Spring football games are supposed to bring hope, progress and excitement for the upcoming season. Well, this one for Virginia Tech did not do that for me. I know I have been spoiled by past Hokie football teams, but doesn’t mean I can’t be overly critical of the “start” to the 2014-2014 season.

There are three aspects of the game for the Hokies I was hoping to see signs of progression from the offense, especially Logan Thomas, offensive line and running game. It has been well documented in the Virginia Tech football program that as a fan you must hate the offense, because we are a solid offensive coordinator away from a national championship. There has been much discussion about the change in offense coming this season, but judging by today’s game, it looked very similar. There is hope though, as spring games aren’t the forums for coaches to throw the kitchen sink for fans.

I was hopeful that Logan Thomas would put last year behind him, but he picked up where he left off last year. He threw 3 INTs total, and two were in consecutive possessions, including one in the red zone. On the plus side for Thomas, INTs aside, was much more accurate and confident in his passing than he showed last season. If he limits the errant throws, which lead to INTs, I see him having a fine season.

It was understandable last year to see a dip in rushing production, with the loss of the elusive David Wilson to the NFL. But, with one year under Coleman and Holmes, I was hoping to see more from both of them. And, they weren’t getting much help from their young offensive lineman who, like their offensive compatriots, struggled to find their mark last season and are looking to improve this season. I am only critical because without their success, the Hokies will struggle to make another bowl game appearance, I believe.

I don’t want to seem like I am completely giving up on this season, because I’m not, and there were certainly bright spots for our Hokies. It seems that Thomas has found a favorite target in sophomore Joshua Stanford, and Stanford looks up to the task making several catches this afternoon. This element of Virginia Tech’s game is still to be determined, but the defense looked outstanding today scoring all 16 of the first half points. What is still to be determined is both offenses looked sub par, and even a Division IAA defense would look dominate against us.

All in all, there is a lot of room for improvement for the Hokies this season in order to be successful. It is extremely early and hard to be so nitpicky of on game, on beautiful day in the spring before the season. “Enter Sandman,” you are right around the corner, go Hokies!