Virginia Tech has got to be tired of hearing how bad and disappointing they've been so far in the 2010 season. They opened with a crushing loss to Boise State and then a humiliating,unbelievable loss to James Madison University at home.
Virginia Tech then trailed East Carolina in Blacksburg at halftime, and after an ECU field goal early in the second half, the Hokies finally woke up and scored 28 unanswered points.
Now, Virginia Tech is set to travel to Chestnut Hill to take on one of their biggest rivals in Boston College. A lot of people outside of the ACC probably aren't familiar with this rivalry, but it has grown in the last couple of seasons. These two teams have had a few memorable battles, including two ACC Championship gameappearances in back-to-back years.
Boston College traveled to Blacksburg last year and were dominated by the Hokies, but the Eagles are more experienced this year, and the game should be much closer.
Virginia Tech may have won their first game of the season last week with an impressive second half offensive display, but they lost their best offensive player in Ryan Williams, at least that's what the word is going in to Saturday.
However, the Hokies are loaded in the backfield, so Darren Evans and David Wilson should be able to carry the load in Williams' absence. Of course, the offensive line is going to have to step up and play better. This unit has been the most disappointing part of the team so far this year, but if they play like they did in the second half against ECU theHokies should have no problem moving the ball.
Tyrod Taylor has been a bright spot for the dull Hokies so far this year, for the most part any way. Taylor has had his share of mistakes, especially with passes down the field.
The defense has also struggled. Bud Foster has a lot of new faces on the field, and has had a few injuries that have hampered the overall success of the defense. However, it's about time the defense starts playing like a Virginia Tech defense typically plays.
Expect Foster to have this unit ready for Saturday, and look for the offensive line to also improve. These two units have had the most holes to fill, and they needed some game time action to get on the same page. Both units played very well in the second half against ECU, and that should continue for the rest of the season.
Reps are one of the most important things for a young team and the Hokies have three games under their belt. The playmakers on offense haven't been the biggest problem, and their skills should now be helped by an improved, more experienced offensive line.
In week four, look for Virginia Tech to put together their most complete game of the season, and to start off conference play with a victory in Chestnut Hill. TheHokies have played tougher opponents than Boston College has this year, and although the results haven't been there for Tech, the players have gone through a giant learning curve.
The Hokies first three weeks will end up helping them as a team as the season wares on. The worst part of the season is now over for Virginia Tech, and things will only get better from here. That is if they defeat Boston College on Saturday.
