The game couldn't have started much better. Aside from a missed field goal (at a point when kicking it was a poor decision by the coaches), VT marched down the field a couple times, and nothing was doing at al for UT. The Hokie offense looked much more diverse - and that gave QB Jerod Evans some easier decisions and comfort running the show.
Big Hokie mistakes - a poorly-timed snap that his the motion-man for a turnover, a few penalties on offensive linemen, even a third-and-short dive against a stacked front - opened the door a crack for the Vols, and Butch Jones's crew has waltzed right through.
As
stated in the preview, giving a UT offensive line that has played terribly so far this year any confidence was the worst thing that could happen, and Virginia Tech started to do just that after the opening frame. The Vols' first two touchdowns came on a ten-yard fade route (after the aforementioned Hokie fumble) and another long bomb, and once the Vols saw a little bit of success, they front five started playing much better.
That said, VT saw that the left side of the interior, in particular, is vulnerable, and that Josh Dobbs is basically a mediocre quarterback with his arm (though he thankfully has some really good weapons to bail him out at times). The Hokies need to get back to pressuring him, and get the Vol run game out of a rhythm.
VT showed that they're better man-for-man through the first quarter, and despite poor play since, it seems to be Hokie mistakes giving a lesser opponent (although one that doesn't see itself as lesser) not only momentum, but a big lead. If Virginia Tech can come out and play to their capability to open the second half, they can reverse some of that momentum, but to a certain degree the damage may be done - the Vols have some confidence through no fault of their own, and a 10-point deficit will be tough to overcome if UT can parlay that confidence into more consistent play.
