I’m thinking big for this recap: big stats and facts, big plays, and big players. First, the stats:

• VT had an impressive 461 yards and 45 points, averaging 7.6 yards per play, their best showing since 2012.
• GT racked up a paltry 134 yards and 0 points, averaging 2.4 yards a play, and with 55 of the yards coming in the fourth quarter.
• It was GT’s first time getting shut-out since ’97 (to #3 FSU), and first time at home since ’57 (to #9 Auburn.)
• VT had eighteen first downs, while GT had eight. This was despite VT having so many long plays and then also going only 3-10 on third down.
• Eight of GT’s thirteen drives were three-and-outs, including their first four drives of the game.
• Their punter had to ice his leg.
• (Okay, I made that up.)

And a hat-tip to From the Rumble Seat for noting that this year the Jackets hit or are hitting the following benchmarks of futility:

• Losing record (2-8)
• Last in their division (1-5 against Coastal opponents)
• Last in the conference (1-6 ACC record)
• Lost to a G5 school (Temple)
• Lost to an FCS school (The Citadel)
• Got blow-out/shut-out by a rival (VT at home, no less)

And they still have UGA to look forward to.

Day of Dominance

Now let’s look at some plays. We’ll open things up with a true reverse. There are two good reasons to call the reverse off jet sweep this early in the game. First, it takes advantage of a defense that’s over-prepared for stopping the jet, and second, it can help protect the base jet and play-action off of it.

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