Virginia Tech Spring Football 2014: Quarterbacks Struggle in Third Scrimmage

Aug 20, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Brenden Motley (9) drops back during practice at the Steve Johnson Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies had its third and final spring scrimmage before the Spring Game this past weekend and it didn’t go very well at all for the offense while the defense absolutely put on a show. The quarterbacks were “live” and that mean that the defense could really go hard after the quarterbacks and offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler was hoping that the offense would continue its momentum. However, that didn’t happen and Loeffler reacted with this quote of frustration via HokieSports.com insider Jimmy Robertson.

"“Two steps,” he(Scot Loeffler) said. “Our intensity was terrible. I’m really disappointed in how we walked out on to the field and competed. That hasn’t been our M.O. this spring, but it obviously was today, and I was very, very disappointed.”"

The Virginia Tech quarterbacks had a nightmare of a day with the best performance coming from Brenden Motley who was a disappointing 5 for 11 for 46 yards and a touchdown. Mark Leal struggled even more as the soon-to-be senior quarterback went 6 for 17 for 50 yards and a touchdown. Lastly, Andrew Ford has probably ended his chance sof avoiding a redshirt as Ford was 0 for 6 in the scrimmage and will have to have the Spring Game of his life to get himself out of danger of avoiding a redshirt.

Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Mark Leal (6) takes a snap from center during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in the 2013 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Mark Leal could have had a worse game if he would have thrown an interception but Leal is looking more and mroe like the guy that struggled for Virginia Tech in the Sun Bowl. Leal’s spring has been a nightmare but that can all change if he can play well in the Virginia Tech Spring Game this upcoming Saturday. Now one game won’t remedy everything for Leal but a terrible Spring Game performance could cost him any realistic shot at the starting job. Also, Scot Loeffler knows about Mark Leal’s athletic ability and might be looking at using him as a wide receiver. Loeffler could also incorporate some wildcat packages to use with Leal but the soon-to-be senior wants to be the starting quarterback for Virginia Tech in the fall.

Brenden Motley had a strong spring before this past spring scrimmage and had climbed ahead of Mark Leal to the starting spot on the Virginia Tech depth chart. Of course, Michael Brewer doesn’t arrive till the summer and that is certain to shake up the depth chart and quarterback competition. However, the quarterback from nearby Christianburg, Virginia has a good chance to become the starting quarterback for a Virginia Tech team that he grew up being a fan of and having connections through his uncle, former Virginia Tech WR Donald Wayne Snell.

Brenden Motley had been having a strong spring but he had a disappointing third spring scrimmage. Unlike Leal, Brenden Motley has had a very good spring overall and for now, this looks like a fluke for Motley. However, the importance of the Virginia Tech Spring Game has increased as Motley will have the chance to prove that this past Saturday’s scrimmage was just an unusual off day.

Michael Brewer has to be hearing about this and knowing that he will have a golden opportunity to take the starting ob in a very quick matter of time once he arrives this summer. The biggest issue Brewer will have is learning a new offense but if he can pull it off in a reasonable amount of time, then the job could end up being his to lose though Brenden Motley could end that completely while Mark Lea could throw himself back into serious contention with a strong Spring Game. After this weekend, Michael Brewer should have a much clearer understanding about the quarterback competition he is about to get involved in over the summer at Virginia Tech.

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