The Tech Lunch Pail is excited to announce the launch of the new TLP Insider subscription. Sign up for an account and get the best news, inside scoops, and analysis on the Hokies! Learn more

Hokies Football: Three Takeaways From Virginia Tech's Win Over Duke

The Virginia Tech Hokies got an ugly win on Saturday at the Duke Blue Devils 24-21 to stay in control of their own destiny in the ACC Coastal with their remaining two ACC games coming at Lane Stadium. The Hokies got a big play on special teams once again with that play being decisive this week while also seeing Jerod Evans make some plays when the Hokies needed him to. With that said, here are three takeaways from the Hokies' win over Duke.

1. Travon McMillian has established himself as the primary ball carrier again.

Travon McMillian has finally established himself as the primary ball carrier again after leading all Hokie running backs with 15 carries while Sam Rogers and Marshawn Williams combined for 11 carries. It's taken some time for us to get to this point and while Justin Fuente has insisted he isn't concerned about which back gets the most carries, it's clear that Fuente's primary back right now is McMillian. Now McMillian did only get 6 carries against Pittsburgh, showing that Fuente isn't afraid to take a struggling back out of the game and go to other sources. However, the fact that McMillian was back to being the primary running back the week after is a sign that McMillian has separated himself as the top dog in the running back room. McMillian seems to be running with the confidence that helped him reassert himself as the top back in fall practice before early season struggles made things more congested for backfield carries. McMillian's improvement will also only help the Hokies' offense be more well-rounded as Justin Fuente wants and should create more one-on-one matchups for the passing game with more defensive players having to set up in the box should McMillian continue to be effective.

2. Woody Baron should seriously be considered for an All-ACC First Team spot.

Woody Baron played quite well for the Hokies in 2015 and was seen as someone who could help Virginia Tech's defensive line improve despite losing both of its starting defensive tackles from last season. While Baron was expected to have a strong season, almost no one probably had the Tennessee native playing as well as he has this season. Baron currently has 36 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 4 QB hurries, and 1 fumble recovery as the senior defensive tackle has been quite dominant this season. Baron's 13 tackles for loss are tied for the team lead with Tremaine Edmunds are tied for second in the ACC in what has been quite a season so far for Baron through 9 games. Baron has been a nuisance for many teams consistently while also having a couple big games against Miami and Duke where he made a significant impact. While Baron may not have received much Preseason All-ACC attention, the senior DT now is making a strong case for being on the All-ACC First Team after the season and if he continues to play like this, it will be hard to deny him a spot on it.

3. Terrell Edmunds's suspension couldn't have happened at a better time.

Yes, you never want to have a player like Terrell Edmunds suspended even for a half but the Hokies caught a break with his suspension coming this week against the Georgia Tech triple-option offense. While Edmunds will be a loss for the Hokies, the fact that Virginia Tech will be facing a run heavy team will make the loss much less of an issue. Anthony Shegog likely will start in place of Edmunds this week with either him or Mook Reynolds being the starting rover and the other playing the whip linebacker spot. Shegog isn't bad in coverage but there is n doubt that Shegog is better as a run defender and not having to be in man coverage should help make best use of him in a more featured role during the first half before Edmunds can return to the field. The Hokies will also be able to bring in a fresh and likely hungry Edmunds in the second half in what should be an extra boost for a Hokies' defense against the physical triple option. While Edmunds's suspension is unfortunate, it shouldn't hurt much at all given the opponent and may actually end up being beneficial in the second half.
You must login in order to comment on this post.
Loading Indicator