Instant Analysis: VTs Ho-Hum Win
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When you looked at Virginia Tech and Western Carolina line up on the field, it should have been a no contest. To a man, the Hokies were bigger, more athletic and better all-aroud than their Catamounts counterparts. Yet, despite a 45-3 win, Virginia Tech didn't thoroughly dominate as it probably could have.
There were still mistakes, like a muffed fielded punt by Kyshoen Jarrett, a pair of interceptions and early stalemates for the Hokies' offense. Of course, there were also plenty of positives.
Virginia Tech appears to have found a receiver who can catch the ball and who could really get rolling. In his first this season, Willie Byrn had four catcehs for 58 yards. And after losing who offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler called one of the most important players in Ryan Malleck, the Hokies also appear to have another option at tight end.
In his first collegiate game, freshman Kalvin Cline hauled in four catches for 46 yards. It wasn't a spectacular effort, but a solid one that should have Virginia Tech's coaches optimistic.
Defensively, the Hokies struggled a big at times, mostly against the run where it allowed 111 yards, but came through when they needed to. Junior safety Detrick Bonner had one of the most impressive days, with a pair of interceptions, one returned for a touchdown.
It was a game to get back on track, if only for a day. But by not decisively dominating, the Hokies will have to wait another week to prove they've worked the kinks out.