Developing Consistency is Key After Virginia Tech Throttles Pittsburgh 38-21
Developing Consistency is Key After Virginia Tech Throttles Pittsburgh 38-21
Coming off the most impressive win in the Brent Pry era, Virginia Tech must make some of the gains they made on Saturday permanent.
What a sight for sore eyes.
Virginia Tech fans have justifiably grown frustrated with the slow pace of Brent Pry’s rebuild. But for at least one week, things seemed just fine.
The Hokies’ 38-21 win over Pittsburgh on Saturday was everything you’d ever want in a game. Kyron Drones dropped five touchdowns on Pat Narduzzi’s defense, lighting up Pittsburgh with explosive passes to Da’Quan Felton and Jaylin Lane. He also contributed to a consistent and impactful running game as Tech ran for 259 yards. The defense allowed just 14 of Pitt’s 21 points, holding the Panthers to 38 yards on the ground.
There was a lot to like on Saturday. There’s no doubt about it.
Aside from the Hokies’ individual standouts, the offense and defense collectively played their best games of the Pry era. Tyler Bowen flashed a highly dynamic offense and called his best game as an offensive coordinator. Chris Marve’s secondary gave up some big throws, but the Hokies’ pressured Phil Jurkovec into a 50 percent completion rate and sacked him four times.
As good as Saturday’s performance was, it came against a struggling football team. Given Pitt’s lackluster performances this season, how much of Saturday’s win can be duplicated for the remainder of the year?
Developing consistency on both sides of the ball remains the goal. Saturday cannot be a flash in the pan — the Hokies must consolidate some of their gains and cement their progress.
Bowen needs to continue calling plays and attacking defenses like he did against the Panthers. Drones must look more like last Saturday’s version than the version we saw against Rutgers and Marshall. The Hokies must remain committed to establishing the running game and getting Bhayshul Tuten touches in space.
Marve’s defensive front registered six tackles for loss, posted their best performance against the run all season and must build on that moving forward. Alan Tisdale and Keli Lawson both registered Pro Football Focus grades of 74.7 or higher against the run and combined for 15 tackles. And while the defensive backs were less successful against Pittsburgh, the Hokies have shown they can be competent in the secondary.
Those are the tasks that lay ahead of Brent Pry and his team. The broader mission? Be consistent.
Seven games remain on Virginia Tech’s schedule, giving the Hokies plenty of chances to do just that. While this coming weekend against Florida State isn’t the optimal opportunity, games against Wake Forest, Boston College, NC State and Virginia remain eminently winnable.
Fans that grew weary through the Hokies’ first four games once again see an inkling of light at the end of the tunnel. Saturday’s win against Pittsburgh represents what Virginia Tech football can be. Pry and his staff must now make it so.