At halfway point, Virginia Tech offense carrying load

BLACKSBURG Virginia Tech gets its only open date this week, and it comes at a perfect time for the Hokies, whose first seven games were among the most challenging in college football.

They almost made it through that gantlet with their national championship hopes intact. But Saturday's 28-23 loss at Georgia Tech knocked them out of that race and dropped them to 5-2 (3-1 ACC). Though they remain in contention for their third consecutive ACC championship and Orange Bowl appearance, their final five games -- which seem easier than the first seven -- will determine their fate.

The combined record of their first seven opponents: 34-12. The combined record of their final five: 16-17. Their schedule so far ranks as the nation's second-toughest, according to the computer rankings compiled by USA Today's Jeff Sagarin.

The Hokies play again next Thursday night, at home against North Carolina. Then they play three of their final four games on the road. Despite Saturday's setback, coach Frank Beamer, in his 23rd year, believes the season still holds promise.

"I think this football team can be one of the very best we've had," he said. Maybe so. But as they take a breather just past the halfway mark of their regular-season schedule, let's assess their performance in those first seven games.

OFFENSE: The Hokies could only go up, it seemed, after ranking 99th or worse nationally in yards per game the past three seasons. And they have improved. They rank 59th, averaging 380 yards per game. They exceeded that average just twice in the previous eight seasons: 2005 (380.9) and 2003 (401.8).

Thanks to tailback Ryan Williams and quarterback Tyrod Taylor, they are a better big-play offense. They have 30 long plays (runs of 20-plus yards or passes of 25-plus), compared to 32 in 14 games last season.

Williams, a redshirt freshman, ranks eighth nationally, with 119.1 rushing yards per game. Provided Tech plays 14 games, he is on pace to run for 1,668 yards -- 21 more than Kevin Jones single-season school record. Jones set it in 13 games in 2003.

Taylor, a junior, is blossoming in his third year as a starter. Last season, he threw for 1,036 yards, averaged six yards per attempt and tossed two touchdowns and seven interceptions. This season: 1,154 yards, 9.8 yards per attempt (tied for best in the country), nine touchdowns and three interceptions.

"He gives you hope," Beamer said.

GRADE: A-

DEFENSE: Bud Foster, in his 15th season as Tech's defensive coordinator, is not getting the usual dominating performances from his group.

The past five seasons, the Hokies finished in the top nine nationally in yards and points allowed per game. This season's ranks: 39th in yards (317.4), 31st in points (19.1). Foster's defense has allowed more yards in a season just four times and more points only twice.

While Tech's offense is enjoying big plays, the defense is allowing too many, especially against the run. The Hokies have surrendered 25 long plays (12 20-plus runs, 13 25-plus passes). Their totals from the previous four seasons: 42, 33, 22 and 27. Their most 20-plus runs allowed in a year during that span -- 14 last season.

GRADE: B-

SPECIAL TEAMS: The Hokies' punt coverage is better. Last season, opponents returned three punts for touchdowns. This season: zero.

Sophomore wide receiver Dyrell Roberts continues to excel on kickoff returns, averaging 40.8 yards per return -- second in the nation.

Last season the Hokies blocked five kicks -- the eighth time in nine years they blocked at least four. This season they have blocked one.

Their new kicker, senior Matt Waldron, is 9 of 11, missing from 25 yards in the rain against Miami and from 49 against Boston College. His longest successful kick: 40.

GRADE: B+

Contact Darryl Slater at (804) 649-6026 or dslater@timesdispatch.com.