Gobbler Country: FanPosts

Goal for Hokies - play in the Rose bowl? (Don't laugh!)

2013-04-29T15:25:22Z

We all read the taunts... The Pac-12 and Big Ten have locked in the Rose bowl, and the SEC and Big XII have locked in the Sugar bowl, and the ACC (some claim) is locked out of those bowls for the length of the playoff contract...

Or are we? Here's something to think about... because of the rotation of the bowls for semi-final games and the rule they put in place stating that no #3 or #4 seed should ever have home field advantage over a #1 or #2 (if it's possible to avoid it), that creates some interesting possibilities. Suffice it to say that it's possible for Virginia Tech (or any ACC team who can finish in the top 10 or so) to play in each and every one of the "playoff" bowls.

Hey, that might even be a good goal for the Hokies to achieve by 2025/26!

Here is the article I posted on my blog out-lining the details:

http://accfootballrx.blogspot.com/2013/04/acc-teams-in-rose-bowl-etc.html

Poll

Besides the Orange, Peach and Sugar bowls - which we've already played in - which other playoff bowl would you like to see the Hokies play in first?

Rose bowl

4 votes

Fiesta bowl

2 votes

Coton bowl

3 votes

9 votes | Poll has closed

NEW: Virginia Tech Superfan Pump up Video

2013-04-25T15:58:07Z

Me and a Few Other People Got together and made this short little piece. i figured since the abysmal showing at the spring game, we'll need as much help as we can get.

I know this doesn't have the song "Enter Sandman" in it, but hey, why get burnt out on it so soon? If you have any Questions or comments on it, I would be happy to hear them

Go Hokies!!!

-HJ

Me and a Few Other People Got together and made this short little piece. i figured since the abysmal showing at the spring game, we'll need as much help as we can get.

I know this doesn't have the song "Enter Sandman" in it, but hey, why get burnt out on it so soon? If you have any Questions or comments on it, I would be happy to hear them

Go Hokies!!!

-HJ

App to track Hokies in NFL & NBA

2013-04-18T05:39:09Z

Hey all,

A buddy of mine recently created an app called "Draftpedia" that tracks NBA and NFL draft data, rosters, and statistics from the last 40+ years. It lets you sort the data in a lot of different ways - one way is by college so you can see and track every pro that attended Virginia Tech in a single list (which then allows you to see year-by-year stats for every player). It should be a great reference tool for sports history and random trivia.

If you're interested, here's the download link for iPhones/iPads (it's free):
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/draf...562159411?mt=8

----------------------------------------------------------

Here's a press release from the Wall Street Journal (http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130417-908281.html?mod=googlenews_wsj):

Draftpedia's iPhone App Launches for All NBA & NFL Draft Fans

SANTA MONICA, CA--(Marketwired - April 17, 2013) - Draftpedia, the only iPhone app with NFL & NBA draft history, is now available free in the App Store. Built exclusively for mobile, Draftpedia has 30+ years of draft history, past team rosters, draft info for every player's alma mater and statistics for every current player.

Roommates David Rabie and Joe Sarafian hatched the idea for Draftpedia on the couch during a Clipper game. Discussing Kenyon Martin's historically poor draft class, Joe asked why consumers had to rely on searching Wikipedia for the answer. "As Gen Y sports enthusiasts, what has driven us this entire time is to build an app that makes our lives easier," said David Rabie, Co-Founder.

"Given the competition, we knew that our edge would come with speed, efficiency and design. We built a database of information that is stored within the app -- eliminating any loading time between screens and allowing the app to function offline," said Co-Founder Joe Sarafian. The information is presented in clear, easy-to-use tables and is all linkable, offering multiple ways for users to navigate within the app.

Launching just in time for the 2013 NFL Draft, Draftpedia is the ultimate reference guide for any sports fan looking for historical data including:

-- 40+ Years of Past Drafts

-- 30 Years of Team Rosters

-- Every Division 1 College's NFL/NBA Alumni

-- Breakdown by Nationality (NBA) and Pick (NFL)

-- Statistics for Every Current Player

"Next time you're debating a player's alma mater or comparing draft classes, Draftpedia is your best solution," said Rabie.

