Big Performers: Miami Loss
It will take some major work for Virginia Tech to salvage its season after a 30-12 rout at the the hands of Miami. And there's only three games left to do it. Staff writer
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It's tough to put Thomas on this list after he threw two big interceptions and fumbled the exchange from center at the one-yard line in the third quarter.
Thomas did rush for a career-high 124 yards, only the second time this season a Virginia Tech rusher has eclipsed the century mark. But no one will talk about that accomplishment. They will talk about his refusal to speak with the media after the game.
Like Thomas, Exum had a couple of bad lapses that hurt the Hokies' chances, most notably a few missed tackles and a pass interference call in the third quarter.
Exum was being targeted all night, which is a big reason he made four pass breakups, the only brekaups made by Virginia Tech. But Exum also did well at times in coverage, earning those break ups.
A surprise to some with how many carries he got, Gregory wasn't spectacular, but kept the chains moving. He carried the ball 10 times for 50 yards, but he rushed for three first downs.
Like Thomas and Exum, it's tough to give him a lot of praise because of his mistakes, the key one being a second quarter fumble that junior guard
The Hokies have gotten the tight ends more involved the past few games and Malleck was ready for his chances at Miami. The sophomore was Virginia Tech's top receiver with four catches for 58 yards.
On the downside, all that production came in the first half. As Thomas arguably pressed in the second half, he no longer made Malleck a target.
If there's been one bright spot, a consistency no matter what, all season it's been Tyler. He had a team-high eight tackles, two tackles for a loss, but he'd like a little help as well.
Tyler was beaten to the outside and took the wrong contain route on a couple of Miami rushes outside, but Tyler continues to be the Hokies' best defender.