Virginia Tech 37, Georgia Tech 26: Hokies Punch Huge Coastal Victory
by furrer4heisman on Nov 11, 2011 12:09 AM EST
in Virginia Tech Football
Email
Print
Georgia Tech had just scored its second touchdown in as many second-half possessions to take a 26-21 lead and forced a Virginia Tech three-and-out. Then Yellow Jacket sophomore linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu punched Logan Thomas in the head.
The punch (which should have resulted in Attaochu's ejection) and the subsequent 15-yard personal foul penalty kept the Hokies' drive alive, resulting in a 12-yard Thomas touchdown run and Virginia Tech reclaiming the lead for good.
On the ensuing drive, Georgia Tech went for it on fourth-and-one from its own 31 and came up short. The Hokies capitalized on a Thomas touchdown pass and wouldn't trail again to stay a game ahead in the loss column of the ACC Coastal with two games to play.
Now, regardless of what happens next week against North Carolina, they are a win over Virginia away from returning to Charlotte for the ACC Championship Game.
The Attaochu punch and the resulting drive changed the momentum of the game, which had previously been claimed by Georgia Tech. A 63-yard touchdown pass by Logan Thomas to Coaled-Blooded Danny Coale gave the Hokies a 21-10 lead, but the Jackets kicked a field goal at the halftime gun and scored 16 consecutive points after their first two second-half drives.
Five running plays later, the Hokies had the lead again and never looked back. The score was Thomas' second rushing touchdown of the game in what turned out to be a five-touchdown performance by the sophomore quarterback. On the ground, he ran the ball 18 times for 70 yards, two touchdowns and converted five third- or fourth-down attempts.
Through the air, he was 7-for-13 for 209 yards and three touchdowns.He didn't take chances, he make plays when he had to and he took charge of the team in a hostile environment. Thomas was impressive tonight both in his play and his demeanor. He showed flashes of what the Tech fans hope he can be and rarely looked like the first-year quarterback he resembled the last two games.
David Wilson was also excellent, averaging 7.6 yards per carry while rushing for a career-high 175 yards. Not to be lost was a 24-yard effort by Josh Oglesby that saw a lot of hard running that allowed the Hokies to give Wilson a breather when he needed it.
Finally, the Hokies' defense was excellent. In 2009, Georgia Tech made some changes to its blocking scheme in the second half and ran it down Virginia Tech's throat. This year seemed to be a replay, but the Hokies made their own adjustments and held the Jackets to -14 yards after those first two touchdown drives to start the third quarter.
The moves Bud Foster made earlier in the week worked and Jack Tyler, J.R. Collins and Tyrel Wilson were three of the Hokies' four leading tacklers. Kyle Fuller and Antone Exum also had good games for Virginia Tech, particularly in the second half to help shut down Georgia Tech's spread option when it mattered most.
The Hokies did all the things they had to do to win this game: They made key stops, had time consuming drives that resulted in touchdowns and for the most part kept their wits and didn't make mental mistakes. And more importantly, they took advantage of the mental mistakes Georgia Tech made.
34 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
100% agreed
satisfying is the perfect word. beating PJ and Groh NEVER gets old.
it was great to see the offense step it up and get wilson off the hook for his fumble. you gotta love seeing the players respond like they did.
hats off to the defense. foster put those kids in a position to be successful and they responded.
by vthokiedsp1978 on Nov 11, 2011 8:12 AM EST up reply actions
Amazing Game!!
But i was not suprised how classless PJ and GT was, any coach with any class whould have benched a player after a stunt like that (still suprised the refs didnt throw him out), i think the acc needs to step up and suspend him and I hope they do, so proud of the Hokies and LT for bulling the win out and this shows Hokie fans can be really excited about next year, LT is the best bulldozing QB i’ve seen, great win by the Hokies!
Johnson showed his colors
A classless @sshat, as usual.
Good win – especially satisfying that we out-rushed Johnson’s vaunted ground game.
If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!
Robert Hunter
by Buck Melanoma on Nov 11, 2011 5:52 AM EST up reply actions
Johnson didn't see what happened
It’s in his post-game comments. Although I was surprised he wasn’t pulled off the field, many teams pull a player off the field for at least one play after a personal foul.
I’m not saying cpj is the nicest guy, but this wasn’t a case of indifference on his part.