About Draftpedia

Draftpedia consolidates information about past NFL & NBA drafts in a convenient and fast iPhone app. It has every draft year of the modern era, lists of professional players from every D1 College, past rosters for every team and statistics for every current player. Founded in 2012, Draftpedia is based in Santa Monica, CA. For more information, visit www.draftpedia.com.

Hey all,

If you're interested, here's the download link for iPhones/iPads (it's free):
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/draf...562159411?mt=8

----------------------------------------------------------

Here's a press release from the Wall Street Journal (http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130417-908281.html?mod=googlenews_wsj):

Draftpedia's iPhone App Launches for All NBA & NFL Draft Fans

SANTA MONICA, CA--(Marketwired - April 17, 2013) - Draftpedia, the only iPhone app with NFL & NBA draft history, is now available free in the App Store. Built exclusively for mobile, Draftpedia has 30+ years of draft history, past team rosters, draft info for every player's alma mater and statistics for every current player.

Roommates David Rabie and Joe Sarafian hatched the idea for Draftpedia on the couch during a Clipper game. Discussing Kenyon Martin's historically poor draft class, Joe asked why consumers had to rely on searching Wikipedia for the answer. "As Gen Y sports enthusiasts, what has driven us this entire time is to build an app that makes our lives easier," said David Rabie, Co-Founder.

"Given the competition, we knew that our edge would come with speed, efficiency and design. We built a database of information that is stored within the app -- eliminating any loading time between screens and allowing the app to function offline," said Co-Founder Joe Sarafian. The information is presented in clear, easy-to-use tables and is all linkable, offering multiple ways for users to navigate within the app.

Launching just in time for the 2013 NFL Draft, Draftpedia is the ultimate reference guide for any sports fan looking for historical data including:

-- 40+ Years of Past Drafts

-- 30 Years of Team Rosters

-- Every Division 1 College's NFL/NBA Alumni

-- Breakdown by Nationality (NBA) and Pick (NFL)

-- Statistics for Every Current Player

"Next time you're debating a player's alma mater or comparing draft classes, Draftpedia is your best solution," said Rabie.

About Draftpedia

Draftpedia consolidates information about past NFL & NBA drafts in a convenient and fast iPhone app. It has every draft year of the modern era, lists of professional players from every D1 College, past rosters for every team and statistics for every current player. Founded in 2012, Draftpedia is based in Santa Monica, CA. For more information, visit www.draftpedia.com.

Best Conference for Va Tech?

2013-02-27T18:28:16Z

I know there has been a lot of fear-mongering when it comes to conference realignment in the last 2 years. Much of that has originated with our neighbors to the West in Morgantown. I also realize that the authors of this blog have been proponents of VT to the SEC. I'm a long-time Hokies fan myself, and I certainly want what's best for my team, but I don't want fear or peer pressure determining the future of Virginia Tech athletics...

Who are the Hokies Natural Rivals?

I think that's the first question that needs to be asked when determining conference fit. In my mind there are 2 things which determine rivalry: geography and history. So let's look at those 2 factors one at a time.

Geographic Rivals.

Here is a map of the schools closest to Blacksburg, VA.

via img823.imageshack.us

The inner circle is roughly 200 miles (3.5 hour drive) and the outer circle is roughly 300 miles (5 hour drive).

Schools in the inner circle are: Pittsburgh, WVU, UVa, Duke, UNC, NC State, Wake Forest, S Carolina, Clemson, Tennessee and Kentucky. That's 7 ACC, 3 SEC and 1 Big 12.

Schools in the 200-300 mile ring: Louisville, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Penn State, Maryland, E Carolina (not shown), Georgia and Ga Tech. As-of 2014 that's 2 more ACC, 3 Big Ten, 1 SEC and 2 Big East.

Grand total within 300 miles (or so): 9 ACC, 4 SEC, 3 Big Ten, 1 Big 12, 2 Big East. Geographically, there's no question the ACC is the best conference for VT in terms of rivalry.

Historical Rivals.

