Running away with it

We all know there are three keys to Virginia Tech football - the way Frank Beamer would ideally like every game to go.

(1) Ball control offense - a power running game.
(2) Opportunistic defense - a score or two wouldn't hurt.
(3) Control Time of Possession.

On Thursday night, we got all three. Aside from giving up yet another big play, the defense was stout and outstanding. We all know what Darren Evans did, running for a school record 253 yards on 32 carries. Oh, and by the way, he is a redshirt freshman. Yikes.

The most impressive part of the game was at the end of the fourth quarter. There was roughly 6 minutes left in the game, we were nursing a 10 point lead, and starting from our own 5 yard line. Virginia Tech knew what it was going to do, Virginia Tech fans knew what they were going to do, and more importantly, Maryland knew what they were going to do. 70 yards later with the game over, Tech ran the ball on every down, getting first down after first down on the ground. Maryland knew we were going to salt the game away running the ball and they still couldn't stop it. That is special.

Tech seems to have found its tailback and he looked good - real good - especially when he was absolutely crushing a Terp. It deserves a second view, no?

The best thing is that VT still controls its own destiny. Win the next three, and we are Tampa bound. Best yet, Wake or Maryland are the most likely teams to win the Atlantic, and those matchups are very favorable for the Hokies.

One stat to consider - since 2004, Virginia Tech is undefeated in November.

Oh my.