Road Warriors

So everyone knows by now that Virginia Tech is crazy good on the road in the ACC. 16-1 since joining the league. That's bordering on ridiculous.

But check out what Voice of the Hokies Bill Roth had to say about the top 10 road wins in Virginia Tech history.

A good read.

ACC Power Rankings

With the ACC, things can change from week to week, game to game.

Here is how things look as of today:

Atlantic

Wake Forest (1-0)
Maryland (1-0)
Florida State (0-1)
Clemson (1-1)
Boston College (0-1)
NC State (0-1)

Coastal

Virginia Tech (2-0)
UNC (1-1)
Miami (0-1)
GT (1-1)
Duke (1-0)
UVA (0-1)

Some questions remain:

Can Georgia Tech stir some things up in the Coastal?
Can Miami get to the VT game without another loss?
How will Maryland handle prosperity? Can they beat Wake and FSU?
VT is in the driver's seat in the Coastal. How will they finish?
Will UVA win another game? Their remaining schedule is brutal.

Back in the rankings again

The pollsters are finally seeing the light.

Virginia Tech returned to a place where they have been more often then not; the top 25.

VT owns the 24th spot in the USA Today Coaches Poll and the 20th spot in the AP Top 25.

Clearly back to back to back wins over Georgia Tech, UNC and Nebraska have opened some eyes.

Let's hope the young guys can keep their goal of winning another ACC championship in their sights.

Things are looking good for such a young inexperienced team.

5 things I learned yesterday

(1) That last year was no fluke.

Remember last year? When being ranked #2 in the country meant you were going to lose to an unranked club? Apparently the bug is back, but it clearly doesn't discriminate. Take a look at what happened this weekend:

#1 USC loses to unranked Oregon State
#3 Georgia loses to #8 Alabama badly
#4 Florida loses to unranked Ole Miss at home
#8 Wisconsin loses on the road to Michigan
#16 Wake Forest loses at home to unranked Navy
#23 ECU loses to Houston

Look, there were other losses between ranked teams, but this might take the cake for the most losses in one weekend to unranked teams. Just goes to show you that parity in college football is king and just because you are ranked doesn't mean you don't show up each and every week.

(2) That UVA is bad. REALLY bad. No disrespect to Duke, but if I was a touchdown road dog to Duke, I would have been mad and came out swinging. UVA looked lost, like they have given up and don't want to play, and it all starts with the head man. If he is still the head coach by spring ball next year, I will be floored.

(3) That VT is in the driver's seat in the Coastal Division race. We have beaten GT and UNC outright already, and Miami has one conference loss, to UNC. If we take care of business and win 2 of the 3 with BC, FSU and Miami, we should be golden.

(4) That discipline is paying off HUGE dividends for this young VT squad. Do you know that we have not yet lost a fumble? That we are averaging 4 penalties a game, while our last three opponents have extended game winning drives for us with COSTLY personal fouls? That is downright silly.

(5) That anyone who knows who is going to play for the national championship right now is out of their minds. It seems likely that the Big 12 and SEC champs will meet for it all in January, but with all the losses even in September, things are bound to get even more topsy-turvy.

Sunday Thoughts...

If I would have told you that last night's match up between Virginia Tech and Nebraska would have been a shootout, an old fashioned "whoever has the ball last is likely going to win" slug fest, how many of you would have sworn off reading me for good?

Wow guys. Just, wow. Let's look at the good, the bad and the ugly from last night's gritty road win:

THE GOOD

- The offense is finally starting to click. For the most part, the play calling allowed Taylor to roll out, find someone open, or tuck the ball and run. Don't adjust your computer screens - but Tech had 377 yards of total offense last night. No, really. Tyrod had 177 yards of passing. Seriously. 21 first downs. Honestly. Granted, this was a porous Husker D they were facing, but progress is progress folks. And on the road no less.

THE BAD

- The final score should have been 47-30. We settled for THREE field goals inside the red zone. Now, had our offense not been able to move the ball as easily, clearly this would not have been such a concern, but when you have those kinds of opportunities to put a team away, you must take advantage. The pass to Greg Boone was a gorgeous play call, just overthrown. Beyond that, all of the blame goes to Billy Hite who calls the plays in the red zone. Just terrible. Reverses on third down? What? QB keeper at the 15? Huh? Come on Billy.