Here are the most commonly played opponents for the past 20 years (the entire lifetime of most students in college now):

Opponent	games	Last
Boston College	21	2012
Virginia	20	2012
Miami (Florida)	20	2012
West Virginia	13	2005
Rutgers	12	2012
Pittsburgh	12	2012
Syracuse	11	2003
Temple	11	2003
East Carolina	10	2011
North Carolina	10	2012
Duke	9	2012
Georgia Tech	9	2012
Clemson	8	2012
Florida State	7	2012
Maryland	5	2009
Wake Forest	4	2011
Cincinnati	4	2012
North Carolina State	4	2010

Breakdown by 2014 conference:

ACC 12
Big Ten 2
Big XII 1
Big East 3
SEC 0

Interesting - if SEC schools present such rivalries, why hasn't Tech played a single SEC school at least 4 times in the past 20 years? In fact, the most-played SEC school since 1993 would be LSU (2 games - a home/away series). The Hokies have played Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Tennessee once each.

Common Realignment Scenarios:

Most rumors floating around have Va Tech and NC State going to the SEC as a pair, with no other ACC teams moving to that conference. That would give the Hokies potentially 5 geographic rivals, but only 1 with recent history - NC State.

Some rumors have the Big Ten expanding (though Tech is rarely rumored with that league). If VT went to the B1G along with 1 other ACC school, you'd have potentially 4 geographic rivals, 3 with recent history.

Finally, some have VT to the Big XII. If this happened with only 1 other ACC team going along, that only gives 2 geographic rivals. However, some see as many as 6 ACC teams (VT + 5 more) moving the the Big XII. This is the only scenario with a reasonable number of rivals (up to 6, counting WVU) in the same conference with Tech.

CONCLUSION: I realize money matters, and I know you have to have a reasonably good strength of schedule to win a national championship, too. But the thing that makes college football better than the NFL (for those who agree with that assumption) is rivalry. Tech's rivals, by any measure, are mostly in the ACC - IMO, that's where we belong.

Who are the Hokies Natural Rivals?

Geographic Rivals.

Here is a map of the schools closest to Blacksburg, VA.

via img823.imageshack.us

The inner circle is roughly 200 miles (3.5 hour drive) and the outer circle is roughly 300 miles (5 hour drive).

Schools in the inner circle are: Pittsburgh, WVU, UVa, Duke, UNC, NC State, Wake Forest, S Carolina, Clemson, Tennessee and Kentucky. That's 7 ACC, 3 SEC and 1 Big 12.

Schools in the 200-300 mile ring: Louisville, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Penn State, Maryland, E Carolina (not shown), Georgia and Ga Tech. As-of 2014 that's 2 more ACC, 3 Big Ten, 1 SEC and 2 Big East.

Grand total within 300 miles (or so): 9 ACC, 4 SEC, 3 Big Ten, 1 Big 12, 2 Big East. Geographically, there's no question the ACC is the best conference for VT in terms of rivalry.

Historical Rivals.

Here are the most commonly played opponents for the past 20 years (the entire lifetime of most students in college now):

Opponent	games	Last
Boston College	21	2012
Virginia	20	2012
Miami (Florida)	20	2012
West Virginia	13	2005
Rutgers	12	2012
Pittsburgh	12	2012
Syracuse	11	2003
Temple	11	2003
East Carolina	10	2011
North Carolina	10	2012
Duke	9	2012
Georgia Tech	9	2012
Clemson	8	2012
Florida State	7	2012
Maryland	5	2009
Wake Forest	4	2011
Cincinnati	4	2012
North Carolina State	4	2010

Breakdown by 2014 conference:

ACC 12
Big Ten 2
Big XII 1
Big East 3
SEC 0

Common Realignment Scenarios:

Why I Think Erick Green Is A Star, Not A Hog

2013-02-01T15:02:08Z

via 1.bp.blogspot.com

[Ed. Note: Bumped from FanPosts. Thanks to Hokie Mark for this analysis. Chicagomaroon will do a counterpoint to Trevor's Erick Green post from this past weekend later this week.]

Erick Green takes 16.7 shot attempts per game - more than any other Hokie (for that matter, more than any other ACC player). Does that make him a ball hog? I submit to you that the answer is "No". Green is a star, not a hog. Why am I convinced of that? 2 reasons:

1) Erick is hitting 49.8% of his shots. That may not be the highest percentage on the team, but it is very, very good. He has also gone to the FT line 174 times, hitting 81.6% of his free throws. Green is a scoring machine.

