MiamiVice7
Senior
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2011
- Messages
- 4,742
I think we're really going to need to break off some chunks in the running game this weekend. This means the Oline must come to play, and Crawford (and Clements/Gus) need to see the creases and hit 'em quickly and with purpose.
In thinking about Duke being out, I'm comfortable with Crawford stepping in overall. He is shifty, strong, and runs with "juice" (as one VT player commented). But the difference so far has been the big play. I'm confident Crawford can get his 3-4 or so per clip, and he might break off a 10 yarder here and there. But Duke, of course, has a tendency to rip off some 20+ gainers... the type of plays that at worst flip field position, and at best get us in the end zone.
Given Stephen's tendencies (read: erratic), both generally and against VT specifically, plus our injury riddled WR group, the running game becomes that much more important. And VT has a **** of a D. So I'm concerned at the thought of mostly running for 2-4 ypc all day long. I think that can work, meaning we can grind it out, IF we generate some chunk running plays. But we may be in trouble if VT limits those chunks and we're forced into unfavorable down/distance situations, and looking to pass more than we want to.
Thoughts?
Thing is, I feel Crawford is talented enough for big (enough) runs, we just haven't really seen it yet. To be fair, his touches have obviously been limited. Over the next several games, he'll certainly get more opportunities.
Hope the Oline is ready to move some Hokies and that Diamond Dallas can bust a few on Saturday.
In thinking about Duke being out, I'm comfortable with Crawford stepping in overall. He is shifty, strong, and runs with "juice" (as one VT player commented). But the difference so far has been the big play. I'm confident Crawford can get his 3-4 or so per clip, and he might break off a 10 yarder here and there. But Duke, of course, has a tendency to rip off some 20+ gainers... the type of plays that at worst flip field position, and at best get us in the end zone.
Given Stephen's tendencies (read: erratic), both generally and against VT specifically, plus our injury riddled WR group, the running game becomes that much more important. And VT has a **** of a D. So I'm concerned at the thought of mostly running for 2-4 ypc all day long. I think that can work, meaning we can grind it out, IF we generate some chunk running plays. But we may be in trouble if VT limits those chunks and we're forced into unfavorable down/distance situations, and looking to pass more than we want to.
Thoughts?
Thing is, I feel Crawford is talented enough for big (enough) runs, we just haven't really seen it yet. To be fair, his touches have obviously been limited. Over the next several games, he'll certainly get more opportunities.
Hope the Oline is ready to move some Hokies and that Diamond Dallas can bust a few on Saturday.