As to why the referees didn’t eject him, my only guess is the way he threw the blow. As the broadcasters pointed out, it was more like a hybrid punch/forearm (who punches with the underside of a fist?). That said, I wouldn’t have had an argued if he’d been ejected, or if he gets suspended for the next game.
by Joe Hamilton's Chauffeur on Nov 11, 2011 10:41 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, and watch this, you won't believe it
Attaochu is claiming that the refs let the play go too long. He’s the victim now! If they had gotten the play stopped there would’ve been no punch. LOL! I’m pretty sure I heard many a whistle during that sequence (the play WAS dead and had been or else they would’ve called Logan’s flop and fumble a live ball), but it’s in the nature of defensive players to run a ball-carrier to the ground and stop his momentum/push him backwards 5 or so yards when the gang tackle ensues. It’s always been that way as long as I can remember. And for that matter, you can’t have it both ways! Which one is it!? You’re either flagged for driving a defenseless player to the ground 3-5 seconds after the first whistle or they let you keep driving him and then you decide to punch him! And regardless of the play, ANY punch at ANY juncture, live or not constitutes a penalty. Unbelievable.
Here’s him in the post-game presser.
http://atlanta.sbnation.com/georgia-tech-yellow-jackets/2011/11/11/2554254/georgia-tech-vs-virginia-tech-jeremiah-attoachu-on-the-punch
by chicagomaroon on Nov 11, 2011 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
whistle...
I thought they were blowing the whistle well before the punch.
During the play live on tv you didn’t see the punch. I saw LT hit the ground so my initial thought was the flag was for him getting thrown to the ground after the whistle.
HE ALREADY IS
But it’s almost like people don’t realize what a phenomenal job he’s done for us! He only trails Bryan Randall and the Vicks in passing efficiency for a first year starter under Beamer. That’s ELITE!
by chicagomaroon on Nov 11, 2011 1:12 AM EST up reply actions
It is way too early to throw out great and elite. Let’s just let the kid play the rest of the year without burying him after a tough game or anointing him after a good one.
A bullhorn, a bottle of whiskey and a dream. Gobbler Country | Twitter | Facebook
by furrer4heisman on Nov 11, 2011 10:28 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Not for me it's not
I know he’s had struggles. I know he’s had games that could have been anomalies. But then he’s proved that those games weren’t flukes. He’s had TWO games of 5 TD’s in his first year as a starter. I can’t name another QB that has done that (though Randall had one I think at Syracuse). I think 10 games as a starter is a pretty reliable sample size. I’d understand if I was one of the people who was gaga about him in the pre-season saying he was going to pass for 3,000 yards and be Cam Newton. But right now he IS on pace to throw for 3,000 yards 10 games into the season (provided we play 14)! Think about that! In OUR offense (even with our slight increase in pass attempts).
He’s leading the team. He’s one of the most dynamic and exciting offensive players we’re going to have had the opportunity to call plays for. All you need to know about him can be confirmed by his posture in the pocket. And how many legitimate passing quarterbacks (don’t say Greg Boone) have we been able to line up under center for 3-6 (and sometimes more) yards on a 3rd and 1 or 4th and 1 situation by just power running up the middle.
I wouldn’t be bringing this up after a game. Again, I think 10 is more than enough if his performance has been that definitive, and it HAS. He’s going to shatter records unless he puts up a goose egg in the following weeks. I’m basing it off of what he’s done, and statistically as well as influence-wise he’s doing more than just about any other player we’ve ever had at that position. If he falls off a cliff next season, I will be wrong. But I am ABSOLUTELY sticking by what I said. Where would we be without him?
by chicagomaroon on Nov 11, 2011 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
Many VT fans
were crying and complaining at the beginning of the year because they missed the elite play of Tyrod Taylor. So let’s continue play our favorite game, compare Tyrod and LT3. In their sophomore years:
TT – 12 games 57.2% comp 1036 pass yds 2 pass TDs 7 Ints
738 rush yds 7 rush TDs
LT3 – 10 games 60.5% comp 2143 pass yds 14 pass TDs 7 Ints
355 rush yds 8 rush TDs
Now, I know TT split time with Glennon and got hurt in the middle of the ‘07 season, but I think it’s clear that LT3 is SO MUCH better than TT as a sophomore. True, LT3 was able to redshirt, but TT got significant playing time as a freshman. I think it is safe to say, beside Micheal Vick, LT3 is the best QB VT has ever had at this stage in their respective careers. Don’t have to call it elite, but you have to call it special.
