Hokie Hitter: Miami

This game was not perfect, but it was the most complete game that the Hokies have played this year.  The play calling and execution were levels above what they have been in previous games, and Marve and Bowen did a great job of keeping the talented Miami squad on their toes.  The plays that I will be breaking down this week are an example of how Tech once again, used creative personnel grouping and schemes on both sides of the ball.  If the Hokies can keep up this level of play it could turn the season around for a team that has lost three games by a combined ten points!

On this play, Tech shows a defensive alignment that fans first saw against Vanderbilt.  Using their best pass rusher, APR, as a spy seems to be a crazy idea.  Marve set APR in this look and ran an interior stunt with him and created havoc in the offensive backfield, eventually leading to a strip-sack-fumble and giving Tech the ball in great field position.  The second great element of this play is in the secondary.  The Hokies play five defenders at the line to gain with two deep safeties.  This made Miami QB Cam Ward have to hold onto the ball whick led to the sack.  Great concept by Marve and company to allow the Hokies pass rush the freedom to get pressure with four and have the luxury to drop seven in coverage against a skilled passer.

On this play, the Hokies used Collin Schlee again in a non-quarterback role.  Schlee is lined up in the slot, and by using him in the jet sweep look really pulls the entire defense to the wide side of the field.  The blocking on this play is immaculate.  Tech shows and outside scheme and even "dummy pulls" Brody Meadows away from the play to pull the linebackers.  When Lane finally gets the handoff, the remaining four linemen have released upfield creating a wall for Lane, Drones gets the lead block, and Lane is untouched into the endzone.  A very creative use of scheme and personnel by Tyler Bowen to get the Hokies in the endzone!