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Hokie Defense High, Hokie Offense Low in National Rankings
by Chris Coleman, TechSideline.com

The Virginia Tech defense has become known throughout the college football world as a unit that is fast, physical and mentally focused. Led by defensive coordinator Bud Foster, the defense has posted some impressive stats in seasons past and appears to be on track to do the same this year.

Virginia Tech is putting up some impressive stats on the defensive side of the ball in the early portion of the season. The Hokie defense was supposed to be good this year, but not many people believed that they could eclipse the performance of the outstanding 2004 defense.

The Virginia Tech defense ranks third nationally in total defense, allowing 219.75 yards per game. That ranks behind Tulane and UConn, and is slightly ahead of teams such as West Virginia, Florida and Nebraska. And that’s after giving up over 400 yards at NC State in the season opener. If the Hokies had tackled well that night, they could be ranked even higher.

The most important part of playing defense is keeping the opponents out of the end zone, and Virginia Tech has certainly done that. The Tech defense has allowed just two touchdowns on the season. NC State scored on their opening drive, and Georgia Tech finally found the end zone following a big play by Calvin Johnson. The Hokies have posted two shutouts on the year and rank second in the nation in scoring defense, allowing only 5.75 points per game. Nebraska ranks first at 5.33 points per game.

Bud Foster has always been known as a hard nosed defensive coordinator who looks to stop the run and make the opponent beat his defense through the air. He has been successful this year, as VT is eighth in the country in rushing defense, allowing just 75.3 yards per game. To top it off, opponents have not been able to beat the Hokies through the air. Tech is ranked 13th in passing defense, and third in pass efficiency defense.

Thus far, it appears that Bud Foster has one of his best units ever in Blacksburg.

The offensive statistics aren’t as flashy. In fact, some of them are downright shocking when you stop and consider Tech’s talent level at the skill positions. The Hokies rank only 79th nationally in total offense, averaging 347.25 yards per game. That ranks just ahead of East Carolina, and one spot behind Wyoming. Ouch. The Tech passing game ranks 85th in the country at 192.5 yards per game, but this stat is not surprising because VT is not a passing team. Marcus Vick ranks ninth in the nation in passing efficiency, with a rating of 171.83. This shows that the Hokies can get it done through the air when they have to.

Perhaps the most disturbing offensive statistic for the Hokies is rushing yardage. Tech ranks just 51st in rushing yardage per game, averaging 154.75. That is a very mediocre statistic for a team that is known for their physical play and ability to run the ball between the tackles. The Hokies must improve in this statistic as the season goes on.

The Tech offense has failed to move the ball consistently most of the time this season, but they have made up for it in other ways. They have managed to hit big plays, such as two deep passes to Josh Morgan and David Clowney at Duke. When they are given field position, they generally take advantage. The game winning touchdown against NC State came when Tech was given the ball at the State 20 yard line after a short punt and nice return by Eddie Royal.

Most importantly, the Hokies have done an incredible job not turning the ball over and putting the defense in bad situations. Virginia Tech has just one turnover this year, a Marcus Vick interception at Duke. VT is making up for their lack of offensive success by holding onto the ball and giving their defense a chance to play well. The Hokies are tied with Florida for third nationally in turnover margin at +2.25 per game. Syracuse ranks first, while UCLA is second.

Getting back to defense, the number of quality defenses that reside in the ACC is amazing. Take a look at the following numbers:

As you can see, the ACC has nine of the top 33 defenses in the nation. Every defense in the ACC is ranked in the top 50% of defenses in college football. The Tech offense will have a stiff challenge ahead of them. Besides the defenses listed above, West Virginia’s defense ranks fourth in the nation. Marcus Vick and the offense must have a big season if the team wants to accomplish all of their goals.

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-- Will Stewart