Five Thoughts The Day After Virginia Tech's Loss To Purdue

Andy Bitter

Senior Staff Writer

September 10, 2023 68

Malachi Thomas was the Hokies' leading rusher Saturday — with 18 yards. (Ivan Morozov)

How long did Saturday’s Virginia Tech-Purdue game take to finish with all the weather delays?

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Braylon Johnson 2023 · CB Mose Phillips 2023 · S Caleb Woodson 2023 · LB Mansoor Delane 2022 · CB Kyron Drones 2021 · QB Jaylen Jones 2021 · WR Malachi Thomas 2021 · RB Keonta Jenkins 2020 · S Jaylin Lane 2020 · WR Ali Jennings 2019 · WR Grant Wells 2019 · QB Nasir Peoples 2018 · S

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Five Thoughts 2023 VT-Purdue Football

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68 Comments

El Paso Hokie September 11, 2023 at 11:30 PM

Inexperienced players Inexperienced head coach Inexperienced offensive coordinator Inexperienced defensive coordinator What could possibly go wrong?
middletennhokie September 11, 2023 at 4:51 PM

I'm confused by (most) of the comments regarding the current situation with VT football. Seems like everyone is ready to fire the OC which is odd considering what I saw first half was VT having a very effective passing game for big yardage, and the defense getting TORCHED by the Purdue offense. Are we ready to fire the DC too? Using the current thinking, Beamer would never have made it past year 3. I think we underestimate the rebuild effort and patience required for VT football.
daddio September 11, 2023 at 11:59 AM

Everybody. Seems to have to learn on the fly ???.
TeamCampbellME September 11, 2023 at 11:06 AM

Someone said Pry reminds them of Beamer. Beamer didn't improve until he stopped taking care of his friends and brought in better coaches and opened up offense. Elmassion as DC. Deshazo at QB. I'd rather see Drones and Pop Watson learning on the fly. Wells has started for 3+ seasons between Marshall and Tech. We know who he is.
1. vtsquirm September 11, 2023 at 6:52 PM
  
  +1
2. Arch72Hokie September 11, 2023 at 8:53 PM
  
  Agreed. We know what Wells can - and can't - do.
hokiehunter07 September 11, 2023 at 9:38 AM

Stop making OL coaches OC! And now our OL OC is coaching QBs as well.
BobDigi76 September 11, 2023 at 7:17 AM

What did these coaches do in the offseason & spring practice? We are watching a rinse & repeat of last season so far. Pry is a breath of fresh air compared to Fuente but his ability to lead this program leaves a lot to be desired. Unfortunately even if he doesn’t improve I think he still has a long leash. Whit isn’t firing him unless he absolutely has to because then he’s firing himself. No way he gets to hire a third coach.
1. VaPoly07 September 11, 2023 at 9:42 AM
  
  having literally all new coaches doesnt help a thing. They are all learning on the fly here. Worst thing Pry did was not get a seasoned OC/DC.
LXNTN_HOKIE September 10, 2023 at 10:12 PM

Probably the only Bowl they'll see this year is when they go to the restroom. Lol.
1. Hokie67 September 11, 2023 at 8:08 AM
  
  "only Bowl" Yeah - and it's scheduled Saturday, November 25 - the Toilet Bowl!
Turk Malloy September 10, 2023 at 10:11 PM

If we were to be one dimensional offensively, it should be in the passing game. Funny a good passing game will open up rhe running game.
Rock Haven Hokie September 10, 2023 at 9:34 PM

Pry seems to be a clone of Beamer. Not a bad thing, but the game has changed. Recruiting has improved, but need more of it. Something is wrong and may be coordinators.
moneal September 10, 2023 at 8:07 PM

Solid analysis. Rip the bandaid off Drones. There’s nothing to lose
TomTurkey September 10, 2023 at 7:57 PM

5 for 5, Andy. If Drones can just provide a spark of unity and confidence, make the change. I'm afraid there's too much OJT and just a spinning top staff. Pry can be a good head coach with experienced and knowledgeable coordinators. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Alas.
SkierGirl1 September 10, 2023 at 7:32 PM

I think Drones needs to start because he is a more dynamic runner. We need that skill because of the deficiencies of the o-line. Coming into the season, I really expected to be 3-0 after next week but now think RU will beat us. Lets go get the App State OC.
MDHokie79 September 10, 2023 at 4:26 PM

