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Virginia Tech vs Tennessee Recap: 3 Things We Learned

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Things looked good early for the Hokies before they fell 45-24 to the Tennessee Volunteers. But after the first quarter, the Volunteers would respond…

It was a tale of two quarters in the first half in the Battle at Bristol Speedway between the Virginia Tech Hokies and Tennessee Volunteers. The Virginia Tech Hokies came out firing on offense, scoring on their first two possessions and jumping out to a 14-point lead.

But the Volunteers would not be denied, scoring 24 straight points to take the lead and all the momentum in the process. Then, Tennessee came out in the second half and scored 21 points and forced five Hokies’ turnovers (four fumbles).

There were some growing pains for a young Virginia Tech squad while Tennessee’s experience and focus overcame some adversity after the first quarter.

The Volunteers pulled out the victory in the end, leaving the Hokies in the dust and here’s what we learned…

Josh Dobbs Has Matured As A Quarterback

Nov 29, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Josh Dobbs (11) during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. The Volunteers won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Volunteers offense definitely needed a spark after their overtime victory in Week 1 over Appalachian State. Tennessee had 242 rushing yards in the game. Part of those rushing yards were due to the play at quarterback.

Volunteers quarterback Josh Dobbs was a spark. Dobbs was 10 for 19 with 91 passing yards and three passing touchdowns in the game. He also showed off his running ability with 106 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Dobbs answered the call when the Volunteers needed him the most, leading the offense to a 45 point performance. The 106 rushing yards by Josh Dobbs was the most ever by a Tennessee quarterback.

Turnovers Are the Volunteers Best Friend

A fumble by Hokies quarterback Jerod Evans, however, would give the Vols the ball on their own 5 yard line. And in the process, give Tennessee all the momentum they would need in this game.

After the Hokies opened the game with a 14-0 lead, the Volunteers closed out the first half with 24 unanswered points. The Volunteers went up 24-14 on the Hokies at the half.

The Volunteers forced six turnovers in the game and the Hokies just could not seem to recover from their first fumble. The Volunteers sacked the Hokies three times as well.

The Hokies Offense is On the Right Track, But They Need to Limit Turnovers

The Hokies outgained Tennessee in offensive yardage 193-6 in the first 12 minutes to take a 14-0 lead over the Volunteers. The Hokies were averaging 8.8 yards per play at one point. It was safe to say Virginia Tech put a lot of doubt in the minds of the Volunteers in the early going.

The Hokies could not seem to get things going after turning the ball over to begin the second quarter. The offense punted the ball three times and did not achieve a first down in the second quarter. In the first quarter, the Hokies offense achieved 10 first downs.

After that, the Hokies offense scored 10 points.

Virginia Tech has a very good defensive Boston College team next week as well, so learning from this loss is certainly key.

Highlights

The Volunteers have the Ohio Bobcats next week which should certainly boost their confidence a bit more on offense.

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