I've looking at VT a lot during the spring and I think we've got a great chance to beat them.
First off, it's a home game.
Next, we have a bye week before the game - VT doesn't. We have two weeks to prepare for them while they only have 1 week to prepare for us.
NU Offense Will Continue Being Productive
Our offense should be on par or better than last year with a deep running back corp led by leading Big 12 returning RB, Marlon Lucky. A deep and game-tested O-line and a very capable QB in Joe G.
NU Defense Should Create Turnovers
Our defense should be improved from last year. I see our D as being more opportunistic in creating turnovers. Pelini made this a big issue for the D during the spring. I don't see our D being a "shut down" D that doesn't give up yards. I think it will be more a D that gives a little but creates a good amount of turnovers. Regardless, whatever kind of D it becomes, I think it will be an improvement over last year.
VT's Lack of Offense
Last year VT's offense was inept ranking 115th in Total Offense (287.2 yds/game) and 81st in Points Scored (29.3 pts/game). Going into last year they had one the nation's best groups of WRs, very good RBs, strong O-line, and talented QBs. Yet, even with all this firepower they couldn't do better than 115th.
VT's Lack of Offensive Playmakers
This year, they lost all those WRs (4 seniors) and are extremely thin and inexperienced at the position. They lost their leading rusher, Brandon Ore, who quit the team. If that was not bad enough, the next two RBs on their depth chart are seriously injured leaving two redshirt freshmen to compete for the starting RB position - not good news for them.
Possible Weakness in VT's Defense
Turning from offense to defense, this is where VT makes its name. Last year they ranked 2nd in Total Defense and 11th in Points Allowed. But even here they might be in some trouble. Many of their playmakers on D have left including: Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall.
VT Lost their Kicker
Special teams, this is another traditionally strong area for VT. But again they lost a key piece - their PK. If the game comes down to a field goal we have an advantage.
Overall
Overall, they have lost 21 players from the winningest senior class in school history.
The end result is that they have a lot of gaps to fill and they come to Memorial Stadium. While, they have a strong O-line and returning QBs and TEs, they couldn't move the ball well last year with even more weapons. Now, they have less and I don't see their offense getting much better. While VT is traditionally strong at D and ST, they lost some of their key playmakers to even the playing field.
We have a great chance to win!
GBR!
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