Tyrod Gives Offense New Life, Tech Wins 28-7

After two weeks of the Hokie offense playing like it was in cardiac arrest, the switch from Sean Glennon to Tyrod Taylor at quarterback brought the entire team back to life. Tech racked up 473 yards of total offense en route to a 28 to 7 victory over Ohio.

“My first thought is that I don’t think this football team is as good as it’s going to be,” said Tech head coach Frank Beamer after the game. “I think it’s a matter of continuing to work and ironing things out and continue to get better in all areas.”

Taylor turned in a solid performance in his first collegiate start, going 18 of 31 for 287 yards and no interceptions.  He also ran the ball for 40 yards and a score.

“I think he does some things naturally,” said Beamer, “he’ll learn from every situation and be better the next time.”

Taylor’s playmaking ability as a dual-threat forced the Ohio defense on its heels, allowing Tech’s running back tandem of Branden Ore and Kenny Lewis Jr. to establish themselves.  Ore, who was practically nonexistent in the first two games, rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown.  Lewis added 62 yards and two touchdowns, including a 44 yard score on a draw play in the fourth quarter to cap the scoring.

“Number five back there took a lot of pressure off of us,” said Ore.  “The defense has to focus more on him and not the running backs.  You’ve got to give credit to him for that.”

Tech’s defense bounced back as well, holding Ohio to just 114 total yards and forcing the Bobcats to go three-and-out ten times.  Ohio senior Kalvin McRae punched in his squad’s lone touchdown, a four-yard run in the second quarter. 

“He’s (McRae) a big part of their offense and we knew that if we could stop him early they’d turn to something that they’re not really accustomed to and throw the ball,” said Xavier Adibi.

The score came after a short series of mental miscues by the Hokies.  First, senior Eddie Royal muffed a fair catch at his own 26-yard-line, giving the ball back to Ohio.  Three plays later, cornerback Brandon Flowers drew a personal foul when it appeared the defense had stopped Ohio’s drive just out of field goal range.

That score aside, the Hokies played a solid game, taking advantage of tremendous field position.  Redshirt-sophomore Brent Bowden’s punts averaged 41.3 yards and were downed inside the 20-yard-line three times.

“The field position was critical against us in the second half,” said Ohio coach Frank Solich. “We had to keep our defense on the field so long we couldn’t get ourselves out of a hole offensively.”

The play of the game for the Hokies and the fans came early.  On the first play of the second drive Taylor connected with senior Josh Morgan over the middle and Morgan took it for a 59-yard gain.  Morgan would step out of bounds at the 10 yard line.  Tech gave the ball up two plays later after a well-placed helmet jarred the ball out of Morgan’s hands and into the waiting arms of Ohio senior Landon Cohen. 

Though the drive stalled, the big play was exactly what the Hokie Nation was hoping to see.  Taylor’s play was unaffected by the turnover and the offense played with renewed confidence afterwards.

“I’ve never seen somebody that calm,” said Lewis of Taylor’s composure. “He’s just so easy going. It’s like whatever happens happens with Tyrod.”

The win is Beamer’s 200th in his career, an accomplishment he shares with Ohio State’s Jim Tressel.

“I can’t say that I’m not proud,” said Beamer,” but I understand very clearly that I’ve been fortunate enough to have been at some good schools with some good coaches with me and I’ve had a lot of good players.  I sincerely mean that. I head up the organization, but the pieces in the organization are really good.  I’m appreciative of them.”

Beamer and the Hokies will look to add to that win total next week when they host William & Mary.