Evans and Crew Run Past Georgia Tech for Another Home Win (Video Included)

Darren Evans carried the ball 19 times for 94 yards and one touchdown Saturday against the Yellow Jackets.
STAFF PHOTO BY BRIAN SEWELL

Virginia Tech fought a tough ground game against Georgia Tech but came out on top by a score of 20-17.  Both of the teams' rushing attacks provided the highlights of the game. Tyrod Taylor and Josh Nesbitt, and Darren Evans all had field days, combining for 319 net yards and three touchdowns. Evans left his mark as well with a 19-rush, 94-yard performance, adding a touchdown of his own.  

"I think as the running game gets better," Evans said of his team's effort, "then the passing game gets better, because the defenses become keen on the run."

Virginia Tech balanced its running game by having four different players carry the ball. 

Taylor's performance on the ground was impressive as well, especially with his two-yard touchdown toward the end of the first half, a play that resulted from a bit of improvisation.

"I knew they wanted to set up for field goal position," Taylor said.  "But I thought I could get the touchdown with my feet...I knew we were on the one-yard line, and I knew that I could get one yard.  I am glad that I made that choice."

When questioned about his passing, he said,  "The passing game was just they way the game was going.  We did call some plays that were going downfield, but protection broke down and I checked down when I needed to."

Taylor knew last week that this was his team, and he took the reigns in practice, getting more first-team reps.

As can often happen, what takes place in practice doesn't always pan out on game day.  Taylor went 9-14 through the air and just 48 yards, his longest completion being 10 yards.  Dyrell Roberts was led all Hokie receivers, with two catches totaling 18 yards.

Josh Nesbitt eclipsed 100 yards with his 41-yard completion to tailback Roddy Jones.  Nesbitt finished 5-for-8, with one interception. 

Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer immediately stressed not only how impressive Georgia Tech played today, but how happy he was with the way his team played today.  He also eluded the fact that despite having a successful combination of running backs, he does not believe that going with an every-down back is wise for this team. 

Darren Evans proved the most effective back Hokie running back, without question.

"I thought Evans ran hard and broke some tackles on the goal line," Beamer said. "And he has a good knack for running the football. When you have two backs, you gotta keep them fresh, and Kenny made some good plays for us, too."

One crucial point stressed in practice was the offense, and Beamer concluded that the offense improved throughout the week.

"They're good at it [the option], and fortunately we got a couple fumbles.  Paul Johnson knows how to run it, and he's good at it.  But next time, I think we'll be better...having played against it..."

He went on to stress that today's victory was in part of all three components: offense, defense, and special teams.  It definitely showed, with Taylor leading the offense in style on the ground, and an excellent supporting cast racking up 199 net yards on the ground.  The defense showed up this week, forcing and recovering two fumbles, and snatching an interception thanks to linebacker Cody Grimm. 

Being in the right place at the right time pays off for a team that thrives on having a outstandingly talented defense.  "Beamerball" has without a doubt made its return, and fans can only hope that it stays for next week and the rest of the season. 

Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson had this to say of Virginia Tech's win today:

"I am taking nothing away from Virginia Tech.  They ran hard and played hard.  They have a young football team and they are going to get better with time."

Much of Hokie Nation can agree with that statement. Taylor is emerging into the leader he was prospected to be, and if everyone else follows in his footsteps the Hokies can continue to be an upper eschelon ACC team.

Look for this young Virginia Tech team to ride its momentum into Chapel Hill next week when it takes on North Carolina, its second ACC matchup of the year.  With North Carolina coming off an impressive win against Rutgers, this game should be one to watch.

Video by Ryan Call: