Gobbler Country: FanPosts

TV Information for Virginia Tech's ACC Tournament Quarterfinal Game Against Miami

2010-03-12T18:42:26Z

The 2010 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament is being broadcast by both Raycom Sports and ESPN2. Therefore, if you live in the ACC's geographic footprint, you will have to watch the game on your local Raycom affiliate or on Raycom's online stream. The game will be blacked out on ESPN2 and online at ESPN360.com. If you live outside the ACC, the game will be available on ESPN2 and ESPN360.

Virginia Tech vs. Miami - ACC Quarterfinal

ACC Footprint

TV: Raycom Affiliate List
WWW: Raycom.Swarmcast.com

Outside the ACC

TV: ESPN2 (DirecTV 209)
WWW: ESPN360.com

That's the Virginia Tech basketball team I'm used to seeing...

2010-02-25T03:42:36Z

Well, that SUCKED! If there was something that we didn't need to do to, it was to hurt our tournament résumé. And this loss did that pretty badly. This loss placed us squarely back on the bubble, so much so that if the season ended today, I would even have us on the outside looking in. And I'm a lot kinder to my Hokies than are the network bracketologists. If it seems like I'm being a complete pessimist, please forgive me, and consider the recent Tech basketball history. I certainly have a reason to be concerned. We don't want to be playing ourselves back onto the bubble at the end of the season. So here are the things that killed us tonight...

1. Ball movement and passing (or total lack thereof)- We finished with an anemic 5 assists tonight. That is way under our average, and even though we have not been doing much in that area recently, tonight it was just terrible. Wanna hear the even more brutal stat? Malcolm Delaney had ALL of our assists. If our team had 20 assists, that would be different. But we had 5. We absolutely HAVE TO assist on more of our baskets. That we are averaging less and less assists is indicative of the kind of shots that we take, make, and use some kind of voodoo witchcraft to make go down. Malcolm and Dorenzo hit some pretty ridiculous shots (although both have been slumping as of late, which is not a good sign), but to be a team that goes to the NCAA Tourney, we have to be a team that TAKES GOOD SHOTS! Stop me if you've heard this before (because I've said it in about every critique of the team this year), but good shots just don't appear out of nowhere. They almost always have to be created. So seeing that we have only five assists is not just indicative of the shots we take, but how we're setting them up.

These players (and the guards especially) have got to take more accountability with the ball in their hands, and get other guys involved and open for easy looks. Tournament teams MAKE good shots, but to even get to that point you have to TAKE good shots. Enough Malcolm Delaney and Dorenzo Hudson ISO, let's run an offense!

The most frustrated I was with the team tonight was at the end. I know it was in garbage time, and the game had already been lost, but Erick Green, Ben Boggs and Manny Atkins all decided they were going to score tonight and completely ignore open teammates with good shot opportunities. They all took some bad shots, and although they decided they were going to score, only Ben Boggs did. Even in garbage time, we need to look crisp. If this is the way the freshman play when we get down, this is the way they are going to play when we get up (which it often is, and one of the reasons our leads have diminished when we put them in)! Bottom line: DON'T BE SELFISH, GET YOUR TEAMMATES INVOLVED!

2. Bad shot selection- I know I had a mini-rant about this above, but seriously, it has been that bad at times. Tonight was one of those times. Specifically, JT Thompson with shots from 18 and beyond. JT! I thought we had gotten past this! YOU ARE NOT A JUMPSHOOTER! ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK! Dorenzo, don't settle for turnaround jumpers off of screens every time. YOU ARE NOT J.J. REDICK!

3. Rebounding- I wanted to just say defensive rebounding, but it's just a problem in general. A team that was a good rebounding team (I'll even go as far as to say great) has been poor as of late. We got out-rebounded by 21! OUCH! That's just not going to work. We have to do a better job boxing out. We gave the Eagles WAY too many second and third chance opportunities tonight by not boxing out. It's a mental thing. You cannot even give a team that is shooting poorly (which was definitely not the case for BC tonight) multiple opportunities to make a shot, because they will!

