2012 Virginia Tech Football: What to Watch vs. Bowling Green

Virginia Tech Offense vs. Bowling Green Defense

• As I said in the Game Guide:

"Defensively, the Falcons run a 4-2-5 formation. They return five starters in the secondary from a year ago. Despite that, they have given up a ridiculous 273 yards per game through the air, allowing 73 percent of opponents passes to be completed."

• The Hokies have thrown for an average of 242 passing yards per game (though ESPN has the Hokies at 250 passing yards per game), and according to that ESPN figure, the Hokies are just below average in that category, coming in at No. 62 nationally. Those Bowling Green pass defense statistics listed above are a sight for sore eyes, but the Hokies have been unable to take advantage of teams' weaknesses to date (see the Pittsburgh offensive line's sack troubles prior to playing the Hokies).
• Tech is also No. 98 nationally in rushing offense with an anemic 114 yards per game. That doesn't bode well as the Falcons have only allowed 118.7 yards per game on the ground for an average of 3.5, including 220 yards and a 5.2 average against a very good Florida running game, meaning their other two opponents have only rushed for 136 yards (68 yards per game) at 2.3 yards per carry.
• The Hokies are at an extreme disadvantage in the time of possession statistics, allowing the opponent 35 minutes of possession per game compared to their 25. You're not going to win a lot of games with that margin, especially under Beamer.
• The Falcons defense has caused four turnovers so far in 2012, one by interception and three by fumbles. Last week Logan Thomas had his worst game to date as a Hokie in terms of turnovers, throwing three interceptions. It will be incumbent for the Hokies to take care of the ball going forward, as their offensive numbers indicate, they struggle to gain yards consistently even when they keep the ball.

Virginia Tech Defense vs. Bowling Green Offense

• Bowling Green runs a multiple set offense, primarily with Shotgun looks.
• The Falcons have passed the ball at almost a 2-to-1 ratio compared to their rushing attempts. They've had some success with both, as Matt Schilz has already thrown for 703 yards (234 per game) and Anthon Samuel has rushed for 218 yards (73 per game) and 4 TD's.
• The Falcons have turned the ball over five times this year, three via interception and two by fumble.
• The Hokies rank No. 44 nationally in total defense, allowing just under 349 yards per game. Despite what you would think based off of their strengths and weaknesses, the Hokies are No. 8 nationally against the pass and No. 100 nationally against the run. That won't make Bud Foster happy.
• The Falcons average 350.3 yards of total offense per game this season.
• Tech has allowed 19.7 points per while Bowling Green has scored an average of 16.7 points per game.