Jimmies and Joes finally deliver the Xs and Os

Desperately needing a change of momentum to salvage their season, Virginia Tech found itself facing an opponent that has provided many Lane Stadium nightmares. Pitt owned a three-game winning streak against Tech, contests in which they dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Despite Pitt's offensive struggles in 2023, a veteran-laden defense expected to physically manhandle the Hokies. The same ones coming off a dreadful performance against a Sun Belt Marshall squad. Instead, Virginia Tech responded. There was an offensive strategy designed to give pause to the hyperactive Pitt linebackers, while Tech's defense sliced and diced an impotent Panthers offensive line. More importantly, veteran players who had drastically underperformed earlier this season stepped up, playing an aggressive, physical style of football that looked more like the Virginia Tech program of old.

Making the Pitt Linebackers Think

Tyler Bowen used misdirection to keep Pitt's linebackers from screaming downhill to take advantage of the disruption caused by their defensive line. The slower developing misdirection, aided by the Hokies offensive line putting up just enough of a fight to keep a very solid Pitt defensive line from blowing plays up consistently in the backfield, froze the Pitt linebackers time and again, leading to space for Bhayshul Tuten to show off.

Tech's most effective run play was a toss sweep packaged with a quarterback counter. The threat of Kyron Drones on the counter was absolutely critical for Tuten to get to the edge.

On the above variation, Tech lined up in a bunch formation to the field-side. Tight end Harrison Saint Germain (No. 87) blocked down on defensive end Samuel Okunlola (No. 8). Right guard Bob Schick pulled to the boundary to account for defensive end Bam Brima (No. 57), while H-Back Benji Gosnell (No. 82) pulled around Schick to lead up on inside linebacker Nick Lapi (No. 59).