After Kyron Drones' performance Saturday, the Hokies need to put to be any thoughts of a two-QB system even when Grant Wells is healthy again. (Jon Fleming)
The streak is over. Which one? You name it.
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Back to the Wells-Drones debate: there was one completion Drones threw that Wells simply would not have: the throw over the middle to Lane who took it to the house. Drones was about to get absolutely demolished and stood tall and delivered a great catchable ball. Wells has his strong points but would he have a) also waited until that just-right moment to dump off the ball or would he have b) gotten rid of the ball long before that point? Would Wells have a) delivered it with the touch needed or b) zipped it like a heat-seeking missile. In a game of inches, it appears that Drones, while not perfect by any stretch, gives VT a little more to work with, and seems to be improving with each game.
KKPsiHokie
Having not seen a game all season until this one I thought the OL not good and the right side was particularly awful. But thankfully Bowen schemed rollouts and screens away from that side just enough that Pitt couldn’t just count on it. And I also loved picking up that needed one yard for the first down on a quick snap from under center.
eghokie15
Let's Go Hokies!
I haven't taken the time to read through every message board but from what I've seen, no one is talking about the terrible snaps on special teams. A couple of those were saved plays by our place holder and our punter. Stu Holt needs to dig in and find better because at some point, everyone's focus is going to be on the snaps.
Hokie67
How badly did FSU beat BC. Hmmm, Hope springs eternal. Tally is tough - but VT did it 1963! :-)
HokieGuru
And in 2018!
bonedoc
Push the Koolaide away. Stop drinking.
TeamCampbellME
I agree. Can't go back to Wells, at all. You would lose the recruiting battle for both transfers and HS kids. What would the message be? Some would say it's honoring a commitment made or dedication to the team. But that matters to the less gifted players more than the talented. If you are committed to winning, you play the best at each position.
Spartacusjones
I was impressed by how so many of the D-Line played a part in the success against Pitt. They are all going to be needed to have a chance against the talent and depth FSU will bring to the game.
Lane2024
Drones clearly has a higher ceiling than Wells, who has not really improved in 16 games. Hopefully, Drones is the man and will continue to improve with more experience. Same for Bowen, love the run game but maybe eventually, we’ll audible out of a first down run when the D has 8 or 9 in the box.
OhioHokie74
It sucks to be Wells, but it is good for the team that an injury forced the coaching staff to use the more effective QB. After watching Fuente choose Burmeister over Hooker, it was like déjà vu seeing Fry go with Wells. Drones may not be a Heisman candidate like Hooker, but his skill set gives the team a lot more offensive options than they showed under Wells. A well-called game by Bowen gives me hope for the team for the first time in years.
Spartacusjones
I wouldn't count Wells out yet. Suppose that Wells gets "healthy" in the next week or two. Further suppose that Bowen has had an epiphany and understands 5hat he has to tailor the game 0lan for the capabilities of the players. Given that Wells "lost" his job due to injury, and the apparent high regard the coaches have for his passing ability, I can see a scenario where they play Wells 2i5h a totally different package as a surprise to an opponent expecting Drones. Pry seems to have a liking for that kind of roster 8ndirection.
I-W-K-Y-I-T-N
Wells is done and should be if these donks want to keep their jobs. None of this new strat works with a statue. I’d rather see pop if Drones goes down.
https://youtu.be/uq-v1TTUyhM?si=XRBt_Tx3vEBsZWOd
OhioHokie74
It sucks to be Wells, but it is good for the team that an injury forced the coaching staff to use the more effective QB. After watching Fuente choose Burmeister over Hooker, it was like déjà vu seeing Fry go with Wells. Drones may not be a Heisman candidate like Hooker, but his skill set gives the team a lot more offensive options than they showed under Wells. A well-called game by Bowen gives me hope for the team for the first time in years.
lazarus1
give relatively new offensive line coach, Crook, for improvement there. He seems to be making a difference.
IB4TECH
We all know the most important position in football - QUARTERBACK.
That is probably demonstrated by Wake having so many good years. Look at Wake now.
That is probably demonstrated by Duke now.
We cannot afford not to have Kyron Drones as the starting qb. Yep, Bowen all of a sudden looked like a genius instead of a buffoon last night. It's funny how talent makes coaches look better.
GO_HOKIES_GO
That was what night football at Lane used to be - good in all three phases and the score did not reflect the magnitude of the butt-whipping the Hokies gave the Panthers. Sign me up for more of these please…..
Techman77
Great Win! I thought they'd been improving all along, it just didn't show up in the win column. I guess you could say they've turned the corner, but I think it's more linear than that. Not only do we have inexperienced players, we also have coaches with limited experience in their roles. I think the win reflects the efforts of both the coaches and the players to get better. I'm expecting a bright future.
LXNTN_HOKIE
Both young players and coaches are learning on the job and seem to be getting better. Go Hokies.
4Hokies4U
Andy, always look forward to the five thoughts, good stuff glad you are at TSL
Hokie Witch
I saw not 1 single movie or t.v. reference. Must be to support the strike?
hokiedad25
The strike is over.
El Paso Hokie
Watching this team finally look competent in all areas was encouraging and earning a mostly comfortable victory was an unexpected but pleasant surprise. What I still want to see is: (i) a VT defense that doesn't give up multiple 50+ yard plays per game, and (ii) an o-line that can hold blocks so that defenders aren't meeting the QB and RB in the backfield the moment they get the ball. In any event, last night showed some nice signs of progress and hopefully this team will continue to improve as the season goes on.
dllawson
Well done Coach Pry!
I don’t care how bad people think Pitt is, punching them in the face for 60 minutes was extremely satisfying.
Cheesehokie
+1
TomTurkey
Bad opponent, but dominated. That is all. Great article. But you knew that. ?
jfhokie
I think they go 6-6 especially since none of the teams aftert FSU are that scary. If they stay healthy I think they win the home games, beat UVA at least
01_hokie
While the opponent was awful, the win was thorough and the eye test was favorable. I think we win 4 or 5 this year as long as Drones stays healthy. 6 would be great. More important than our record is a) how we compete b) how Bowen does as a play-caller and c) how our performance affects recruiting momentum.
Tailgate Guru
Tech’s performance against Pitt can best be attributed to a better plan, better play calling and a gradually improving offensive line.
Techman77
Don't forget Drones.
slday55
Andy, great article and the reason I’m subbed. Did the O line get better as well or did Bowen scheme around it?
Andy Bitter
I think they held up OK. I don’t think they were great, though. Bowen’s game plan helped.
hokiepro
I think Meadows is an upgrade over B Moore at LG. Definitely size wise
tkellyvt01
Let’s remember this was a home game against an equally awful team.
dllawson
What I can’t remember, is the last time the Hokies dominated any team at home.
Well done team!
SkykingHokie
Memento mori
hokiepearls
Love your thoughts!!! Great assessment! Go Hokies!!!
HokiesE96
Over-under on wins is a comfortable 5.5
To go the over VT is going to probably need a win (or 2) over a team we aren’t expected to beat.
Today I would bet the over. Friday, not so much. Ask me again on October 15th after Wake
hokiepro
Yep the next two home games COULD be turning points for the Pry era
38 Comments