Hokies Focus on Running Game

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- When Frank Beamer revealed Tuesday that both Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor will play quarterback in Saturday's home opener against Furman, the Virginia Tech coach spun the decision less as an indictment of Glennon than as the result of revelations from the Hokies' 27-22 loss to East Carolina last weekend.

Beamer specifically mentioned a running game that needed an injection. Even if Taylor's passing has progressed the way Beamer insists, Taylor's legs are the major benefit of utilizing the talented sophomore instead of redshirting the season and maintaining three years of eligibility.

"We know how good Tyrod is. Heck, to me, the future is now," said Billy Hite, Virginia Tech's associate head coach and running backs coach. "If you go ask who the best 11 players are who can be on the field at one time, he would be one and Sean Glennon would be one."

Even if that is the case, Taylor can do only so much. The running game, a staple of Virginia Tech's success during the past decade, must meet the standard set in the past for the Hokies to meet the expectations thrust upon them before the season.

Virginia Tech features as many as five tailbacks that can contribute this season, including talented true freshman Ryan Williams from Stonewall Jackson, whom Beamer and Hite praised this week and said could play quickly. Just two, Kenny Lewis and Darren Evans, received significant playing time against East Carolina, and the Pirates' defense loaded the box as the Hokies' inexperienced receivers acclimate to college football.

"With the rotation coach Hite has, you never know who could be out there," Lewis said. "Next Saturday, it could be Josh Oglesby and [Jahre Cheeseman]. Ryan Williams could start the game. You never know. Whoever Coach Hite feels should be out there, he'll be out there."

The problem with so many options is that each individual gets only so many opportunities. Success at running back is often a product of repetition. The runner needs to develop a feel for the game and wear down opposing defenses.

"That's the tough part," Hite said. "That happens to some backs. It takes them six, eight, 10 plays to get a feel. If it takes them that long this year, they'll be standing on that sideline. They better get a feel for the game real quick because that's what's so good about my position. They can't rest. They can't relax at all."

Hite has been successful in the past rotating running backs. He said he does not use a predetermined script or enter a game with a notion of how many rushes to distribute to each player. Instead, Hite assesses how the game is progressing.

Against East Carolina, Hite wanted to use Oglesby more, but the Hokies were pinned back in their zone and the redshirt freshman got just one carry. Hite did not intend on playing Evans 27 plays, either, but felt the situation warranted his use.

"It's just the way the game is going at that point of time," Hite said.

Taylor's presence is supposed to supplement the running backs -- not replace them. But more Taylor might mean fewer rushes elsewhere.

"That means if I don't get my yardage when I'm in there," Lewis said, "Tyrod's going to get them."

The benefit for the running backs is that Taylor's mobility might distract defenses and open rushing lanes. Lewis and Hite both pointed to the success of East Carolina's offense -- the Pirates tallied 158 rushing yards Saturday -- and attributed it in part to ECU quarterback Pat Pinkney, who was a threat to run.

"It opens up some things for you," Hite said. "I know our defensive coaches, for example, they would rather face a guy in the pocket who doesn't run as well. Any time you have a running quarterback, it adds some things to your offense."

Taylor makes the Hokies a better option team, which Hite said the Hokies intend to run. Glennon and Taylor's skills complement each other, with Glennon serving as more of a traditional drop-back passer. But when Beamer was asked about the development of the receivers, he specifically mentioned the running game -- not the passing game -- as the foundation of the Hokies' success.

"It's getting another great player on the field," Hite said. "The things he can do from the quarterback spot, it's like having another running back in there. He can not only get himself out of trouble throwing the football if something breaks down, he can also make a positive play out of it."