If you like seeing QBs constantly under pressure, this was the perfect game for you. The Virginia Tech’s defense came up with 8 sacks (although 0 turnovers) in the win and kept Tom Savage under constant pressure. Pressure came from all across the VT front seven and other than two big Devin Street catches, the Pittsburgh offense was shut down all day. On the other side of the ball, Logan Thomas had another strong game and is improving as the season goes. After an opening drive TD, Pittsburgh’s defense played a bend-don’t-break style the rest of the game, limiting VT to 4 FGs.
Tom Savage, QB, Pittsburgh (#7), 6’5, 230 – After Gil Brandt’s comparison of Savage to Troy Aikman, I felt I had to take another look at Savage this weekend. Unfortunately, I spent most of the game learning about Savage’s ability to avoid the sack. He did a great job moving in the pocket to avoid sacks, but looked poor throwing on the run. When Pitt switched to quick outs throws Savage showed off his strong velocity and accuracy. He had a couple of nice deep balls to Street but also a few one hoppers. Tough to get a great read on his potential when his line performs that poorly, while I wouldn’t compare him to Troy Aikman, there’s definitely some potential there for Savage who shows strong arm velocity, good reads, and can move in the pocket. Would like to see how he does on 5-step drops without pressure more and he made a few mental errors, but overall I liked what I saw.
Devin Street, WR, Pittsburgh (#15), 6’4, 232 (JR)
The first thing you love about Street is his size and athletic ability. He has a tall receiver who has tremendous straight line speed. He also does a great job of catching with hands and keeping the ball away from his body. Love him at the next level, but feel he may be limited. He doesn’t have much in terms of moves after the catch. He doesn’t have great start-stop skills and doesn’t break many tackles. He’ll be a possession receiver who can run the deep route at the next level. Don’t think he’s a #1 WR, but a great #2 WR.
Aaron Donald DT, Pittsburgh (#97), 6’0, 285
Donald has been one of my favorite players all season. He has great jump off the line, gets underneath lineman to create push into the backfield, and has the sped to run around them. On passing downs, the Panthers bump him outside the tackle, which shows the respect they have for his skills. Donald showed a swim move on the OT that allowed him to pick up an easy sack. He also showed great height and timing when trying to knock down the ball at the line. Think he could be a 3 technique 4-3 DT, but I’d much rather see him as a 3-4 DE in the NFL. The way he’s playing now, he’ll be off the board by Day 2 at the latest.
Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech (#17), 6’0, 189
Quiet game from Fuller. He came up and made a few good tackles but for the most part Savage did not throw his way. Primarily picked up the slot WR, which fits his size well. Was matched up against Street late and the game and fell for a double move when Pitt had to go for the end zone. May be more of a depth player in the pros, but his experience on VT’s special teams should help him make a roster.
Derrick Hopkins, DT, Virginia Tech (#98), 6’0, 312
Hopkins was very up-and-down on the day. He had two sacks, one on showing impressive quickness and another beating a double team. However he was pancaked on a few plays, once due to coming in too high. His inconsistency is a big concern, but he definitely has the athleticism to make it in the NFL.
Andrew Miller, OG, Virginia Tech (#74), 6’4, 293
I was excited to see how Miller stacked up against Aaron Donald and overall he performed well. Did better in the running game but overall he held his own. When matched up against other Pitt defensive lineman, Miller looked strong in the run game and did well when setting the anchor in the passing game. He shows good intelligence on handling the blitz as well. While Miller looked good, his ability to change direction and drive players downfield is lacking. He may never be a dominating lineman, but he should be able to get the job down on an NFL offensive line.
- Pittsburgh S Jason Hendricks wasn’t heard from much. He was in coverage a few times and was late getting over on one deep ball. He is a true “center field” free safety who doesn’t make many plays in the run game.
- Pittsburgh CB K’Waun Williams was another player who did well in coverage. His speed is a little concerning and it showed on 3rd down late in the game.
- Pittsburgh OG Cory King was unimpressive as he blocked no one on multiple plays. Don’t see him being drafted.
- Virginia Tech QB Logan Thomas looked tremendous. Great accuracy short, good deeps balls, and went through his progressions. Had two passes that sailed high, but he looked the best I’ve seen him all year.
- Virginia Tech DE JR Collins had two sacks a high school player could have made and missed both, untouched up the middle and from the blind side. Has to finish those.
- Virginia Tech DE James Gayle played the way we always expect, relies on his speed and hustle to make plays. Had another solid game.
- Virginia Tech ILB Jack Taylor showed some great speed outside running plays, as well as in coverage against the TE. Don’t see enough from him inside the tackles but he will definitely make some plays.
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