Don't look now, but the Virginia Tech football team has a three-game winning streak. After losing to Miami to open ACC play, the Hokies picked up their third straight conference win by beating Georgia Tech, 21-6, Saturday afternoon at Lane Stadium.
Following the game, there was a lot for head coach Brent Pry to discuss, including the news that everyone was waiting for, an injury update for running back Bhayshul Tuten, and offensive lineman Xavier Chaplin. Here is some of what Pry said following Virginia Tech's fifth win of the season.
Brent Pry updates injuries
Twice offensive lineman Xavier Chaplin went down with an injury against the Yellow Jackets, but the second one in the third quarter had him upset and in pain. To compound matters, running back Bhayshul Tuten went down late in the fourth quarter with what appeared to be an ankle injury.
"We'll evulate tonight and tomorrow will be the tell-all for both of those guys,'' said Pry.
Both players are a huge part of the Hokies offense, you don't need me telling you that, but if either is out for any amount of time, those are a huge blow to that side of the ball.
Brent Pry on his team's struggles against Georgia Tech
Offensively, it was a less than stellar performance on the field with the players and in the booth with offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen. A lot of that had to do with the Yellow Jackets defense, but the execution at times was a big struggle. Special teams had a field goal blocked, but the defense was as close to money as they could have been.
"We were by no stretch perfect today,'' Pry said.
That's an understatement. Look, there are times when the offense wins you games, the special teams win you games and the defense wins games. Saturday, it was the defense's turn and not allowing a touchdown was impressive.
Brent Pry on the performance of the defense
Virginia Tech's defense was good all day and when they needed to make a play, they made. In the second half alone, they forced three punts, three turnovers on downs, and had two interceptions. Georgia Tech was missing some key players, but on this day, it didn't matter.
"As the game went on, they gained confidence,'' said Pry. "Every time Georgia Tech punched today, the defense punched back.''
It was an impressive effort as the linebackers had one of their better games as a unit with some tackles for losses on third and fourth downs. It seemed like every time Georgia Tech had a throw to near the first down line, the defense made a lot of sure tackles.