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

3. Play smart by avoiding special plays and injuries

With a matchup that consists of a weaker group of five teams like the Blue Raiders, the Hokies will need to make sure they avoid putting themselves in bad situations. They will have to protect the football and avoid costly turnovers. Virginia Tech’s offense will have to play smart football, but not so much that it gives away a portion of their playbook for other opponents to analyze.

The Hokies offense does not need to utilize special plays that will put them on top. They have the talent and coaches to help them get on the scoreboard, hopefully early in the game. They will have to play conservatively and avoid giving away great looks for future teams to learn. This game versus Middle Tennessee State to expand the run game as the defense of the Blue Raiders was ranked 111th in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game (221.9).

This game will be a great opportunity for the less-experienced players on both sides of the ball to get some experience. They cannot afford to have any of their experienced and key players getting injured as a result of being in the game longer than they should have.

If the Hokies go into halftime with a good lead, they can start resting their players in the middle of the third quarter to avoid injuries and fatigue. This could be a game where the Hokies could play some young players to gain some experience early in their collegiate careers and rest some of their starters.