5 big takeaways from Virginia Tech's loss to Syracuse

1. The defense

The Hokie defense played very efficient football in the first half and only allowed three points. However, early in the second half things were similar to the Boston College game as the Hokies allowed Syracuse to take the lead by scoring 21 straight points. But when it mattered most, the defense couldn't come through and secure the win against a Syracuse team that had kept them under wraps in the first half. The Hokies struggled with third-down defense efficiency in this game as they allowed Syracuse to complete 46% of their third-down attempts, which ultimately led to them winning this game in overtime. Virginia Tech is now 5-4 and their three-game winning streak is over heading into the big game against Clemson next week.

2. The crime

The Hokie offense started fast in the first quarter, scoring two touchdowns and moving the ball with ease. Many questions arose due to quarterback Kyron Drones, who was dropped from the team's offense late in the season after re-aggravating a foot injury, but left the offense with no chance in the first half. We saw many different players get involved in the running game, with star running back Bhayshul Tuten missing today's game with a lower leg injury. However, the offense struggled to get going in the second half, scoring just a single goal before losing the game in overtime.

3. The running game

Virginia Tech's offense depends on how far the running game takes them, and today was no different as the Hokies scored multiple rushing touchdowns in the first half. The running game was so dominant in the first half that the offense had over 100 rushing yards with 117 total rushing yards and 261 yards in the first half while Syracuse had 152 total yards. In the second half, the Hokies rushed for another 132 yards, but ultimately didn't help as the team blew an 18-point lead.

4. Collin Schlee

Collin Schlee played very clean and efficient football in today's game. Schlee finished the game with 206 yards, 2 touchdowns, no interceptions and completed over 65% of his passes on the day. Schlee also injured his knee after trying to gain a first down. This led many to question why he struggled with the play on the line in overtime, which ultimately resulted in the game being lost near the goal line.

5. Stephen Gosnell

Stephen Gosnell took over the role of wide receiver in this game and led the team in receiving with a total of 118 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. Gosnell was able to get this game going as the team placed more emphasis on the run-pass option and short screen passes and he was able to take advantage of those situations more than usual.

Additional links:

Virginia Tech Football: Hokies unveil uniform combination for game against Syracuse

Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse: Three players to watch in the Syracuse offense

Virginia Tech Football: Three things Virginia Tech needs to do before its game against Syracuse