Few folks woke up Tuesday morning with positive feelings about the rest of Virginia Tech's football season. The absence of quarterback Michael Brewer for the foreseeable future, and the disappointing second half of Monday's night's 24-42 loss to No. 1 Ohio State ushered in an overcast forecast for the Hokie's remaining 11 games. It is unfortunate, because up to the moment that Brewer was injured, the young Virginia Tech offensive line was showing signs that a return to dominance may not be as far off as some expected.
In the 2014 matchup with the Buckeyes, the only bright spot for Ohio State was the dominance of their defensive line. The Virginia Tech offensive line busted assignment after assignment in pass protection, and generated almost no movement in the running game in 2014. Without Brewer's ability to scramble, and a terrific game plan built around taking advantage of Ohio State's new cover 4 system, Tech's offense would have been non-existent. Buckeyes' All-American DT Michael Bennett graduated last year, and likely first-round NFL draft pick DE Joey Bosa was suspended for Tuesday night's rematch. The Hokies had to generate something in the running game and protect Brewer better in order to combat a Buckeyes' defense that was better than last season in coverage and at linebacker.
The Future First Five
The Hokies began Monday's game with the expected starting group: Jonathan McLaughlin at left tackle, Wyatt Teller at left guard, Eric Gallo at center, Augie Conte at right guard, and Wade Hansen at right tackle. This group spent the entire spring practice together as a unit, and lauded chemistry and cohesion as a big factor for the improvement of the running game during spring. In fall camp, Hansen had a foot injury that caused him to miss some practice time. The injury to Hansen caused OL coach Stacy Searels to use several different personnel groupings, including true freshman Yosuah Nijman at left tackle and Jonathan McLaughlin at right tackle.
The aforementioned No. 1 group got some movement in the running game, however Wade Hansen struggled a bit finding some second-level defenders on zone runs. On the second series of the game, the Hokies called a rub route to Bucky Hodges in the right flat. The offensive line "p-hole" blocked (blocked low/cut blocked to get the defensive line's hands down). Hansen whiffed on DE Sam Hubbard. With no throwing lane, Brewer took a sack, and the five-yard loss on first down was enough to force an eventual punt.
On the next drive, there was a potential changing of the guard at tackle. Nijman entered the game at left tackle, and Jonathan McLaughlin moved to right tackle in place of Hansen. For the rest of the evening, the Hokies were winning most of the battles in the run game up until the moment Brewer's injury allowed the Buckeyes to outnumber Virginia Tech inside the tackle box.
After a couple of nice pass protection plays, Nijman and company got their first opportunity as a group to show off their improvement in the running game. Sam Rogers is aligned at tailback, and Michael Brewer runs a bread and butter inside zone read.
The slow motion of this play doesn't do it justice. At live speed, the pop of the Hokies' offensive line as they come off the ball and punch into the chests of the Buckeyes' defensive line is audible. I haven't heard that sound too often over the last couple of years. It is beautiful music.
Play side, Nijman widens out the defensive end. He has the end moving to the sideline, and his arms are fully extended with his palms under the shoulder pads of the defender. This is excellent technique, and only Nijman's lack of size and strength prevent this from being a dominant block versus just an effective one. For dominance, glance inside at Wyatt Teller. Teller chips the defensive tackle to help Eric Gallo and then squares up on blue chip middle linebacker Raekwon McMillan. Teller drives McMillan almost ten yards down field. My only gripe with Teller's block is his hand placement. Teller's right hand is outside the shoulder pads and could be called as a holding penalty. Fortunately, Teller was smart in choosing his gloves. The white-on-white may have masked a potential hold.
The toughest block on the play belongs to center Eric Gallo. Gallo has to reach the one-technique DT (No. 51). Gallo snaps the ball, gets his head across and moves the DT laterally to the sideline at the top of the screen. Gallo also has tremendous hand placement, right up and under the pads. Gallo isn't getting as much movement, but has the defender upright and dictating where he goes. This is a strong block from the center position.
On the right side, Conte and McLaughlin get strong initial movement. However, you can also see how critical head placement and timing are for double team blocks. Conte's job is to turn the three-technique defensive tackle's pads to the outside, and then slide off to the second level. McLaughlin doubles the three-technique, and as Conte slides off, McLaughlin would ideally have his head inside the defensive tackle (between the defensive tackle and the running back), or McLaughlin will drive the defensive tackle across the hole. Conte and McLaughlin get good initial movement. Unfortunately McLaughlin has sloppy head placement and is too high. At the 0:06 second mark, McLaughlin's shoulders should be in Adolphus Washington's (No. 92) ribs and his helmet should be in Washington's left armpit. Instead, McLaughlin pushes Washington right into Sam Rogers. Rogers' effort to run through Washington's arm tackle salvages the play and turns it into a nice gain.
