Cheers and Jeers: Virginia Tech vs. California

Much like the “Calgorithim”, I don’t know what the hell that was but I’ll take several more servings of the result this holiday season. No it wasn't pretty, particularly in the first half. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more dumb and fun way to spend a Friday night though. Tech's 42-35 2OT victory was a maddening delight and exactly what I as well as casual viewers expect from a Friday night clash between former members of the Pac-12 and ACC Coastal. 

This game certainly could have been easier at least. When you rush for 357 yards as a team with two guys going for 100+ it shouldn't take a double-overtime thriller to decide things. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled with the result but it probably shouldn't have taken such dramatics to seal the deal. Given that the Hokies pulled it out, you can marvel at the ill-timed missed field goal from 'Mr. Automatic' John Love and a battle of QBs playing very different ballgames. It was fun to watch—apart from the period of the first half where Cal scored 20 straight points. 

These Hokies are just all over the place, and not in a flying to the football kind of way. They put together great stretches of football only to completely lose the plot for extended periods of time. No player better epitomizes those tendencies than Kyron Drones. I don't think I've ever seen a quarterback more terrified of throwing the football. He struggles to read the defense and often misses open receivers in his progressions. Still, as he goes so does the offense and he made things happen Friday night. He did have one dreadful interception but also accounted for five total touchdowns and made some huge runs when it mattered most. QB Power won't continue to work quite so effectively against the remaining defenses on the schedule but it was great on this night. 

Kemari Copeland is a menace up front and he showed off his pass-rushing versatility against the Bears. His three sacks came from up the middle, and on the edge where he occasionally lined up as a defensive end. His sneaky blend of power and speed has been one of the main factors in Tech's ability to generate pressure. Copeland mixed with DC Sam Siefkes' exotic and confusing blitz scheme makes for a lot to plan for as an opposing offensive line. 

I said earlier in the season that Hawkins should be the focus of the offense and I maintain that's the case. He certainly looked worthy of that focus Friday night. Like Tech's transfer portal stud backs before him, Hawkins has remarkable balance and demonstrates extreme patience as well. Combined with Kyron Drones and Terion Stewart, the Hokies have a monster running game that just needs continued commitment to flourish. 

That was a much-deserved win for the fans who continue to show out and the players who keep battling on this team. There are quite a few of both groups and that's good to still see. A bowl game is likely out of reach with three of four remaining opponents in the rankings for now though of course anything's possible. Pulling an upset or two down the stretch would be really fun and of course the idea or upending a really good UVA season is extremely appealing. For now, just savor this night game win over Cal. I mentioned to my colleagues and I'll repeat now, I don't think there's a better feeling in sports than watching the Saturday college football games knowing your team is already safely at home with a W. That's good stuff and it's been a minute since we had it around here.