Virginia Tech Football: Three keys of the game versus Middle Tennessee

2. Defense shuts down the running offense

Last week, the Hokies had a big goal to shut down the high-power offense of the Tar Heels. North Carolina was without their two explosive running backs in Javonte Williams and Michael Carter, now in the NFL. They lost their leading receiver from last season in Dyami Brown. They did have a preseason Heisman Trophy favorite in quarterback Sam Howell.

The defense of Virginia Tech allowed 354 total yards of offense from North Carolina. The Hokies allowed 146 rushing yards on 30 carries for an average of 4.9 yards per rush, but they didn’t allow a rushing touchdown. The pass rush of the Hokies forced Howell into bad situations as Howell threw for 208 yards, one touchdown, three interceptions, and a QBR of 41.1 on 17 completions (out of 33 passing attempts).

The Hokies will have a less experienced and less aggressive offense of the Blue Raiders as opposed to the Tar Heels. Monmouth’s defense held Middle Tennessee’s offense to 96 yards on 34 carries for an average of 2.8 yards per rush.

The Hokies have a stacked defensive line with defensive tackle Jordan Williams, defensive tackle Mario Kendricks, defensive end Amare Barno, and defensive end TyJuan Garbutt all contributing significantly. They will have a big goal this Saturday to hold the offense of the Blue Raiders to under 100-yards in the run game. With the running game shut down, the Blue Raiders will be a one-dimensional offense, which will force them to pass constantly. If the Hokies can send only four players in a pass rush and still get to the quarterback, then it will take pressure from the Hokies’ secondary.