Hokies’ versatile QB will test Pitt’s defense
hands full.
When you get that 11th guy in play, when he’s an athlete, it puts a lot of stress on us as a defense,” said linebackers coach Rob Harley. “Those guys in the front seven have to contain him, have to bottle him up, have got to always be aware of what the down and distance is. What plays do they like? What plays do they like with him?”
Then, there are the broken plays, the ones that are the most difficult to defend because there is nothing left to call, and no time to call it anyway against a guy who is, as Harley put it, “being a magician back there and making things happen.”
“Evans puts a lot of stress on all defenses, and we’ll be ready for it,” said Harley. “What a great challenge for us this week. We’ll have our hands full with him.”
Harley said he and the defensive coaches have relied heavily on Galambos this season and, at times, on Quintin Wirginis when he is on the field.
“It’s critical. Critical to what we want to do, and, for this thing to work, we’ve got to have a guy at our level that really understands what we’re trying to do and go execute it,” said Harley. “It’s one thing to understand it … [and another thing to] make all those calls while the bullets are flying. It’s a tough thing to do.”
NOTES: Pitt listed defensive end Ejuan Price and linebacker Mike Caprara as probable for Thursday night. Both have undisclosed lower-body injuries. … Defensive back Terrish Webb was listed as questionable; linebacker Bam Bradley, receiver Dontez Ford and cornerback Avonte Maddox were doubtful with undisclosed upper-body injuries.