2) Unlike bona fide ball hogs (like Russ Smith of Louisville), Erick Green is the assist leader on his team with 84 dishes served so far. That may not sound like a lot (by contrast Peyton Siva of Louisville has 127), but no other Hokie is even close to Green as far as assists go. I don't know - maybe no one is getting open under the basket?

BOTTOM LINE: The Hokies just need more good players. Green is an excellent start. Could he pass more? Maybe. I'm all for involving the whole team - I'm just not sure we'd score any more points. What do y'all think?

(see also http://accbasketballrx.blogspot.com/2013/02/ball-hogs-vs-stars.html)

via 1.bp.blogspot.com

[Ed. Note: Bumped from FanPosts. Thanks to Hokie Mark for this analysis. Chicagomaroon will do a counterpoint to Trevor's Erick Green post from this past weekend later this week.]

(see also http://accbasketballrx.blogspot.com/2013/02/ball-hogs-vs-stars.html)

As The ACC Turns: Week 3 and 4 Power Rankings

2013-01-30T14:22:46Z

It's Popa's Shoes here once again from State of the U with our latest power rankings. We have the Hokies ranked 10th after losses to Virginia and Clemson. I'm excited to watch Erik Green play Miami tonight. If Miami is caught looking ahead to their game in Raleigh this weekend, VaTech could easily steal one. Miami had trouble with BC earlier in the year.

http://www.stateoftheu.com/basketball-news/2013/1/29/3927212/as-the-acc-turns-weeks-3-and-4

A horrific decision by VT with the new hires and an explanation of "why"

2013-01-20T02:41:57Z

The x factor that caused the changes was Stinespring. The OC was Stinespring for the last 11 years. He's the guy responsible for the offensive positions coaches and their success or lack thereof. The common denominator at VT the last 11 years has been Stinespring. We've see guys like Rogers come and go. Rogers was brilliant. We've now seen O'Cain run off. O'Cain basically ran the offense for 1 season and this was in 2011. This was the one season in which Stiney wasn't in the press-box. The offense finished 35th in total O and ranked the highest ever in Stiney's 11 year run. This past year, Stiney returned to the pressbox and the results were the usual.....disaster.

The problem at VT the past 5 years has been offensive recruiting. By all accounts, it's down tremendously compared to where it was for the first 5 or 6 years in which Stiney was the OC. Specifically, we are critically weak at WR, QB, and OL. Because of Stiney's inept offensive system and horrific offenses, far to many High School Coaches and top offensive recruits in Virginia have turned away from Tech. Guys like Renner, Glennon, Boyd, Manuel, and Simms were all Virginia 4 or 5 star QB's that went elsewhere. The fact is....Stiney has destroyed VT's offensive recruiting and contrary to the myth that he's a good recruiter, the facts simply show the opposite.

Because of the above, the new hires should have included removing Stinespring from the team and Blacksburg. When I write removing him from Blacksburg, I specifically mean firing him, not demoted from OC and moved to TE's coach and recruiting coordinator. His reputation is tainted goods in the state of VA. Few High School coaches in Virginia will by into the "new" VT offensive system with the new OC because they will not believe that true change has occurred with Stiney still on staff. As for the hires themselves, 2 of the 3 were excellent. Grimes is proven and Stanford's man at the WR coaching spot is a plus for Virginia Tech. At OC, we hire a guy who is unproven and has minimal experience as an OC. All this time, there are guys with far more experience and legitimate results that we could have hired by searching and looking at teams like Sam Houston, State, North Dakota State, and Old Dominion. Our new OC hire wasn't the first choice. He was like Logan Thomas at QB. He was the backup plan. One of the 5 guys mentioned above were our primary targets over a 2 year period at QB, and VT had to move LT to TE because it couldn't recruit a QB. Why? Because of Stinespring. The same applies with the new OC and guys like Pep Hamilton and perhaps 3 others turning down VT because of Stiney remaining on staff.

Simply put, the new hires and the entire process are largely flawed because of the items mentioned above. Simply put, Stiney remains on staff and coaches, young recruits, and fans aren't going to buy it. Virginia Tech's offense will continue to be stuck in the mud because of Beamers ignorance with maintaining Stinespring. We've moved past the point of calling it "loyalty." It's now in the realm of ignorance. The consistent failure at VT over the last decade has been Stinespring, and somehow, we have gone through several different offensive position's coaches that have tons of experience, yet he remains on staff because he married Beamer's secretary, thus forming a close and personal relationship with Coach Beamer.

