Scenario No. 1

Road Team: In its previous two games scored 82 points and compiled 918 yards, averaging 7.4 yards per play. Was receiving serious national title talk from the media.

Home Team: Came in allowing over 385 yards per game and was receiving criticism from the media and its coaches. 

Result: Facing a hostile crowd and an inspired defense, the road team scored three first-half points and went on to lose.

Scenario No. 2

Road Team: In its previous two games scored 71 points and compiled 930 yards, averaging 7.3 yards per play. Was receiving serious national title talk from the media.

Home Team: Came in allowing over 364 yards per game and was receiving criticism from the media and its coaches.

Result: Facing a hostile crowd and an inspired defense, the road team was shut out in the first half and went on to lose.

I'm sure you know the answers

Before you tear into me in the comments, let me point out there's a big difference between "defending Stiney" and defending reason.

Scenario No. 1 is Virginia Tech's 28-23 loss to Georgia Tech Saturday. Scenario No. 2 is Miami's loss to Virginia Tech earlier this season. I didn't see any Cane fans calling for Whipple's head after that one. Sometime, you just run into a perfect storm. In a vacuum, Stinespring and Whipple's results are very similar.

Look, a lot of things went wrong for the Hokies Saturday against the Jackets. But once again, I think there's a lot more credit that has to be given to Georgia Tech's coaches, players and even fans than there is blame for the Hokies.

Now, for reals this time, see next week (insert generic disclaimer about big news breaking and special circumstances and such and such here). There's also another link dump coming today, but no real editorial content from me.

Special Guest

However, Kyle freaking Tucker of the Virginian-Pilot will be our guest on the Gobbler Balls Podcast this Wednesday. We'll break down what's gone right and wrong for the Hokies so far and look ahead to the remaining five regular season games.