7 days ago3 min read

Hokies Hope to Avoid Trap Game at Syracuse

Virginia Tech DE Antwaun Powell-Ryland — © Peter Casey - Imagn Images

The Virginia Tech Hokies (5-3, 3-1) welcome the Syracuse Orange (5-2, 2-2) to Lane Stadium for a Noon EST Atlantic Coast Conference game on Nov. 2. The Orange are looking to rebound from a tough performance at No. 19 Pitt (7-0, 3-0) and become bowl eligible. Meanwhile, the Hokies’ are clawing to stay in the ACC title game talk. One more loss will likely eliminate their chances. Will Syracuse play spoiler or will the Hokies’ continue their winning streak and keep hope alive?

Run Hokies’ Run

Virginia Tech’s backfield is one of the most dynamic in the country. Quarterback Kyron Drones and running back Bhayshul Tuten have been a force to be reckoned with all season. The Hokies are averaging 195 rushing yards per game led by Tuten, currently ranked No. 5 in rushing yards. Tuten has rushed for more than 100 yards in five games this year, including an outstanding night against Boston College (4-4, 1-3) where he recorded 266 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Once defenses are tired from the bruising running style of Tuten, they have to deal with the elusive Drones. Drones can change the outcome of any game with his accuracy in the passing game, but he is most valuable to the Hokies offense when he can create in both the passing and running game. Drones is top 30 in running yards in the ACC, one of the few quarterbacks to crack the list so highly. His best rushing game came at Old Dominion (4-4, 3-1 Sun Belt Conference) when he amassed 117 rushing yards to compliment his 176 passing yards.

Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten and QB Kyron Drones — © Sam Navarro - Imagn Images

Virginia Tech’s Keys

Bhayshul Tuten, RB

Tuten runs through defenses like the NFL does “Uncrustables," and he will need to continue that dominance this week. Tuten’s running ability will keep Syracuse on its heels, which is the last position to be in if the plan is to make a tackle.

Defensive Line

The Hokies’ defensive line is tied for fourth in the NCAA and is led by senior defensive end Antwuan Powell-Ryland, who has accounted for 11 of the team’s 26 sacks this season. Their ability to create pressure and rush Kyle McCord will greatly affect the game’s outcome.

Syracuse Avoiding a Slide

Last week left a sour taste in the mouths of Syracuse and its fans. The dependable Orange offense was anything but that last week as McCord threw more touchdowns to Pitt’s defenders than his receivers. It was an all-around tough day for the Orange as their running game only produced 6 total yards, despite 15 carries from their top back LeQuint Allen.

Syracuse’s Air Raid is their bread and butter. They must find ways to get their talented corp of receivers involved early and often. Syracuse needs big performances this week from names like Umari Hatcher and Oronde Gadsden II who both disappeared in the loss last week.

Syracuse’s Keys

Kyle McCord QB

Bouncing back from his worst collegiate performance will not be easy against the Hokies defensive line but McCord must be up to the challenge. The Orange needs his leadership and veteran savvy to right the ship and spoil the Hokies’ waning chances at an ACC title game.

Syracuse QB Kyle McCord — © Barry Reeger - Imagn Images

Offensive Line

The Syracuse offensive line cannot afford a repeat of last week’s 4 sack performance. Their ability to protect McCord is vital to the success of this team.

Game Prediction

This will be an exciting game early but expect Virginia Tech to capitalize on their matchups in the trenches. The Hokies defensive line should create problems for Syracuse, keeping McCord and his receivers timing off. This should bode well for Virginia Tech’s offense which will have ample opportunities to put points on the scoreboard. Expect the Hokies to win in a high-scoring game. Virginia Tech 38, Syracuse 27.