by Chazz Micheal Michealzz on Nov 11, 2011 11:11 AM EST up reply actions
I'll take it one step further
I’m going to bold as hell here. LT3 will be invited to NY as a Heisman finalist in 2012. The only thing that will ruin my statement is injury or completely atrocious o-line play.
by Chazz Micheal Michealzz on Nov 11, 2011 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
If he wants that he is going to have to speed up his play a little bit. The opening play of the game may have been the slowest play action I have ever seen. Against elite teams, he can’t take 2.5 seconds to get turned around facing the field.
He also has to speed up his play mentally. I swear I can see the gears grinding in his head. A few plays last night he never checked his progression and ended up forcing a ball that made me feel lucky to have the receiving core that we have. His relief valve was almost always open, but because that player was behind LT, LT never saw him, and LT can’t really turn fast enough to see him. Another example is the screwed up run play where it took him two half-steps too long to realize that the play had busted. His brain needs to tick a few Hz faster.
He is also going to have to work on his passing mechanics. Clearly he has the arm strength, but too many of those receptions require feats of ridiculous athleticism from the receivers to catch. Too many balls are thrown at the feet (at least 2 last night), well over the top of (at least 2 last night), or well behind (at least 1, which would have likely resulted in a TD, Wilson was wide open).
I’m pretty happy with his play last night and was very happy to see Beamer’s trust in LT’s running ability. But to take it to the next level? To get this team into (legitimate) national title talks? To be even a dark horse for the Heisman? LT has plenty of work to do.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
Well said...
That pitch to DW’s feet… if that would been executed cleanly it would have been a 20+ yard play.
I don't disagree at all he's still got stuff to iron out
I have been incredibly disgusted at his inability to hit or even see receivers underneath. Seems to have a compulsion to hit the receiver most likely to make the big play. But, he is doing it. So every time I bitch about him missing one of those guys he ends up hitting a guy 20 yards further downfield. Still, you’ve got no argument from me that he misses reads. He does. But let’s step back and look at what he’s done on the whole. When we remember what year this is for him as a starter and where he was Day 1, I think the proof is in the pudding.
As for the messed up play, it looked like Oglesby erred on that one. All the blocking was going to the right. And that pass to Wilson may have not been perfect, but it still hit him in the hands! You won’t hear me criticize Mr. Wilson much at all, but that one was on him. As a former receiver, the coaches let you know that if it hits your hands, you’re supposed to catch it.
by chicagomaroon on Nov 11, 2011 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
He has definitely grown, and if he sticks around for a couple of more years, and we don’t recruit someone better, he could end up one of the best QBs we’ve had. But unless he makes huge improvements, that won’t be next year. It will likely be in two years.
I agree that it was likely Oglesby that hosed up that play, but LT just stood there for what seemed like forever before taking off down field. He has to think faster than that. Against most other defenses he gets sacked there. That was my point, he has to learn to think faster. And I hope he can do it, believe me. If someone with his physical tools (and emotional cool) can get his head moving faster, he can be really dangerous.
I disagree completely on the Wilson pass. The fact that it hit Wilson’s hands was merely a testament to Wilson’s ability to swivel 180 degrees. That pass was over an arms-length behind Wilson. Any closer and it is a catch. If the pass leads Wilson it is probably a TD.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
If I understand you right
you are saying he’s not a pure passing QB. Well, you can say the same thing about Eric Crouch, Troy Smith, Tim Tebow, and Cam Newton. All four won the Heisman. That 12 yd touchdown on 3rd and 1, that’s a Heisman-like play. If he gets consistent, scores 3-5 TDs each game, that’s Heisman-like stats. He doesn’t have to be a pure passer, he just needs the right recipe.
