Grading Tech’s Three Keys

Grading the three keys

C- -- Proper tackling: Too often, Virginia Tech missed tackles in the second half -- which simply can't happen against Georgia Tech's option-based offense. The Yellow Jackets ran 21 times for 37 yards in the first half and 42 times for 272 in the second. Quarterback Josh Nesbitt did most of the damage. He had a 31-yard run that set up a touchdown and a 39-yarder that scored a touchdown.

C -- Long drives. The Hokies had touchdown drives of 61, 66 and 77 yards. But their longest possession, in terms of time, was a nine-play, 56-yard drive that lasted 4:27 and resulted in a second-quarter field goal. The Jackets dominated in time of possession 38:22-21:38.

B+ -- Punt coverage. This wasn't much of an issue. Georgia Tech's punt returner, sophomore cornerback Jerrard Tarrant, returned one for 12 yards. The Hokies punted four times in all. Tarrant entered the game with seven returns this season and an average of 26.7 yards per return -- second in the nation. He also had run back two for touchdowns.