Looking for a third straight win, the Virginia Tech football team came up short, losing to Wake Forest, 30-23, at Lane Stadium on Saturday afternoon. It was a frustrating loss for the Hokeis, who gifted the Demon Deacons 17 points with unnecessary penalties.
After the game, interim coach Philip Montgomery met with the media, and here are some of his top quotes and our analysis of them.
Philip Montgomery on the failed touchdown after a pick
Montgomery, on three failed running attempts to get into the end zone after an Isaiah Brown-Murray interception in the third quarter, set the Hokies up inside the 5-yard line. After the third down play, wide receiver Donavon Greene picked up an unsportsmanlike penalty that cost his team 15 yards, and they had to settle for a field goal.
"Yeah, I thought it was a huge play in the game,'' Montgomery said. "We were going to go for it on fourth down. We ended up having a penalty right there that backs us up. And then at that point, you don't have a choice in it. So, we have to continue to keep pushing and getting better in those areas. I thought we were really good in the first half in the red zone. In the second half, we have to be better in the red zone.''
Analysis: That was the turning point in the game. Score seven there, it's a tie game, and the momentum is swinging.
Montgomery on whether he got an explanation on the penalty
Montgomery was asked if he saw what happened or if he got an explanation as to why the flag was thrown.
"You know, I haven't got to see it on tape,'' he said. "I probably don't need to comment on it because that's probably going to get me fined. And that's probably not a good thing for me."
Analysis: Good decision coach, good decision.
Montgomery on the 15-yard penalties his team received
Virginia Tech hurt themselves with multiple 15-yard penalties that led to keeping drives alive for Wake Forest, which they turned into key touchdowns.
"Yeah, they were third down penalties,'' said Montgomery. "I think we had six in the game, and obviously, some of those are in crucial moments. Again, I don't think that's a lack of discipline. I think it's guys flying around, being relentless with the football. We got to be a little bit smarter in those situations, but that being said, we had opportunities to get off the field right there. Those would have been big plays and big moments in the game."
Analysis: Montgomery didn't think it was a lack of discipline? At least two were. There was no need for Ben Bell to hit Robby Ashford after he threw the ball, and there was no need for any defenders to put their hands on Ashford running out of bounds. They have to be better.
Montgomery on dealing with injuries secondary
It was another game where Virginia Tech was shorthanded in the secondary and needs to get healthy before going to Georgia Tech next Saturday.
"Yeah, I hope to get some of those guys back, but nobody can read the tea leaves of what that is, right? So, the mentality that our team is playing with right now is 'next man up' mentality. Doesn't matter if you're young, old, or in the middle. We got to have each and every one of those guys in the locker room.''
Analysis: When Pry was fired, you knew there were going to be roster changes with the 30-day portal window opening, but injuries have been mounting. It would be nice to get some bodies back going to Atlanta next weekend.