No. 22 Virginia Tech Looks To End Losing Skid Against East Carolina

Sports News - November 4th, 2009 - Written by Scott

Early last month, Virginia Tech (5-3, 3-2) was right in the middle of a chance at a possible national title shot. Things have drastically changed for the Hokies as they have lost two straight after a set back last week to North Carolina. The Tar Heels kicked a field goal as time expired to get the upset. They will have an opportunity to end their two-game skid as they travel to play East Carolina on Thursday night. The Pirates (5-3, 4-1) have won two straight and beat Memphis 38-19 last Tuesday. They are in first in the East division of Conference USA and a win over the Hokies would send them into their final three conference games with a lot of confidence. Virginia Tech gave up a 14 point lead last year to the Pirates and lost 27-22.

Virginia Tech will need to regroup after they managed only 256 yards of total offense last week. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor did not have his best game last week after missing quite a few open receivers. For the year, he has thrown for 1,315 yards and 9 touchdowns. The bright spot for the Hokies' offense has come from running back Ryan Williams. Williams is one of the best backs in the country and has rushed for 930 yards and 10 touchdowns. Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale continue to play solid at wide receiver. They have combined for 748 yards and 5 touchdowns. The key for Tech will come from the play of Taylor. If he is consistent, the Hokies can be very explosive on offense.

The problem for the Hokies defense has been stopping the run and they gave up 181 yards to North Carolina last week. They will be tested on Thursday against a team that is averaging 149 yards on the ground. Virginia Tech has done well with putting pressure on the quarterback and will need to continue it this week.

East Carolina got their running game going last week and rushed for 275 yards against Memphis. Dominique Lindsay leads their group of backs with 570 yards and 3 touchdowns. Quarterback Patrick Pinkney has been up and down all season. He has passed for 1,515 yards and 8 touchdowns, but has thrown 9 interceptions. Dwayne Harris is their leader at receiver with 570 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Pirates have been very explosive early in all their games this year and have outscored their opponents 72-27 in the first quarter. A good start on Thursday will be crucial against the Hokies.

The Pirates have done a good job of stopping the run this season and are only allowing 108 yards on the ground per game. They have experienced, however, troubles in stopping the pass. They do have a strong front four and will need to pressure Taylor frequently to force him into bad decisions.

Virginia Tech will be favored on the road against East Carolina by 13 according to BetUS sportsbook. The Hokies will look to end their 2 game losing skid and climb back up in the NCAA College Football Standings.

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