One possession comes to mind, about 5 minutes into the second half, when we were making our run to get back into the game. BC took two bad shots, we played GREAT D, and then somebody doesn't box out and a BC player runs in and grabs the board and gets the putback. That sealed it for us right there in my opinion. You can never afford to do that, ESPECIALLY if you're down and making a run to get back into it. And that stopped any momentum our team had right there. On the offensive end, better shots will help us get more offensive boards, because an offense that is running smoothly will give guys the ability to be in rhythm and get to the offensive glass.

4. Jeff Allen- In his last 4 games, Jeff has played 20 minutes or less because of foul trouble. Tonight he played 14. We cannot win with this happening. He has an equal responsibility to play smart, and how well he plays ultimately will determine how deep we go into the post-season (not saying NCAA as of right now). I'm not mad at him for his fifth foul, because it wasn't a foul. He got the ball cleanly as Trapani had his back turned and Trapani subsequently arm-barred Allen. Easy call to make (either a no-call which would have been best, or on Trapani), but they didn't do it. That was one of only a few bad calls all game. But certainly, Jeff had plenty of fouls before that. So WE HAVE TO KEEP THIS KID OUT OF FOUL TROUBLE! Maybe Greenberg will consider going back to the Jeff Allen project, where JT Thompson starts in his stead to keep Jeff out of foul trouble early on.

5. DISH OFF OF PENETRATION!- How many times have I said this too!? This would certainly help with our dismal assist performance night in and night out, but it was extremely apparent tonight. This is a huge problem, but I'm going to go a different way with it tonight. I know that attacking the basket has been something I've harped on to this point, but tonight Tech players drove out of control into backpedaling BC players on the fast break. Two straight possessions come to mind, as somewhat past the midway mark of the first half, Malcolm Delaney did it on a run-out, and then off of another long rebound Hudson did the same thing into two BC defenders. Both shots missed, neither of the plays drew fouls, and on both, better shot opportunities could be had as there were open trailers or jumpshooters spotting up. Make an adjustment. Obviously the officials were swallowing their whistles on that, and it's better to regroup than to drive out of control and put the pressure for the officials to make that call on the road. It's a numbers game. Don't try to drive into greater numbers. That's just common basketball sense. The commentators even mentioned it when in the second half Malcolm drove too far into the lane, was bumped and lost the ball. So although I'm all for penetration, you don't always have to take the shot off of it. KICK IT OUT! Also, if they are waiting for you in the low post, sure, go ahead and take an open jumper (this only applies to Delaney, Hudson, and on RARE occasions (just never outside 15) Bell). Just get under control and don't rush it.

6. How many times have we heard this?- When the ball actually does come down into the post from a pass inside, Victor Davila mishandles it and it rolls out of bounds or to the other team. Seriously, Victor, you're becoming a regular Kendrick Perkins down there in the post (even though Perkins has actually shown improvement with this). You have to have your hands above your waist ready to catch and go up. This is one of the FIRST and most important things that they teach post players. Without this, you're useless to us.

7. FORGET- If we want to have anything to do with the tournament this year, we have to do it with a completely clean slate. Forget about what you've done to this point. It's irrelevant. That includes this BC game. We need to come to the Cassell Saturday prepared, confident, and mentally tough to beat a good Maryland team. Be ready to play hard and smart, and do the little things! Our home crowd has to keep rocking. If we do these things the rest will take care of itself. But make no mistake, we are playing for our NCAA tournament lives!

De'Antre Rhodes

2010-02-20T21:48:57Z

We lost another DL to not qualifying. De'Antre Rhodes a 3/4 star recruit who has been with us since last year failed to qualify. Some how he enrolled in January and found out he didn't qualify. He is now a Louisville Cardinal. This is getting ridiculous with the guys we ae losing for not qualifying. Last year it was Leon Mackey and now Rhodes. That's a big hit on our DL recruiting.

