First off, a look at the unit's statistics on the day:

Statistically speaking, Sean Glennon's performance this past weekend against Cincinnati arrived as one that he will presumably choose not to remember. There were times against the Bearcats when the Hokie quarterback looked flat-out horrible, and as a result, the box score undeniably reflected his outing. However, having said that, in regards to Glennon's Saturday performance serving as a significant confidence builder to boost his fragile on-field ego, I don't see it being one that the young sophomore will soon wish to forget.

I say this because for the first time of Glennon's career, with the Hokies trailing and the running game then struggling, the first-year starter under center had to show that he could actually make a game-changing play with his arm, and take the Hokies to the next level.

You can make a justified argument that this also was the case against North Carolina as Glennon was facing the exact same predicament with the Hokie offense unable to get its act together and the Hokies trailing early. But even then though, the offense was still able to put points on the board before the half, albeit a result of a few generous field position gifts courtesy of Tech's stingy defense.

Unfortunately for Glennon, this wasn't so wasn't so much the case Saturday early against the Bearcats. Not even the defense could bail him and the passing game out early on. With Glennon having such a rough time to start the game, the Hokies found themselves trailing by a score of 10-5 entering the break. Quite frankly, Virginia Tech had absolutely no offense, air or ground, going for them, and possible upset talks were already in the making. You even had Hokie faithful booing Beamer and his club heading into the locker room, something you never see.

Yet, despite it all, on Tech's first drive of the second half, facing 2nd-and-6 from midfield, Glennon dropped back in the pocket, set his feet and just let it rip, finding Harper in back of the endzone for Tech's first score. Touchdown Hokies, not to mention, lead change; 12-10, Virginia Tech.

Quite frankly, I loved the call. Much love goes out to offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring for giving Glennon the green light on this one. With the offense struggling to find any rhythm, this play was huge, not only for the offense, but for Glennon and his confidence, silencing all the haters for the moment, amidst his struggles.

Glennon would go on to finish 11-23 for 190 yards with one score and one pick. Not bad, but not all that great, either. Add his Saturday performance to his current season statistics, and you've got a quarterback whe has thrown for over 750 yards, six TDs and three interceptions in a four-game 'preseason' that consisted of Northeastern, UNC, Duke and most recently, Cincinnati.

Once again, not bad, but not all that great, either. Personally, I would have loved to see a much better TD-INT ratio, but in all fairness, it could have been worse. Much worse. On that note though, I'm sure the only statistic he holds in high regard is 4, 4-0 that is, and at the end of the day, that's all that really matters.

That being said, I guess the real question now comes as 'Is Glennon now ready to take on Georgia Tech?' Hm, that's a tough one. Is he ready to go up against a defensive unit that stifled Heisman-hopeful Brady Quinn and Charlie Weis's high-powered offense? Honestly, I would like to think so, but, realistically, I think not.

Conversely, you could ask the question whether or not Yellow Jacket QB Reggie Ball is ready to take on a Virginia Tech defense that absolutely destroyed him last season, running back two of his interceptions for scores, and doesn't seem to have lost any of its dominating features from last year. Ultimately, I'm sure Ball's 2005 performance in Lane Stadium still lingers in the back of his mind, as well as the fact that the two guys who picked off his passes (Chris Ellis and Xavier Adibi) for TDs are back as well.

Receivers:

First off, a look at the unit's statistics on the day:

Having lost top receiver David Clowney earlier this week to an emergency appendectomy, the Hokies struggled to get into a groove early, and in retrospect, I blame much of Tech's first half troubles in the passing game solely on the senior's absence. Through the first two quarters, only two Glennon completions went for first downs, and it was obvious to see that without their leading receiver from the year before, that the Hokies would struggle through the air.

Justin Harper was the passing game's lone bright spot of the day, serving as the team's leading receiver with 65 yards on 2 receptions and the aforementioned TD grab. On that specific play, not only was I thoroughly impressed with the individual catch, but what stuck out in my mind the most was Harper's keen awareness to come back on the ball, which was slightly underthrown, and haul it in at its highest point, beating the defender for the catch. Overall, a brilliant play on behalf of the junior, as his touchdown really set the tone for the Hokies to open the second half on such a strong note.

Final Thoughts: Fortunately fo Glennon and the passing game, there is a second half. Way to bounce back.

