Soggy Loss to Purdue Highlights Challenges Facing Virginia Tech's Football Renovation
Soggy Loss to Purdue Highlights Challenges Facing Virginia Tech's Football Renovation
After a five-and-a-half hour weather delay, Virginia Tech lost to Purdue on Saturday in a showcase of the problems facing Brent Pry and his staff.
On the way to my car after Virginia Tech’s 24-17 loss to Purdue, I passed by the construction site on the façade of Lane Stadium’s west stands.
Nothing new is being built, but there’s some serious renovation to the exterior of the west tower. It’s messy and doesn’t look all that great, but assuredly, the job will get done.
Can the same be said for Virginia Tech football?
The Hokies’ loss on Saturday was a stark reminder many of the obstacles facing the foreman of this project, Brent Pry, are still present. Progress on this job has been slow, and in some cases, non-existent.
Is The Running Game Getting Worse?
Take Virginia Tech’s running game for example. The Hokies totaled just 11 yards on the ground against the Boilermakers, among the worst performances in program history. Bhayshul Tuten ran for 100-plus yards in 10 consecutive games last season for North Carolina A&T, but has only 59 rush yards on 27 carries this season.
Through last weekend, Virginia Tech is 123rd in rushing yards per game in FBS. The Hokies are averaging only 1.85 yards per carry.
Tyler Bowen has now been the Hokies’ offensive coordinator for 13 games and in that span, Virginia Tech has rushed for more than 144 yards just once.
I’m not entirely sure what the problem is, other than the offensive line continues to struggle to generate a push up front. Short-yardage situations are far scarier than they should be. Tuten and Malachi Thomas have had success before, but they’ve been easily bottled up through two games.
Pry, Bowen and their offensive staff have to figure this out.
What’s The Future at Quarterback?
Grant Wells failed to build upon his best performance in a Virginia Tech uniform, turning the football over twice and leading an offense that went 2-of-12 on third down conversion attempts vs. Purdue.
Wells got hurt in the later minutes of the second quarter, and Brent Pry said afterwards that the injury hobbled Wells for the remainder of the game. Wells was benched on the Hokies’ final drive for Kyron Drones.
Since the beginning of preseason camp, Pry has stressed that Drones would play a significant role in this year’s offense, even as a backup quarterback. But that hasn’t been the case, as Drones didn’t see the field for six consecutive quarters, dating back to Tech’s win over Old Dominion.
Wells’ injury will decide the answer to this question, but Pry’s words regarding Drones have not matched his actions. If Virginia Tech wants Drones to play a large role in the offense, you wouldn’t know it if you weren’t the weekly following press conferences.
Regardless of who plays, neither offers a sense of stability or a track record of consistency. Wells hasn’t played well consistently since 2020 and Drones has thrown just 31 passes in his career.
Injuries Are Devastating The Roster
If Grant Wells and Jaylin Lane are unable to play this weekend vs. Rutgers, the Hokies will be missing five starters in their road affair in Piscataway — Wells, Lane, Ali Jennings, Nasir Peoples and Nick Gallo.
Virginia Tech’s depth is being tested across the board. Teams coming off 3-8 seasons generally don’t have much depth to begin with, and taking five starters off the field just makes it worse.
Lane and Jennings’ absences will have the biggest impact. Their athleticism on offense really opens up the passing game and while Da’Quan Felton and Stephen Gosnell may be serviceable, Lane and Jennings seem to be far and away the best receivers on the roster. Whoever suits up on Saturday at quarterback will miss them dearly.
Not sure what this staff worked on in the offseason. Absolutely NO growth from last year.
I am going to be more direct. For two years now Virginia Tech has played no consistent football from any aspect of offense, defense or special teams. I noticed before the game (I was there) we seem to have so many support individuals that seem to have no direct cause and effect to bring winning results. Coach Pry is the problem, he is over his head with no head coaching experience! He hired friends to place in positions, not the best men for the job. The OC exemplifies my concern. If things don't change next week, we are headed for a 3 win season at best and losing to UVA. Pry needs to add meat to his cheer leading abilities and produce on the field. It is time to shut up, stop making excuses or we will be calling him Jimmy Sharpe! Winning solves all problems! We spend too much to continue with sub Division 3 results!