After a first half where just about everything went right, it all went wrong in the second half for the Virginia Tech football team at home against 16th-ranked Louisville on Saturday afternoon at Lane Stadium.
Leading 16-7 at halftime, the Hokies were outscored 21-0 in the second half in what was a 28-16 loss. It was another winnable game for Virginia Tech, but mistakes cost them in all areas. Here are five observations from the loss.
Late first half drive killed momentum
Up nine late in the first half in plus territory, the Hokies faced a fourth and inches in plus territory when Kyron Drones wanted to go with a quick snap to pick up the first down. The problem was, not everyone was set, and a 5-yard penalty ended any chances of Virginia Tech getting any points. They were trending well into John Love territory, but they had to punt instead. Even three points there gives them momentum going into the break.
Second half struggles
It was another no-show second half for the Hokies' offense. They averaged just four yards a carry on the ground, a far cry from what they accomplished last week against California, and they were held scoreless in the second half. They were 4-for-15 on third downs and were playing behind the sticks a good part of the game. The fourth down turnover on downs summed up the second half's struggles.
Time to go to Pop Watson?
It wasn't the best game from Drones after the big game he had last week against Cal. Drones was 11-for-24 for just 76 yards through the air and missed some open receivers. He was Virginia Tech's leading rusher with 85 yards on 14 carries, but he didn't look like he did a week ago. Louisville is a step up in talent from California, but it can't be stated enough that it was a very winnable game for the Hokies. Their defense gave the Hokies a chance, but the offense struggled and went missing in the second half.
Now they get two weeks to think about this before heading to Florida State on Nov. 15 to begin a three-game stretch over two weeks to close out the season. For many reasons, the end of the season can't come quickly enough.