VT-WVU Pregame
Derek Willis and Kevin Donahue at Fanblogs covered my usual turf this week due to work time constraints. I’d suggest you head over there and check their reports (Derek posted his first, so Kevin added his in the comments) out for good neutral-party thoughts on this game.
The optimal start for VT would be a couple of quick strikes to take the Mountaineer fans out of the game. WVU runs an odd 3-3-5 defense with two hybrid DB/LB positions, which could complicate things early for Tech’s offense, as VT’s OL blocking schemes have been redesigned to accomodate this configuration. If Tech can win this game with a steady diet of Jones and Humes out of the 2-WR, 1-TE, 1-FB I, it will do so gladly. On the other hand, Richard Johnson returns to VT’s receiving corps, and just in time — the successive injuries to Johnson and Chris Shreve had given VT fans cause for concern. With the double coverage Ernest Wilford gets as a matter of course, output from the flanker position is absolutely crucial to VT’s passing game this year.
Defensively, it’s a simple game for VT — as Derek says, the key is stopping the run. WVU’s Rasheed Marshall has not been impressive throwing the ball.
Special teams could be an adventure. WVU runs a rugby-style punt like we saw against UCF, and it’s been conjectured that a kicker who leaves his kicking position is no longer subject to roughing rules. The relevant section of the rulebook reads
“ARTICLE 3. a. When it is obvious that a scrimmage kick will be made, no opponent shall run into or rough the kicker or the holder of a place kick (A.R. 5-2-2-I and A.R. 9-1-3-I, III and VI).”
It would seem that when the punter runs, that means that it’s no longer “obvious” that a kick will be made — and, if such an interpretation can be confirmed by the refereeing crew, that opens the door for some serious blocking shenanigans. In placekicking, Carter Warley’s back is acting up again, so he will be restricted to PATs and FGs; Brandon Pace will return to kickoff duty.
Expect a quick report post-game for what is only VT’s second road game this year.
22 October 2003 / 0 Comments / Tags: football