Rogers isn't without some issue on the play. The hole really develops between Nijman and Gallo (behind Teller) rather than inside Gallo. Rogers' tremendous effort makes all the difference, however the correct play is to plant and get up field through that outside gap. All night, J.C. Coleman, Trey Edmunds, and Sam Rogers ran hard, however they left yardage on the field by not finding the most open bubble on many of similar inside zones. I walked away from the game feeling like Travon McMillian may ultimately be the best fit in this system, and I will be watching him closely against Furman this Saturday. Will Loeffler eliminate using McMillian on jet sweeps and stick with him as a true tailback, where he looked much more comfortable on Monday night?
The next play highlights, a pin and pull on an outside zone, a blocking technique used by Virginia Tech
Rogers and McLaughlin stretch the defensive end and outside linebacker to the boundary. Augie Conte blocks down and pins the one-technique defensive tackle (No. 77) to the inside. Eric Gallo and Wyatt Teller pull from the back side and lead Trey Edmunds on the play. Teller pancakes McMillan on the play. Again, I am impressed with Nijman on the back side. He takes a proper lead step with his inside foot, gets his head inside the back side three-technique defensive tackle (No. 93), then he cut blocks him down. Far too often, inexperienced players will dive at the legs of a defender right at the snap, which allows the defender time to recover and squeeze the cut back lane. This is excellent technique.
I mentioned the vision of the running backs, and that was a concern of mine after this game. Some solid gains had potential to be big gains, and I didn't see J.C. Coleman and Trey Edmunds finding those holes. They ran assertively, tough and were effective. However, with Brewer out for a prolonged period, the Hokies will need to get big plays in the running game. They are not Georgia Tech and are not designed to move the ball 4 yards at a time up and down the field on sustained drives.
Virginia Tech runs an inside zone from a trips bunch formation. H-Back Sam Rogers wham blocks across the formation; effectively like a trap block from a pulling lineman. Wyatt Teller and Eric Gallo get huge movement on the defensive tackle on the play side, and Nijman completely beats Washington off the ball and scoops him back to the outside. The cutback lane is so clean that Rogers doesn't have anyone to block. Yet, Coleman doesn't cut back and follow Rogers (as an inside zone with a wham is designed to do). Coleman runs into the teeth of the defense and gets a marginal gain. Running backs Shai McKenzie and Travon McMillian will get more work against Furman, and if they can make this cut, the coaching staff will seriously have to consider adjusting the tailback rotation. Opportunities like these have to be capitalized on.
Communication: Blitz and Stunt Pick Ups in Pass Protection
After last season, Virginia Tech's blitz and stunt recognition in pass protection needed to improve. On Monday night, it was evident that the offensive line made great strides in the offseason. Eric Gallo, in his first start as a Hokie, appeared to be correctly identifying the strength of the Ohio State formation and slid protection the correct way for most of the football game. When Ohio State stunted or blitzed, each offensive lineman stayed in their area and handed off one defender to the other blockers. Michael Brewer faced some pressure, but Brewer was given much more time to throw than he received in 2014 against the Buckeyes.
The offensive line seemed very comfortable in protection with Nijman at left tackle and McLaughlin flipped to the right side. Let's take a look. On this play, Ohio State runs a zone blitz. Tyquan Lewis (No. 59) fakes a pass rush over right tackle and drops off into a zone. The rest of the Ohio State defensive line slants hard to the bottom of the screen, while right outside linebacker Darron Lee (No. 43) blitzes right at Nijman.
Too many times in previous years, someone up front would have chased the slanting lineman, opening up a hole for another lineman or the blitzing linebacker to come free. Here, each blocker calmly stays in their zone. McLaughlin picks up the defensive tackle. Gallo picks up the other defensive tackle, and Teller picks up the crashing defensive end. This blitz is designed to take advantage of Nijman and get him to chase the crashing defensive end to the inside. Instead Nijman finds Lee and drives him outside with great extension.
The teaching point is that Gallo sets the protection, and then each of the linemen block the gap to the side of the call. On this play, Nijman, Teller, and Gallo all block the gap to their left. Each steps to the correct place and blocks a zone, rather than reacting to the stunt. It seems simple, yet this was a huge problem area at the end of last season.
