‘Tugboat’ Bhayshul Tuten Steering Virginia Tech’s Offense to Success

Following Virginia Tech's 31-14 victory over Marshall this past Saturday, the question that was top of mind for many Virginia Tech fans was 'what is a tugboat', especially after Bhayshul Tuten wore a chain to his postgame press conference with 'Tugboat' on it.

Okay, I realize that most Hokie fans probably weren't asking that question after Saturday's question. However, I decided to give you that answer anyway.

According to Wikipedia, a tugboat is "a marine vessel that manoeuvres other vessels by pushing or pulling them, with direct contact or a tow line."

For the operations of some of the busiest ports in the world including places like the Baltimore Harbor, tugboats and similar guide ships are crucial to the operations. Without these tugboats, the world's busiest ports would not be able to be nearly as effective, efficient, and safe; and the economic success of the world would be lessened.

Such is the case for the Virginia Tech offense, a massive ship that has looked rudderless and in need of direction in their first halves against Vanderbilt and Marshall this season.

So isn't it fitting then that the man who wore a Tugboat chain this past Saturday is the one who has been the one steering the Hokies' offense to success to start this season?

It definitely seems fitting to me at least when you look at the second half offensive turnarounds that we've seen in both games this season.

Let's start with Vanderbilt where Tuten had a quiet game overall. However, he was vital to the Hokies' surge in the second half with a pair of touchdowns that gave the Hokies a chance. In one case, Tuten was the safety valve for Kyron Drones who flicked it over the Vanderbilt blitz right to Tuten who had found himself plenty of space to waltz his way into the endzone.

While Tuten was more along for the ride in that game, he was the one at the helm steering the Hokies' offense out of the abyss when given the opportunity to do so against Marshall.

"We came out running downhill and we were very aggressive. I feel like that's what we needed in the second half. Coach (Bowen) put the ball in our bellies and let the RBs run," Tuten said on what changed for the Hokies in the second half.

On the first drive out of halftime, Tuten didn't put up the flashiest numbers but that touchdown drive was built around him getting fed the ball and steadily cranking out yards. The same was true on the Hokies' best first half drive when the offense produced their only points of the half with Tuten having four carries for 41 yards on that drive.

On three of Virginia Tech’s four scoring drives against Marshall, Tuten’s combined attempted touches (carries, catches, and targets) represented at least 50% of the plays on that drive. When you’re a non-quarterback getting that percentage of touches, it’s clear that you’re the one steering the offense.

Even when Tuten didn’t always have much room to operate, he was able to grind out yards and keep Tech moving. That includes the fact that 77 of his 120 rushing yards came after contact in this game while he also forced seven missed tackles. That’s the type of running back who can steer a team to success even when things aren’t going right.

It’s fair to say that on Saturday, the Hokies' offense shined at its brightest when the Hokies started feeding their running backs led by Tuten, and letting them take the offensive helm.

Yes, the Hokies still have an assortment of weapons for the passing game that helped them turn things around against Vanderbilt and is a nightmare for opponents to prepare for. However, it's been the foundation of the rushing attack that has been crucial to the Hokies' offensive success both this year and the surge last season.

So if the Hokies want to start having more success throughout the games, maybe it's time to let the 'Tugboat' Bhyashul Tuten and his fellow running backs steer the Hokies' offense out of choppy offensive waters and into more successful, scoring drives earlier and more often in games starting this week in a city where tugboats and other guide ships are crucial to success.

Looking for the best coverage and analysis of the Hokies? Become a TLP Insider today here.