The above are one guy's opinion.

As The ACC Turns: Week 2 Power Rankings

2013-01-16T15:01:56Z

Popa's Shoes here from State of the U again with our week 2 power rankings. We have Virginia Tech ranked 9th. I'm really enjoying Erik Green's season; I love when a senior steps up to become a star. Reminds me of Malcolm Delaney a couple years ago who could just will VT through games. Please check out our rankings when you get a chance

http://www.stateoftheu.com/2013/1/15/3881114/ACC-week-2-power-rankings

Opening ACC Weekend Rundown

2013-01-08T16:47:56Z

Popa's Shoes here from the State of the U. Admittedly, I don't know much about Virginia Tech in the post Seth Greenburg era. And I don't think I can learn much from a new coach against a team as good as Maryland looks. What can you guys tell me about your new coach?

We did a quick rundown of the first weekend of ACC play and we already had some great games. Check it out when you get a chance and give us your take

http://www.stateoftheu.com/2013/1/7/3849180/Opening-Weekend-ACC

Looking Back and Forward

2012-11-11T17:13:25Z

Initially, I was not going to write a review of the Florida State game, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized, I do have some things I wanted to say.

First, hats off to Florida State. They are really good. When I watched them host Clemson back in September, I marked down Florida State and Clemson as teams that could and have beaten Virginia Tech. Second, it was hell of a game, I was on the edge of my couch, literally, and on the final drive that saw Florida State catching the secondary off-guarded, I was on my feet. I had to drink a bottle of Heineken just to calm my nerves before I showered and went to bed.

Was I disappointed that Tech lost? Absolutely. I was not disappointed that they lost to Florida State, and I felt this was the best total TEAM effort I have seen from Tech. Statistically, they dominated Florida State, having their way, and they could not cash in when they had the opportunity. Bud Foster's defense did what they do best, hounded E.J. Manuel, ratcheting pressure, and backing them up toward their own end zone. Logan Thomas was lighting up Florida State, connecting with Corey Fuller repeatedly, who I thought turned in the best performance of a receiver all year long, and the running game was not going anywhere.

To be honest, I noticed from the start that Florida State was selling out against the run, and why O'Cain, play-caller, and Stinespring, offensive coordinator, failed to notice it, and make adjustment? On a 3rd down situation in the red zone, I was hoping they would have called a halfback draw out of the I-formation with Scales, but instead, they called for a Thomas' read-option, which Florida State stuffed with extreme prejudice. Instead of going for it on fourth down, coach Beamer elected to kick a field goal. We may never know if coach Beamer has confidence in the offense's ability to convert the fourth down, because he is so good at deflecting question.

Also, according to 247 VT Scoop staff via Twitter, several recruits made some last-minute appearances, and I would love to know if they decided to commit to Tech based on how loud Lane Stadium was. From the start to the end, all I heard through Twitter was that Lane Stadium was vintage- loud, hostile, and then gracious in defeat. Lane Stadium is regarded as one of the top 25 toughest places to play, and the fans made that belief true. It was so loud, Florida State left with new respect for the fans.

It was hell of an effort. Now, this coming Saturday, Virginia Tech goes on the road to take on Boston College. Their coach is a dead coach walking, and it is a chance for the Hokies to reverse their road record this season, 0-5 on the road. I'm rooting hard for them. I believe they can win.

I want to challenge fans who follow me on Twitter to start using this hash tag - #RISEUPHOKIES. I want fans to show the players we are still behind them, 1,000% and we will not ever give up on them, in spite of some of us, myself included, calling for change in the coaching staff.

LET'S GO, HOKIES! #RISEUPHOKIES

Initially, I was not going to write a review of the Florida State game, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized, I do have some things I wanted to say.

LET'S GO, HOKIES! #RISEUPHOKIES

A Challenge for Hokie Fans!

2012-11-03T13:42:22Z

A Challenge For Virginia Tech Fans.

