Blacksburg's futility continues

Blacksburg wide receiver Rashad Earls is tackled after a catching a pass in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats scored a couple of plays later on a five-yard run by quarterback Dustin Byars. Marcus Lindsay and Jarrell Smalls brought their big play acts Friday to help Whitmire overpower Blacksburg, 42-13, in the Wildcats home opener.

Smalls scored three touchdowns, including a 70-yard run on a screen play that give Whitmire a 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter. Lindsay had a 75-yard kickoff return and caught a 50-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Michael Ruff.

Whitmire led 36-0 at the end of the third quarter.

Blacksburg quarterback Dustin Byars scored on runs of 24 yards and five yards in the final quarter to make the score more respectable.

The late scores by Byars were no consolation to Blacksburg coach Robbie Blanton after the game.

Blanton found himself at a loss of words to describe his team's poor play. The performance came on the same night Blacksburg opened a brand new $1.2 million athletic field house and played its home opener following two long road trips to open the season.

"Whitmire beat us in all phases of the game. I thought our team would come out and play inspired football against Whitmire tonight with the new facilities, our first home game, and new jerseys," Blanton said. "This team has too much potential to play like we did tonight."

Blacksburg gave up 378 yards to Whitmire. Offensively, the Wildcats managed just 91 yards in total offense, including 18 yards rushing at halftime.

Ruff scored on a 15-yard touchdown run to cap a 57-yard scoring drive by Whitmire on the game's opening possession. After the Blacksburg offense was forced to punt, Whitmire took a 14-0 lead when Smalls scored on a 70-yard screen pass.

Lindsay caught a 50-yard touchdown pass from Ruff to give the Wolverines a 22-0 lead with 2:52 remaining in the first quarter.

Whitmire scored another touchdown late in the second quarter when Smalls caught a 32-yard pass from backup quarterback Desmond Harp. Whitmire led 28-0 at halftime.

Blacksburg saw its only scoring opportunity of the first half end when quarterback Darrell Walton was intercepted by Whitmire defensive back David Reed at the 8-yard line.

Whitmire made the score 36-0 on a 25- yard run by Smalls.

Blacksburg got on the scoreboard midway through the fourth quarter after a short punt by Whitmire gave the Wildcats possession on the 32-yard line.

Two plays later, Byars scored on a 24-yard run.

Lindsay scored on a 75-yard kickoff return following the Blacksburg touchdown to give Whitmire a commanding 42-7 lead. Byars scored on a five-yard run for the Wildcats' other touchdown.

Blacksburg (0-3) will play Friday at Chapman.

"This team needs to find out what makes it click," Blanton said. "We are still searching for the answer."