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Virginia Tech: 3 Takeaways from the 17-10 win over #10 North Carolina

By Michael Hanich

Sep 3, 2021; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Students ran onto the field to share in the victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels with Virginia Tech Hokies offensive lineman Luke Tenuta (69) following the game at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2021; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Students ran onto the field to share in the victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels with Virginia Tech Hokies offensive lineman Luke Tenuta (69) following the game at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2021; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Braxton Burmeister (3)throws a warmup pass before the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2021; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Braxton Burmeister (3)throws a warmup pass before the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Braxton Burmeister is getting better for the Hokies’ offense

Of all the questions for Virginia Tech’s offense, the biggest question this season was if junior quarterback Braxton Burmeister could lead a potential top 25 offense. This past Friday night, Burmeister proved he had the playmaking abilities, leadership traits, and knowledge to lead the offense for Virginia Tech.

Burmeister didn’t need to be an explosive passer against the Tar Heels. He was able to consistently find broken coverage schemes from the Tar Heels secondary in short-to-mid-range plays. These passing plays wore down the defense of North Carolina throughout the long drives. In the first quarter, Burmeister led the Hokies to 142 total yards.

Burmeister finished the game throwing for 169 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and a QBR of 74.7 on 12 completions (out of 19 passing attempts). He also rushed for 42 yards and a touchdown early in the first quarter. Burmeister made a solid connection for an 11-yard touchdown play on a scramble to tight end James Mitchell with 3:07 left in the third quarter.

The Hokies will need to be more efficient in finishing the game lead. After an early fourth quarter field goal, the Hokies had three drives that resulted in an interception from Burmeister, a missed field goal, and a punt.

Burmeister is proving that he is getting better and more efficient in making the plays needed to help the Hokies win. Consistency was one of his biggest issues this past season, especially on short plays. In just one game, Burmeister looks to have solved this issue, which is bad news for opposing defenses.

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