Frankly, Brewer checks down way too quickly. McMillian doesn't have a window with the defensive end dropping into the soft zone. Downfield, Ryan Malleck breaks wide open on a quick in route at the sticks in front of the safety. If Brewer had continued his progression, Malleck was the correct throw. Malleck had great success in that area of the field all night while Ohio State's tighter press looks in cover 4 made things challenging for Bucky Hodges and Cam Phillips.
Here is another play with a similar protection scheme. Gallo correctly identifies the strength to the right side. The Buckeyes use a 30 front, blitz the middle linebacker and fake a blitz on the right side of the Hokies' offense.
Teller, Gallo, and Conte all step to the right side, and the Ohio State inside linebackers run right into them. McLaughlin gets sucked inside just a bit however he recovers. On the blind side, Nijman is one-on-one with the defensive end. Nijman is balanced, has good bend, and isn't over extended. Nijman gets his hands under the defensive end's shoulder pads before the end can initiate a leverage move. Nijman then uses his huge wingspan to direct the defensive end to the outside where he is no threat to Brewer. Again, this is textbook stuff from Nijman. After the spring, I wasn't sure he would ever contribute in Blacksburg. Basic fundamentals like first step and getting off on the snap count sometimes made Nijman look like me trying to solve a quantum physics equation. Nijman clearly has put in a ton of work learning the position, and he looks like he could be a player.
Last season, Brewer took a pounding. On Monday night, outside of one bad hit on a scramble and one sack, the young offensive line kept Brewer clean for most of the game. However, one busted protection was enough to cost the Hokies their starting quarterback.
The Hokies motion to a bunch trips formation to the field side. The Buckeyes zone blitz with three down linemen, and an inside linebacker in the A gap between Teller and Gallo.
There are two breakdowns. Teller gets baited to the outside. Instead of stepping to the guard-center gap, he gets bumped by the defensive tackle and chases him to the outside. Gallo steps to the right side along with Conte. Adolphus Washington (No. 92) is a decoy on the play. Washington sits in the gap between Conte and Gallo. Conte chips Washington, but he has the responsibility for the guard-tackle gap to his outside. If you look closely, you can see Conte looking to the outside. Washington is Gallo's man.
Despite Teller's bust, the Hokies are still in an OK situation. Coleman has to block away from the protection call, which is the first free man to the left of the center. Coleman is in the proper position to meet the linebacker in the hole. However, it seems like when Gallo saw the linebacker shoot the A gap past Teller, he abandons Washington. On the replay, you can clearly see Gallo and Conte step to the right, Teller step left and chase the down lineman, and Gallo change direction after the linebacker blitzes.
When Gallo moves to his left, Washington now has a clear path to the quarterback and Augie Conte has no angle to try to recover to the inside. The best thing Conte could have done was to grab Washington and pull him down for a holding call, but even a hold would have been tough given the angle that Conte had to work with.
If you told me that a sophomore center, in his first start, would only have one noticeable protection error all game long, I would have popped some champagne.
Also, prior to the play, Trey Edmunds rushed three straight times for 6, 7 and -1 yards. The Hokies found themselves in a short passing down, and inexplicably Edmunds was replaced with Coleman. Coleman carried the team down the stretch in 2014, is seemingly one of the team's hardest workers, and was effective as a runner. That being said, for three years he has proven to be a liability in pass protection, and between McMillian, Edmunds, and himself, Coleman is the least effective pass receiver. It's curious that he was subbed in this scenario. If I wore a tinfoil hat, I might think Gallo may have tried to pick up the blitz because in the back of his mind he knows Coleman is at a heavy disadvantage size-wise to the linebacker. However, that's a story the film doesn't tell.
The young offensive line has an easier challenge this week against the Furman Paladins. Furman runs a base 4-3 front and some nickel against spread looks. Last week against Coastal Carolina (No. 5, FCS), the Paladins defense gave up 328 yards passing and just under 500 total yards in a 38-35 loss. With Brewer out, Scot Loeffler should lean heavily on the running game to make Brenden Motley (or whichever quarterback wins this week's practice battle for repetitions), comfortable in the pocket. If the Hokies' offensive line executes on Saturday like they did against Ohio State, those five yard runs against the Buckeyes should translate to big chunk gains against a less talented Paladin front. Travon McMillian and Shai McKenzie should get plenty of work to make their case to be the top running back, and both have the vision to take advantage of the bubbles created against Ohio State. If the Hokies are dominant in the running game, play-action should provide opportunities for the Hokies' quarterback to make some big plays down the field. That will be the formula for success as the Hokies try to navigate the rest of their non-conference schedule before an October matchup with Pittsburgh; run the football, make plays down the field when play-action creates opportunities, limit and count on the defense to have a better performance against teams that don't have anywhere near the firepower of the Buckeyes.
