Injury issues
The Hokies (2-1) might be forced to overcome injuries to key starters when they open ACC play against Coastal Division rival Georgia Tech (3-0). Tight end Ryan Malleck is doubtful to play because of knee and ankle injuries, although sophomore tight end Kalvin Cline is expected to make his 2014 debut after offseason knee surgery. Defensive tackle Luther Maddy (knee) is probable, while fellow defensive lineman Corey Marshall (ankle) is scheduled to return after missing last week?s loss to East Carolina. How those two hold up against Georgia Tech?s barrage of cut blocks could be crucial.
A different defense
After getting torched through the air by East Carolina last week, Virginia Tech?s defense must recover quickly facing Georgia Tech Coach Paul Johnson?s unique spread option. Virginia Tech has allowed more plays of 20 or more yards than any power conference team through three games, its front seven features several new faces and defensive coordinator Bud Foster believes Justin Thomas is the fastest quarterback Johnson has had in Atlanta. Former Hokies cornerback Kyle Fuller, now with the NFL?s Chicago Bears, wreaked havoc on the Yellow Jackets from a hybrid linebacker position the past few years. Whoever fills that role this time will be pivotal.
Running on empty
The Hokies mostly abandoned the run after falling into a 21-0 hole against East Carolina, but offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler is hoping to establish a more balanced approach going forward. Quarterback Michael Brewer, who attempted a school-record 56 passes last week, has taken a lot of hits through three games and the Hokies would prefer tailbacks Marshawn Williams and Shai McKenzie carry more of the load. Neither have had gaping holes to run through and Virginia Tech could shuffle its offensive line as a result.
The Hokies (2-1) might be forced to overcome injuries to key starters when they open ACC play against Coastal Division rival Georgia Tech (3-0). Tight end Ryan Malleck is doubtful to play because of knee and ankle injuries, although sophomore tight end Kalvin Cline is expected to make his 2014 debut after offseason knee surgery. Defensive tackle Luther Maddy (knee) is probable, while fellow defensive lineman Corey Marshall (ankle) is scheduled to return after missing last week?s loss to East Carolina. How those two hold up against Georgia Tech?s barrage of cut blocks could be crucial.
A different defense
After getting torched through the air by East Carolina last week, Virginia Tech?s defense must recover quickly facing Georgia Tech Coach Paul Johnson?s unique spread option. Virginia Tech has allowed more plays of 20 or more yards than any power conference team through three games, its front seven features several new faces and defensive coordinator Bud Foster believes Justin Thomas is the fastest quarterback Johnson has had in Atlanta. Former Hokies cornerback Kyle Fuller, now with the NFL?s Chicago Bears, wreaked havoc on the Yellow Jackets from a hybrid linebacker position the past few years. Whoever fills that role this time will be pivotal.
Running on empty
The Hokies mostly abandoned the run after falling into a 21-0 hole against East Carolina, but offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler is hoping to establish a more balanced approach going forward. Quarterback Michael Brewer, who attempted a school-record 56 passes last week, has taken a lot of hits through three games and the Hokies would prefer tailbacks Marshawn Williams and Shai McKenzie carry more of the load. Neither have had gaping holes to run through and Virginia Tech could shuffle its offensive line as a result.
