Good evening, Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) sports fans.
Both Miami and Virginia Tech had opportunities to solidify their position in the ACC Coastal Division today – and failed to get it done (or rather, North Carolina and Syracuse went out and got it done).
First, let’s talk about North Carolina – Miami. Mitch Trubisky had a huge passing day of almost 300 yards (33 of 46 – that’s damn good). He is pretty much establishing himself as a top 2-3 QB in the ACC (Trubisky is certainly my ACC player of the week). His major wide receiver, Bug Howard, had 10 receptions for 156 yards. Both Trubisky and Howard are good bets to end up on all-ACC teams by season’s end. Miami’s Brad Kayaa wasn’t as accurate today (16 of 31) – but much of it not his fault – I was watching the Virginia Tech game at the time, but my understanding is that there a lot drops by his wide receivers:
This drive has been like Florida football scheduling: Miami drops everywhere.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) October 15, 2016
Second, let’s talk about Virginia Tech and Syracuse. Major kudos to Dino Babers. His team came to play today. Bud Foster’s defense got wrecked:
Final: Syracuse 31, #Hokies 17. Orange had 32 first downs, 561 yards, and ran exactly 100 plays. VT: 21 1st downs, 468 yds, 72 plays.
— TechSideline.com (@TechSideline) October 15, 2016
There’s a consistent theme here, too. Virginia Tech hasn’t had dominant linebackers for many years since the days of Vince Hall or Xavier Adibi (h/t @MoreVT82). As a result, Bud Foster’s defense gets gashed in a fast tempo offense with a mobile quarterback – see the games vs. Ohio State, Clemson, the last couple losses to East Carolina (prior to this year).
That said, Virginia Tech’s offense should have been much better today – and I mean much better. Coming into the game, this was Syracuse’s defense:
Reminder that Syracuse gives up 475.2 yards per game (tied for 112th in nation). It’ll come. #Hokies
— Aaron McFarling (@aaronmcfarling) October 15, 2016
The problem is that the offense never came.
I do believe that Justin Fuente is the coach that will make adjustments and the offense will be better this year.
So we come into Thursday night – and you have two teams in Virginia Tech and Miami that are really desperate – and need a win. Will Virginia Tech be able to stop Josh Yerby from running for over 100 yards? Will Virginia Tech’s offense get better after the drilling it received from Syracuse today?
Lots of football left to play.
And I’ll be there in person on Thursday night.
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