Quarterbacks + Receivers Grade: C+

Here's a little reality check for ya' -- the Hokies live and die by two things: Defense and the running game. Duh, as if you didn't already know that. Unlike the success of the Hokie's recent ground game though, the defense has lived up to its reputation as one to always be counted on to perform. Bud Foster's unit is rock solid week-in and week-out -- it's usually just a matter of whether or not the Hokie offense and its rushing attack actually chooses to show up and play.

We definitely got to see this theory put into play Saturday, as during the first half in which halfback Branden Ore was unable to get into any rhythm whatsoever, the Hokies struggled to find any offensive stability, or success, for that matter. Five first half points would be the result of Ore and the running game not being able to be established, as he only gained 18 yards in a first half that saw the Hokies doubled up on the scoreboard, 10-5.

With the arrival of the second half, however, came a brand new Hokie offense, one that actually acted like it wanted to score. Led by Ore, who acquired 152 of his 170 total rushing yards in the final two quarters of play, the Hokies would go on to take the lead, and would never look back.

Just like he did against North Carolina in week two, Ore set new career highs in carries (25) and yards (170). If you're a Hokie fan, then you've got to be enjoying the performances Ore has been putting on going into Tech's difficult (and most intriguing) stretch of matchups this season. And for those of you who haven't been keeping up with the kid's resume this year, here's a little insight: Four games, 73 carries for 400 yards and six touchdowns. Not too bad for a sophomore. Or a first-year starter. Or a guy coming off a significant shoulder injury he sustained just this past spring. Not too bad at all.

Final Thoughts: With only one other Hokie tailback actually registering a carry (Elan Lewis), Beamer put the success of Tech's running game solely on the back of Ore, and it would be on the back of the redshirt-sophomore in which the Hokies would ride to victory. Overall, another career day for the young rising superstar ... His second-half fumble serves as the only blemish that sets back his strong week four performance.

Tailbacks Grade: A-

Frank Beamer was right in not underestimating this team. Cincinnati came to play, and for the first two quarters, they honestly had me worried. Not worried that they were really that good, but worried that the Hokies were really that bad.

Heading into the half, the Hokies had only mustered a grand total of five points, that's right, five points, on a lackluster amount of 114 yards total offense, 101 of which came on Tech's first two drives of the game.

Looking back specifically at both of these drives, though the Hokies weren't able to punch either in for six, at least they were moving the chains. Just like Cincinnati though, that seemed to be something the Hokies took for granted. Of Tech's remaining possessions before the half, four to be exact, not one Hokie drive was able to acheive a measly first down.

In a word, VT's first half effort offensively was pathetic. The line was giving up sacks right and left, Sean Glennon was sporadic in his pass accuracy, and the running game was all but non-existent.

Tech's only shimmer of light in the opening half arrived as yet another brilliant Josh Morgan special teams play, as the junior blocked his second punt of the year which resulted in a Hokie safety.

Amidst all of Tech's woes on the field going into halftime though, whatever Beamer and the Hokie coaching staff told the players in the locker room during the break, it worked, for five plays later, on VT's opening drive of the second half, Glennon led the Hokies on a 70-yard scoring drive, capped off by a beautiful 47-yard pass down the right sideline to Justin Harper for the touchdown.

In my mind though, that play wasn't nearly as impressive as Victor 'Macho' Harris' two interceptions in the fourth, the first one of which the sophomore ran back 73-yards for the score. In looking at that specific play, I honestly don't know if I've ever seen a defensive back slip in front of a pass so quickly, the kid literally came out of nowhere to pick off that ball, and once he did, it was nothing but smooth sailing for him running to the endzone for six.

For your Hokie viewing pleasure:

Apparently, going into week three, offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring was thinking the exact same thing, making it a point to show that his offense, more specifically, his offense's quarterback, had the ability to connect on the deep ball, registering for over 300 yards through the air, a total greater than his first two outings combined.

What impressed me more about Glennon's performance though wasn't his overall numbers on the day, what did it for me was his ability to recognize the pass rush, scramble when necessary, and get the ball to his receivers. Against the Blue Devils, the redshirt-sophomore dispersed the ball to seven different Hokies, and they weren't just for minimal gains. Nine of Glennon's passes went for 15 yards or more. His first play from scrimmage was as a 60-yard bomb to senior flanker David Clowney, which really set the tone for the passing game for the rest of the day.

Glennon, whose only blemish against the Blue Devils came as an underthrown-lob intended for Justin Harper picked off by the heralded defensive back John Talley, made up for his earlier mistake just three drives later by leading the Hokies on an 87-yard drive, capped off by a 17-yard strike to tight end Sam Wheeler for six.

