Hokies: ACC’s Top Dog After Smacking the Hurricanes

With two high-scoring wins against solid ACC foes, “The U” looked like it had its swagger back.  That is, until they swam into Blacksburg on Saturday afternoon.

On a rainy, soggy gameday, the Virginia Tech Hokies destroyed the Miami Hurricanes, 31-7.

As uninviting as Blacksburg seems, and as boring as their gameplan is…when matched up against a lackluster set of teams in the ACC, the Hokies (3-1 overall, 1-0 ACC) have not been thoroughly tested in the last few years.  Miami had hopes of being that team, but they got blindsided before they even got off the team bus. 

The home team jumped out to a three touchdown lead, highlighting all aspects of their team in the process.  The first TD was set up by a Jacory Harris fumble that was forced by a swarming Virginia Tech blitz.  The Hokies recovered and after a few running plays, they were in the end zone.  Virginia Tech scored got their second score on a 48-yard play-action pass connection between Tyrod Taylor and Jarrett Boykin.  The first half scoring was rounded out when the Hokie special teams blocked a Miami punt, then picked it up and advanced it for the third touchdown to put the team from Blacksburg ahead 21-0.

Ryan Williams provided some tough ground work for the Virginia Tech offense.

Virginia Tech continued to exhibit their persistence to run the ball.  They racked up 272 rushing yards, and used their ground game to control the clock and the tempo of the contest.  Ryan Williams was once again the workhorse gaining over 150 yards, proving to be the most impactful player on the field in the game.

But with the way that Miami has played in its first two games, the most impressive part of the Hokies’ game was their ability to frustrate sophomore Jacory Harris.  Harris has appeared very poised in his first couple of games this season.  But today, the Virginia tech defense was able to get to him early and often.  Overall, the Hurricane offense was only able to muster up slightly more than 200 yards.

This game’s outcome once again leaves the gang from Blacksburg seemingly the best overall team in the ACC.  And this win will only give them more confidence as they march through the remainder of their conference play.

The Hurricanes (2-1 overall, 2-1 ACC) will have no time to lick their wounds.  Their next opponent is Oklahoma – who may have Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford back in its lineup – on next Saturday.

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