If LT3 continues to improve, much like TT did, he will have an elite season NEXT year. With the entire defensive front-7 returning next year, he will be on a team that will be favored in every game (except possibly Clemson). Also, he is going to have to carry the offense, with Boykin, Coale, and DW gone. Elite team + Elite plays + the appearance of doing it all yourself is the recipe to get to NY. The potential is there. And I stand by my bold statement. I’m probably wrong, but I’ll stand by it.
by Chazz Micheal Michealzz on Nov 11, 2011 10:16 PM EST up reply actions
What I’m saying is that I have tons of confidence in his physical ability, but I am not very confident in his football sense, his awareness of what is going on on the field.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
honestly
I think it is way pre-mature to knock a first year starter on his mental quickness in the game. He is managing and leading the team despite lack of experience, to me when he appears “slow” it is more a reflection on his youth combined with his confidence. He might be a musician counting the beat so to speak, but he’s getting it done and his ceiling is extreme when the time comes that he won’t need the metronome anymore.
ahh
That was definitely fun to watch. I wish I had more deep analysis than that. It was just nice to look like a Top 10 team in a road game in prime time.
Late in the game, with GT 2-scores down had to be fun for the defense. To finally be able to pin the ears back and rush knowing they’d have to pass. To finally get to that point where you can throw all the triple option crap out the window and just bring the heat.
Ahhh…. nice win.
heh
I didn’t see that at first.
VPI&SU? Vippie Sue? What the hell is that?
by Frinkahedron on Nov 11, 2011 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
nice game
With the exception of a few play calls, I think we can say Mike O’Cain has done a good job as a play caller.
Environment
was definitely not hostile. But it wasn’t a home crowd.
That stadium was absolutely pathetic. We out cheered them the whole game.
ECU game
Was the only true football stadium crowd VT has played. Maybe Scott Stadium will be a hostile crowd. Oh wait, never mind, it’s UVA.
In all seriousness, I think the ACCCG will have a strong Clemson bias, as the general public tickets sold out prior to the GT/VT game. Assuming VT makes it, that will probably be the most hostile environment that VT will play in, unless many VT fans purchase ACCCG tickets on the secondary market.
by Chazz Micheal Michealzz on Nov 11, 2011 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
You could really tell that on the TV.
VT was well represented. Thanks!
by WestCoastHokie on Nov 11, 2011 6:17 PM EST up reply actions
Here's a BUD for ya
Bud “The Great” Foster does it again! Words can’t explain how happy I am! Logan had the best game I’ve seen from him. David Wilson, C’mon man please, BEST in the nation!
It puts such a nice smile on my face to know this team can pull through and just down right fight to win! The leadership and pocket poise Logan has, David Wilson hitting holes faster the the speed of light and the D holdin down the fort….Smile VT fans, way more to come…
Whoever said, 'It's not whether you win or lose that counts,' probably lost.
Martina Navratilova
Conservative v. Aggressive
I about pulled my hair out when Frank decided to put in the first half when we were at the GT 35. It seems like the vast majority of the time we punt that close to the goal line, it becomes a touchback. I think we should have a policy of typically going for the first down when we get to 4th down around the 35 so long as the distance we need isn’t outragoeus. Does anyone think it is really worth punting when the likelihood is that we net 15 yards rather than pin them inside the 10?
Typical Beamer.
The guy hasn’t learned the simplest of game management tactics to this point, so it’s obvious he never will. The punts inside the 35 drive me absolutely insane – it’s 4th and 5!
And worse, he is completely clueless about when and when not to go for 2. You simply DON’T DO IT when you’re up by 1 in the 3rd quarter. It came back to bite us in the ass last night – rather than up by 9, we were up by 8 after our last TD. As long as I remember, he’s just been blatantly wrong with some of these simple decisions.
Never okay with that
I’m never a proponent for taking away a chance to put points on the board for the opportunity to win the field position battle. The percentages of 50+ yard field goals may be slim, but I’d have to think the percentages on a fr. Punter performing a coffin corner punt in his first TRUE big road game are a push. The name of the game is points. The more of those you have the better chance you give yourself.
by chicagomaroon on Nov 11, 2011 4:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Consider this:
Of course you go for 2 pts in that situation! There is no guarantee that you will score again, so thinking ahead and saying we should be up 9 instead of 8 is getting ahead of ourselves. At that point in the game, one point does nothing for us. If we are up 3, then it forces a field goal to tie—not take the lead by one. Aye, aye, aye. I understand your complaint, but you have to think of the immediate future, and staying ahead by a field goal is much more attractive than 2. I agree with Beamer’s decision. Other than that? Go Hokies! We have so much to be proud of…our team has really grown up this season…we play with class and we are just flat-out punishing people.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Gobbler Country
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