Comments
Man, that's exciting. And for the first time I can remember, I'm talking about our offensive line. Not a recruit or one player having a decent game or knocking a couple people down, but the offensive line played well in pass protection and in the run game for most of the night against one of the toughest defenses in the country. Oh, and every single guy should be back next year. Exciting now, exciting for later. When Brewer gets back we might be in for a special November. Let's hope we can weather the storm until then.
The crazy part is if Yosh ends up starting all year, we'll return all 5 starters next year
Depending on how well Teller plays this year, he may leave early for the NFL.
...or be inexplicably benched.
His family wants him to go pro asap, his family will have a HUGE part in the decision
After a redshirt sophomore year, I highly doubt it. Besides the development aspect, he leaves quite a tidy sum on the table by declaring that early.
Based on the really bad record of early entries in the draft actually being drafted and how few of those players were O lineman, I feel confident he will be back.
I don't see Teller going early with protection busts like French described.
Defense gives up huge numbers and the O-line looks competent?
Seriously, though, it looks like Searels and Co. have been putting in some work and I am very happy about that. French, can you explain what a "chip" block is? In the clip, to my untrained eye, it just looks like Teller runs downfield to make the block (which he does rather nicely, possible hold aside). Does this mean he sort of screens the DT into Gallo?
A chip block is when one offensive lineman gets just enough of the defender to allow the olineman next to him to fully engage the defender, before the first olineman moves off to block someone else. Personally it seems to me that Teller just runs right through to the second level, but a better example (on that same clip) might be how Conte chip blocks DT #92 until McLaughlin can engage him, then moves on to take LB #37.
At least, I'm pretty sure that's right.
Ya I didn't see a chip in that clip. It's possible that he is asked to chip, if needed, but since Gallo appeared under control he moved to his next assignment.
You nailed it, Knawaz.
Watching that clip of Sam's run, if Brewer had just blocked #8, he could have been off for a TD. Maybe at least. It is a FB running 50 yards. It's likely someone would have caught up to him, but still, so close. Not a play you expect to see though where a block from the QB 12 yards downfield could have changed it.
It's not like said fullback didn't run 51 yards for a TD at another point in the game or anything.
True and he juked the CB out of his shoes. Who knows what could have happened, we just know what did happen. And it was still a solid run. Would have loved to see him bust it open though.
He used the juke stick. Played Madden for so many years and I was never able to figure that one out
Sam's juke was a simple tap on the right stick in the direction he wanted to end up going. Compare to Miller's half-circle rotation on the right stick that resulted in a spin move.
Compare to
Miller's half-circleMiller's/ESPNs circle jerk rotation on the right stickFTFY
To be fair, it was warranted.
it was warranted but so was a walk on FB juking the shit out of their player.. however we did lose so that play didnt matter to national news /tmzspn I expected nothing less than the ESPN homerism for OSU..
I finnaly re watched the game and..the pregame show was garbage and hearing herbie call the game was atrocious.. no idea how espn allows alum to call games for their school because its as 1 sided of broadcast as it can get.
Its also the defending national champion unanimous #1 team making their season debut against an unranked team. I mean, don't get me wrong, I would certainly love them to give us a bunch of air time, but ESPN knows their audience, and the game didn't get the viewership that it did because of the home squad, unfortunately.
Nah, Miller just hit the B button. He made it look too easy
Do you count on QB blocks? I saw that too and thought that was a play that Brewer does on his own, not something I would expect the other less-experienced QB's to even get as close as Brewer was to be involved in.
Malleck, on the other hand, didn't have a guy to block (he kinda blocks the field judge).
Motley's pancake of von bell was pretty nice later in the game.
That it was.
That's how a QB should block. Not like the uncalled blocks in the back QB#12 from that other team was throwing.
That was 100% NOT part of the play design. Rogers got bounced back the opposite direction. Brewer just ran up field and happened to be in the area of where Rogers was headed. I mean Brewer tried to put something on him, but a QB isn't going to lock up a defender on a block. But it was just interesting location. As far as Malleck, I think that's another "why didn't David Wang block that guy" kind of observation. Malleck had the guy who got shielded by the field judge, but then Bucky picked him up after they all got diverted and so he was left without a man to block on that side.
At least he didn't take a page from the Florida Gators and block a teammate instead.
Yeah you can count on QB blocks...just throw your shoulder into it
Done well, it's more a matter of standing in the way, slowing the defender down by a half-step. But I guess following the play downfield can have other advantages, like being in the right place when a fumble occurs, or being ready for a hurry-up on the next play.
