football
Adjusting For Penalties, ECU
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Despite a dominating 51-24 win at Purdue Saturday, Virginia Tech still has a few issues to sort out this week. The Hokies have a 3:30 pm kickoff Saturday at East Carolina.
Penalty City In Purdue
After three games, Virginia Tech has the dubious distinction as the most penalized team in the ACC. Against the Boilermakers, the Hokies had 11 penalties for 87 yards. In light of the discontinuation of Virginia Tech's former fine system, it's finding new ways to handle disciplining players in order to prevent more unnecessary penalties.
From the coaches' perspective, the high number of penalties Saturday was disappointing. Offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler, coach Frank Beamer, and running backs coach Shane Beamer all said their players will do better Saturday against the Pirates. The Hokies had five pre-snap penalties and two with 12 players on the field. Loeffler said he wants to fix the controllable penalties.
Under the former fine system, players would be disciplined with either 6 am runs the next day or fined. This season, the coaches are taking a more philosophical approach. In meetings, Frank Beamer discussed each penalty with video footage and hopes the players will hold each other accountable.
"That's not like us," Frank Beamer said. "Hopefully after (Sunday), we're better and we will find out next week. We've got smart guys. You have to say what happened here, why did it happen, and what are the consequences? I think that is the best teaching right there."
Improving the Offense
Sophomore wide receiver Isaiah Ford said that Virginia Tech's offense worked hard during spring and fall practices to improve communication, timing, and overall game. That's changed a bit with junior quarterback Brenden Motley in place of injured senior Michael Brewer, but has still gotten better.
Ford said Motley has the ability to create and stretch plays. Rogers agreed and called Motley a "gamer." Junior fullback Sam Rogers said Motley has been fun to watch, including when Motley bobbled a snap Saturday, but ended up scoring on a five-yard run.
Now the issue is getting Motley more help on the field. Ford and sophomore wide receiver Cam Phillips have essentially been the only wide receiver threats this season, as a third receiver has failed to emerge. Ford said he is confident that the team is making strides in finding a solid third receiver.
Backfield too crowded?
As the wide receivers have struggled to find a third receiver, the backfield has had trouble finding one, top running back. But it doesn't seem to worry Shane Beamer, who called the situation a "great problem to have." Four running backs had at least eight carries at Purdue, with senior J.C. Coleman leading the way with 10.
Whether the staff decides to split up the distribution of carries among the running backs evenly or by whoever gives the best chance for success, Shane Beamer said they are aware that they will not take a player out if he has gotten into a rhythm. He also said the Hokies have improved steadily over the past two games in making smart decisions.
"We're breaking tackles and playing physical," Shane Beamer said. "I like where we are right now. They are all competitors and as competitors, JC Coleman, Trey Edmunds, and Shai Mckenzie would obviously like to play more than 15 plays. Each brings a unique skillset to the position and we maximize their strengths. We have to be smart that we are not too personnel specific with each running back. All those guys can do all the different things we can ask them to do."
Not Taking ECU Lightly
Along with all the penalties, there were a few instances of miscommunication with Virginia Tech at Purdue, such as when Motley was blindsided twice with sacks. But even with a few errors, the team seemed to gain confidence.
Over the past few seasons, East Carolina has been a difficult place to play for the Hokies, who will certainly need that confidence. The Hokies won 15-10 there in 2013, thanks to a last-minute safety and 17-10 in 2011. The Pirates stormed out to an early lead in Lane Stadium last season and held on for a 28-21 win.
"I have a lot of respect for their program," Frank Beamer said. "They do a good job and will play us well. They look the same from last year. The thing I remember from last year is looking out there and thinking 'Wow, those guys are big and fast!' The Kemp kid throws left handed with the whole offensive line back and has the ability to throw the ball. They are a dangerous team and we have to get ready to play."
Best friend vs. Best friend
One of the players Frank Beamer said he is most impressed with is East Carolina junior wide receiver Davon Grayson. At 6'2" and 195 pounds, Grayson also has a connection with Virginia Tech. He attended the same high school as junior cornerback Chuck Clark.
From King's Fork high school in Suffolk, Virginia, Grayson and Clark are competitors in the ACC, but also best friends. Clark said that normally they talk and text weekly, and always hang out when at home on breaks. That won't be the case this week until they see each other on the field. Clark is not surprised, since this happened last year as well, but is happy to see his best friend accomplish all that he can while playing against him on the field.
"It is just a great feeling seeing the guy you have worked your entire high school career with just get to this point," Clark said. "I actually see him out on the field doing work, making strides, and improving. He is my best friend but during game week we don't talk and probably won't until we see each other at the game."