THE UGLY

- Not much, truly. The pass defense was pretty bad, giving up close to 200 yards through the air. The tackling, not much better. And rover Davon Morgan is out for the season with a torn ACL. Dorian Portch will be an adequate replacement as the two were neck and neck in preseason.

All in all, a great, tough, gritty road win in a venue that has been virtually impossible to come home with a win. The Huskers were 26-3 at night over the last 25 years. Make that 26-4.

Barring a complete meltdown next week at home vs. Western Kentucky, VT should be 5-1 (2-0) going into the bye week. Then comes the rough stretch with BC and FSU on the road. Not many predicted that VT would sweep GT, UNC and NEB all in a row after that Furman win. Kudos to Beamer who, regardless of how young and inexperienced his club is, always finds a way to coach them up, have them play physical, and never give up.

GO HOKIES!!

Peeking through the Crystal Ball...

Another exciting weekend in store for the ACC, featuring some great conference games and two opportunities for the ACC to improve its steadily-improving 26-8 out of conference record:

Maryland at Clemson

A key showdown in the Atlantic division features a hot Maryland squad facing a Clemson team that isn't really sure where it is. Maryland always plays Clemson tough in Death Valley.

Clemson 28 Maryland 21

Virginia at Duke

Oh, Virginia. Will you win another game this year? With games against Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Clemson, Miami, Virginia Tech and ECU on tap, I'm really not sure. Duke is a touchdown favorite (don't get out your glasses, you REALLY did just read that) against the Cavs and I think they get their first conference win in several years Saturday.

Duke 31 UVA 20

North Carolina at Miami

Rotating young quarterbacks against a resurgent Miami squad. Not a good recipe. UNC has a better defense then Texas A&M, and more offensive weapons. Will they show up after a deflating loss to VT the week before?

Miami 31 UNC 14

Wake Forest at Navy

Lots of offense. Lots of running. Lots of the option. Can you handle it?

Wake Forest 31 Navy 30

NC State at South Florida

HUGE win for NC State last weekend. Can they keep the vibes going against its 2nd ranked team in as many weeks?

USF 31 NCSU 21

Colorado at FSU

Yikes FSU. And I thought VT had offensive woes. The defense will keep them in every game this year, but 12 penalties and 7 turnovers? I'm not sure even USC could win under those cirumstances.

FSU 24 Colorado 21

Virginia Tech at Nebraska

Nebraska is 26-3 in night games over the last 20 years. 3 losses. Yikes. Tough place to play, but in fairness, VT has played on its share of large stages. The Huskers are still a team in search of an identity after going in the tank late last season. VT should have some chances down field in this one. Can the young Hokies steal another one on the road? Will there be a THIRD straight 20-17 game? Yes. But not a win.

Nebraska 20 VT 17

I couldn't have said it better myself....

.....so I won't try.

Just read the below article. Some high praise from our next opponent.

Shows exactly why the grittiness of our current team coupled with Bud Foster and BeamerBall may lead to some unlikely wins this year.

Enjoy.

ACC Power Rankings

Before I start, let's all pat the collective ACC on the back. 6-0 in out of conference games yesterday. No, it's not a typo. 6-0.

BC defeated UCF
NC State defeated 15 ECU
Maryland defeated Eastern Michigan
Clemson defeated South Carolina State
Georgia Tech defeated Mississippi State
Miami defeated Texas A&M

OK, so some of those don't exactly scream "respect me" but a win is a win, right?

Atlantic Division

Wake Forest (1-0)
Clemson (1-0)
Florida State (0-1)
Boston College (0-1)
Maryland (0-0)
NC State (0-1)

Coastal Division

Virginia Tech (2-0)
Miami (0-0)
UNC (0-1)
Georgia Tech (1-1)
Duke (0-0)
Virginia (0-0)

Mark this on your calendars guys. Thursday November 13th.

Virginia Tech visits Miami in what could decide the Coastal division crown.

Also, next Saturday Virginia visits Duke. This could decide the cellar dweller in the Coastal Division.

Sorry, Cavs. I'm picking Duke to win.

Sunday Thoughts...

Greetings fellow Hokies. I have a lot going through my head right now, so instead of posting multiple blogs, I figured I would just write and see what happens. Lots to get through; hope this comes out somewhat intelligible. No promises.

