Hokie Hitter: Vanderbilt
12:37 3rd Qtr: Pavia Option Run
The Hokies struggled mightily against, not just the run, but the option attack that Diego Pavia and the Vanderbilt offense put up against the Hokies. Defending the option is a very difficult task to undertake, especially if you are not used to running it effectively in practice. A team can put as many scout players as possible in the best possible positions, but it is nearly impossible to replicate the speed and effectiveness of a team that does it everyday.
This particular play is just one example of how Tech struggled with this attack. On this play, Vandy is in 21 personnel (2 backs, 1 Tight End) and the Hokies are in their base defense. On this play, the most important thing to examine, is that upfront, the Commodores executed to near perfection and one defensive player, DE Cole Nelson, squeezed into the line a little too much and gave Pavia a better angle to the outside.
The Hokies made some key adjustments in the second half which allowed Tech the opportunity to stay competitive in the game and eventually take the lead in the 4th quarter. The slow start however doomed the Hokies, and they lost in overtime.
Check out the video for a more in-depth breakdown.
