The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly from the Virginia Tech Hokies Win against Duke

Nov 15, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back Marshawn Williams (42) runs with the ball against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

The Bad

Even with a win including this one over Duke, there are bad parts to a game.  The first would be the rushing game for the Hokies.  Even though J.C. Coleman rushed for 95 yards ,the rushing game was not that effective.  The Hokies lost their work horse in the backfield, Marshawn Williams, to a knee injury early.

However, Williams was not really being effective running the ball before the injury.  The Hokies are trying everything possible to generate a rushing attack even inserting backup quarterback Brendon Motley into the “Wild Turkey” formation.  This lack of a consistent rushing attack can be blamed partially on the offensive line.

The second bad part of the game would be the turnovers and the Hokies inability to hold on to the ball.  At times this year, the Hokies have been a turnover machine.  This game, there was only one turnover but that was more an effect of luck than an effect of good ball control and management.  The only turnover for the Hokies came on an interception by Michael Brewer, his first in three games.

However, the Hokies were close to losing the ball on three other occasions.  Greg Stroman fumbled the ball twice on punt returns and truth be known, was extremely lucky not to lose both of his fumbles.  The second fumble came from usually sure handed Sam Rodgers.  In the last two games of the year, ball control and security will need to be key points of emphasis.