Um, wow. I hope everyone out there understands just how improbable a comeback down 14 on the road against a strong North Carolina team is with the ineffective offense and youth on both sides of the ball. There are two other comebacks that come to mind that rival this one. 2004 at Georgia Tech when we were down multiple scores in the 4th quarter and ended up making that game look far less close then it really was and 1995 at UVA (probably the best come-from-behind win in VT history). These kinds of games are going to be commonplace this season I think; we don't yet have the offensive prowess to put teams away, but our defense is getting better every game and will continue to give us a chance to compete.

An open letter to Bud Foster.

How do you do it?

Seriously. How do you do it?

Sure, if this was last year's team and we were down 14 and we had to stop UNC from scoring another point in 20 minutes of game action, I would have expected you to work your patented magic to seal the game. But 7, count them SEVEN of eleven starters are gone from your vaunted defense from last season. You NEVER cease to amaze me how you can disguise pressure and force young, inexperienced quarterbacks to make mistakes (interceptions, sacks, intentional grounding in the endzone that isn't called a safety).

You are, simply put, a miracle worker and your kids are growing up real quick. Anyone watching game film from yesterday needs to think to next year and the year after and get REALLY scared. This defense is going to be a load this year but what about 2009 and 2010. Run for the hills opposing offenses. Better yet, don't bother. Bud will find you.

So, at Nebraska, huh. Tough duty. But as I pointed out earlier in the week, VT tends to play its best on the road. Lincoln at night is tough sledding. After yesterday though, I think we come to play. The offense FINALLY started to click a bit in the 2nd half. I HOPE that Stinespring understands that is because he finally started to open up the passing game and gave Tyrod a little more leeway and loosened the reigns a bit. We will need that next week for sure.

What a game.

Sounds like I should refill my ulcer medication for the rest of the season.

It's going to be one of those years.

ACC Pickoff

Another week, another great set of matchups.

This week we have 2 stellar divisional matchups that may go a long way in determining who gets to Tampa for the ACCCG this year.

ECU at NC State

Oh dear. NC State desperately needs to win a good game, and the Pirates come calling. In total, ECU will play 3 ACC foes. VT, NC State and UVA. 3 for 3? You bet.

ECU 24 NC State 14

Eastern Michigan at Maryland

If there is anything we know for certain about Maryland, it is that they play up to their competition, and down to their competition. They looked solid toe to toe in their upset of then-ranked California last weekend. Can they keep the momentum rolling?

Maryland 28 Eastern Michigan 19

Central Florida at BC

BC just recently lost a starting defensive player for the season. They are coming off a bye week, but their offense is struggling. UCF has lots of firepower and BC is still reeling from it's home loss to Georgia Tech.

UCF 24 BC 17

Miami at Texas A&M

Miami's strength is its defense, and it will need the offense to catch up in its 2nd straight rough road venue. The 12th Man may not make much difference for A&M this week. They lost a tough opener to Arkansas State. Yikes.

Miami 24 A&M 14

Mississippi State at Georgia Tech

Talk about the irresistable force hitting the immovable object. MSUs rush defense is stellar while Paul Johnson's crew loves to pound the ball on the ground (don't we know it). Low scoring affair, to be sure. MSU is coming off a 3-2 loss to Auburn last weekend. Love those SEC scores.

Georgia Tech 17 MSU 10

UVA at BYE WEEK

UVA has lost so much this week, can they lose again?

Wake Forest at FSU

Now this one is gonna be fun. FSU has feasted on Southern Conference foes to open the season, so we really don't know how good they are. Wake will certainly provide a stiff test. The winner of this game has the inside track to Tampa.

FSU 31 WFU 24

VT at North Carolina

This one is tough to read, and I have been flip flopping all week. UNC LOVES the big play; they have more then 10 plays of 25 yards or more already this season. If Bud Foster can limit the big play and play "bend but don't break" defense, we have a good chance. If we can get some passing going, we will have a good chance. If we can win the turnover battle, we will have a good chance.

VT 24 UNC 17

GO HOKIES!!!

Statworthy

Before everyone freaks out about tomorrow and how our team is young and the offense is struggling and UNC is on fire and....

Consider this.

Frank Beamer is 17-0 in conference road openers.

No, not conference home openers. Conference ROAD openers.

That is simply insanity.

Also, since joining the ACC, Virginia Tech is 16-1 in conference road games.

