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Virginia Tech Football: What To Watch Vs. Ohio State

Breaking down the statistics and players before the Hokies take on the Buckeyes.

#32 Virginia Tech Hokies (1-0) at #5 Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0)

Virginia Tech Offense vs Ohio State Defense

  • Ohio State typically runs a 4-3 defensive scheme.
  • Defensively, Ohio State is giving up 390 yards and 17 points per game after their opening season win against Navy. In 2013 they finished 47th in the nation, allowing 377.4 yards per game, and 28th in scoring defense with 22.6 points against.
  • After week one, Ohio State places 118th in the nation in  rushing defense having surrendered 370 ground yards. They gave up a mere 20 yards through the air against Navy, good for 3rd in passing defense nationally. A season ago they finished 9th in rushing defense, surrendering an average 109.43yards on the ground, and 112th in paing defense with 268 yards against per game.
  • The Hokies ended 2013 ranked 110th in rushing offense with 119.7 yards per gam, and 63rd in passing offense, throwing for 236.2 yards per game. This season they have rushed for 222 yards and thrown for 266.
  • A season ago the Hokies finished 100th in the nation in points per game at 22.5, and currently stands at 34.0 after one game in 2014.
  • Virginia Tech Defense vs Ohio State Offense

    • Ohio State utilizes a spread offensive scheme
    • Ohio State ranked 7th in total offense in 2013 with 511.9 yards per game, which has dipped to 420 in 2014. In their opener the Buckeyes scored 34 points. A season ago they ranked 3rd in the nation with 45.5 points per game
    • 2013 saw Ohio State place 5th in total rushing with a 308.64 average, and 90th in passing offense at 203.3 yards per game. Against Navy they rushed for 194 yards and threw for 226, good for 55th and 69th in the nation respectively.

  • Virginia Tech surrendered 193 yards against William & Mary, placing just outside the top 10 nationally at 11th. In 2013 they allowed 283.2 yards per game, finishing 4th in the country.
  • 2013 saw the Hokies allow 19.3 points per game, good for 11th overall. After one game in 2014 they are 21st nationally, allowing 9 points per game.
  • The Hokies were a top 10 team in both rushing and passing defense in 2013. They allowed 110.92 yards on the ground (10th) and 172.3 yards through the air (8th). In 2014 Virginia Tech has allowed 76 rushing yards (30th), and 117 passing yards (21st)
  • Watch the Box Score

    • 3rd down conversion rate for Virginia Tech
    • Rushing yards for Virginia Tech
    • J.T. Barrett passing yards
    • Turnovers

    Virginia Tech Players to Watch

    • Michael Brewer
    • Bucky Hodges
    • Isaiah Ford
    • Shai McKenzie

    Ohio State Players to Watch

    • J.T. Barrett
    • Devin Smith
    • Dontre Wilson
    • Ohio State Secondary

    Final Score:

    Virginia Tech 24 Ohio State 23

    Last week in our preseason predictions I picked Ohio State to top Virginia Tech in a close game, and yes, a week later I'm here to admit I was wrong. I still see a close game, but this time I see it breaking in the Hokies favor. The Buckeyes allowed two touchdowns in four red zone trips against Navy, and I believe that is where this weeks result lies. I see big things for the Hokies dual rushing attack in Williams and McKenzie, and huge tight end Bucky Hodges when Tech gets inside the 20. Look for Ohio State to be driving late when the Hokies secondary, which will have a great overall game, stops Barrett and the Buckeyes in their tracks.