3 Things We Learned From Virginia Tech’s Win vs Marshall
By Tim Thomas
Sep 21, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Logan Thomas (3) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Marshall Thundering Herd at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Virginia Tech was clearly not at its best today against Marshall which is why we saw three overtimes. However, Tech proved that they are a very good team as they found a way to pull out the victory in three overtimes in front of a soaked crowd at Lane Stadium. The Hokies have some positives that they can take away before they go to Georgia Tech Thursday Night but there are a couple of concerns.
1. Virginia Tech doesn’t have an every down running back outside of Trey Edmunds.
Trey Edmunds picked up an injury before overtime and after 1 carry in overtime, it was clear that Edmunds was done for the afternoon but hopefully not longer. Chris Mangus came in and proved that he is not the type of running back that is an every down back right now. Mangus is a very similar running back to teammate JC Coleman in that both Mangus and Coleman are speed guys that can have some big plays but aren’t power runners that can be out their down after down. The Hokies will need Trey Edmunds against Georgia Tech and hopefully, Tech will have the star freshman running back.
2. Detrick Bonner should be moved from cornerback to safety
Detrick Bonner struggled against Marshall and was lucky on multiple plays including the final two plays where the first could have been pass interference and the other was a dropped pass. Bonner clearly is not a guy that can play at cornerback and should really be playing at safety. Also, Tech has plenty of talent at corner with Kyle Fuller, Kendall Fuller, and Brandon Facyson to go with the fact that Antone Exum will be back soon. Bonner is a good defensive back and is showing that he really should be playing beside Kyshoen Jarrett at safety.
3. Beamer Ball is back
After the Alabama blowout which saw the Crimson Tide dominate the Hokies on special teams, Virginia Tech proved that Beamer Ball is once again alive and well. It all started with the blocked punt by Kyle Fuller that ended up being returned for a touchdown to get the Hokies the first lead of the game. Then, Derrick Hopkins had his clutch field goal block in the first overtime that kept the Hokies alive. Meanwhile, punter AJ Hughes proved that at least half of the Virginia Tech kicking game is in good shape. The only concern is around Cody Journell and his situation after Frank Beamer decided not to dress the senior kicker along with the struggles of walk-on Ethan Keyserling. However, Virginia Tech showed overall that Beamer Ball is back and that definitely has to concern the rest of the ACC.