The Virginia Tech football team righted its ship this afternoon, securing its first victory of the season over East Carolina.
The Hokies’ second half surge, in which they outscored the Pirates 28-3, helped seal the win 49-27. Additionally, Tech’s rushing attack was firing on all cylinders as the Hokies gained 249 total yards on the ground.
“I think this is a great win because it came after a very difficult week on coaches, players and our whole group,” said Frank Beamer, head coach. “Our guys and coaches just kept battling and came out and I’m really proud of everyone.”
However, the Hokies appeared a bit shaky too start the game. ECU moved the ball effectively on their first drive, although two fumbles that were both ruled down nearly gave Tech the ball. Yet, pressure from defensive end James Gayle on a third down held ECU to a 26-yard field goal and the Pirates struck first blood 3-0.
On Tech’s first offensive possession, the persistent issues that plagued the Hokies against James Madison haunted them again. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor overthrew a pass, running back Ryan Williams lost two yards after a slip, and pressure on Taylor forced a three-and-out. Hokie fans were less than pleased, and a few boos were audible in Lane Stadium.
“We knew we were facing a tough task coming into Virginia Tech,” said Ruffin McNeill, ECU head coach. “They had lost two tough games. We knew we’d catch their best shot. It was a team that would be backed up against the wall.”
The troubles weren’t over for Tech, as a pass interference call on cornerback Rashad Carmichael set up a two-yard touchdown run for ECU running back Jonathan Williams, giving the Pirates an early 10-0 lead. Less than 10 minutes into the game the Hokies were down by 10 for the second time this season. Tech also gave up 10 quick points to Boise State in the team’s opener and was in a 17-0 hole headed into the second quarter during that game.
In fact, it took the Hokies nearly 11 minutes into the first quarter before they had a positive offensive gain – they had minus-7 total offensive yards prior to that point. Tech built off that momentum and Williams scored a rushing touchdown from two yards out to cut the lead to 10-7 with just under two minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Nonethess, the Hokies’ defense had a difficult time stopping ECU’s Air Raid style offense. ECU quarterback Dominique Davis picked apart the Tech defense with precision and tossed a 7-yard touchdown to Dwayne Harris to extend the margin to 17-7. The Hokies would respond quickly as Taylor found wide receiver Dyrell Roberts for a 24-yard touchdown strike with about 12 minutes to play in the first half.
Tech’s defense managed its first stop of the game, and Hokie fans got on their feet realizing momentum had shifted in their favor. On the ensuing drive, running back Darren Evans scampered in from 7-yards out giving Tech its first lead of the game 21-17.
“I think (East Carolina’s) offense is a little like a wishbone, you have to get used to them a little bit,” Beamer said. “I thought we did a good job overall adjusting to them and our defense, it took another step. With all the young guys, I think we took a step today with becoming a better football team and I’m proud of that too.”
However, all was not well for the Hokies, as Williams was hit hard in the leg and had to be helped to the locker room by the trainers. The former ACC Rookie of the Year had yet to break 100 yards rushing in a game this season, and was hit with another setback as an apparent hamstring injury kept him out for the remainder of the game.
In addition, ECU would respond right before halftime as the Pirates marched down the field capping off a 13-play 80-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run by Williams, his second of the game.
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Stinespring still needs to go, there was still some terrible play calling in the first half. I think someone else took over in the second half. ECU had a terrible defense too.
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Also Stinespring keeps calling the long ball when he shouldn't. Every once and a while its ok, but when it's 3rd and 1....guess what he did. He called the long ball when we just needed one yard. I remember that specifically yesterday.
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Yes, i recall the play as well. Tyrod escaped the pocket moving right. Both the backside drag and the flat route (two short routes) were double covered. Tyrod identified the 'most' open guy (the right flanker who was suppose to be clearing the secondary, leaving more space for the underneath routes), but he didn't make a great throw due to the quick pressure. Just because the ball is thrown deep, doesn't mean that the play was designed to go deep...
And after our numerous failed attempts to run the ball in short yardage situations against Boise and JMU, can you really fault the play call which gives Tyrod the option to throw or run if things break down? At least the running game picked up in the second half. Hopefully next time, our O-line and RB's will have the confidence to power through on thrid and one.
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This guy makes comments about the coaching staff every week. Get a life. They are not going to fire anyone. Go back to UVA.
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If I went to UVA I'd be pleading for Stinespring to stay. I have a life and I'm an adamant fan of the hokies and want to see them succeed.
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