Miami football: Defense did not seem ready for VaTech QB Hendon Hooker
The offense for the Miami football team assisted Virginia Tech with five first-half turnovers. That set up the Hokies with exceptional field position on their first three drives. The Miami defense did not seem ready to face Virginia Tech quarterback Hendon Hooker.
Virginia Tech Quarterback Hendon Hooker made his first career collegiate start against the Miami football team on Saturday afternoon. Hooker is known more for his running than his passing. The Hurricanes had trouble containing Hooker, primarily on the ground. Hooker hurt Miami with his feet and his arm.
Hooker finished 10-20 for 184 yards and three touchdowns passing and another 16 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown rushing. Virginia Tech never confirmed before they faced Miami that Hooker was going to start, but rumors ran rampant that he would. Hokies WR Tre Turner posted on Instagram Hooker would make the start.
Turner reportedly posted on Instagram in what has seemingly been deleted since implying that Hooker would make his “First start Saturday 2…No need for the talkin. Go Kill!” Hooker replaced Ryan Willis who had been Virginia Tech’s starter since last season when Josh Jackson, who is now at Maryland, was lost for the season.
Miami football head coach Manny Diaz commented after the 42-35 loss to Virginia Tech about what the Hokies were able to do to help Hooker succeed. Hooker made the plays early, but the literal handful of Miami turnovers helped the Hokies a lot.
Virginia Tech’s first four drives began their first four drives on average at the Miami 48, their own 20, the Hurricanes 23 and 20. The three Virginia Tech drives that began in Miami territory all ended in touchdowns. It put the Hurricanes defense in a tough position and allowed Hooker to get comfortable.
"“The way that the game went early on and getting separation on the scoreboard allowed them to really protect him. They were able to run the ball on third down and doing different type of things.As I mentioned earlier in the week, we have a four year back and forth with them and we understand what they want out of different formations. I think he threw the ball better than the two throws that we saw on film, but that doesn’t change the structure of how they are playing.”"
Willis is nowhere close to the running threat that Hooker is. Willis has 47 yards rushing on 35 carries this season. Hooker burned Miami on the Hokies’ first drive. He ran three times for 31 yards including the first touchdown of the game. By the end of the first quarter, Hooker had 46 yards rushing and 32 passing.
Hooker added a touchdown on the ground and through the air. That allowed him to get comfortable and the Hokies to be able to tailor their game plan to his strengths with a 21-0 lead. The Miami players were unsure who Virginia tech was going to start at QB according to senior linebacker Michael Pinckney.
"“We wasn’t sure who was going to be the quarterback, but I think the coaches did a good job of preparing us for whoever we saw.”"
Miami will prepare next week against a QB they are more familiar with. Bryce Perkins is in his second season as Virginia’s starting QB. Perkins is regarded as the best QB in the ACC Coastal Division. Miami contained Perkins in a 16-13 loss last season. Perkins was 12-21 for 92 yards and three interceptions and had 21-61 rushing.