Virginia Tech, Mose Phillips, Mansoor Delane
Execution errors plagued Virginia Tech, especially in the second half. (Virginia Tech)

The play-calling pitchforks were out for the offense after this game, though with a pile of drives in the first three quarters ending because easy first downs were dropped, taken back by penalties, and ended in open receivers being badly missed, I’d say preparation, focus, and player health were bigger issues. Execution problems also eventually dimmed the shine on what had been a great plan and performance by the defense. The biggest play-calling issue for both sides might’ve been not having enough practice reps for a given play, and then the usual “the defense called a better play” or “it made no sense for the down/distance/game situation” criticisms.