The epistemological netherworld that is Jerry Palm's mind

2010-02-18T20:05:31Z

For those of you who don't know, CBSSport's "premier" bracketologist (and yes, you are right if you figured that I said this with some degree of cynicism) had the Virginia Tech Hokies in the tournament two weeks ago, only to remove them from last week's projections after two ACC wins. Now, even after beating the #11 team in the RPI (Wake Forest) and standing 21-4 (8-3) Jerry says in an interview with Hokiehaven.com that he believes we will have to go 12-4 in the ACC to make the tournament! Some bracketology expert this guy is. All I have got to say is that Jerry Palm should run for office as much as he flip flops. In no way can I understand us being in 2-3 weeks ago and NOT being in now. Didn't think we were in then? Don't think we're in now? Fine. But don't put us in 2 weeks ago and then watch us roll up 3 ACC wins and move into 2nd place in the conference and then put us out. Let's get some consistency Mr. Palm!

Here's the link...

http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1053030

What Virginia Tech has to do to Get Into the NCAA Tournament and How We do It!

2010-02-15T04:34:27Z

[Ed. Note: Promoted from Fan Posts]

So here we stand 20-4 (7-3) (in the ACC nonetheless) and until yesterday via his skype chat, ESPN's premier bracketologist did not have us making the Big Dance. Talk about an insult. But despite this team's critics, they don't seem to be paying too much attention...they continue to play hard and somehow find ways to win...20 times. And we still have 6 regular season games remaining. This is a special team, because although they're are rarely pretty (statistically speaking or to those who have to watch Bud Foster-esque defensive basketball for 40 minutes), they JUST WIN! As a son of a religious Oakland Raiders fan (yes, I know, there are not many left), I am familiar with the old Raiders' mantra...JUST WIN BABY! And that seems to be what Tech is doing. And there is where the Raiders and Hokies similarities end. So let's look at why the Hokies were successful against UVA and what work is STILL left to be done.

The Hokies chances of getting into the NCAA tournament or getting admitted into the NIT (the National Invitational Tournament, or the Non Invited Tournament as I call it) depend on one thing. Wins. Here's my equation regardless of opponents.

1 more win- We cannot be feeling too good without a deep ACC Tournament run, and may possibly even be required to win the tournament outright to get a birth. Without that, Seth's lobbying begins again, and the experts will grill us on 1. Our weak out of conference schedule, 2. Our lack of signature out of conference wins (which has a lot to do with reason #1), and 3. our fairly manageable ACC slate with few major wins against ACC Powers (UNC apparently doesn't count anymore). So even if we are 21-9 (8-8), usually a good indicator of a tourney team in the ACC, this will probably have us on the outside looking in if we don't win at least 2 ACC Tourney games. If we find ourselves in this plight in 3 weeks time, I'd suggest praying to your deity of choice.
2 more wins- It's difficult to appreciate the difference in one win. Each of the last two years, one more win might have helped to tell a different story. Certainly in the case of the 2007-08 team, one more win would have done the job. Again, I'd have to say that at 22-8 (9-7) we would have to be in the discussion. But once again, we might be sweating it. Which teams those wins come against goes a long way in determining this, but just on our improving RPI, I'd say we'd have punched our ballot with 2 more wins. But I wouldn't go as far as to say that you still shouldn't inquire about help from religious/spiritual beings.
3 more wins- Locked, loaded and headed to THE BIG DANCE BABY! I'm just going to go with history here and let you know that there has NEVER been an ACC team with 10 conference wins kept out of the tournament. NEVER! And that resonates with the committee. Even a second round exit from the ACC Tourney (assuming we'd have a bye with a 10-6 conference record) I think 3 wins absolutely seals our ticket. At 23-7 (10-6) we meet pretty much every criteria to make the field. I think the ONLY chance in the world that we don't get in with this is if our RPI drops because of our competition doing poorly in conference play (once again, this is unlikely), or if we have a bad loss. This might be pretty tough to do with 6 ACC games remaining, but if we were to stumble at BC or to lose at home to NC State, that would certainly complicate this formula.
4 or more wins- TAKE IT TO THE BANK AND BET ALL YOUR FRIENDS WHO ARE STUPID ENOUGH TO DOUBT YOU! (I know of a couple)

Here are the situations that can alter the equation I have laid out...

Wins over Duke, GT, Wake or Maryland could reduce the win total needed by 1.
Losses to BC or NC State could require us to win 1 more than listed above.

