Game Preview: Virginia Tech vs Boise State
by Tauhid Chappell
September 4, 2010
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past seven or so months, then you already know that the tenth ranked Virginia Tech Hokies take on the third ranked Boise State Broncos at FedExField in one of the most important games of college football's opening weekend on Monday night.
The implications of this game easily parallel the Hokies' opener against Alabama last season as both teams have a lot to gain or lose depending on the outcome. The winner clears a significant hurdle in the race to a National Championship while the loser plays the rest of the season with a best-cast scenario goal of a conference title and secondary BCS bowl. So here's a few points to get you caught up and ready for this clash of two powerhouse teams.
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past seven or so months, then you already know that the tenth ranked Virginia Tech Hokies take on the third ranked Boise State Broncos at FedExField in one of the most important games of college football's opening weekend on Monday night.
The implications of this game easily parallel the Hokies' opener against Alabama last season as both teams have a lot to gain or lose depending on the outcome. The winner clears a significant hurdle in the race to a National Championship while the loser plays the rest of the season with a best-cast scenario goal of a conference title and secondary BCS bowl. So here's a few points to get you caught up and ready for this clash of two powerhouse teams.
The Hokie ground attack will look to spear the Bronco defense
When the Hokies' Orange Bowl MVP running back, Darren Evans, tore his ACL prior to the start of last season, his back up, Ryan Williams, stepped onto the field and Tech's running game did not miss a beat. Williams, who went on to be named the ACC rookie of the year, averaged 5.6 yards per carry, rushed for 1,655 yards and finished the year with 22 total touchdowns. With Evans now recovered and ready to play, the Hokies plan to send both backs right at the Bronco's defense.
"There's a lot of things we can do with both [Williams and Evans] in the backfield at the same time," said Tech's running backs coach Billy Hite. "Overall they are complete players. Not only do they run the ball well but they're good blockers and excellent in the passing game."
Williams and Evans are not the Hokies' only threat on the ground. The Broncos will have to come up with a plan to stop quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Taylor rushed for over 300 yards last season and scored a total of five touchdowns. His ability to scramble and improvise adds another layer to Virginia Tech's improved offense. Boise State will have to come up with a strong defensive strategy to stop all three players that are highly capable of moving the ball on the ground.
The Hokies will have to pressure Bronco quarterback, Kellen Moore
Moore, who averaged 3,536 yards through the air and threw for 39 touchdowns last season, will be a big threat to the Hokie secondary if he gets too much time in the pocket. Moore is an exceptionally accurate passer and only threw three interceptions during the Bronco's undefeated campaign last year.
Although the Hokies ranked 12th in defense last season, defensive coordinator Bud Foster must replace seven starters on that side of the ball. Foster will rely on the leadership and experience seniors like cornerback Rashad Carmichael and defensive tackle John Graves. During this week's press conference they offered their impressions on the Broncos' signal caller. "You can tell that he knows the offense pretty well. He has a lot of control of the offense. He knows where the receivers are supposed to be open and that keeps him from getting sacked," said Carmichael.
Graves, the only returning starter on the defensive line, noted that the Broncos have a variety of weapons. "This isn't your normal offense here. They have great skill position, great running back, a great QB and a great offensive line. It's tough for any defense when you have to go against somebody who can beat you from any different level."
In short, don't underestimate the Broncos' aerial attack.
The Bronco defense will attempt to pressure Taylor and close gaps to limit the effectiveness of Williams and Evans
Although the Hokies ranked 12th in defense last season, defensive coordinator Bud Foster must replace seven starters on that side of the ball. Foster will rely on the leadership and experience seniors like cornerback Rashad Carmichael and defensive tackle John Graves. During this week's press conference they offered their impressions on the Broncos' signal caller. "You can tell that he knows the offense pretty well. He has a lot of control of the offense. He knows where the receivers are supposed to be open and that keeps him from getting sacked," said Carmichael.
Graves, the only returning starter on the defensive line, noted that the Broncos have a variety of weapons. "This isn't your normal offense here. They have great skill position, great running back, a great QB and a great offensive line. It's tough for any defense when you have to go against somebody who can beat you from any different level."
In short, don't underestimate the Broncos' aerial attack.
The Bronco defense will attempt to pressure Taylor and close gaps to limit the effectiveness of Williams and Evans
There's a reason why the Broncos were chosen to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Of their 21 returning starters, 10 are on defense. Boise State's defense finished 14th last season in total defense (300.2 yards) and since nearly all of their starters are returning, expect the defensive line to be disciplined and ready to stack the box. The Broncos will look to pressure Taylor at every angle, and swarm Williams and Evans each time they get the ball.
"We know they're going to stack the box but I think it's about staying on our blocks and opening up holes for our guys to rush through," said Taylor. "Ryan and Darren do a great job of finding holes...I'm not worried about the backside. They all do a great job of protecting me."
If the Tech offensive line can keep the Broncos' experienced defense at bay, the Hokies will be able to utilize their star runners to control the clock and tip the scales in their favor.
This is essentially a home game for Virginia Tech
"We know they're going to stack the box but I think it's about staying on our blocks and opening up holes for our guys to rush through," said Taylor. "Ryan and Darren do a great job of finding holes...I'm not worried about the backside. They all do a great job of protecting me."
If the Tech offensive line can keep the Broncos' experienced defense at bay, the Hokies will be able to utilize their star runners to control the clock and tip the scales in their favor.
This is essentially a home game for Virginia Tech
Although FedEx Field is technically a "neutral" site, the crowd in attendance will be anything but. Unlike last year's opener in Atlanta, which saw a nearly equal distribution of Tech and Bama fans, the atmosphere on gameday will more reflect a Blacksburg bias. Many Virginia Tech fans can drive to the game in less time than a commercial flight from Boise to DC. As a result, FedEx Field will likely take on a "Lane Stadium North" feel. Also, both teams will be sporting Nike's latest Pro Combat uniforms for this contest. There is a movement for a fan "black out" to heighten the atmosphere and add to the intimidation factor of the Hokies' new all-black threads.
The Broncos are currently tied with Alabama for the longest active winning streak in college football (FBS). The Hokies have won 10 games or more in each of the last six seasons. Which team will continue its run towards a national title? The game kicks off at 8 p.m. on Monday and can be seen on ESPN.
The Broncos are currently tied with Alabama for the longest active winning streak in college football (FBS). The Hokies have won 10 games or more in each of the last six seasons. Which team will continue its run towards a national title? The game kicks off at 8 p.m. on Monday and can be seen on ESPN.
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