No, not conference home games. Conference ROAD games.

In fact, we have played better away from home then in our comfy noise box otherwise known as Lane Stadium.

16-1? On the road? Seriously?

It is going to take everything VT has to keep that record intact tomorrow.

The kids are young - we'll see what they are made of!

Carolina on my mind

I remember growing up when you heard the word ACC you thought of Carolina.

Duke.
North Carolina State.
UNC.
Wake Forest.

Just not in football.

UNC is looking to change that perception with excellent recruiting classes, the hiring of former Miami coach Butch Davis, and building around a young but aggressive defense. They showed their youth in their first outing against McNeese State, but looked like a tested veteran club against struggling Rutgers last week.

The one blemish?

They were outgained in BOTH contests. VTs problem is that it can't outgain a turtle at this point.

Tyrod Taylor turns every play into a fighting chance and gives this club an opportunity to turn a 5 yard loss into a 31 yard gain (see FSU game from last year).

Butch Davis has publicly stated this week that the way to beat Virginia Tech is to force TT to throw. Get him out of his comfort zone. Don't let him escape the pocket. Make him play from behind and throw to win.

Considering the youth and inexperience we have at receiver, it's a solid plan.

What no ones seems willing to talk about is our deficiency on defense. No Bud Foster, I won't tell you where I live.

The pass defense really, really scares me this year. Yes, we have Macho Harris. Yes, we have Stefan Virgil. Two scary good corners.

But what about rover?

Safety?

Were it not for a penalty against Furman, we would have been beaten on a 60 yard play action strike. Were it not for the ball being a touch overthrown last week, Kam Chancellor would have been beaten for a sure touchdown and a likely loss.

T.J. Yates is not the best quarterback in the world, but his receivers are extremely athletic and very experienced. If our defensive line cannot get pressure on him and he has all day to sit in the pocket, we are going to get torched for big yards.

What does this game come down to?

If we play the way we did last week - establishing a running game, limiting turnovers and penalties, and getting pressure with our defense, I like our chances.

But if Butch Davis' vision comes true and Tyrod is forced to win the game with his arm, I think it's a loss.

This is a crucial Coastal Division game. Win this game and we have a 2-0 running start on our side.

My thought? The winner of this game finds themselves in Tampa in early December.

Nebraska Game Time Set

Nothing like a night game in Lincoln, Nebraska kids.

National television exposure at night.

Nice.

Eddie Money

Ok, forget the controversy, if you can.

Just for a second.

Eddie Royal, rookie receiver for the Denver Broncos is making a name for himself, and quickly.

For those of you that missed the fantastic finish in Denver last night, Denver was down to San Diego by 7 in the waning moments of the game. Thanks to a botched call which ruled Jay Cutler threw an incomplete pass instead of a fumble, the Broncos had new life. It was 4th and goal and who does Cutler toss it to? None other then #19 Eddie Royal.

Touchdown Broncos.

Does Coach go for the tying score to send the game to OT?

Nah.

He wants to go for 2 and win the game outright. Cutler connects with Eddie again for the win.

Royal is making a strong case for Rookie of the Year honors.

Sorry we couldn't use you effectively on offense at VT buddy. At least you are making it work at the next level.

Evans is the real deal

There is no secret that VT is loaded with talented backs this year, 5 in all.

Talented true frosh Ryan Williams hasn't seen the field yet, and all early signs point to him redshirting if they haven't used him by Saturday.

If Kenny Lewis Jr. gets as many carries as he did last weekend, I will be sorely disappointed. Evans is clearly the better back, especially up the gut, breaking tackles all the way.

And how.

ACC Power Rankings

IF the season ended today, this is how the divisions would line up:


Atlantic

Florida State (0-0)
Wake Forest (0-0)
Clemson (1-0)
Maryland (0-0)
Boston College (0-1)
NC State (0-1)

Coastal

Virginia Tech (1-0)
UNC (0-0)
Georgia Tech (1-1)
Miami (0-0)
Duke (0-0)
Virginia (0-0)


HUGE divisional matchups next weekend:

Wake Forest at FSU
VT at UNC

Could go a long way to determine the conference.

Carolina Game Time Set

Due to both VT and UNC's victories this past weekend, game time has been set next Saturday for 3:30 on ABC.

WhoVA?

My apologies to any of my readers who might be UVA fans.

