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Virginia Tech's victory over rival UVA this past weekend wasn't pretty at times, a lot like this season, but it did show me some things about this program that I was not expecting to see. Overall, I thought the defense played outstanding, maybe enough for Bud to be considered in the ongoing coaching talks. The offense looked really good at time, especially running the ball, but I still think a change at coordinator is coming regardless of the victory; however, Hokie Nation will probably have to wait until after the bowl game before a change is made.
My 5 takeaways:
1) JC Coleman has put this team on his back. Over the past 3 games, JC has rushed for 311 yards while averaging over 5 yards per carry. On Friday he kept this offense in the game and showed some real flashes that Hokies have not seen out of him, ever. The offensive line did a good job of blocking in run protection, which really opened up some holes for JC to get to the second level.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>By the way, how great was this photo of J.C. Coleman and the Commonwealth Cup by our Shaban Athuman? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hokies?src=hash">#Hokies</a> <a href="http://t.co/SfMJ8eUtUq">pic.twitter.com/SfMJ8eUtUq</a></p>— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndyBitterVT/status/538699258611130369">November 29, 2014</a></blockquote>
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2) Michael Brewer is one tough dude. He was hit all evening long from just about every direction, but he kept getting up and it paid off in the end. His two throws to Bucky Hodges at the end of the game, one being a 50 yard throw and catch to set up the 9 yard touchdown, were probably the best decisions and throws he has made in 4-5 weeks. All night I was wondering where Bucky was and he finally showed up and Brewer put the ball in his hands. Brewer is growing on me because he is resilient, but Bucky has potential to be a GREAT one.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>VT answers quickly! TE Bucky Hodges scores on a 9-yd TD reception. VT leads, 24-20, w/ 1:48 left. <a href="http://t.co/VZ9Bn9aMm1">http://t.co/VZ9Bn9aMm1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UVAvsVT?src=hash">#UVAvsVT</a> on ESPN</p>— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNCFB/status/538553626856546304">November 29, 2014</a></blockquote>
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3) These Seniors deserved that victory, especially Chase Williams, Kyshoen Jarrett and Detrick Bonner. All three of these guys really wanted to win this game and stepped up as emotional leaders in the locker room. Chase played awesome Friday night and did a great job of stopping the running game of UVA. Kyshoen had another interception, which takes his career total to 5.
4) Dadi Nicolas and Ken Ekanem are playing out of their minds. Dadi received a helmet sticker from ESPN for his play on Friday night, but both played outstanding and really got after both Lambert and Johns, the two UVA quarterbacks. Dadi's athleticism and Ken's strength are a deadly duo coming off of the edge and both will be back next year and both want to improve.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Dadi Nicolas’ 17.5 TFL are the 4th-most under Beamer for a season.His 9 sacks are the 6th-most in a season. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DadiForAllAmerican?src=hash">#DadiForAllAmerican</a></p>— VT Football (@VT_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/VT_Football/status/538761166638817282">November 29, 2014</a></blockquote>
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5) Congratulations Frank. If anyone deserves some credit for this victory it is Frank. I know that the fan base is ready for change and I think it is coming, maybe not this year, but soon. However, the job he has done to keep this team together is very commendable. If there is anything that Frank has taught us it is that he will never quit on his guys and that his guys will play their asses off for him, Friday being case in point. I hope Frank can get them geared up to go get a bowl victory.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hokies?src=hash">#Hokies</a> DC Bud Foster on Frank Beamer: "I can promise ya, he wants to win in the worst way."</p>— Mike Barber (@RTD_MikeBarber) <a href="https://twitter.com/RTD_MikeBarber/status/537450691468750849">November 26, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Go Hokies