As I sat in Lane Stadium last weekend watching the Hokies play Delaware, a frustrated fan behind me remarked that Tech wouldn’t beat East Carolina if they played like they were playing against the Blue Hens.  I told him not to worry about it, that Delaware’s defense was much better than East Carolina’s, and that the 2017 East Carolina Pirates will end up being one of the worst FBS teams that the Hokies have ever played.

He gave me a look like I didn’t know what I was talking about, and I could hardly blame him.  Tech’s history with East Carolina is reason enough for fans to worry about that game.  I understand — but man, I was right, wasn’t I?  Is ECU’s defense anywhere close to Delaware’s defense?  No chance.  Are they one of the worst FBS opponents that Virginia Tech has ever played?  Without a doubt.

After getting down 17-7, at which point I’m sure that fan was thinking that the guy sitting in front of him during last week was a complete moron, Virginia Tech went on a 57-0 “run” and dismantled the Pirates 64-17.  Had the Hokies not pulled their starters in the third quarter, and had they started the game a little better, how badly could they have beaten ECU?  71-0?  78-0?  I don’t know, but it could have been even uglier than it was.

ECU head coach Scottie Montgomery, who is a very good person, probably needs to update his resume.  I just don’t see a reason for the Pirates to stick with him after this season.  I’m normally loathe to finalize opinions on coaches so early in their tenure, but man, that is one of the worst football teams I’ve ever seen.  Changing defensive coordinators in the middle of the season clearly didn’t help them, because it’s hard to extinguish a dumpster fire once it really gets blazing.  You’ve just got to let it burn out, and then clean up the mess.

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