Oh wait, this is a HOKIE BLOG!!!!

But seriously, Virginia. Come on. You go on the road to Connecticut and get whooped 45-10? Really?

My hat goes off to Randy Edsall. I have always loved this guy - he is a fierce recruiter and a fabulous coach. He led the Huskies to co-win the Big East last season with West Virginia. There has been a football program at Connecticut for only 6 years or so. My, how far they have come.

UVA, where do you go from here? You host #14 ECU. Uh oh. You host Clemson. Oops. You have to go to Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech. Yikes. There's always Duke. Wait, isn't Duke 2-1? Yep.

They have a week off before that matchup in Durham. And my money is on the Blue Devils. They played a great game today against Navy, besting them by 10 points.

Things could go south quick for the Cavaliers. Hopefully not TOO far south. I want Al Groh right where he is.

Tech Triumph!!!

Well, talk about nailbiters!

If I have to see one more triple option play, I am going to get seasick trying to follow who the heck has the ball! Let's check out my previous list of things I wanted to see improvement on:

(1) Establish the line of scrimmage. Check.

(2) Run the ball better. Darren Evans, Tyrod Taylor? Check.

(3) Complete more then 5 passes and more then 68 passing yards. Yes, but barely.

(4) Win the special teams battle. Check. Keep an eye on John Graves. He has ALL THREE of the blocks we have had thus far.

(5) Give up less then 300 yards to GT. Sorry Bud.

(6) Create turnovers. Triple Check.

(7) Manage the game better with playcalling. Much better, yes.

(8) Play hard with emotion from snap to snap. Check.

(9) Don't turn the ball over. Check.

(10) Get better from week to week. Check.

Those paying close attention to how the game unfolded will be quick to point out we gave up a LOT of yards to Georgia Tech's run game. Fair enough. Also, our pass defense is not what it used to be either, and UNC could easily exploit that next week. Agreed. But what Bud Foster has been legendary for is in-game adjustments. No one will fault Bud for what he pulled off at the end of the game. When he had to force three and out and then fourth and out, he delivered. As usual.

We have a (1-0) lead in the Coastal division chase going into next week's crucial matchup with the Tarheels. Win next week? Driver's seat for the divisional race.

247 total yards of offense still won't jive with most Tech fans, but the improvement from week to week is there. Taylor gives us an option to turn a bad play into a better play, so he will always give us a chance to move the ball. If we can improve the passing game from week to week, I think we will be alright as the year progresses. But he will get flat out KILLED if we don't open up the passing game.

Heck, we could always be UVA trailing Connecticut 45-10 in the 4th.

Ouch Al. Ouch.

Pregaming

Greetings from Hokieland.

Just like you, I am very interested to see what Virginia Tech team shows up today. I think we can all agree that VT going 11-1 is unlikely. 10-2? Possible. 9-3 or 8-4? Much more likely. Regardless of what happens today, I will be MUCH happier if the below happens:

(1) Establish the line of scrimmage. The offensive line has been less then imposing over the past two games. The line needs to create lanes for the running game and time for TT and SG in the passing game. Simply stated, the defensive line has gotten precious little penetration on opposing offenses. To defend the option, Bud Foster will tell you the first step is getting a push up front .

(2) Run the ball better.

(3) Complete more then 5 passes and more then 68 passing yards.

(4) Win the special teams battle.

(5) Give up less then 300 yards to GT.

(6) Create turnovers.

(7) Manage the game better with playcalling.

(8) Play hard with emotion from snap to snap.

(9) Don't turn the ball over.

(10) Get better from week to week.

No one is expecting VT to win the national championship this year, but the conference chase is still very much alive. What will make me happy is if the above is accomplished every week; getting better and better, playing hard.

It will pay dividends late in the season going into next year.

GO HOKIES!!!!

(8)

Jason from Arlington fast becoming a celebrity

For those of you who haven't heard, Frank Beamer is mad this week.

Really mad.

On his weekly Hokie Hotline radio show, Jason from Arlington called in and asked a question a lot of were thinking but didn't have the gumption to voice:

“We talk about winning 10 games a year and winning ACC championships. But who are we kidding? We’re not going to achieve our goal of winning a national championship in football with the offense we’ve seen over the past seven years. I’m just thinking if we don’t make a change here … VT football’s hit the ceiling. You’ve brought us to a really good place, but in order to get to the next level, we’re going to have to get an offense to go with that defense.”

