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SMU Must Fix Its Run Defense To Beat Virginia Tech
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- SMU Must Fix Its Run Defense To Beat Virginia Tech
Photo by: Chris Jones
SMU needs to wake up fast. The Mustangs just lost a close one to Syracuse, and now they face a Virginia Tech team that scores points in bunches. This isn't a game for half-measures. If the defense doesn't step up, Friday night will end in another heartbreak at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Both teams sit at 6-2, but only one will walk away with a real shot at the conference title.
Virginia Tech isn't just dangerous; they are a machine. According to Yahoo Sports , the Hokies average 35 points and 424.1 yards per game. That passing attack alone is a nightmare for any secondary. Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer has thrown for 2,140 yards and 17 touchdowns while completing 71.4 percent of his throws. He makes the right play almost every time, and he rarely turns the ball over. SMU has to find a way to stop him, or the score will get ugly fast.
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The Run Game Will Break Them
Don't let the passing numbers fool you. The real trouble starts with the backs. Jeffrey Overton Jr. On 113 carries, a total of 639 yards and four touchdowns has been rushed. He averages 5.7 yards every time he touches the ball. He might have struggled against Clemson, but his season numbers show he can burn a defense all day. Then you have Marcellous Hawkins Jr., who adds 337 rushing yards and five more scores. Having two backs this good means SMU can't just key on one player. They have to stop the run first, or the whole plan falls apart.
Virginia Tech also loves to use their tight end. Reynolds, Luke, has secured 50 receptions totaling 493 yards along with a team-high six touchdowns. He is a matchup problem for linebackers and safeties. Against Clemson, he caught both of the team's touchdowns. Opponents have scored on 90 percent of their red-zone possessions according to reports. That stat is a red flag. If Reynolds gets loose near the goal line, the Mustangs will be in trouble.
Can SMU Handle the Pressure?
The blueprint for winning is right there in the last game. Grunkemeyer threw for 156 yards and two scores against Clemson, but he was sacked six times. That is the key. SMU needs to hit him hard and make him hurry. If they can force him into bad throws or make him throw the ball away, they might have a chance. But if they let him stand in the pocket, the Hokies will pick them apart. Que'Sean Brown is waiting in the wings with 51 receptions for 685 yards. He averages 13.4 yards per catch and has already had three 100-yard games. One missed tackle by a Mustang defender could turn into a long score.
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This matchup will come down to effort and discipline. SMU cannot afford blown assignments or missed tackles. The Hokies are too good to let them slide. Every play matters in this ACC showdown. The Mustangs need to show they learned from their loss to Syracuse, or they will pay the price. Virginia Tech is ready to roll, and they have the stars to prove it.
Friday night at Ford Stadium will decide who stays in the hunt. The Hokies bring a balanced attack that can run, pass, and score from anywhere.
