some quick observations based on my eye test, which isn't always accurate. I want to retain in depth analysis for the film review.

1) I told you so about Edmunds. He should have been featured earlier, but Loeffler going "too cute" and trying to outfox Saban early damaged the effort. Still, at least showing that the pitch was something VT could use kept the outside linebacker honest, which helped break the touchdown run later. Edmunds didn't have huge holes (mostly because the OL was playing with narrow splits, so he didn't have as much natural space) but he was taking runs where last year they lose yardage and was getting 3 yards a pop. Tonight, the Hokies had more 3rd and managable situations than just about any game last season. The offensive line deserves a ton of credit as well. Pass protection was better than servicable despite the occassional breakdown in the 3rd quarter, and the run blocking was as good as I have seen in a long time. The lack of huge holes came mostly from the lack of splits, but you didn't see unblocked Bama defensive linemen blowing into the backfield making plays.

2) As good as VT was on the interior, they were totally outclassed outside the tackles. Pass drops will be the story, but Coles ran so timidly on some of the option stuff early that I guffawed at Alabama's outside linebackers even paying attention to him later in the game. Routes were at best tentative. Knowles had the corner from Alabama turned around on the near INT before the field goal and if he makes a "big boy"receiver adjustment by undercutting the cover guy, that is a touchdown. Coles half assed the stick route on the INT for a TD by Sunseri. Logan never should have thrown it, but you expect more from a senior there. It was a banana route.

As I noted earlier, the Hokies had more 3rd and managable situations than I could remember in a long time, but could not get 3rd down plays from their WR's. Some of that is on Logan and the playcalling (the roll out right on 3rd and 1 gave me an ulcer), but your receivers have to make plays and beat good coverage sometimes.

3) The defense was tremendous. Alabama's two touchdowns came on two series when Desmond Frye was in for Jarrett. The kid got caught once. Otherwise, the secondary was close to perfect. The other drive had both Fuller and Jarrett on the bench.

But, the young kids played great. Kendall Fuller was solid and saved a touchdown. I can't recall a pass completed on Fayscon. Nigel Williams and Woody Baron were tremendous inside. Deon Clarke got some reps and looked good. You have to feel good.

Then, what can you say about the older guys on D? JR Collins stole money from Cyrus Kouandjio all night long. Collins repeatedly beat him inside on hard rip moves. Hopkins and Maddy had wonderful gap integrity and prevented cut back lanes. Jack Tyler and Tariq Edwards blew through the back side gaps to make tackle after tackle. The edge force technique by Jarrett, Trimble, and DiNardo kept Yeldon from making it to the edge. You just can't say anything bad about the defense. I just hope that guys like those front four vets didn't get chewed up for the ACC season.

Most of all, if you are a student on campus, and you see Kyle Fuller, say thank you. That kid played one monster of a game. Terrific in coverage (and he got tested) and better in run support despite what looked like a nasty shoulder injury/concussion type lick.

4) Special Teams: What can we say folks? 31 freshmen, most of whom have not had a year in the strength and conditioning program, didn't stay in their lanes and ran a little tenatively on kick coverage against a great kick returner. They will get better. But, there were some bigger bodies on those kick teams who might not be on those teams next week. The film will show the culprits, but I have my suspicions.

Guys, don't be upset about this game. They did a ton of good things, and the defense will be elite if they can keep it healthy. The lack of guys to push the top receivers scares me, but hopefully Coles wakes up and doesn't repeat the Davis/Roberts debacle of last season.

I will wait for the film before discussing Logan. I need to make sure that my eyes are not tricking me.