VT-A&M Pregame Thoughts
Virginia Tech and Texas A&M meet in this week’s Thursday night ESPN game, at 7:45 PM at Lane. This game is a rematch of last year’s 13-3 Tech victory at Kyle Field in College Station, TX. Both teams come into the game 2-0, although Tech was more impressive against its two cupcakes than was A&M against its; the Aggies beat Arkansas State 26-11 in week 1, then had to stop a game-ending 2-point conversion try in order to escape a Utah rally 28-26, while the Hokies beat UCF 49-28 before nuking JMU 43-0.
The big question, of course, is whether the teams will have an impolite guest named Isabel joining them. The schools’ ADs, along with Virginia law enforcement personnel, are expected to make a decision on the game by 2 PM EDT on Wednesday, before the Aggies fly to Virginia. From my armchair in Richmond, right on the hurricane’s path, I’ll say that I expect the game to be played Thursday night, in miserable weather. Guess I’d better pack my raincoat. (UPDATE 17 Sept, 1619 EDT: game on; meanwhile, you knew someone had to do it: the Axis of Isabel has been formed.)
Miserable weather favors the Aggies for two reasons. The disparity in the teams’ offenses is much greater through the air than on the ground (VT is #23/282ypg passing and #15/227.5ypg rushing, while A&M is #107/135.5ypg passing and #40/177ypg rushing), and a rushing game is easier to establish than passing with a wet football and swirling winds. Secondly, A&M’s linemen are heavier than the Hokies’, on both sides of the football; although this is by design on Tech’s part, as the Hokies prefer quicker, more agile players, mobility doesn’t help much if you can’t plant your feet for quick cuts.
Both teams have minor quarterback controversies, and both coaches have been cagey about who will appear behind center. A&M’s decision has more impact on the game plan, because their quarterbacks have vastly different styles; T-So Reggie McNeal is a fast, athletic QB while R-Jr Dustin Long is a classic drop-back passer. Long started last year in the VT-A&M game, going 13-28/111/1INT, while McNeal came in for the first action of his career in the third quarter, going 1-6/7/1INT before being yanked. This season, the QBs split time in the Arkansas State game, and McNeal played the whole way against Utah. Frank Beamer’s opinion, and mine, is that we’ll see McNeal in this game. Beamer also said Monday that while Bryan Randall will start for Tech, he expects Marcus Vick to get significant playing time in this game, perhaps coming in in the second quarter. I’m not sure I buy that; I think the only way we see Vick that early is if either (a) the Hokies come out flat and need a spark (and some noise from the soaked crowd), or (b) Tech jumps out to a big lead. Otherwise, Vick comes in in the fourth quarter, maybe mid-3rd at best.
New A&M head coach Dennis Franchione can be expected to have a few tricks up his sleeve, for what is being touted as a make-or break game for his club this year. Tech fans will hope Bryan Randall can make a few key plays in the mess, and otherwise rely on Kevin Jones and the typically loud Thursday night Blacksburg crowd.
16 September 2003 / 0 Comments / Tags: football