The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly from Virginia Tech’s Win Over Western Michigan

Sep 27, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Michael Brewer (12) scrambles away from Western Michigan Broncos defensive tackle Richard Ash (9) during the first quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

The Bad

Even with his good offensive play in the second half, Michael Brewer still made two crucial turnovers which halted promising drives.  Once again, Brewer seemed to not read the defense and on one interception, hit the Western Michigan defensive player in the chest.  Brewer was rushed, which seems to be the formula to get him to make poor decisions.  More often than not, these poor decisions put the Hokie defense in a horrible position

Brewer’s first interception did just that as the Broncos turned the first Brewer turnover into a touchdown and the second one into a field goal.  This poor decision making and turning the ball over needs to stop before it causes a deficit the Hokies cannot overcome.  If Brewer had not had a better second half, it would stand to reason the Hokies could have gone in a different direction at quarterback this week.

The next bad part of the game is the loss of a big part on offense.  Shai McKenzie suffered a season ending knee injury in the homecoming win.  McKenzie tore his ACL in the same knee he injured during his high school career.  The loss of McKenzie is not as devastating because of the depth at running back.

However, his loss is going to put more pressure on Marshawn Williams and possibly rush Trey Edmonds back to full-time duty faster than the Hokies had originally planned for.  McKenzie was an explosive runner and his brand of tough running in between the tackles will be missed.

McKenzie also joins Ryan Malleck on the injury report.  Malleck is trying to fight through a lingering ankle injury.  Like the running back position, the Hokies have some depth at tight end in Bucky Hodges and Kalvin Cline.  Cline, also like Trey Edmonds, is coming off a major injury and his return to duty could be rushed because of the absence of Malleck.