This season has been disappointing to say the least, but that is no reason to give up on OUR Hokies! The title says it all. This is a challenge for the fans, NOT the faithful. Because I know the Hokie Faithful already do this at EVERY Virginia Tech Football Game, no matter the opponent. This challenge is optional and I hope you agree to take it. Here’s the challenge I pose to you:

When you come to Lane Stadium for the Next Two Games of the season, Show up BEFORE Enter Sandman and stay for the ENTIRE GAME
When Logan Thomas and the Offense are on the field, Everyone please I’m asking nice…Be quiet so they can hear themselves in the snap count.
When we are On Defense, YELL YOUR HEARTS OUT! We have two important games left. The Best Team in the ACC, and our In-state Rival. And don’t forget your keys on third down plays.
Student Section: Please don’t sit when the game is being played! Be on your feet. I don’t care if it is standing or jumping. I suggest only sit during commercial breaks or halftime.
If you are in the North, you especially don’t sit. I coveted the North Endzone Seats for 3 years. 3 YEARS and it pisses me off to no end that people who get those seats treat it as a social gathering to sit and chitchat. Our Hokies are basically modern day gladiators, fighting tooth and nail for our entertainment. Show them some damn support. If I see you doing this, I will look you straight and in the face and tell you to stand up.
Enough Paper plane throwing. After people pick up them up off they field they can report your name and student ID number and have your tickets taken away for any sports game indefinitely.
No one is getting fired before the seasons over. So stop chanting it. Trust me, Jim Weaver knows that when you only score 12 points against the 2nd worst defense in the nation, it’s an offensive problem. if You feel so strongly about the coaching problem, write letters to Jim and Frank. Chanting it shows immaturity and lack of true tenacity. Flooding the athletic director's office with well-spoken respectful letters about your true concern about the coaching situation is going to do more than chanting it at a game

If you chose to not do these things and don’t want to participate in this Challenge, then I implore you to give your ticket to someone who will. At This point in the season, all VT is Playing for is pride, so show yours! This football team deserves a better class of football fan, and WE are going to give it to them. If we can’t give the Hokies our all, then how can we expect them to give us theirs?

A Challenge For Virginia Tech Fans.

When you come to Lane Stadium for the Next Two Games of the season, Show up BEFORE Enter Sandman and stay for the ENTIRE GAME
When Logan Thomas and the Offense are on the field, Everyone please I’m asking nice…Be quiet so they can hear themselves in the snap count.
When we are On Defense, YELL YOUR HEARTS OUT! We have two important games left. The Best Team in the ACC, and our In-state Rival. And don’t forget your keys on third down plays.
Student Section: Please don’t sit when the game is being played! Be on your feet. I don’t care if it is standing or jumping. I suggest only sit during commercial breaks or halftime.
If you are in the North, you especially don’t sit. I coveted the North Endzone Seats for 3 years. 3 YEARS and it pisses me off to no end that people who get those seats treat it as a social gathering to sit and chitchat. Our Hokies are basically modern day gladiators, fighting tooth and nail for our entertainment. Show them some damn support. If I see you doing this, I will look you straight and in the face and tell you to stand up.
Enough Paper plane throwing. After people pick up them up off they field they can report your name and student ID number and have your tickets taken away for any sports game indefinitely.
No one is getting fired before the seasons over. So stop chanting it. Trust me, Jim Weaver knows that when you only score 12 points against the 2nd worst defense in the nation, it’s an offensive problem. if You feel so strongly about the coaching problem, write letters to Jim and Frank. Chanting it shows immaturity and lack of true tenacity. Flooding the athletic director's office with well-spoken respectful letters about your true concern about the coaching situation is going to do more than chanting it at a game

Upon Further Review - Blown by the Hurricanes and Other Thoughts

2012-11-02T21:57:25Z

via jimkanicki.com

The above photograph is a dumpster fire. Urban dictionary describe the term as, "A complete disaster. Something very difficult that nobody wants to deal with."

Let's look at the first part of the definition. A complete disaster.

That almost describes the game last night against Miami Hurricanes. Coming into this game, Miami had the worst defense, so bad, they were 9th in total defense in the ACC. Maybe we should have been honest as fans. Maybe we should have seen that Virginia Tech's total offense in the ACC was 8th. That, alone, should have told us that this game was not something Virginia Tech could walk into, and run roughshod over Miami.

