Jeremy Cash Could Cause Problems for the Hokies' Offense

Sep 27, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Duke Johnson (8) is tackled by Duke Blue Devils safety Jeremy Cash (16) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 22-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies are decent-sized underdogs this week as they get ready to take on the Duke Blue Devils who likely will be ranked in the top 20 of the College Football Playoff’s committee’s rankings tonight.

The Hokies will have their eyes on an upset and gaining some momentum to finish off the season well, make a bowl game, and prove that the Hokies could be a really good football team next season. However, the Hokies’ offense could have an issue with a few players including one Duke player in particular.

Duke safety Jeremy Cash is clearly one of the best safeties in all of college football and already has 82 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. Cash might not be as well known as Louisville safety Gerod Holliman but Cash is probably a more complete safety in some regards than Holliman.

Cash will likely play in the box a lot and will have to be watched because of his ability to shut down a running game. This will likely come down to a tight end like Ryan Malleck or fullback Sam Rogers watching Cash to try to keep him from getting to Marshawn Williams and creating space for Williams to make plays.

Ball security will also be critical for Marshawn Williams and the Hokies with Cash being someone that knows how to force fumbles. This is something that Shane Beamer will likely make sure his running backs are ready for to avoid a repeat of the 3 fumbles in the third quarter against Miami. However, Cash is going to be all over the field and is going to have a strong game because of how good of a player he is.

One thing the Hokies can do is try to avoid going after Cash in the passing which will come down to quality playcalling from Scot Loeffler to let Michael Brewer push the ball down the field in ways that take Cash out of the play. However, Brewer will probably need to make a couple of quality throws against Cash and those plays could have an impact on the game.

Jeremy Cash Could Cause Problems for the Hokies’ Offense

By Tim Thomas | Nov 11, 2014