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Sporting News received this question in their "mail bag" a few weeks ago:
Q: I really like what my Hokies have on defense. I think we have a good enough group to go into Ohio State and win that game by slowing down all of those Buckeye weapons. Your thoughts?
The response was quite interesting, in my opinion:
The defense, as important and potentially good as it is, won't be the difference for Virginia Tech against Ohio State. Michael Brewer will.
The writer went on to point out that over the last two seasons Logan Thomas threw 29 interceptions as the Hokies' quarterback. By contrast, Michael Brewer threw ZERO interceptions in 58 attempts while playing as a backup QB for Texas Tech over the last two seasons. That's huge in terms of turnovers and short-field situations for the defense.
Admittedly, there's a big difference between being a backup - where the defense didn't game-plan for you and you are possibly playing with a big lead - but then, there's also a big difference between 29 interceptions and zero (note: Brewer threw one interception against William & Mary). If Brewer can complete half his passes without turning the ball over, the Hokies have an excellent chance to win.
Keep in mind, too, that Braxton Miller is out for the season, so Ohio State is forced to play a rookie QB with only 1 game under his belt (vs. Navy) when he faces the speedy Hokies' defense. Sure Brewer will be tested against Ohio State - but so will Buckeye QB J.T. Barrett, when he faces the Virginia Tech defense. I would not be surprised if Virginia Tech actually has the advantage at the quarterback position.
Can the Hokies be a better football team this Fall? Do they have a reasonable chance to win in Columbus, OH? At least one writer at Sporting News thinks so... and I do too!