Beamer got very defensive, both on his show and in his weekly pressers, and in turn, his practices this week have been more hands-on, more intense, he is really lighting a fire under these guys. So, we can thank Jason from Arlington, who by the way, has his own blog.

Based on what I have been hearing, the added spunk and fire that Beamer is showing this week may pay dividends come Saturday.

So, after the game on Saturday, take a moment to thank Jason from Arlington.

He even made the ESPN halftime show last night.

Kudos Jason.

ACC vs the Big East

My buddy Mike and I have been debating since the season started which of these two BCS conferences has gotten off to the roughest start. He was convinced the Big East was lagging, where I was sure the ACC had earned the honor. Until now.

The Big East is an alarming 3-8 against FBS teams so far this year. Um, that's atrocious. They are 1-5 when hosting FBS teams. That is downright awful.

Big East Losses To FBS Teams This Season and Margin of Loss

Rutgers to UNC 32
Cincinnati to Oklahoma 26
Louisville to Kentucky 25
West Virginia to East Carolina 21
Syracuse to Northwestern 20
Rutgers to Fresno St. 17
Syracuse to Akron 14
Pittsburgh to Bowling Green 10

To me, it's the margin of victory that jumps off the page. It's not just losing to out of conference foes but HOW they are losing and by how much. Maybe the beat writers will focus on the woes of the Big East now instead of constantly reminding us of Maryland and Middle Tennessee State or Alabama and Clemson.

Mike, you win this one.

Just this one....

Finally?

I know it's only halftime, but UNC is leading Rutgers AT Rutgers 17-6 at the half.

Just to put this into perspective, UNC has not won outside the state of North Carolina since 2002.

YIKES!

Keep it up, Butch.

The ACC needs all the wins it can get.

Quality, or not.

ACC Pickoff

Since we have a Thursday night game in ACC country this week, I will do my picks a day early. Off to the races we go...

North Carolina at Rutgers

This has an interesting storyline as Butch Davis was once Greg Schiano's boss down at Miami. Both teams have something to prove, but I think homefield in Jersey is too much

Rutgers 24 UNC 17

23 California at Maryland

If the ACC ever needed a marquee top 25 win, this would be it. Home field at Byrd Stadium isn't what it used to be and Cal has too many offensive weapons. Is this the year Fridge gets the boot?

Cal 27 Maryland 20

Navy at Duke

You may see some offense in this one folks. Expect a heavy dose of the option and the ground game from Navy, and Thaddeus Lewis of Duke continues to have good numbers through the air. Duke may win more then 3 games this year. Write it down.

Duke 31 Navy 28

Clemson at NC State

Um, this one could get ugly, and quick. NC State has struggled on the offensive side of the ball, though their defense could be better then advertised. It better be, against the likes of Spiller and Davis. Thunder and Lightning strike. Often.

Clemson 48 NC State 14

Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech

This is definitely the ACC game of the week, with two Coastal division hopefuls vying for position in their division. For those of you who haven't seen Navy or Air Force play before, welcome to the triple option. LOTS of ground game from GT and hopefully from Tyrod and company as well. This is why we love college football - grind it out for 4 quarters, knock the other opponent off the ball, smash mouth, run game. I am uncertain of this pick, but Beamer is MAD this week. Just ask any of his coaches or players. I think it makes the difference.

Virginia Tech 17 Georgia Tech 14

Tennessee-Chattanooga at FSU

FSU flexed it's offensive muscle last week against Western Carolina, and I don't expect this one to be any different. Expect heavy doses of Christian Ponder and Richardson under center with lots of throwing and running. Last chance for a tune up before Wake comes calling.

FSU 55 Chattanooga 3

Virginia at Connecticut

Randy Edsall has done a masterful job coaching and recruiting for UConn since he arrived and they have surprised some teams. They are solid all over, and Virginia has way too many question marks. This is the ACC's last chance for an OOC win of the weekend, but it's Virginia. Sorry.

UConn 38 UVA 17

Have fun watching the games and GO HOKIES!!!!

Anything you can do I can do better...

....or worse.

Check out the latest conference blog war on ESPN.com

Pretty funny stuff.

We've got a couple ACC/Big East match-ups this week.

Can UNC and UVA seal the deal?

