Not Time For the Hokies to Panic

On September 26, a Miami team went into Blacksburg on top of the world. They were what many called the best story in college football this season. After years of mediocre football, the once dominant team seemed to be getting its swagger back. They were 2-0 after beating rival Florida State and ACC opponent Georgia Tech and were being led by dark horse Heisman candidate Jacory Harris. Everyone was proclaiming that the U was back and then...they played Virginia Tech. The Hokies dominated Miami from start to finish winning 31-7 establishing themselves as the team to beat in the ACC. And then...they played Duke. After dominating one of the best teams in the nation the Hokies found themselves in a dog fight with the most unlikely of teams. The Hokies did manage to hold off the Blue Devils for a 34-26 victory, but this was certainly not the dominant performance many expected. Is it time for panic in Blacksburg? In the words of Lee Corso "not so fast my friend!"

If there is one constant in college football, it is its unpredictability. Two teams that look miles apart on paper can find themselves in a nail-bitter come game day. What is important is how a team responds to a surging underdog. The Hokies may not have played their most impressive game against Duke, but they did win. There are also numerous reasons why this close game really should not have been a huge surprise. The Hokies seem to really struggle on the road. Last season they lost their last three ACC road games. While many just snicker when they see Duke on the schedule, this is a football program on the rise. Second year coach David Cutcliffe has really created excitement in Durham over this football team and for teams with a losing history this can be half the battle. Duke is also in the Coastal division of the ACC with Virginia Tech meaning that these two teams meet every single year. These teams know each other well. Think that doesn't matter? Ask USC. It seems that every year they lose to a weak Pac 10 team and this year was no exception. After beating Ohio State at the Horseshoe, the very next week they went to Washington and lost. Can you really blame Virginia Tech for not looking excited and motivated to play at Duke the week after a huge win at Blacksburg over Miami? Remember that these are college kids playing. They may say all the right things when it comes to playing Duke, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were looking past this game for a real opponent.

Don't just focus on how bad you think the Hokies played, look at what they did well. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor who has struggled all season really led this team to victory throwing for 327 yards and 2 touchdowns. If he had managed anywhere close to those numbers against Alabama this team would be undefeated and ranked in the top 3. Looking ahead, the Hokies may really benefit from a top-heavy schedule. Three of their first four opponents were ranked, but none of their remaining opponents are. By beating Miami in their ACC opener, the Hokies have already beaten the best team in their division. While they do still face tough challenges from Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and Maryland, it should still be all downhill from here.