Before Virginia Tech's season opener against No. 5 Alabama, beleaguered Hokies offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring said the offense "should be improved" this season. He was wrong. And now after only one game, his critics, which were quite vocal last season, are calling for his job. Again.
The Hokies lost their opener to the Crimson Tide 34-24 and the offense managed only 155 total yards. Three big plays accounted for 87 of those yards. It was a dismal offensive performance in which Tech's "improved" offensive line was gutted, allowing five sacks. This is the same offense that has given up more sacks in the last two seasons than any other D-IA program.
Stinespring's offense has finished 99th, 100th and 103rd out of 120 teams in each of the last three seasons. Regardless, head coach Frank Beamer has steadfastly defended his offensive coordinator, routinely pointing to the four-straight 10-win seasons.
The Hokies defense held its own for the first three quarters. Twice the Hokies fumbled a kick return that gave the Tide excellent field position. But Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster's defense held Alabama to a pair of field goals.
Heading into the third quarter, the Hokies had a 17-16 lead. Tech's defense, however, spent more than 14 more minutes on the field than Bama's defense because the Hokies' offense was unable to sustain drives. That meant a tired Tech defense gave up 18 fourth-quarter points and an unthinkable 498 yards to a young and unproven Tide offense.
The Hokies (0-1) go back to the drawing board on offense heading into their Sept. 12 home opener against Marshall. Kickoff is at 1:30.
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