Find out later in the week when I make my picks....

A Royal Debut

For those of you that have followed Hokie football, you know that Eddie Royal is one of Virginia Tech's favorite sons. He emerged on the scene as a true freshman in 2004, and his critical touchdown catches against Georgia Tech and Miami (both on the road) helped lead Tech to its first ACC crown. He was drafted by Denver this past spring in the fourth round, largely to beef up their return game.

But when Brandon Marshall was forced to sit out the first game for violating team policy, it gave Eddie a chance to flex his receiving muscles.

And flex them he did.

Last night, he harassed fellow Hokie standout DeAngelo Hall most of the night to the tune of 9 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown (he had another one, but it was called back on penalties). With VT's offensive woes, it is nice to see one of its more dangerous weapons having success on the next level.

And after every catch was Eddie's patented smile.

From ear to ear.

Orange Crush?

So, on Frank Beamer's weekly Hokie Hotline show tonight, Beamer indicated that this coming Saturday is this year's "Orange Effect" where fans are urged to wear orange, which incidentally looks terrific on national television.

There has been a rumor that the team may be wearing orange too.

Does anyone remember the last time Tech wore orange?

They lost at home to Virginia in the early 1990s.

Yes, there was a time when Virginia beat us.

No, I didn't think we would ever field a team wearing them again.

Might want to wear your shades!!

Carolina Blues

ESPN/ABC have exercised their 6 day option on both Georgia Tech/Mississippi State and UNC/Virginia Tech on Saturday, September 20th.

I guess they want to wait and see the results of the Rutgers/UNC and VT/GT games this weekend before they make up their minds.

My take?

The loser of the GT/VT game this weekend will play at noon on Raycom the following weekend. The winner gets the coveted 3:30 ABC time slot.

Out of conference MUST WINS

Well, the weekend is over which means only one thing right? What ACC games do we have to look forward to this week? Well, for starters quite a few out of conference games which, if you have been paying attention since last week, the ACC sorely needs. There is one PAC 10 school and 2 Big East schools on tap, so the ACC has a great opportunity for some much-needed love:

Thursday, September 11

UNC at Rutgers (MUST WIN)

Saturday, September 13

Cal at Maryland (who are we kidding here?)
NC State at Clemson
Navy at Duke
Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech
Tennessee-Chattanooga at FSU
Virginia at Connecticut (MUST WIN)

Connecticut is vastly underrated and could give the Cavs fits. California is not underrated and WILL give Maryland fits. Duke is doing much better this year and should be able to compete with Navy.

Come on ACC. Don't be the Big East.

Tech Squared

This coming weekend's matchup between Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech can be seen on ABC/ESPN at 3:30PM on Saturday, September 13th.

Fans of a passing game need not tune in. Triple option anyone?

ACC Standings - Updated Order of Finish

Each Sunday, I will update how I think the conference will shake out on both sides come season's end. Obviously, some weeks certain teams will play better then others. Of course, most teams look pretty bad right now, so this is where I think things will stand as of today. Each team's conference record is in parentheses. The only conference game yet played is BC and GT from yesterday.

Atlantic

Florida State (0-0)
Wake Forest (0-0)
Clemson (0-0)
Boston College (0-1)
North Carolina State (0-0)
Maryland (0-0)

Coastal

Georgia Tech (1-0)
Miami (0-0)
North Carolina (0-0)
Virginia Tech (0-0)
Virginia (0-0)
Duke (0-0)

10 things I learned this weekend

(1) The ACC is bad. OK, so we knew that last week, but this week was glaring. Virginia led Richmond at home 3-0 going into the fourth quarter. Maryland lost on the road to Middle Tennessee State. Who? Virginia Tech led Furman at the half 3-0 at home. Thank goodness for Wake Forest who had a game winning field goal at the end to defeat a low level SEC team.

(2) This 2 Quarterback system has got to go. You burned Tyrod's redshirt. Now use him. He cannot get into a rhythm if he is going in and out. He drives you down the field, you are at the 5 yard line, it's 3rd and short and you bring in Glennon? Really?

(3) ECU is for real. And thank goodness! Sure makes our close loss to them last week look a little better. They absolutely crushed West Virginia yesterday on both sides of the ball. Given their schedule, as long as they stay grounded, they should not only be able to compete for a C-USA title, but maybe break into the BCS discussion.

