Closing Thoughts: A Return to Winning Bowls (Hokies vs Tulane)

The Military Bowl presented a great opportunity for the Hokies to set the path forward for 2024. Retaining most of the team, including a number of prospective transfers, the Hokies delivered a resounding victory over a Tulane team that had built one of the most physical and successful g5 programs. Don't let the narrative of Tulane being depleted fool you. While quarterback Michael Pratt didn't play, several of the key pieces for Tulane's stout defense (Deveon Deal, Tyler Grubbs in particular) who were in the portal played.

The keys to that victory were Kyron Drones and Bhayshul Tuten. Their physicality and athleticism overwhelmed Tulane, even at moments where the blocking and the scheme wasn't there. For example, the Hokies first touchdown was a "special" designed throwback with left tackle Xavier Chaplin flexed over to the right side, creating an unbalanced look. Chaplin completely lost the Tulane defensive end, but Tuten knocked the end to the sideline, creating a lane for Drones, who ran through tackles for a touchdown. In miserable conditions, Drones and Tuten's will pulled the cart, and the rest of the team gained energy from their effort. As things progressed, the offensive line, which looked miserable early in the game, was getting a huge push on the Green Wave's terrific defensive tackle Patrick Bailey (trust me when I tell you, if he entered the portal he would be getting serious blue blood offers) to create huge seams on the inside.

With so many seniors playing, the game didn't present as many opportunities for the key talent for next year to showcase themselves. I was surprised defensive coordinator Chris Marve didn't play more true nickel on third down to get reps for Dante Lovett and Braylon Johnson, and there weren't many safety options behind Jaylon Jones and Mose Phillips, but there were some eye catching moments.

1) The defensive coaching staff played a lot of zone, and Tulane countered that by running a lot of routes that crossed up the Hokies corner to safety handoffs on verticals. Outside of Yulkeith Brown's beautiful sideline catch in front of a trailing Phillips in the 2nd quarter, Tulane wasn't able to take advantage of those breakdowns. In terms of alley support, the young safeties starting slow, with Jones out of position to fit the alley between Lawson and Tisdale on a receiver sweep being the biggest bust. But, they persisted as the game wore on, and both players were around the ball and sharp with their tackling. I think there is a lot of trepidation about Jones and Phillips being the 2nd and 3rd safeties, especially in passing situations, but they stepped forward when needed in this game.

2) The hopefully not serious knee injury to Stephen Gosnell presented an opportunity for freshman Ayden Greene. Not only did Greene make a spectacular catch, but he followed Gosnell's example by delivering immaculate blocking all game long. He sent a message that he wants a bigger role, and will need to maintain that performance to get reps in a very talented and crowded receiver room. Lane was also absolutely terrific blocking.

3) Harrison Saint Germain, who essentially had served as the blocking only tight end all year, found holes in the soft underbelly of the Tulane defense, and Drones trusted him to make plays. With Wright's departure, Saint Germain and Benji Gosnell both played well in the passing game.

4) Drones running was the star of the show, but I paid close attention to other parts of his game. Ball security was worrisome. He exposed the ball ("like a loaf of bread" as one of my former coaches used to say.) He also missed the deep shot to Felton early, which was a big miss with the way Tulane was playing over the top coverage. But, what really impressed me was his decision making when choosing to scramble or check down. I thought Drones did an excellent job checking down to his 2nd and 3rd reads. It shows more progression. Man, if he can figure out how to give his vertical receivers a chance, watch out.

5) Kaden Moore had a really good game. The play that jumped out for me was the long Drones run after Tulane tied the game. Moore delivered a good snap in the rain, pulled around right tackle, and worked his feet to get outside of the edge defender and drive him inside. Clements also had an excellent block at the second level to turn the inside linebacker to the sidelines. Drones and Tuten don't need much of a seam to make a big play, and if this OL group can create it more consistently, look out. Then on the ensuing Tuten touchdown, Saint Germain and Felton put their defenders into the sidelines. Again, the effort from the skill position guys really jumps out.

6) Two guys who also have caught a lot of grief in my column get their due and proper- Tisdale had maybe his best game since his performance against Louisville when Rayshard Ashby spent the whole game blitzing in A gap. He was everywhere, and was doing a better job of shedding blocks than he did all year. And, if you go back and watch Tuten's final touchdown run, Bob Schick drove the middle linebacker from the 10 yard line to the 4 yard line and then knocked him down.