Bowl? Yes, still in reach but HIGHLY unlikely.
boyd September 10, 2023 at 3:30 PM

Wells never runs, always hands off. The oc will say they are called runs to take the heat off Wells. The defense knows this, so it is easy to stop, there are never any outside runs or jet sweeps or reverses ever caller by the oc. This will be a very long season.
1. dmspartans54 September 11, 2023 at 1:16 AM
  
  Did you ever think anyone on here would miss VT's jet sweep?
boyd September 10, 2023 at 3:24 PM

he never runs, of course the oc is going to say that they are designed runs to keep the heat off the qb. this makes it easy for the defense to stop the run, which will be up the middle, no called outside runs or jet sweep or reverse.
Mamajc September 10, 2023 at 2:32 PM

I feel really bad for Tuten. He came from a program that he put up major numbers and he’s busting his butt at VT and getting nothing. I can only imagine how frustrated he is. I was really glad he ran it out from 4 yards deep in the end zone and made a nice run. I also noticed how Felton had a little more effort in getting to the ball when Drones threw to him. Coincidence?
1. earmuffs September 10, 2023 at 3:12 PM
  
  Well, he needs to bust some OL butts and demand better. Otherwise he’s just part of the problem.
  1. dmspartans54 September 11, 2023 at 1:16 AM
    
    Did you ever think anyone on here would miss VT's jet sweep?
MKD September 10, 2023 at 2:31 PM

Unfortunately, I think yesterday's loss could be the beginning of a 6 game losing streak. I sure hope I'm wrong... VT just doesn't pass the eye test. It looks like the exact same team as last year. Over 90% of the formations, receiver routes, motions, personnel groupings, run plays, and play calling is identical to 2022, so I expect the same results. Hokie for life....
1. jecvtmgr September 10, 2023 at 6:08 PM
  
  Yes sir exactly
TomA September 10, 2023 at 2:27 PM

It's looking like a 3 or 4-win season…
1. pharlap_99 September 11, 2023 at 7:28 AM
  
  I hope you are correct that we get to 4 wins but please tell me which games are even possible wins, especially with our injuries yesterday. this team, while decent in stretches, also is inexperienced-enough and talent poor to not win another game. of course I hope they improve, get to 5 or 6 wins
mygreenbaypackers September 10, 2023 at 2:26 PM

Let's give Drones a chance. He may have the toughness and IT factor we need. We have nothing to lose.
VTVOICE September 10, 2023 at 1:46 PM

I can't but wonder what Whit hiring an experienced HC following FU would have been. I do believe his first choice was Wake's Clawson, but Clawson couldn't be enticed to leave. How unfortunate. I like Pry, but his hiring of inexperienced coordinators should have been a red flag to Whit, and should remain so now. I also think Whit's fate should be tied to Pry's. VT can't allow its football brand to become insignificant which has begun to happen. Just look at VT's football record against P5 opponents, especially non-conference.
1. atlhokie1 September 10, 2023 at 2:07 PM
  
  Inexperienced coordinators who were paid like veterans. Can we call up the ODU OC and offer him a job?
  1. mrbutler52 September 10, 2023 at 10:23 PM
    
    I was thinking the same thing while watching his creative formations giving Tech’s defense fits.
  2. dmspartans54 September 11, 2023 at 1:17 AM
    
    Did you ever think anyone on here would miss VT's jet sweep?
  3. TimmyBarkVT September 11, 2023 at 4:02 AM
    
    +1
2. pharlap_99 September 11, 2023 at 7:20 AM
  
  WB is a disaster for football. Awesome for the rest of the athletic department tho. He needs to go immediately, as 1) football is king, especially today and 2) the well-known fiefdom in the AD will be dissolved once WB is gone. I don't feel we can wait much longer to correct that situation. shame ... WB is a nice guy, has done amazing work on the "lesser" sports, especially women's programs
VT Dogster September 10, 2023 at 1:12 PM

"That’s why coaches wear headsets." ...LOL...
23434 September 10, 2023 at 1:10 PM

Thanks Andy for the interesting article. It can’t be easy to write this. Maybe next week things will change for the better. Pre-Frank was like this and eventually things worked out.
1. HokieGuru September 10, 2023 at 2:32 PM
  