When's the last time we lost a game and felt like the rest of the team let the OL down?
Great stuff, French! Thanks for giving us some meaty good news. I didn't realize watching in real time that some of our RBs were missing the hole. Let's hope they can improve in that area, and take full advantage of the improved run blocking.
It seemed some of the offense was just as surprised at Nijman as French was. Brewer rushed the check-down when Nijman was expected to pick up the blitz, Coleman ran AWAY from the pulling FB for no good reason when the play was designed for Nijman's hole. At least two examples of teammates expecting bad play from the new tackle.
I was more disappointed in Hanson whiffing on one of the first plays of the game for a sack. That made me think "same ol' O Line". As the game went on the running lanes were good and the ground game finally had some bite. I think were in for a strong running game if the backs know what play were running.
I didn't realize watching in real time that some of our RBs were missing the hole.
Tad bit off topic but not at same time, but I didn't realize watching in real time at Lane that one of our RBs was rocking a gold watch during the game. Took me until yesterday on Twitter to ever even hear about that. Pretty silly stuff.
Yay for good news after Monday! Reading this makes me feel a bit better. Thanks French!
Watching the busted protection clip and knowing what's about to happen:
Here's hoping we go pissed-off Obi-Wan on our remaining opponents.
I have to admit.... I was not expecting our OL to be a bright spot coming out of the Ohio St game. Even without Bosa, their front 7 is downright scary and by far the best we'll play this year. If our OL can continue to play at that level, it'll significantly help the breaking in period of Motley/Durkin/Lawson.
I wonder who the 2nd best defense we will play may be? Pitt under Narduzzi? NCSU (I'm not that familiar with them). Miami, the perennial underachiever on defense? Duke, the perennial overachiever? GT?
I don't see a lot of strong defenses on our schedule moving forward, that could play to our advantage.
Wow. Other than cringing while watching those last highlights, this is the first article to make me genuinely happy about the potential our team has.
Completely eating crow on big Yosh already. Thought if he had to play a major role this year coming off a prep year playing exclusively on defense that we'd be in a load of trouble. Looked very good.
I think you and a lot of people. It's only one game, but he played admirably. I haven't been overly impressed with Searels, but he deserves credit along with Yosh. My concern is Loeffler won't adapt to what he has in front of him. We seemingly have a big offensive line that can run block, a stable of tight ends, and too many tailbacks to count. Will we pound the rock, or will the unproven quarterbacks sling it around to a thin group of WRs?
Agree, although development of the passing game would be missed, if we only threw the ball 10x against
FerrumFurman and ran for 300+, I would be ecstatic.It will become much harder to pound the rock, even accounting for the improvements along the OL, if opponents are putting nine in the box. The new starter has to prove himself a viable passer, if only off play-action, for the run game to improve this year.
excellent question! I hope we pound the rock, and mix in a few passes to keep the defense honest. GT does it quite successfully, albeit with a very different offensive formation and scheme.
They didn't sling it to the WR's that much even with the #1 QB. I think we continue to hit the TE's and the RB's.
DUDE - THIS!!!! We were getting push - serious push. I say run behind Teller EVERY play til a team stops it. I would do that vs. Furman first four plays.
Iunno Joe this might be the first time I disagree with you. I've been pleased with Searels thus far barring the wake forest game (which lets face it was a disaster all over the damn place..) our offensive line has been making strides since he came along, hes at least gotten able bodied people in there. Its MUCH better than Newsome thats for sure, and frankly with our budget its not like we can go out and buy the best line coach money could buy
If they can build on this performance and do as well against the rest of our schedule, I will say Coach Searels has passed the test and deserves a new contract.
So when Hansen starts and plays 90% of the relevant snaps this week, should we do a sit-in?
There would be nothing wrong with Hansen playing. He's a solid RT who is a bit gimpy coming out of fall camp, and who struggles against elite pass rushers. I'm certainly hoping he isn't done for the year by any stretch.
You didn't include all the footage of bad snaps.
For those of you thinking "why is French being so positive about the outcome of the game," do not fret. A defensive film review is coming, and it is chock full of unpleasantness.
Oh, couldn't we fans just do that memory wipe trick from Men in Black and focus on the future?
Seriously, though, your film reviews are awesome. I would not want to be on the VT defense this week as Bud lambastes them!
This is the negativity I've been looking forward to
Whew..I was in need of some unpleasantness
I'm hoping that your review will fall along the line of "Looking at the tape, it's obvious that Foster's game plan was super vanilla because he didn't want to give Furman any film on how he will attack them."
we were close to getting McMillan into open space a few times. Also, he got slowed down by the kicker on a kick return. I think we too have some weapons, I'm sure Lefty is working on getting all his weapons onto the field.
