Virginia Tech

“You are green, it is true. But they are green also.  You are all green alike.” – Abraham Lincoln to General Irvin McDowell, July 1861.

Virginia Tech may technically have 9 starters returning on offense, but it was the newcomers that made the biggest impression in their opening week win over William & Mary.   Texas Tech transfer (12) Michael Brewer started at QB and went a respectable 23-30-251 with 2 TDs and 1 INT.   Freshman RBs Shai McKenzie (22) and Marshawn Williams (42) were heavily involved, as McKenzie had 9 carries for 106 yards and 1 TD, while Williams went 12-41.    And Freshman TE Bucky Hodges (7) led all receivers with 6-38-1, and Freshman WR Isiah Ford (1) was next with 4-43-1.  Where the experience lined up for the Hokies was the offensive line which consists of 4 seniors and 1 sophomore.  We all know that the Buckeyes have their share of green players in QB J.T. Barrett, RB Curtis Samuel, a new OL, among others.

But when you think of Va. Tech, you should think of defense and special teams.  But both have been in decline the past two years and the overall record reflects that (7-6 in 2012, 8-5 in 2013).   Tech lost 5 of its top 9 tacklers from 2013 and returns only 5 starters.   They did limit William & Mary to 76 yards rushing and 117 passing, but then again, it was William & Mary.  The Hokies only led 20-9 with 4 minutes left in the 3^rd quarter before 2 late TDs stretched the margin to 34-9 and covering the 23.5 point spread.

The other thing you think of with Va. Tech is Lane Stadium and how intimidating a place it can be.  Thank god we are not there Saturday.  Instead, the Hokie youngsters get to come to the Shoe.  On a Saturday night.  Under Coach Frank Beamer, Va. Tech has not fared well v. AP Top Ten teams (3-11), nor when leaving campus (1-8).  Their only win over a top ten team in the past decade was over No. 10 Miami, but that was when Virginia Tech was No. 9.    In fact, most of Virginia Tech’s true road games at top ten opponents have involved Miami, Fla.    They did play at LSU in 2007 and got scorched 48-7, but then you have to go all the way back to 1992 when they played at No. 10 Syracuse.   What I am saying is that even when Virginia Tech was a top ten powerhouse, they did not do so well v. highly ranked opponents – named Miami or otherwise – away from Blacksburg.

Under Tressel, the Buckeyes used to experience a 2^nd game let down, but that seems to be cured under Meyer.  Meanwhile, Virginia Tech has struggled mightily lately in their first road game after easy home wins.

The line is Ohio State -11.   Urban is 15-0 at home.  Two blowout wins (Nebraska 63-38 and Penn State 63-14) have come at home at night.  Even the 2013 Wisconsin game we were up 31-14 through 3 quarters and still covered the spread.  Va. Tech won’t run the triple option, so our run defense should look a lot better.  They will throw though, so our secondary will finally get tested.  But Ohio Stadium holds 40,000 more than Lane Stadium, and the fans will be loud – drunk, and loud.    

Prediction:  Ohio State 44, Virginia Tech 24.