Defense scrambled to find ways to stop Taylor
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Contain, contain, contain. That was the mantra for the Boston College defense as it prepared to take on quarterback Tyrod Taylor and Atlantic Coast Conference rival Virginia Tech last night at Alumni Stadium.
While the Eagles had been stingy in allowing yards and points during the first half of the season - they entered the game in the top 25 in 11 defensive categories and were fifth in overall defense in the nation - they had shown a vulnerability against mobile quarterbacks.
"You've got to be patient with these kind of players," BC defensive end Jim Ramella said of Taylor before the game. "You've got to let him come to you, stay on your back, and not try to make a move to open up a seam. Being overly aggressive, I think, has been the problem."
The Eagles did just enough of that last night in a 28-23 victory over Virginia Tech, in which Taylor rushed for 110 yards and threw for 90, but didn't get the Hokies' offense into the end zone.
"That quarterback is a special player," said BC coach Jeff Jagodzinski. "We tried to contain him. We did OK."
Taylor was originally slated to redshirt this season, but that plan ended when Tech lost its opener to East Carolina and veteran quarterback Sean Glennon had only sporadic success. Taylor has started four straight games and is averaging more than 5 yards per rush.
Jagodzinski said Taylor reminded him in many ways of former Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick. "Blocking for Vick sometimes you didn't know where he was, and that could be frustrating," said Jagodzinski, who was on the coaching staff of the Falcons when Vick was playing in Atlanta. "But Taylor is so good with his legs, he's gaining 5 yards every time he runs the ball, which keeps the chains moving. We're going to have to do a good job and we haven't done that this year with a running quarterback."
Last night, Taylor and the Hokies presented the Eagles' biggest obstacle to date as they try to repeat as ACC Atlantic Division champions.
And they met the challenge.
Midway through the first quarter, linebacker Brian Toal went down with an injury to his right ankle. The fifth-year senior was helped off the field and then went to the locker room for treatment. He did not return.
After the game, Jagodzinski was guarded in his response.
"We will know more tomorrow," he said.
"It's nice to be back," said Ryan, who was the third pick in last spring's NFL draft and has guided the Atlanta Falcons to a surprising 4-2 start. "I came up [Friday] night and had the day to spin around and see the game."
Ryan has kept in contact with his former teammates, exchanging text messages with current quarterback Chris Crane. "It was good to see him against North Carolina State," said Ryan of the Eagles' 38-31 win in Raleigh Oct. 4. "I think that game really helped."
Ryan also mentioned his favorite baseball team, the Phillies, who have advanced to the World Series. "Isn't that great," said Ryan, who was born in Exton, Pa. "I can say that because I'm not in the Boston market anymore."
