I never thought I would defend Bryan Stinespring but here we are.

vthokiefans Question… If we were to lose to Duke, would that be grounds enough to fire Stiney? 2:09 PM Oct 3rd from HootSuite

That tweet came from vthokiefans.com, a Hokies blog that I respect and enjoy to read, near the end of the first half of the Duke game. We all probably feel the same way after our first punt. “What [the fuck] is[that worthless asshole] Stinespring doing?”, “ZOMG we’d go 14-0 every year with a top 50 offense.” Let’s forget the facts that the defense played horribly (gave up 397 yards) and we had 105 yards lost from penalties. As fans when we see that first “failure” we think it’s the beginning of the end. After all we have only scored points on our first possession in 2 of our last 10 attempts (UVA ‘08 Nebraska ‘09). We’re conditioned to having such a putrid offense that if we don’t see instant success we get nervous, worried and angry. To that, now, I say relax, because Hokies this is the first time since the end of 2007 that we do have a capable offense.

I believe there are three reasons why the offense has started to turn the corner: more talent, commitment to the run and better play calling.

It goes without question to say this is the deepest and most experienced group of players on offense we’ve had in quite some time. Talent wise they may be better than the 2003 unit. So that’s all I’m going to say about that.

More interesting to write about is the emergence of a dependable running game. I’m impressed more and more each week. Stinespring has turned a question mark at the beginning of the season into our strength and one of the best rush attacks in the country (24th nationally). Ryan Williams (and the rocket up his ass), fewer rushes out of the shotgun and negative plays/sacks on Tyrod have all been key factors. Through five games our average yards per carry is up almost a full yard when compared to the 2008 season (4.73 to 3.78). Because of the success on the ground Tyrod has become an ancillary component of offense. And that’s not a bad thing! Instead of carrying the offense he’s been able to make big plays (with his legs and arm) when the opportunity presents itself.

Duke’s game plan was to load the box and have us beat them by throwing the ball. We did, AND we didn’t wilt pounding the rock. We took our lumps early, but our steadfast rush attack wore down a thin Blue Devil defense and setup not only the play action pass but big gainers on the ground in the fourth quarter.

Here are some still images of the Coale touchdown and the Williams carry that set it up. Not pictured are the previous ten runs.

Above is the play before the Coale touchdown. It was 1st and 10 Tyrod handed the ball off  right side to Ryan Williams. That play was designed to go between the guard and tackle but Williams cut it back between the center and guard for a gain of 4 yards. Notice the seven defenders in the box pre-snap. Furthermore, the outside linebacker is coming on a blitz and the corner drops back 5 yards into coverage while keeping his eyes in the backfield the entire time. He comes in to clean up on the tackle. Duke is trying to stop the run.

On the very next play (above pre-snap, below endzone view), 2nd and 6, Duke has eight in the box. Strong safety Catron Gainey (#23) blitzes outside the left tackle (#77 Ed Wang). Stinespring did an excellent job of dialing up the play action pass on a traditional running down…

… because Coale runs a great route, gets between defenders in the secondary, Tyrod throws a beautiful ball and, boom, touchdown Hokies.

There won’t be any instant gratification (who enjoys a quickie anyways?), but have patience and confidence because the offense is getting the job done.