Some games you just don’t have it. Even back when Tech was a program that routinely had as much if not more talent than most opponents, there were days when the Hokies came out flat and you could tell it wasn’t going to end well. Saturday’s game at BC was one of those. It was a listless, miserable, noon affair in Chestnut Hill destined for the loss column from the opening. In other words, a Seth Greenberg special. 



But that wasn’t ultimately the case on this particularly dreary New England day. Was it luck? The magic of Jeff Overton? A brief lull in an otherwise unrelenting nor’easter? It was all of those, but most importantly it was a come-from-behind rally late in the game that once again proves just how much James Franklin has shifted the mindset of this program in such a short time. Tech’s 21-14 stunner was a necessary stepping stone. Learning how to win ugly is just as important as putting 73 points up in the opener.

Jeers

There were plenty of things to be unhappy about. Tech’s offensive line was overmatched for most of the afternoon and the passing game had few answers. BC effectively took away the short and intermediate throws that have been so effective this season and the Hokies didn’t have an answer. Ethan Grunkemeyer tried to connect on some longer passes but it simply wasn’t possible in a driving rain with 45-mph wind gusts. Those deep balls will connect eventually, but it was an utterly baffling day to try and make it happen.

The lack of depth on the line is of particular concern. This has been true throughout the opening weeks of the season as injuries have popped up. While it’s easy for me to say as someone not having to quarterback behind this group, I do think forcing some of the younger guys into action will pay dividends down the line. The trick is getting by in the interim.

This game marks the worst performance of the season by far and easily one of the most memorable wins in many, many years. That’s an impressive feat no matter where you’re sitting.

Cheers

Is everyone planning to get their Jeffrey Overton Jr. tattoos soon? How will you be planning your tribute to the best running back the program has seen in decades? Yes, I realize that includes several NFL players but man Jeff is a different kind of dude. Of course he has the speed but it’s expertly blended with surprising power and solid catching ability. He’s a constant threat and has emerged as the clear starter. I do still like Marcellous Hawkins Jr. despite his tough fumble Saturday. I just think waiting to get Jeff going is an easily correctable mistake.

I may have just missed it but I never really noticed the team getting frustrated. I mean sure, they kind of had to be on offense but they didn't visibly show it much. In a rare bit of mildly useful sideline reporting it was reported that the defense was actively encouraging. They promised to hold things down while the offense figured it out and they did their job well. And no, I don't want to hear about yet another random quarterback running wild against the Hokies. The D only gave up 14 points. That should always be enough and it was.

Final Thoughts

Not to belabor the point, but this is yet another W for the James Franklin culture shift. This team loses this game under any of the last three head coaches, and yes we're including late-stage Frank Beamer in this list. Winning when the fastball isn't there is a huge thing. Knowing that you're capable of winning in miserable conditions when you can't execute your primary game plan is enormous. It's extremely impressive and I'm almost beginning to get carried away. We'll know if that's a good use of time after next week. A Friday night primetime tilt between an undefeated Virginia Tech and undefeated Pittsburgh is a major test for this group. They've passed all the checkpoints so far, I can't wait to see how the next one goes.