Loved McMillan on the KR. Felt like we had someone as a genuine homerun threat
I look at the first clip of the FB run, I note what you are saying regarding Rogers should have run through the large gap behind Teller. coming behind Teller and then passing on his right shoulder would have produced a large gain as Teller effectively had their wide LB, towards the top of the screen, also blocked by where Teller was positioned.
But from the FB perspective I can't fault his choice.
their RG was moving to close that gap, albeit, he was being effectively blocked but, that hole was closing and Conte was moving to the secondary. This was another good hole and Rogers was able to power through it.
I am impressed by the acceleration he showed here after helping Conte move downfield and the footplant and cutback at 11 seconds.
When he moves from a slant to downhill it is decisive and the reach with his left foot leaves the would be tackler grasping air.
Between that move and the 2 moves he makes in his wheel route (shimmy to confuse the guy that was supposed to be covering him and then the move to knock the CB out of his shoes), it looks like he took lessons this past year.
Consider anOSU now schooled in pussytouchdowns.
It is sad, but in all the talk who will be the RB, Trey, JCC, Shai, or Travon. Sam did flat out the best job running the rock.
I thought Shai had a good game.
Shai did not play, he was suspended vs. OSU
I feel like this review just re-enforced all of my take-aways...Coleman is shit again (love the kid)...Trey ain't there yet...that OLINE!...come on lefty, rusty play calling got better, keep getting after it...
Wonder if French's defensive review will do the same, Motu mostly aggressively blocked, so his busts were much less common that it appeared, but more troublingly, more common as a percentage of his free-hitter chances...scheme pulled the smaller faster guys to the edge, where they couldn't get off big physical blocks, and the decision to slow-play the read and force jones to carry wasn't a good one...played defense for speed instead of physicality...
Saying coleman is shit isn't what anyone is saying. If the fumble didn't happen he had a solid game while he definitely left yards on the field like any of the other RBs.
I highly doubt the film review will show Motu was aggressively blocked. I think it will show Motu over ran the plays and got himself blocked more often than anything.
It's going to show that the guys just doesn't have "it" at the level we need a MLB
Saying that you love JC doesn't make it okay to call him shit.
Fine. Bad choice of words. He wasn't finding the holes like he did end of last year, he still can't block (size)...I'm left thinking...well he's strong...and he doesn't give up...he'll be great at manual labor...Trey couldn't find the holes either, but he's always seemed to have that problem, so it didn't seem abnormal to me at all...why wasn't McMillian the RB again? Oh yeah, last year...but JC ain't the same, he looks like all his previous time here...
JC is great when he has 1 clear hole to hit, when he has to cut or look for a hole he gets stuffed most the time..
That's akin to saying a WR is only good when the ball is thrown perfectly to him. We need playmakers.
Never said that Coleman is "shit." I thought he ran the ball hard and was effective. I felt that both he and Edmunds had some opportunities to turn productive runs into game breaking runs, and they didn't feel the hole. On tape from the spring, McMillian seemed to be smoother at making a decisive cut into the correct hole, and we saw McKenzie demonstrate that ability last year. Without Brewer, the Hokies need explosive plays in the running game to compliment the 3.5-6.0 yard chunk runs.
As for Coleman's pass protection, I have documented that he has not been a great pass protector several times over the past couple of years. Rogers and Edmunds are more physical and stronger intercepting blitzers, and that is why, even when Coleman was getting 20+ carries a game, that he rarely was in on passing downs.
AM was VERY bad in every aspect. He got cut and lost his feet on several big runs. He had some big misreads, bad angles and tackled very poorly. With Foster, it is hard to tell exactly what his responsibility is on every play but eventually instincts and playmaking have to happen to be an effective LB. When he gets blocked, he stays blocked.
Like you said, the most troubling thing was his tackling and movement in the open field. Last year, he struggled in traffic and getting through the wash/scraping more than anything but he was actually pretty solid when he was left unblocked. In this game, it really made no difference. Blocked, not blocked or partially blocked he just didn't make the plays that his position is required to make.
To put it very mildly, AM struggled. However, I did see one play where he did a great job attacking a blocker's outside shoulder (thank you, Mason) to force the runner inside right into the waiting and loving arms of Chuck Clark.
Outside of that.... ouch. But hey, credit where credit is due, the kid had at least one good play.
Guys, Aaron Moorehead isn't a coach here anymore. Besides, he wouldn't have even been on the fiel...
Ohhhhhh
Upvote for having pretty much the same take.
