A First Step: Finally a Win to Review

One of my favorite lines from Mr. Fred Rogers was "look for the helpers" when times are tough. With the outlook bleaker than it has been in my time around the Virginia Tech football program, and an undermanned Wofford coming to Lane Stadium, my entire focus in the film review was trying to find the players who would set the tone. The game didn't provide much information about schemes, and some position groups that have to step up, didn't, but the running back group and some fresh faces in the secondary played a more physical brand of football than we have seen since the South Carolina game.

Hawkins and the Running Back Room Set the Tone

This was no masterpiece from the Hokies offense. The offensive line didn't consistently generate movement up front, and outside of wide open checkdowns there wasn't much going for the passing game. But Marcellous Hawkins ran the ball angry, contributed with his blocking, and showed the compete level I have been looking for from this offense. To complement Hawkins, PJ Prioleau had a great day extending short passing plays with his feet, but Hawkins got the ball rolling.

He ran with purpose from the opening drive. On this outside zone, center Kyle Altuner (No. 62) displayed great lateral movement on defensive tackle Seth Foster (No. 52). Behind Altuner, right tackle Aidan Lynch (No. 76), who has struggled since Johnny Garrett's injury, did a nice job of scooping to inside position on defensive tackle Ramon McCollough (No. 66).

Once Hawkins burst through, he wasn't trying to make people miss. He threw a stiff arm, shrugged off hits, and kept his legs churning through the play. There was an explosive second effort, something that has been lacking from most of the veteran players on both sides of the football.

He also contributed when he didn't have the football in his hands as well. On this beautiful one-handed catch by Devin Alves (on a really questionable throw from Kyron Drones), Wofford sent a four-man pressure, with the 4-technique McCollough (No. 66) looping to the outside.