Collegiate Times

Academically, final exams were a few weeks ago. Football-wise, the ultimate test of the 2008 season happened on the first day of 2009 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. And ultimately, the Hokies performed well enough to earn the Orange Bowl trophy with their 20-7 victory over Cincinnati. Here is a look at how certain areas of the team performed.

Offense

For a team that averages 163 yards on the ground, Tech finished with 258 yards on Thursday night - improving their record to 9-0 when they outrush their opponent.  Redshirt freshman Darren Evans led the way en route to capturing the game's most valuable player award.  Evans really started to heat up in the second half, providing the final points of the game on a six yard rush into the end zone early in the fourth period.  Overall, he ran for 154 yards on 28 carries. Tech simply wore out the Bearcats defensive front, which is a credit to the Hokies' offensive line.  All of this despite not having Nick Marshman in the lineup due to academic ineligibility.  Quarterback Tyrod Taylor, as usual, used his legs also.  That was most evident on his 17-yard scoring run in which he deftly avoided defenders and tied the score at 7-7.  However, Taylor was also extremely accurate with his arm.  He made one crucial error with the interception in the second quarter, but No. 5 showed great upside for his potential as the lone signal caller in 2009.   

Overall grade: B+

Defense

After Cincinnati shredded Tech with a quick strike to start the game, the Hokie defense made adjustments.  And they made sure that the touchdown pass from Bearcat quarterback Tony Pike to wide receiver Mardy Gilyard was the last point production from Cincinnati.  Some of that was missed opportunities on the part of the Cinci offense, but it was mostly because of Tech.  They forced Pike into four interceptions, including a couple at critical moments.  The pick in the end zone by cornerback Stephan Virgil swung the momentum back in Tech's favor and helped them grab the lead at intermission.  The turnovers caused by Orion Martin and Cody Grimm ended any hope of a Cincinnati comeback.  On the ground, there was little to be had - especially on their goal line stand in the fourth quarter.  The Bearcats only produced 73 yards rushing.  All in all, it was a typical standout effort from the Hokies' outstanding defense.

Overall grade: A

Special Teams

Dustin Keys' two field goals helped the Hokies establish a lead.  Other than that, there wasn't anything impressive about Tech's specialty area.  Brent Bowden didn't have many stellar punts and Victor "Macho" Harris didn't have many stellar kick/punt returns.

Overall grade: C+

Coaching

Head coach Frank Beamer and his coaching staff established a business tone right after they won the ACC Championship against Boston College on Dec. 6.  The practices, even in Blacksburg, were going to be more intense.  The curfew in Miami was going to be earlier.  This wasn't about enjoying the sights and sounds of South Beach.  This was about winning a football game - plain and simple.  And if the result of Thursday's game is any indication, the Hokies heard the message loud and clear.  Defensive coordinator Bud Foster had his team ready as always, visibly frustrating Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly with different looks.  Offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring brought some creativity to the play-calling: shovel passes to Evans, end arounds with Dyrell Roberts and Danny Coale, as well as smatterings of the "Wild Turkey" formation with tight end Greg Boone at quarterback.  The Hokies appeared to be well-prepared to win this year and make up for the disappointment last year.

Overall grade: A