Running game, defense are clicking for Hokies
The Boston College Eagles didn’t know what hit them. The Virginia Tech locomotive was unstoppable, showing no weaknesses in a 48-14 blowout.
Offensively, they compiled 441 yards. On defense, fourth-ranked Virginia Tech limited the Eagles to 163 total yards of offense, with Eagles quarterback David Shinskie completing a single pass before giving way to backup Mike Marscovetra. That was less than the amount he threw to the opposing team.
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at No. 18 Georgia Tech Where » Bobby Dodd Stadium, AtlantaWhen » Saturday, 6 p.m.TV » ESPN2 Radio » 980 AM
The Hokies, always strong on defense and special teams, are clicking on all cylinders now that QB Tyrod Taylor (159.6 QB rating) and RB Ryan Williams (126 carries, 734 yards, 9 TDs) are propelling the offense. After a loss to Miami, Georgia Tech’s triple-option offense has thrived behind QB Josh Nesbitt (160.3 QB rating, 128 carries, 503 yards, 6 TDs) and RB Jonathan Dwyer (79 carries, 511 yards, 5 TDs).
Virginia Tech grabbed two interceptions on the day. One was the highlight for the Hokies’ defense — especially cornerback Rashad Carmichael.
With less than seven minutes remaining in the second quarter, the redshirt junior cornerback from Clinton, Md., trusted his instincts.
“I read the quarterback and I just thought it was going to be a quick throw and it was a quick throw,” Carmichael said.
He stepped in front of Shinskie’s intended target, snagged the toss and ran uncontested for 22 yards into the end zone. It was Carmichael’s third interception of the season.
“I could feel he was looking over there for a while, and at the beginning I was about 10 yards out and I wasn’t expecting him to throw the ball,” he said. “There was pretty good pressure off the edge and there was just enough time for me to make a play.”
Virginia Tech’s first return of an interception for a touchdown this season made the score 31-0, ending the game’s competitive nature.
“It’s been awhile since we have done that,” defensive coordinator Bud Foster said. “It’s good to get back on the board with a touchdown right here.”
In his first year as a starter at the boundary corner position — replacing Victor “Macho” Harris — Carmichael has been able to display the talents that helped Gwynn Park High School win a state title in 2005. There, he lined up at running back and defensive back. He was also a sprinter in track, running 100 meters in 10.55 seconds.
That speed will be put to the test when No. 4 Virginia Tech (5-1) faces No. 18 Georgia Tech on Saturday in Atlanta.
The Yellow Jackets (4-1), who have won three straight, present a unique challenge to the Virginia Tech defense.
“They’re a team that’s very hard to prepare for,” said head coach Frank Beamer. “It starts with [Josh] Nesbitt. What they do is certainly different.”
Nesbitt quarterbacks a triple-option offense that relies on a quick and powerful rushing attack. One key will be the Hokies’ ability to stop the Jackets’ strength — and that could lead to more throws and more opportunities for Carmichael and the secondary.
“It all starts with the ability to stop the run,” Beamer said. “Now you got them in long-yardage situations and they do what you want, or at least what you think.”
