Hokies find their stride at Duke's expense
Duke's Sean Renfree and mates during the Blue Devils' 54-17 victory over in-town rival North Carolina Central on Saturday, September 15, 2012 in Durham, NC (photo by Jack Morton).
Oct 13, 2012
After Duke's 42-17 smashing of Virginia at Wallace Wade last weekend it seemed possible that the Blue Devils could steal one from Virginia Tech Saturday.
After Duke scored on their first three drives of the game and added a defensive pick-six, it seemed highly likely that Duke would in fact steal that win.
With quarterback Sean Renfree back in as the starter, the Blue Devils were highly effective passing the ball. The defense, lead by a big Kenny Anunike sac, was keeping Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas from moving the ball. Virginia Tech looked really bad and the Blue Devils looked really good.
We've been saying it, the Blue Devils have talented players and they've been winning. It would be great to see them grab bowl eligibility in Blacksburg, but it is still Duke football and it was hard to believe what was happening.
And while we were all trying to convince ourselves that Duke was in fact killing Virginia Tech, the Hokies woke up.
Somewhere between Jordon Byas' interception for a Duke touchdown and a Virginia Tech 7 play, 76 yard drive that resulted in their first points of the game, the Hokies started to roll.
A 20-0 Duke lead with 3:12 left in the first quarter started to disappear. On six of their next nine possessions Virginia Tech netted points. On five of Duke's remaining ten drives, they turned the ball over – two interceptions, a turnover on downs and two fumbles.
That resulted in Virginia Tech racking up 41 unanswered points.
Aside from the turnovers, Duke couldn't put together an effective rushing game whereas the Hokies were able to strike from the air and ground. Total rushing yards for Duke? 22. Virginia Tech? 269.
Virginia Tech, who had struggled all season, found their stride. And though Duke fell apart, they have proven the talent is there, and rebounded from a trouncing against Stanford quite well. The loss in Blacksburg shouldn't send the Blue Devils' season into a downward spiral but they have some serious regrouping to do.
Most Recent Comments
Posted Oct 13, 8:35 p.m.
Rank: Sports Legend Posts: 1003
Joined: Nov, 2009
Location: Raleigh, NC
RE: Hokies find their stride at Duke's expense
What some failed to realize is that a VT receiver bobbled a pass, and a Duke DB returned it for a pick 6. That was huge. Then Duke nailed two FG's. Down 20-0. The Hokies finally got something out of our pre-season hype in Logan Thomas. He hasn't even shown up until today. As a Hokie graduate and fan, I am especially happy tonight. The only game is Clemson. I believe that the Hokies have awaken. We will (should) beat Clemson and Miami away.- Posted by Hokie 94
Spot on with your comment. That 20-0 lead was a bit inflated with that interception return for a TD in the 1st quarter. I thought the V-Tech defense stepped up their game. If you're a Hokie alumni, I would have figured you'd try and make that game today (in person) ...... it would have been fun for a fan and "alum" such as yourself to enjoy this one.
Posted Oct 13, 8:32 p.m.
Rank: Sports Legend Posts: 22624
Joined: Dec, 2007
Location: Southern Pines, NC
RE: Hokies find their stride at Duke's expense
Erin. You did a nice job in this one. You outlined it and focused in to the solid points of this game. What else can we ask for on here? I hope that you will read some on here, and move on. Never listen to the haters on here.Posted Oct 13, 8:05 p.m.
Rank: Sports Legend Posts: 22624
Joined: Dec, 2007
Location: Southern Pines, NC
RE: Hokies find their stride at Duke's expense
What some failed to realize is that a VT receiver bobbled a pass, and a Duke DB returned it for a pick 6. That was huge. Then Duke nailed two FG's. Down 20-0. The Hokies finally got something out of our pre-season hype in Logan Thomas. He hasn't even shown up until today. As a Hokie graduate and fan, I am especially happy tonight. The only game is Clemson. I believe that the Hokies have awaken. We will (should) beat Clemson and Miami away.Posted Oct 13, 7:17 p.m.
Rank: All Star Posts: 661
Joined: Sep, 2012
Location: Cary, NC
