Contrast that with an 18-55 record when they'd gained fewer yards on the ground, and it easy to see why Saturday's game was an anomaly of sorts.
Branden Ore was held to just 70 yards on the ground, a significant drop-off from his 94.8 yards per game average last season. He averaged only three yards per carry, and his longest run of the game was nine yards. The team as a whole rushed for just 33 yards, a figure the Hokies know they must improve upon.
"We got to be able to run the ball, first and foremost," said senior tackle Duane Brown. "If you can't run the ball, you won't have much success against (LSU's) defense."
The ground game will certainly be a crucial element in keeping the Tigers' defense off balance. Last week, LSU held Mississippi State to 10 total rushing yards, forcing the Bulldogs to try and attack through the air. However, the passing game was equally – if not more so – unproductive, as the LSU defense recorded six interceptions that led to an eventual five scores for the Tigers.
"I think it's absolutely critical that we're able to establish the run, especially on the road," offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring said. "If you don't make them play defense against the run, then they're going to be on the attack the whole time and that'll be a difficult, difficult day."
Another challenge that the Hokies will face this weekend will be the environment. Tiger Stadium is renowned as one of the toughest stadiums to visit in all of college football. The 92,400-seat venue, aptly referred to as Death Valley, has been a graveyard for visiting teams for years. In head coach Les Miles' first two years at LSU, the Tigers have posted a 14-2 home record, including a perfect 8-0 mark last season.
To prepare for the ear-shattering noise that accompanies Tiger Stadium, the Hokies will practice this week using simulated noise in hopes of acclimating the team to the hostile environment they will enter Saturday night.
"They're making that a point of emphasis this week – the noise level – and trying to make sure everyone's focused and on the same page," Brown said.
Along with a stronger effort up front and in the rushing attack, the Hokies will need the experience and leadership of second year starting quarterback Sean Glennon.
After getting off to the worst of starts with an interception on the first offensive play from scrimmage against East Carolina, Glennon eventually settled in and finished with 245 yards and a touchdown on 22 of his final 32 attempts.
"I thought other than the first pass that he managed the game exceptionally well," Stinespring said. "There's a couple throws I would've liked to see him make but then there were some throws that I thought were outstanding."
In a game that features two of the nation's premier defenses, points could be difficult to come by, meaning sustained drives and winning the field position battle could take on a greater importance.
"We're trying to help our 'D' out as much as we can," Ore said. "We know that our 'D' is a great 'D', but at the same time we want to give those guys a breather and try to control the ball a little bit."
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