Depth at Running Back Now a Concern for Hokies
12 comments so far
April 14, 2008 by
Unlike the departure of Branden Ore, the 4-6 month injury to running back Kenny Lewis coupled with a broken fibula by Jahre Cheeseman in a recent scrimmage is cause for concern for Virginia Tech. While the Hokies should still have at least three scholarship players available at the position in the fall without Lewis, they now lack experience at the position.
With Cheeseman and Lewis likely out of the mix, Virginia Tech’s most experienced back will be Dustin Pickle who amassed 47 yards on 11 carries in 2007. While even the rawest of running backs can perform well as runners, pass protection can be compromised. That should be especially concerning to a Hokie team that did not excel in the passing game a year ago and that is sure to see a variety of looks and blitzes from Bo Pelini’s defense in September.
The backup running backs didn’t exactly shine in Virginia Tech’s scrimmage as Darren Evans needed 14 carries to amass 26 yards to lead all rushers. Pickle needed eight carries to net 17 yards.
Also of note in the scrimmage was a fairly lackluster passing day by Virginia Tech quarterback Sean Glennon who went 13-24 with only 122 yards and a touchdown against two interceptions. If the Hokies are on their way to fixing the offensive issues of a year ago, it’s not been all that evident in practice.
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cvldfg Apr 14 08
While the loss of another RB for VT is a benefit to NU, I don't think it was going to be the difference maker. VT hasn't been all that ever since the Michael Vick era. They had a few decent recruiting classes, but they really haven't amounted to much. VT will most likely have an outstanding defense, but their offense is "average" at best.
Living in the heart of ACC country, I have the benefit of having a couple of guys that know EVERYTHING about EVERYONE and EVERY TEAM in the ACC. In the week leading up to the VT game, BRN needs to contact a man named Dave Glenn. He is the editor of the leading ACC magazine in the country. He hosts a daily radio show here in Raleigh on 850 the buzz. You can listen through live streaming at 850thebuzz.com from 3-6 east coast time. He will give you a more honest analysis than talking to a VT coach.
J-La Apr 14 08
I'm sorry but VT isn't coming to Lincoln this year and running that tough ACC defense on us. We're going to have an OL that is stacked and with experience, two great QBs who can scramble if the play breaks down, and from what it sounds two amazing running backs Lucky and Helu. Also this being our 4th game into the season I'm thinking we'll have a break-out receiver too. GO BIG RED!
Bill in Iowa Apr 14 08
I like our chances against VT this year. I mean, were used to playing against USC in the pre-conference season games, so you have to like our chances.
donfl Apr 14 08
I too am optimistic about our schedule this season but lets don't overlook this team. I see them as one of the non-c teams that can raise up and bite us if we are not careful. This game however should give us a good gauge as to how well our offense will perform against a good defense. Again, the key will be how well we get the D to not play 2R defense and learn the 2D that the Pellini's are trying to instill. (Those are my terms for read and react vs disrupt and destroy.) It's going to be a long summer and I can't wait till the real season begins. GBR
Jason Apr 15 08
Some Hokies are discussing this story over here.
Bojangle Bubba Apr 15 08
Great logic Bill in Iowa, that's some well thought out reasoning there.
VT did play USC recently as the first game of the season (2004). That team was beating USC at the half, and it was a very close game. That team was also eerily similar to the 2008 squad.
hokierob Apr 15 08
I have great respect for Nebraska and it's history. that said, I would gladly take our team over ANY NU team the past five years.
Jason in NC Apr 15 08
VT is good at overwhelming mid-level to lower-level teams. Match them up against the great teams and they fold like a deck of cards. Happens every year. Look at their past seasons W-L schedule and bowl games if you need proof.
GoHokies Apr 15 08
VT can and will beat Nebraska. Nebraska has a long ways to go before being good again. Seriously, Nebraska was flatout terrible last season. No Bowl Game? Almost losing to Ball State? Getting blown out in Lincoln by Oklahoma State?
doombob Apr 15 08
This won't be the same Husker or Hokie team taking each side of the field this fall. All it takes is one season to compete or one season to miserably fail. That game months from now is determined by an off-season of real hard work or an off-season of key losses/injuries... we just won't know what the deciding factors were until that game comes around. We can guess how a team will generally do by now, but it's a little early in the year to call a specific game.
HokieTime Apr 15 08
I've always liked NE football. Cant' wait to see the Hokies play at Nebraska next year. The Huskers have a reasonable shot at winning, especially at home, but if NE wins it'll be an upset, not the other way around.
doombob Apr 16 08
You're right, Huskers are probably the underdog in the Hokies game, unless VT loses the previous games and Nebraska looks like a juggernaut. It will be interesting to see.