Yet, there was a sense of hope that Virginia Tech could. We saw how great Coleman ran all over Duke. We saw when Thomas and Davis hooked up, beautiful things happened, and when those stars align, heaven opens up and angelic choir begins singing.

Alas, those were fairy tales. Logan Thomas was off. He killed a promising opening drive with an under thrown pass that was easily intercepted. Later in the game, with the Hokies' offense needing to score 6 points, a botched snap/fumble by Thomas doomed the promising drive. On a key 4th and 1, needing just a yard or two to pick up fresh set of downs, Thomas overthrew wide open fullback.

It wasn't just Logan Thomas that was erratic.

Two special teams gaffes put the defense in a very tight, awkward position to defend only 20 yards of green, which Miami made the Hokies pay with two quick scoring drives. The first was a bad snap on the punt team, and the second a blown kickoff coverage that gave Miami generous position to drive for the next touchdown.

The defense were abused in the first half. Whatever Bud Foster did at halftime, the defense held Miami for most of the 2nd half, yet the offense could not punch in when it absolutely had to. Eventually, the defense got worn down, and Miami took control and ended the game.

Beamer Ball is a very popular term amongst sportswriters, color TV commentators, and fans alike. Beamer Ball was a philosophy of scoring points in three phases of the games:

Offense
Defense
Special Team

Miami used Beamer Ball against Virginia Tech last night. They even threw in a trick play that Virginia Tech ran, the now infamous double-pass play that Marcus Davis threw to be picked off by Clemson, only this time, Miami executed it perfectly.

Miami was the bully last night. Miami came out of a bye week with swagger. Miami played like they wanted to win. Virginia Tech wanted to win, that much I am certain, but they simply could not get it done.

The second part of the definition says a dumpster fire is something nobody wants to deal with.

I think this is basically what is driving a majority of fans crazy. For years, fans have consistently criticized the offense's inability to make plays when they absolutely had to; the offensive line was weakened by poor coaching (Newsome); the play calling is always suspect (a fan favorite); and they don't score enough points.

Throw in some of the coach-speak from Beamer where he seem to be in denial there have been problems with the offense for years, it's enough to make even saints lose patience.

While I loved the fact that Stinespring installed the Pistol package, added some spread concept (read-option, zone read, 4WR sets), and misdirection, it is painfully clear those wrinkles that was installed haven't solved some the offense's woes. The offensive line can't seem to stay healthy all season long, particularly the interior of the line, which are coached by Newsome, and according to French at thekeyplay.com, their technique is flat awful.

I believe there is a need for change on the offense staff. I have been questioning Shane Beamer's insistence on rotating running backs, even when head coach Beamer said they were going to pare down the rotation; I have been wondering why the interior of the line is getting hammered by injuries; I have been complaining about Marcus Davis' inconsistency; and I also have been deeply puzzled at Logan Thomas' struggle this season.

If it was up to me, and obviously it is not, I would move Stinespring to coach the offensive line and tight ends. I would move Newsome to an administrative role. I would keep Kevin Sherman as the wide receiver coach. I would give Shane Beamer the responsibility of coordinating special teams, something he did under Steve Spurrier at South Carolina, and coach the running backs. I would give Mike O'Cain a generous retirement package and send him packing. Then I would conduct a search for offensive coordinator who believes in the same philosophy as Beamer, ball-control, aggressive/physical offense, and a quarterback coach with proven track record.

However, I don't want to say all is doom and gloom.

There were some bright spots last night.

Logan Thomas, yes, he was bad at times, but did anybody see that beauitful 73-yards QB draw? Beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes. No, not really, but that was a play! There was something else that jarred Hokie Nation. He did something I have never seen any Hokies' quarterbacks do. He slid for downs! Yes, that 6'6", 260 pounds of a quarterback with a tight end build was sliding on the turf to protect himself. If I didn't know any better, I would surmise he is sending Todd McShay a message.

Demitri Knowles is a rising star. From the time he caught that beautiful touchdown pass against Georgia Tech to returning a kickoff for touchdown against North Carolina, I think Knowles is going to have a bright future if he keeps working hard. He reminds me a bit of Eddie Royal, excellent burst of speed, great cutting ability, and all around great guy. He had two great, great kickoff returns against Miami last night, and it gave the offense excellent field positions.

