[Husker] A look ahead at VTech

[David Strong]

I watched the Alabama - Virginia Tech game as well.  I had a few impressions:
 
1. Alabama is one of the best teams in the country, Virginia Tech isn't.
2. Don't think for one minute that VT does not have a very good defense, they do.  We will need our inexperienced skill position players to grow up fast.
3.  Tech hoped that Tyrod Taylor would channel Vince Young, instead he channels Jamaal Lord.  He is a poor passer and Beamer should be looking to amp up the playbook with the QB draw, zone read, and even an option or two because he can run.
4. Taylor's passing negates to an extent some better than average receivers..  It might be that we look to the CBs for some lockdown man coverage and let the safeties go after Taylor and do run support.
 
Overall, VT is a quality team and we will learn a lot about our guys with this game.  It may be that whichever team's quarterback plays better will win the game.
 
All of this is of course looking ahead, which is dicey.  Let's hope the guys respect, prepare for, and focus on the Red Wolves.  And then dismantle them.  Then we can turn our undivided attention to the Hokies.
 
Dave

--- On Tue, 9/8/09, Skylar Dodds <sklarbodds at cox.net> wrote:


From: Skylar Dodds <sklarbodds at cox.net>
Subject: [Husker] A look ahead at VTech
To: "'Husker List'" <husker at tssi.com>
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2009, 1:44 PM


*** Homer Post Alert ***

I went back and examined their game vs Alabama and I'm even more convinced
that we can put up a good fight (65/35 to win, IMO and not because of the
loss, but how they lost) and here's why:


The Stats

Total Yards: VT was outgained 498 to 155...that's a HUGE disparity. And,
Bama gaining 498 yards shows that VTs defense isn't what it's cracked up to
be.
Rushing Yards: Maybe even more important is the fact that Bama gained 268
yards on the ground at 5.5 yards per rush. If VTs defense is so good, Bama
must have the best offense in the country.
Passing Yards: T. Taylor is not a passing QB, no suprise. However, he was 9
of 20 for 91 yards, but 42 of those were on a screen pass to his RB. If you
take out passes to his RBs (4 of 4 to them), he was 5 of 16 for 35
yards...YIKES.
Greg McElroy was not stellar against VT's vaunted defense, but 15 of 30 for
230 with a TD and a pick is not bad for his first ever college start.


Why the game wasn't as close as it looked

I know they call it 'Beemer ball', but you're not going to score special
teams TDs every game. Their offense sucks, plain and simple (I know Bama's
defense is pretty good, but c'mon).

TD: 98 yard kickoff return
FG: 28 yard FG off of an interception, 4 plays 3 yards.
TD: Started at midfield after a 29-yard return and a 15-yard PF penalty,
setup by the 43 yard screen pass to the RB. 3 rushes from the 5 to score.
TD: 5 yrd pass then 32 yard rush after a decent kick return padded by
another 15-yard PF penalty, 1 of just 2 plays over 20 yards for VT.

All their scores were results of blunders by Bama.


What we need to do to win

Va Tech clearly lives off of mistakes and special teams. We need to limit
turnovers and contain their special teams. On defense, we need to contain
their rushing game and T. Taylor by loading up the box and dare them to
throw. 

If we have 2 or less T.O.'s and don't give up a ST touchdown we win easily.
If we play sloppy on ST and cough up the ball a lot...

*** End of Homer Post Alert ***

--
Skylar



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