So having said that, what do we need to do to get those wins? I'm glad you asked, because below I have the answers to that question.

1. SHOT SELECTION, SHOT SELECTION, SHOT SELECTION!!!- To be able to be a competitive team in March you have to be able to shoot the ball well. To be able to make it to March you have to TAKE good shots. I can't think of a team this is more true for, as the Hokies have found ways to win games despite struggling mightily from the field. Not many teams are at or near the bottom of their conference in shooting percentages and at the top in wins. There is certainly correlation between shooting well and winning games. So even though Tech has done many of the small things to get the W when they aren't having good shooting nights, the simplest thing they can do is to TAKE BETTER SHOTS! Yes, I'm talking to you MALCOLM! Despite the fact that Delaney hits some ridiculous shots, he doesn't need to make that his calling card. Otherwise he can settle for a contract playing AND-1 Ball. He has the talent and the physical skills, and he is leading the league in scoring.

So you may be saying "why are you being so tough on him!?" Well, as much as I love Deron Washington, Malcolm took his worst trait and committed it to memory: THE FLINCH. I love how aggressive Delaney is, but driving the lane to flinch and try to trick the ref's eye is not smart basketball. We saw this a lot in the UVA game. Malcolm drives the lane, gets some contact, throws his body in the air and flails like a newborn, pretty much just throws the ball up in the air and doesn't get a call. While he may have been fouled, there is NO GUARANTEE that you're going to get a call doing stupid stuff like that, and it is pretty much guaranteed that you WILL NOT make that shot. So, do the smart thing, drive the lane, put up a shot that you have a chance on, and if you get fouled, you get fouled. Hopefully the refs will see it and reward you for your smart play and send you to the line.

Once again, if it seems like I'm being overly critical, it's because we may have won to this point on what we do well (i.e. defense), but we are not going to be able to beat the heavyweights (Duke, Wake, Maryland and GT) if we don't improve. Malcolm's .393 shooting percentage is abysmal and his .314 percentage from 3 is looking worse by the game. So improvement with the shot selection (and it's not just Malcolm, it's Dorenzo, Jeff, JT, and Erick too) is the number one concern going forward.

2. REBOUND- We reached the midpoint of the ACC schedule rebounding like a lion, but we've reached the 2/3 juncture of that same schedule rebounding like a lamb, being out-rebounded handily by our last couple opponents. This is mostly the case on the defensive end, allowing WAY to many offensive rebounds. We have faced some talented bigs in recent weeks, but boxing out and hitting the glass are things that we HAVE to do, and we've proven that we CAN do it. UVA stayed in the game simply by getting rebounds and having second and third chances on a possession. I don't care how good our defense is, if we give people 2 and 3 chances to make a shot, they are going to. This is just something we have to focus on and devote more effort to and it should sort itself out.

3. JEFF ALLEN- In my opinion, the win against UVA was Jeff Allen's best game this year, maybe as a Hokie overall. Jeff may have only played 2:30ish in the first half (because he was mis-assessed a foul that should have gone on Victor Davila on the Cavs' first possession), but he made up for it in the second half. Jeff was clutch, hitting big-time shots when we needed them the most, and putting the ball on the floor and being an absolute beast going to the basket. Simply put, Jeff was the difference for us against the 'Hoos. He doesn't have to score 20 points a game, or even hit his average from last year if he is playing as efficiently as he did against UVA and giving us as much effort as he did. Solid game from the Big Donut.

4. PASS OFF OF PENETRATION- If you'll remember reading my post-Miami synopsis or remember watching that game, the commentators harped on the fact that we got little to no penetration. Make no mistake, it was a duly deserved criticism, and it looks like we took it to heart. JT Thompson responded by driving hard to the basket instead of being a jump-shooter. Malcolm has driven the lane more and more (albeit half of the time to flinch midway or put up a ridiculous one handed leaning floater). Dorenzo has taken people off the dribble as often as possible. Jeff has often relied on that facet of his game to give him offense (even too much). But there are TWO things you look to accomplish by penetrating the ball, and we have only been using one. The first aspect of penetration is looking to score by penetrating the lane and going to the hole. The second aspect is that if the lane closes, or if you draw in a defender, you kick the ball to your guy that defender just left wide open. These are equally important tenets of penetration, and we are not doing the second one...a big reason we assist on so few of our baskets. Well I say we are not doing this...ONLY ONE PLAYER is doing this consistently, and his name is...Terrell Bell! So kudos to mister Bell. The problem is, we need guys with the ball in their hand (namely Delaney and Hudson) to join in on this so that we can become a much more dangerous shooting team. If you struggle shooting as a team, it certainly helps to have nobody closing out at you to block/alter your shot. This is kind of in the same category as the defensive rebounding in that, this is a controllable aspect of the game that our guys know and just gotta remember to do.

