For all the criticism directed at Logan Thomas; for all of his inconsistent play for over a year, it’s easy to forget he was talked about as a high NFL draft pick at some point. The Virginia Tech quarterback might have a long way to go before he reaches that status, but very strong performance in the first ACC game of the season for the Hokies is a perfect way to start.
Despite all their problems early this season against teams like Marshall, Virginia Tech have a foundation installed by Frank Beamer that doesn’t change – defense, at least on a conference level, that’s always the best or close to that in the ACC.
This time, it erased all the smiles from the Georgia Tech faces, ending their perfect start and hopes of entering the top 25 this weekend. The Hokies won 17-10 in Atlanta, improving to 4-1 which should put them in the AP Poll after this weekend is played out, thanks to a very strong start from Logan Thomas, throwing one touchdown pass and running for another, pretty much being the entire Virginia Tech offense. He finished the game with 221 yards on 19-of-25 with on TD and no interceptions, and was the entire running game as well with 58 yards and another touchdown. Take Thomas out of the game, and Virginia Tech gained a -3 on the ground.
Defense, once they were up 14-0, became the only thing Virginia Tech reiled upon. Thomas was hurt in the second quarter, making him quite enjoy the long drives the Yellow Jackets had, that only brought them close, but not enough. They were limited to only 129 yards on the ground, with Vad Lee being taken out of the game by the Hokie’s defensive plan: He completed only 29.1% of his passes, getting picked off twice. He ran 35 yards on 18 carries, but it was safe to say Virginia Tech didn’t mind seeing him with the ball in his hands.
Virginia Tech played a bit differently against Georgia Tech’s option offense, and did better than anyone has done this season. Maybe it’s because of veteran players who have seen it once or twice during their college career, or maybe because of how well Frank Beamer reads Paul Johnson.
I think we’re fortunate to have some veterans up front that have played against their offense a couple of times. It’s a rugged offense. You have to be rugged yourself to play it. You have to be very precise.
Maybe the most impressive thing about Thomas’ performance was his passing, finally consistent (completing his first nine passes), finding eight different receivers on the day, including D.J. Coles for the touchdown, but his head coach was mostly pleased about his running.
He’s a quality, quality quarterback, and he’s tough. He’s mentally tough, and he’s physically tough the way he runs the football and bangs around people. I’m proud of that guy.
But as good as Thomas was, the defense, with Kyle Fuller, who had two tackles for a loss and one forced fumble, and Brandon Facyson, who had one interception and one forced fumble, was the main reason Virginia Tech got their conference schedule off to a great start, proving that if this offense continues to grow, taking baby steps forward, getting back to double-digit wins might be in the cards for them this season.