(4) Georgia Tech's option might work in the ACC. They proved that on the road at Boston College yesterday. Next up? The Hokies.

(5) The colossal USC/Ohio State game next weekend may not be so close after all. Ohio State struggled to put lowly MAC member Ohio away at home, and without Beannie Wells running, didn't have much. And all USC has done is had the week off. Uh oh.

(6) Duke WILL win a few more games this year. They almost pulled off an upset against Northwestern at home yesterday, and only lost by 4. They may catch a fellow ACC school napping.

(7) The top 5 teams in the country are scary good. Florida looked good dismantling Miami, Georgia was solid against a dangerous Central Michigan squad, Oklahoma was very impressive crushing a good Cincinnati team, and we all know about USC.

(8) Virginia Tech's bowl streak of 15 straight seasons may come to an end this year. No, really. If the Furman defensive line got through our offensive line, pressuring and sacking the quarterbacks all day long, what will the likes of Miami, Florida State and Boston College do?

(9) Jim Grobe is a fantastic coach. No one does more with less then Grobe. His players love him, and it shows. Here's hoping that Al Groh doesn't ever get the boot from UVA, because Grobe is a perfect fit for that program and I feel he could actually get them beating VT again. Shiver.

(10) I saved this one for last because this really, really upset me yesterday. For those of you who didn't see or hear about the end of the BYU/Washington game, let me set it up for you. Washington is down a touchdown late in the 4th. Jake Locker, the Wash QB runs it in for the tying TD, throws the ball in the air and celebrates with his teammates. The officials throw an unsportsmanlike flag, 15 yards. So the extra point is moved back. They kick it and it is blocked. BYU survives by one point on the road. No way ever, EVER should a subjective call from an official decide a football game. This new rule they have is ludicrous. This is college football, for goodness sakes! These are young guys who, just like the rest of us, LOVE the game. If he was strutting, doing backflips all while balancing an egg on his nose, fine. But he is ecstatic that they were able to score at the end and force overtime. The spirit of the rule was violated big. What a terrible way for the game to go down.

Downright offensive...

Well, it is the second Saturday of the season, and Hokies everywhere are getting restless.

Again.

Bud Foster's defense showed marked improvement from last week's game against ECU where tackling was oddly absent. Coach Foster deserves about 10 free passes though; his unit has been as stout as they come for about 5 straight seasons. Even Coach Beamer's famous special teams took the week off last week. Can anyone say "Holtzball?"

The offense, however, has been downright awful under the tutelage of Brian Stinespring for several seasons now. Offensive stats in the hundreds won't get you too far.

Or does it?

Brian has been calling the offensive plays since 2000 and in 8 years, Virginia Tech has not finished above FIFTY in total offense. Now, it doesn't help that four big time receivers from last year's offense are now making a living on Sundays and Beamer is trying to break in some very young guys. Youth is one thing, but when your offensive line, which is supposed to be the heart of soul of your offense is struggling to open holes and the play calling is not tailoring to your strengths, tough questions must be asked.

Tech has been to a bowl game for 15 straight seasons which is utterly remarkable in today's game, where parity has become a norm more then an exception. But that streak is in serious jeopardy of being broken this year if VT can't get things together offensively. Only Florida and Michigan can claim to best that streak, and that's some pretty elite company.

Next week it gets no easier; you think Georgia Tech will allow VT to run at ease?

Think again.

The defense was MUCH improved today and that was a bright spot in today's game for sure. The tackling was much better, and the boys up front allowed precious little on the ground. I have no doubt that Bud's unit will continue to improve every week and continue to force turnovers.

But only 6 home games (one of which is already in the books) and road games at FSU, Miami, Boston College, Nebraska and North Carolina gives even the most hard core Hokie fan pause.

Virginia Tech is one of only two schools to win 10 regular season games over the last four years. USC is the other. Again, great company. Imagine if we had merely a halfway pedestrian offense to accompany Bud's bunch over the last 4 years. Frightening.

But that is child's play compared to the notion another season with these abysmal offensive statistics. Talk about frightening.

It's time for Frank to start making some very tough decisions. Fewer coaching staffs are as tight and loyal as his bunch.

It's clearly time for change.

Sorry Frank, but Bud can only do so much.

With the way Maryland looked today, maybe you can hire your buddy Ralph Friedgen as your new OC?