One difference was slow-playing the the option; I didn't like seeing Cardell the Giant running for 10yds a carry, but at least Zeke didn't go for 200. I think Foster picked the lesser of the two evils in the option game.
Anybody notice the coin flip, where our Captains probably averaged 180 lbs, and their Captains looked about 280? And that may have included their QB.
If there was any doubt why the line was double-digits, the coin flip should have clarified it.
Man that hole that JC misses is huge. He would have been off to the races if he followed rogers. You can still see the WR trying to block on the bottom of the screen to if JC had gone that way. Trey missed a huge whole on the goal-line as well that I noticed while watching. It was like he was heading there and then cut back into the defense instead of staying on the path of least resistance for 6.
However, nice to see those holes open. As stated above when was the last time the running backs let the OL down by missing the interstates they opened up for them to move through. Excited for this year still.
McMillan seems to have that one-cut burst you love to see in a back.
I came away a bit concerned that he's too much east/west rather than north/south.
Perhaps so. I definitely want to see a lot of him on the field and then we'll make another analysis.
well he did get the ball on a bunch of sweeps so that would make sense, but he still was able to gain yards finding a cutting lane for the most part.
Now Trey looked bad real bad IMO.. don't know if its rust or what not but wasn't too pleased. I'm sure he will pick it up again
trey's stat line was bad but I didn't think he looked bad by any means. There was one series where he had two productive runs and then one pass where he stayed in for protection then leaked out for a 8-9 yard reception. He had two goal line carries from the 1 where he got nothing and I agree he should have scored on either one. He also took a loss on a play with an awful snap that wasn't his issue. That's 3 of his 11 carries that make his YPC look awful compared to the others. I thought he ran pretty hard.
good points.. the redzone carriers worry me but hey thank god for our 6-TE jumbo set package
Some of that is based on how he was used. Travon's best play is an inside zone from a pistol or an I formation. That jet sweep stuff is a waste for him.
jet sweep is useless unless you have a home run hitter in the backfield as well ala OSU had with zeke..
1 play I wish we could get rid of..
Very true! I was hoping to get your opinion: I was very high on Trey but on that second clip where he gained 8 yards I get the feeling an elite back hurdles Wyatt and the guy his pancaking and takes it to the house. Maybe the best two backs are McMillan and Mckenzie?
Uh so did I - I'm going to withhold judgement til more data - JCC and Trey were pretty solid - Jcc fumble and Trey not getting in the end zone were my biggest concerns.
This film review basically backs up my sentiments I posted in the post game notes/quotes thread. Glad my eyes weren't lying.
Just wanted to pop my head up from lurking for the past two years to say what a great program you have, and what a great bunch of fans. Both games were incredible and it's so sad that Brewer went down - you didn't want to lose like that and we didn't want to win like that. But for us to look so good on paper (forget the suspensions, no excuses, next man up) and be down at halftime...speaks volumes of VaTech.
This is the most I've ever enjoyed an opponent and their fans during a home-and-away, and now I'm inexplicably rooting for VaTech as a result in all games not concerning OSU. Well...sorta. Technically, if we have to face an ACC team in the playoffs (assuming we don't get in our own way until then), I'd rather it weren't VaTech because your team fights like they have a bag of Doritos on their shoulders.
Best of luck in this and years to come, and thanks for having the sort of classy insanity that good fans can recognize in each other.
*lurker status reactivated*
A gracious post. Thanks. Forgive me if I hate on Urban Meyer and Braxton Miller for a while? I hope they had bad pizza after that game.
"We are men of action...lies do not become us."
Hate away. Now is not the time for you to reciprocate good feelings :) Years later, hopefully TKP folks can look back and say "well...they weren't all douchebags..."
Use a Princess Bride quote? Leg to you, sir!
you had me at "your team fights like they have a bag of doritos on their shoulders."
I think we should just feed Sam MF Rodgers the ball for the whole game instead of just a half. I understand how unfair that is to the other teams but we need the yards and points...
All kidding aside I do like the way the oline played and after a few weeks of 1st team reps I think Motely will do just fine...
Yeah, I think Sam has earned the S"MF"R tag.
Fullback wheel route with a 40 yd run after catch for a TD while leaving opponents socks littered through the backfield. What fullback does that stuff?
You know, ESPN doesn't even have a stat for fullback receiving up top with the rushing stat.
I was really concerned by a lot of low snaps while in the shotgun formation. I counted several and it really became noticeable when Motley came in.
Yes, but even more, I was AMAZED at the lack of pre snap penalties on the O, delay of game, etc...and lack of fumbled snaps - (though some were close) WE used to ALWAYS have that happen
Agreed, for the first time in a long time the line played together as a unit.
a disciplined unit.
