High-scoring attacks on display in opener
Boise State’s first lesson in preparation for Virginia Tech almost certainly had to do with the suffocating defense and game-changing special teams have epitomized Frank Beamer’s two-and-a-half decade coaching tenure in Blacksburg.
But the high-octane Broncos know they’ll also encounter a different challenge at FedEx Field in Landover on Monday, one than is more than simply “Beamer Ball” in black uniforms. This matchup has the distinct possibility of turning one of the biggest games of the year into one of the highest scoring.
The Hokies arrive in Washington boasting their most potent offense since the days of Michael Vick, with running backs to spare (Ryan Williams, Darren Evans and David Wilson) and dual-threat quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2,311 yards passing, 370 rushing in 2009).
“We think we’re always going to have an explosive guy in the game,” said Beamer, whose team averaged more than 38 points in each of its final four games last year.
The Broncos, for one, agree.
“It’s a different style that we haven’t seen,” Boise State head coach Chris Petersen said. “We probably haven’t seen this combination with a power-run game and an elusive quarterback that is as scary as those guys when he breaks contain.”
But the Broncos defense faces that same caliber of firepower every day in practice. Boise State, which will wear its own special grey uniform on Monday, tied for best in the country with 42.2 points per game last season, and Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Kellen Moore (39 touchdowns, 3 interceptions) highlights an offense that returns 10 of 11 starters.
Playing a West Coast-style that gets the ball out of Moore’s hands quickly, the Broncos will put immense pressure on Virginia Tech’s lesser-experienced defense, especially the linebackers and cornerbacks.
‘’They’ve got a lot of experience coming back, and we’re missing some playmakers from last year,” said Beamer, who is still in search of his first season-opening victory on a neutral site. The Hokies have lost three attempts so far, including the last two years to Alabama in Atlanta and East Carolina in Charlotte.
“How quickly we can play consistent in all areas, that’s the question for us,” he added.
Combine the big-time offensive potential on both sides of the ball with the first game of the season, and the result is lost sleep the last few weeks for each coaching staff. Sharp tackling can often go missing early in the year.
“It just always shows up,” Petersen said, “and these guys, their forte is breaking tackles.”
