Virginia Tech’s success this season is all the more remarkable when you consider how low the Hokies rank in total offense—and that they have just two touchdown passes (none to their wide receivers). But remember, Tech’s receivers didn’t catch a touchdown last season until the sixth game.

Anyway, just four teams in the country also have two touchdown passes: Wyoming, Connecticut, Louisiana Tech and Virginia. Army has one. Connecticut (5-1) is the only one of those teams with a winning record. Taking it a step further, consider the records of the teams that rank 100th or worse in the country in total offense ...

100. Louisiana-Monroe 1-4
101. San Diego State 1-4
102. San Jose State 3-2 *
103. Mississippi State 1-4
104. Auburn 4-2 *
105. Washington 0-5
106. Miami 2-3
107. Washington State 1-5
108. Virginia Tech 5-1 *
109. Michigan 2-3
110. Syracuse 1-4
111. UCLA 2-3
112. Virginia 2-3
113. Central Florida 2-3
114. Vanderbilt 5-0 *
115. Army 1-4
116. North Carolina State 2-4
117. Temple 2-4
118. Wyoming 2-4
119. Florida International 2-3

As you can see by the asterisks, the Hokies are one of just four teams with a winning record, and one of just two with five wins. What does Tech have in common with Vanderbilt? The Commodores also have just six turnovers this season.

***

A look at where the Hokies rank nationally in some other pertinent categories at the midway point ...

Scoring offense—73rd, 24.7
Total offense—108th, 292.8
Rushing offense—42nd, 174.7
Passing offense—113th, 118.2
Sacks allowed per game—106th, 2.67
Turnovers lost—9th, 6

Scoring defense—35th, 18.5
Total defense—33rd, 314.3
Rushing defense—56th, 129.3
Passing defense—39th, 185.0
Sacks per game—46th, 2.00
Turnovers gained—11th, 14

Turnover margin—10th, plus-1.33 per game
Fewest penalties per game—20th, 4.50
Fewest penalty yards per game—3rd, 27.8