Depleted by injury, UM (1-3 in the ACC) played its worst defensive game of the season, blitzed for 523 yards, including 251 on the ground (53 carries, 5.7 per carry) and 272 through the air. The tackling was poor, uncharacteristic of this team but reminiscent of the problems we witnessed for years under previous defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio.
More disconcerting was Virginia Tech’s sack parade – eight – and there was plenty of blame to go around.
Guard Danny Isidora, UM’s best offensive lineman, was beaten for two of them. Trevor Darling, the beleaguered left tackle, was whipped for at least one. On two sacks, running back Mark Walton failed to step up in pass protection.
Right tackle Tyree St. Louis had two foolish false start penalties and allowed a sack. Center Nick Linder had a holding penalty. And guard Kc McDermott – who should be much better than this -- also was beaten in pass protection, irritating coaches to the point that he was replaced by Alex Gall in the second quarter.