As mentioned, seven different receivers caught passes from Glennon, with the unit's effort being led statistically by Clowney, who finished with four grabs for 120 yards, first only to Josh Morgan, who accounted for 69 yards through the air but actually did see the painted grass of the endzone after hauling in a 25-yard TD midway through the third.

Final Thoughts: 15-25, 301 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception -- Glennon's breakout performance was the story of the day, and deservedly so. The starting quarterback job is his to keep, barring a complete meltdown, something that short-tempered Hokie fans won't tolerate ... Backup fan favorite Ike Whitaker came into the game midway through the fourth, offering relief in his backup effort to lead the Hokies' last score of the game, a 2-yard run to the left pylon by freshman running back Kenny Lewis ... Receivers Clowney, Morgan, and Eddie Royal were really able to give Duke's secondary a hard time, getting behind the coverage for long gains. Overall, a solid effort.

Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers Grade: A

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Now though I find myself amongst that devoted Hokie following, content (for the most part) with the win that had several exciting moments, following the Hokies' absolute bashing of the Blue Devils, I simply could not stop thinking about how Saturday's blowout was arguably the longest three hours I've ever spent watching a football game in my entire life.

Seriously folks, these out-matched, hopeless whipping boys that call themselves football teams (i.e. Duke) are simply taking too long -- too long to lose.

For instance, when the Blue Devils weren't too busy stopping the clock with penalties, timeouts, or passing incompletions, they were much too preoccupied with finding other ways to extend their inevitable fate, lying on the field injured, or on one occasion, unconcscious. All this was done resulting in a stoppage of play (and the game clock), extending the amount of time I had to spend watching yet another Hokie massacre.

For future reference to any VT opponent, if you truly want to get knocked out so cold that you have to ball up and remain in the fetal position, do it on your own time. Stop wasting mine. Your mistakes, in addition to the mistakes of your teammates most likely caused you your health, so at least have the dignity and the self-respect to get off the field and let the game continue. I came to watch some football, not Rescue 911 and your crippled self.

That being said, as much as I enjoy any Hokie victory, I must say that the first two outings for Virginia Tech were, in a word -- dreadful.

Unfortunately, Saturday's meeting with the Blue Devils was no different whatsoever. It had every bit of the word 'yawner' written all over it, and were it not for the only true bit of excitement on the day -- Eddie Royal's 58-yard punt return for a score, who knows, maybe I too would have found myself down on the field, fluffing up a pillow like Blue Devil QB Thaddeus Lewis and trying to catch a little turf nap.

Don't get me wrong, a win is a win, but I think I speak for every Hokie when I say enough with the Huskies, Tar Heels, Blue Devils, and (this week's matchup with) the Bearcats. Bring on the Yellow Jackets already.

Game Notes:

Eddie Royal came to play.

Six punt returns for 138 yards, topped off by a 58-yard return that had as many slick cuts as a face fresh off a dry-shave with a rusty Mach-3. Not to be forgotten however, was Royal's respectable day as a receiver, hauling in a pair of catches for 55 yards, one of which, a 41-yarder, sparked an early Hokie drive that resulted in a 17-yard Sam Wheeler touchdown.

Contrary to popular opinion, Sean Glennon has a pulse.

On the day the redshirt-sophomore completed 60% of his 25 throws, finishing with 300+ yards passing in addition to his two scores. Three games into the season, Glennon was finally able to prove that he could beat a team with his arm, throwing the ball downfield with accuracy and actually completing the deep ball. Looking back on his performance, though everyone will say, and rightfully so, not to get our hopes up because Glennon's strong effort came against the laughing stock called the Duke Blue Devil football team, like they say, you have to crawl before you walk. This game, in addition to Cincinatti next week, will serve as stepping stones in building the confidence of the young quarterback, as well as hopefully establishing a respectable passing attack for the Hokies going into the Georgia Tech showdown come September 30.

Virginia Tech's pass rush was off the heezy.

Bud Foster's defensive schemes and blitzes confused and overwhelmed the Blue Devils' offensive line all day, registering as many sacks as the Blue Devils had completions (eight). Altogether, Duke's rotation of young quarterbacks Thaddeus Lewis and Marcus Jones found themselves consistently harassed play-in and play-out, rarely ever having room to even breathe, let alone pass. And when the bright idea did arrive to the minds of both quarterbacks to actually scramble out of pressure, they fumbled, or better yet, got knocked into a concussion.