I've been thinking, will we really have to change our offensive philosophy much going forward? Yes, Brewer is more of the typical dropback passer than the other 3, but assuming the OL continues to play well, and we can continue to run decently and utilize the TE's will we really have to change much for Motley or whoever it will be at QB? I have no idea how practices are structured, but if the entire offense has been learning this system all summer and fall, it would seem best to stick with it unless none of the QB's show they can run it. I would think the playbook would be simplified some for a new QB, but not scrapped entirely? Just a thought.
Short answer yes. Brewer has a much deeper knowledge of the game (and our team) than all the other guys combined.
Run the football and throw playaction and conservative passes. Put the onus on the Oline.
Nice to be able to hear that stated with confidence.
While I know this is correct, this is also Motley's 3rd year on campus. Even if he doesn't have the physical tools, one would think he'd at least know the playbook better than what showed against tOSU. Brewer obviously worked in the off season to get better. What's Motley and Durkin been doing? Playing Xbox the whole time?
Agreed 100%.
I'll give Motley a pass and assume he prepared for his Wildcat package exclusively. It looked like he was getting every third series before Brewer went down and was well prepared for it.
Now he needs to step up and expand that package with some passing concepts. The Wildcat package may be pased onto Durkin, and Motley needs to show us his preparation and knowledge in the passing game.
Nice write-up. Thanks.
But let me ask this...is it possible that having some guys other than Teller running with the 1st team for week or so in August wasn't such a terrible idea?
If Teller gets hurt, it won't be a terrible thing. Hansen's injury, while admittedly not great for him, turned out to be pretty darn good for the team. Wouldn't shock me to see Nijman start from here on out. Shoot, if the coaches trust him to protect Brewer's blind side against OSU, why not?
The coaches have said all along that Jonathan was a RT I believe. Wouldn't surprise me to see Yosh at LT the rest of the season.
If Yosh was already good enough to give us Yosh-Teller-Gallo-Conte-McLaughlin I'd be pretty content. Get it started, I say, Furman and Purdue.
Would it be a surprise to find out Yosh graded out highest for the OSU game!? I still think McLaughlin grades higher, but after the game I wouldn't be surprised if Nijman was 2nd highest.
If Nijman gets high/highest grades, I'll be very impressed and particularly happy with his progress
Yes, if Teller gets hurt. Or Conte. Or McGlaughlin. Or Hansen. Or if somebody isn't a good match-up.
So basically, a distinct possibility at any moment of the season...
Teller played the whole game as far as I can recall. Nijman was never taking Teller's reps, it was Parker Osterloh who was.
Unless Osterloh is going to take over for EEEEEASILY the best offensive linemen on the team, yes, I would say it was a waste of time to have someone other than Teller get reps at left guard with the ones.
Waste of time in what regard? It got a utility backup lineman critical practice snaps. And Osterloh is one injury away from taking over for EEEEEASILY the best offensive lineman on the team.
Let me frame it this way: did you see any dropoff in play from Teller that you could attribute to him not taking all the snaps with the 1s in practice?
IIRC, the compliant was that it would hurt continuity. It appeared to have little, if any, impact on continuity.
Plus by having Osterloh played some guard as well as tackle, it allowed Nijman to get reps at Tackle that he otherwise probably wouldn't have gotten. And there is a pretty high likelihood that Osterloh will be needed this year at some point as a starter somewhere.
IMO it wasn't a waste of time at all.
weird seeing mostly good execution mixed with the occasional fck up. unfortunately on the two biggest negative plays of the 3rd quarter - brewer's injury and JCC's fumble were obvious fck-ups by the OL.
#1 was Gallo not trusting JCC to blitz pickup and leaving Conte with a terrible angle on their DT and
#2 was two pulling OL blocking air as OSU's LB's flowed past them and hit JCC from 2 different angles as he was being dragged down.
All that being said, the offensive line looks be to be going in the right direction and if I only had 2 words to describe their performance against that front 7 it would be...
I was impressed with the o line early and often. I think we are seeing the fruits of Searels having his second off season now. We have three tackles and three guards. With a backup at either tackle spot, somewhere we haven't been in a while.
Shai has proven his ability to hit holes better, get him churning and I think things will go well. Loefler can hopefully burn people if they stack the box, he got Rogers and Malleck wide open for their TD's
Edit-meant to throw this in, I had a great view of Searels all night, he was coaching them up. The o line immediately came off the field and too the bench where sereals was waiting with a dry erase. He was the one coaching up the whole bench once things got ugly.