  It can’t be easy? It’s literally his job and remember, he’s a professional beat writer, not a Hokie fan (even though we’d like him to be)
VicDrit September 10, 2023 at 1:00 PM

Superb analysis, Andy! Even though Purdue was big and pushed us around, this game was still winnable had we not suffered a few injuries and brought Drones in earlier.
Brad-97 September 10, 2023 at 1:00 PM

We had plans last night so I missed from about halfway through the second quarter through to the end and of course my recording is full of snippets from other games. Offensive ineptitude aside, all I remember on the defensive side was how lost our linebackers looked on the field. What the heck happened after that? How did we adjust to finally slow them down? We seem to always be behind on X’s and O’s early in the game and then forced to catch up schematically. I know there is a lot of inexperience out there, but I feel like when they are coached and adjustments are finally made, they do catch on. I just feel like the lack of effective game planning is putting undue burden on the kids and makes me question why any recruit worth their salt would choose to subject themselves to that.
hokie4life93 September 10, 2023 at 12:59 PM

Andy, did you stay in the press box the entire day? Curious how you spent the long delay. What did the other writers do?
1. Andy Bitter September 11, 2023 at 7:52 AM
  
  Watched a lot of football on TV and sought out food once the concourse wasn't overflowing with people. It was a *long* day, but at least I stayed dry.
Spartacusjones September 10, 2023 at 12:59 PM

Rather than call Wells the "better" passer, I'd say he is the more experienced passer. While Wells showed nice touch and accuracy in the Spring Game, that just has not generally been repeated in games. Drones has shown he can hit those short, middle of the field crossing patterns just as well and adds a run threat that WELLS JUST CANNOT MATCH. when the Hokies line up with Wells and a single back on an obvious running play, the defense pretty much ignores Wells as a possible threat. They don't even honor the rare QB ryn option. if he was more consistent on longer passes, it might help loosen up the defense, but that hasn't happened. He starts every game playing tight and then it takes time for him to relax enough to throw anything other than a frozen rope. Drones has to be able to at least match that passing performance in a game.
1. Mark Duncan September 10, 2023 at 1:13 PM
  
  Does anyone remember a single play this year where Wells actually READ the DE and either gave or kept based on the read? All the inside zones look like straight gives to the tailback. Are we running the RPO at all?
  1. boyd September 10, 2023 at 3:21 PM
    
    he never runs, of course the oc is going to say that they are designed runs to keep the heat off the qb. this makes it easy for the defense to stop the run, which will be up the middle, no called outside runs or jet sweep or reverse.
Tailgate Guru September 10, 2023 at 12:57 PM

Until we have some kind of scheme to allow Tuten and Thomas to run without getting hit at or behind the line of scrimmage, it really doesn’t matter whether they put vintage Michael Vick or Tom Brady in the game; the offense will still struggle.
Mark Duncan September 10, 2023 at 12:46 PM

I have really tried to be a Tyler Bowen fan but now even sportswriters and the Head Coach are pointing out what I have been saying since the middle of last season...NO imagination from the OC. At one point yesterday after an incomplete pass (2nd and 10), I said: "Here comes the Inside Zone." And there it was for a loss. Pry won't do it, but he needs to make a change now.
1. phoenixhokie September 10, 2023 at 10:35 PM
  
  At the end of the season, not after game 2. Making an OC change NOW is short sided and leads to nothing but chaos in the locker room, the portal, in recruiting and on the field.
  1. pharlap_99 September 11, 2023 at 7:09 AM
    
    that's bs. plenty of successful college programs have fired an OC during the season and went on to have great years. it's not ideal, but when needed, should be done so asap. bowen can be re-assigned (pry likes to say he will bring someone in to help TB) but best for all if they cut ties now. also, will barely make a dent in recruiting ... kids aren't coming to VT to play for TB
    1. GOML September 11, 2023 at 12:53 PM
      
      "that’s bs. plenty of successful college programs have fired an OC during the season and went on to have great years." Not "gotcha" questions: 1) Do you have any examples of the above? 2) Were they 'Blue Blood'/ Top Tier programs? Thanks. Thanks.
gaholder81 September 10, 2023 at 12:46 PM