J.C. Coleman is somebody that should have fans excited for spring ball. With Drew Harris slated to arrive after prepping and Trey Edmunds, I think Coleman should be the featured running back. He is fast, shifty, and he loves contact. Coleman showed great burst when there was a hole, and he is going to get better.

Jack Tyler is one of the hardest working linebackers I have watched. He is everywhere the ball is, and he reminds me of Luke Kuechly. He showed up big time against Georgia Tech last season, and that has continued this season. In a season where there was not much consistency, I think Tyler has been one of the most consistent players on the entire team.

Frank Beamer. Yeah, I criticize him as badly as the next person, but there was a bright spot with him. He showed the fiery side I solemnly see from him. He was angry. He was animated. He was passionate. That's something that has been missing all season, in my opinion, and that's a shame. For the first time last night, he did not have that wooden look on his, and it was refreshing to see that.

I just hope that Virginia Tech can finish with a 2-2 record in November.

via jimkanicki.com

The above photograph is a dumpster fire. Urban dictionary describe the term as, "A complete disaster. Something very difficult that nobody wants to deal with."

Let's look at the first part of the definition. A complete disaster.

It wasn't just Logan Thomas that was erratic.

Beamer Ball is a very popular term amongst sportswriters, color TV commentators, and fans alike. Beamer Ball was a philosophy of scoring points in three phases of the games:

Offense
Defense
Special Team

The second part of the definition says a dumpster fire is something nobody wants to deal with.

Throw in some of the coach-speak from Beamer where he seem to be in denial there have been problems with the offense for years, it's enough to make even saints lose patience.

However, I don't want to say all is doom and gloom.

There were some bright spots last night.

I just hope that Virginia Tech can finish with a 2-2 record in November.

Examining the November Streak

2012-10-30T23:46:35Z

On Thursday, Virginia Tech goes down to Florida to take on Miami in a suddenly important division race, and it is also on a Thursday night, something Virginia Tech has been very successful in owning.

However, this is not what this blog post is about, as it is on November 1, the start of the final chapter of the 2012 campaign for Virginia Tech. I decided to investigate and do some digging through the archives of Virginia Tech to see how they have fared in November since the 2004-2005 season, the inaugural season they officially became a member of the ACC. All of this information came from Hokiesports.com.

*In 2004-2005 season, before November, Virginia Tech had a 6-2 record, with losses to Southern California and North Carolina State. Then, in Novemeber, Virginia Tech went on a 3-0 streak and capped the season with a 16-10 victory over Miami. The average margin of victory was 22 points.

*In 2005-2006, Virginia Tech carried 8-0 record before November, and then went 2-1 in November, highlighted by a loss to...Miami. The average margin of victory was 15 points.

*In 2006-2007, Virginia Tech sported 6-2 record before November, and claimed 4-0 record. Average margin of victory - 17 points.

*In 2007-2008, 6-2 before November, and 4-0 November record. Average margin of victory - 21.25 points.

*In 2008-2009, 5-3 before November, and 3-1 November record. Again, the loss in November was another loss to Miami. Average margin of victory - 5.5 points.

*In 2009-2010, 5-3 before November, and 4-0 November record. Average margin of victory - 24.25 points.

*In 2010-2011, 6-2 with two painful losses that folks would like to forget, but in November, 4-0 streak! Average margin of victory - 16.75 points.

*In 2011-2012, 8-1 before November, but another 3-0 streak. Average margin of victory - 17.33 points.

So, overall, Virginia Tech OWNED November with a combined 27-2 record!

Since Virginia Tech is playing Miami, I think it would interest everyone that playing during the month of November, Virginia Tech owns a 4-2 record over Miami since joining the ACC. Two notable games in which Tech beat Miami were played 9/26/09 (a very rainy day, if folks recall), and the most thrilling comeback that will go down in Tech lore, a victory over Miami in Blacksburg 10/8/11 with the Final Drive.

This season, Virginia Tech is sitting at a painful 4-4 record, which since joining the ACC, has not happened. What is the most likely scenario? I am not entirely certain, but I believe it is highly probable that Tech finishes with a 3-1 record at best, or possibly 2-2 record for the month of November.

There is no getting around it - Virginia Tech has to beat Miami if they want to go to Charlotte.

LET'S GO, HOKIES!