Marty Gordon
The Virginia Tech Hokies saw a game slip through their fingers this past weekend at Rutgers, and it left onlookers scratching their heads about this year’s team. Many questions are hanging on the bulletin board.
The Hokies are still looking for a leader under center. Wells was out this week, despite the fact he took warm-ups before the game. Baylor-transfer Kyron Drones provided a spark going 19 of 32 with a touchdown and interception.
Drones was also playing behind an offensive line that has not been able to protect any of the Tech signal callers. For now, he could be the answer.
The running game really does not exist. The Hokies did generate 129 yards on the ground against Rutgers, but 74 of it was from Drones, who carried the rock 22 times. It’s nice to have a QB who can run with the ball. You just hope he is not your team leader each ball game.
Malachi Thompson and Bhayshul Tuten combined for 57 scattered in the game. Tuten did cross the goal line once, but what has been seen so far in 2023 is not getting the job done. Fans might see several wide receivers taking snaps in sweeps and reverses. This will depend on several of those players also healthy as the season progresses.
Defense has more holes than Swiss cheese. With Head Coach Brent Pry being a defensive guru, this could be the easiest to work out. He just might have to dig deep into the closet in playing a lot of youngsters who will have to grow up faster than he might want them to. At least five top defensive players sat out the game with injuries, and another three on the defensive side were knocked out of the game.
Depth will be the key as the Hokies move forward with hopes some of those injured will have to get healthy soon.
Play calling depends on personnel. So far, the offense has not been exciting or glamorous. Pry and his staff will have to dig deep into the play book and find something, anything which can work.
He will be quick to point out all of this does depend on who is on the field. Many of those so-called playmakers are nursing injuries.
Depth is a question. The other need for this team, with all of these injuries is a depth chart full of youngsters, is to find some young players that can shine at this level. Defense could see a lot of those players in the lineup with them growing up quicker than expected or will they.
Pry will find out.
For now, the Hokies have to find their identity. The wins will be tough to come by, and the offense has to start scoring more points.
