I watch football games on my computer these days. Partly because my computer monitor works better than our TV. But mainly because we don't get to see the Virginia Tech Hokies on TV much up here in the New York City area.
Even though the Miami-Virginia Tech was on ESPN I still watched it on my computer. Three times. Every time, the score came out the same and the Hokies beat the Hurricanes by two touchdowns.
Based on those three viewings, I offer these 'turning points' that made the difference between winning for the Hokies and losing for the 'Canes.
First, Miami's offensive line is HUGE. They average 6'6 and 318. That's what the program says, but they way they looked on the field, they are much bigger than their 318 average. Tech's defensive line is quick and small. To win, I felt Tech would have to get ahead and force Miami to throw the ball.
First, Miami's offensive line is HUGE. They average 6'6 and 318. That's what the program says, but they way they looked on the field, they are much bigger than their 318 average. Tech's defensive line is quick and small. To win, I felt Tech would have to get ahead and force Miami to throw the ball.
Miami's Lamar Miller ran for 163 yards and would have run for more if he hadn't cramped up in the fourth quarter. The 'Canes other three backs ran well, but that is largely due to their terrific offensive line.
Early in the game, Tyrod Taylor appeared stunned at how fast Miami was on defense. I attribute his early fumble and shakiness at the start to playing against a defense as fast as he is. He adjusted as the game went on, a tribute to his senior smarts, and made some key plays. Still, Taylor completed only seven passes for 94 yards, a tribute to Miami's passing defense.
The Hokies also learned early on that they couldn't run wide, either. The big running play by Ryan Williams for the long score was a quick hitter up the gut.
In the first half Miami freshman quarterback Stephen Morris was able to hit standout receiver Leonard Hankerson at will for big plays and one touchdown. In the second half, the Hokie defense limited Hankerson to one catch.
After Taylor hit Danny Coale on a catch and run TD pass to put Tech up 17-10, I was thinking Miami might panic and start to throw the ball. But no, they kept their composure, ran Miller four times for 62 yards and tied it at 17-17.
After the teams traded punts the Hokies were deep in their own territory at the start of the fourth quarter. Then came the turning point of the game.
Williams followed some devastating blocks, the block by Hokie fullback Kenny Younger on a linebacker was key, and burst through the defense untouched for an 84-yard score that put Tech up 24-17.
At this point, Miami did panic and tried to catch up by throwing the ball. After Travis Benjamin dropped what could have been a game-tying touchdown, Morris threw three interceptions in the 'Canes next three possessions and the Hokies sealed the deal.
It was a hard fought, physical game. The Hokies won because they made adjustments and capitalized on Miami's numerous mistakes. Taylor's experience and leadership helped the Hokies win against a talented team with a freshman quarterback who made some mistakes at the end.
It's been a good year for the Hokies. And it could get better.
P.S. What is up with Miami's green helmets? At first, I thought Oregon had taken the field. Huh? Green helmets?