After this season Pry will have a decision to make that may be the most important of his career. Stick with Bowen or go for someone competent. Pry's future at VT depends on it. And should.
Chasesfish September 10, 2023 at 12:42 PM

Unfortunately you're spot on with the 2019 comparison. 13 games in, everyone knows what they have with Wells. It's time to accept more volatility for more upside and see what you have.
1. Austin Gobbler September 10, 2023 at 3:58 PM
  
  I definitely laughed at this quote, "Northwestern, possibly the worst Power 5 team...".....I hope I'm wrong but VT Football is starting to emulate VT men's basketball under James Johnson. I hope the VT football team turns it around this season. I'm a big fan of Pry with his personality and relationship with fans, alumni and supporters. However, the "head cheerleader" needs to quickly begin acting as the "head coach". The after game comments this season are sounding an awful lot like last year's comments. GO HOKIES!
Maroon Effect September 10, 2023 at 12:39 PM

I’m venturing a guess there is no “Drones package” beyond coach-speak. (I’m not even sure there’s even a Wells package!) But to chuck an ice cold Drones into the game for the one and only time at the 2 minute drill is a bizarre decision to say the least.
Hokie MCPO September 10, 2023 at 12:32 PM

Sobering to read. Still a good article.
AlrightGuy September 10, 2023 at 12:31 PM

Why stop at Drones? From watching the spring game, Pop Watson has more shake and bake than Ricky Bobby.
1. Smirnoff September 10, 2023 at 8:57 PM
  
  This!!
2. HOKIEFROY September 10, 2023 at 10:45 PM
  
  Not exactly a quality sample of talent or ability.
Tbone8147 September 10, 2023 at 12:28 PM

To bad Fuente had no personality & Pry is a VT cheerleader but he & his assistants are very bad at coaching. Not looking good again this season.
GO_HOKIES_GO September 10, 2023 at 12:26 PM

Drones is likely to start because Wells is injured (he should have been inserted once it was obvious Wells could no longer scramble). Now everyone can see that it is not the QB but the coaching that is the problem - the opposite of the Corn-Fu regime which was quite successful with healthy personnel.
DADEC52 September 10, 2023 at 12:19 PM

Wish I had something original to say. The "O" concept, scheme, rhythm is worse than any we have had in my memory and I seen some bad since '68. Does not seem to be any feel to it at all. We could all say more but until Bowen and possibly Pry are gone it doesn't look good.
No_Limit_Hokie September 10, 2023 at 12:16 PM

Using Vanilla to describe the Offense, is offensive to Vanilla.
1. MYNAMEISHOKIE September 10, 2023 at 1:23 PM
  
  Yeah vanilla may be basic, but it's still pretty tasty and gets the job done as a flavor. This offense is just straight-up tasteless and bland. When Bowen used the one play from Fresno that scored Tuten, the misdirection stuck out like a sore thumb to me (in a good way) - until the commentators said where it came from, I got excited that maybe Bowen actually had a little creativity he hadn't shown us yet.
Walkin` Willie September 10, 2023 at 12:16 PM

I'm definitely in the camp that Drones should start mainly to give the running game a boost like was said in the article. I wouldn't be real happy if I was Wells though because the unimaginative running game would lead to the decision to replace Wells, not any particular thing on his part. All that being said, we have got to do something to get the running backs more space and running up the middle is not it.
1. mrbutler52 September 10, 2023 at 10:40 PM
  
  I disagree that Wells is blameless. He has consistently shown an inability to make the right decision while reading defenses in the RPO. He has not gone through progressions and missed receivers flashing open. Often it looks like he made up his mind where the ball was going before the snap. He has not touch on his passes. 90% of them are fastballs that are hard to handle, especially if the pass isn’t perfectly placed.
Hokie101 September 10, 2023 at 12:13 PM

I have to go and swallow a couple of acid reflux pills Gonna be another long season
1. MDHokie79 September 10, 2023 at 4:27 PM
  
  Bowl? Yes, still in reach but HIGHLY unlikely.
  1. LXNTN_HOKIE September 10, 2023 at 10:11 PM
    
    Probably the only Bowl they'll see this year is when they go to the restroom. Lol.
2. MDHokie79 September 10, 2023 at 4:29 PM
  
  Already a long season! Tum, tum tums!

Five Thoughts The Day After Virginia Tech's Loss To Purdue

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