Following a third-straight loss, this time at Marshall, Virginia Tech returns home to the comfortable confines of Lane Stadium looking to turn things around. Meanwhile, the Hokies' opponent Pittsburgh is in the same boat, losing their past three games to Cincinnati, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Here's my five things to watch for the Hokies against Pitt as both teams look to end their three-game losing streaks.
1. Can Virginia Tech Generate Any Sort of Run Game?
Virginia Tech showed some promise last week with their rushing attack, with their ground game producing multiple big runs for a solid opening quarter. However, Tech oddly didn't stick with it in the second quarter before Marshall adjusted and contained Tech's run game outside of Kyron Drones' scrambles in the second half.
It was not a perfect game for the Hokies, but it was one where they showed promise on the ground. The question that remains is whether Tech can build on that this week?
That will be a very tough challenge against a Pittsburgh run defense that has been the strength of this team, allowing only 2.9 yards per carry. This run defense is also a unit full of experienced juniors and seniors in the front 7 playing at a level you would expect from a veteran group.
Meanwhile, you have a struggling Virginia Tech offensive line with a lot of youth that hasn't faced a challenge as tough as this one in run blocking so far this season. While they've faced teams who have good size, like Purdue, it's a whole different thing when they also are producing at a high level.
If Tech is smart, they will look to stretch the field and use some perimeter run plays like WR screen and HB swing passes to stay on schedule. Additionally, some of their best rushing offense has been Kyron Drones scrambling, so give him some rollouts and let him decide whether to tuck and run or throw it to an open receiver.
Tech faces a steep challenge on the ground this week, but if they can step up and build on last week, it could be a huge confidence boost for a young, struggling offensive line.