And you also might be asking, what have we BEEN doing that we need to keep up?

1. DENYING THE ENTRY PASS TO THE POST- This was our achilles heel last year. We would allow guys to post us and catch the ball 5 feet and in. You just can't so that and expect to win basketball games. And this year, to this point we've done this extremely well (knock on wood). Most notably, Victor Davila has shown marked improvement. This was never more apparent than against UVA, when Jeff Allen (generally considered our best post defender) was out for nearly 18 minutes and we held serve down low. If we keep this up, it will continue to make us hard to beat.

2. CASSELL CONTINUES TO BE ELECTRIC!- The last couple of games have been amazing for Tech fans, and they have come out in numbers to support these Hokies, even though for whatever reason the networks have been cold to the idea of putting those games on TV. So although the nation might not know about how much of a home-court advantage we have had lately, TRUST ME those teams who fell victim to the Hokies in the Cassell are saying "Man, what happened to that place!? It's always been a tough out there since they joined the ACC, but this is UNREAL!" So for all you Hokie fans that have been coming out to the Cassell, KEEP IT UP! And for those of you that haven't, if you have or can get tickets to go see the Hokies play, GO! And absolutely DO NOT under any circumstances give them away to our opponents fans. We have had one of the best homecourt advantages in the ACC this season (if not THE BEST) and to be 13-0 at home so far speaks volumes about that. We may not be on par with the Duke's and the UNC's of the world yet with our tradition or basketball pedigree, so some of our fans are green about the rules of basketball, but the enthusiasm IS there! After all, a lot of the people that are showing up to the basketball games have been to our football games. So we know they can get loud!

GO HOKIES!

Why we lost to the U and what we need to do going forward

2010-01-31T23:21:03Z

[Ed. Note: Bumped from Fan Posts]

Well Hokie fans, this was a tough one to swallow. Shades of last season. Getting out to a slow start and going down more than 10 early on, and then coming back furiously to lose by just a few points. We certainly didn't need this to pop its head up at this point in the season, but it did. So, here are the reasons we've got to look at for why we lost, and also what positives came out of this going forward.

The 5 reasons that we lost

1. It was a terribly officiated game. Neither of those fouls on Dorenzo from 3 were legit, the Erick Green offensive foul call where he swung the ball with his arms was awful (hence the tech on Seth), and JT should have been to the line at least twice more, as he was getting hacked and bullied in the lane. I know you can't expect exactly "fair" treatment on the road, but there were some real puzzlers this afternoon. The worst kind of officiating is the kind that is not consistent, and Miami jump-shooters were flinching and showing off their acting skills all game long. It would've been okay in my book had Malcolm and Dorenzo's acting attempts been equally rewarded, or if JT ACTUALLY being hacked was either. Apparently here's what we can take out of this game. UMiami's acting classes>Tech's acting classes.

2. Having said that, WE lost this game ourselves, not because of the refs. How many times were we behind by just 5 points? How many bad shots did we put up quick into the possession? How many bad passes did we make? Or how many 3-point shooters did we leave open off of a switch?

3. Malcolm and Dorenzo have got to stop putting up shots and flinching midway through the release to try to trick the ref's eye. Just put up your shot and if you get fouled try and hit the AND-1. Simple fundamental basketball.

4. Penetration! The commentators were all over this all game long and it's our achilles heel. We can't continue to run our offense from 35 feet out and make a move towards the basket with 10 seconds left, swing the ball in an attempt to open up a 3-point shooter at the end of the shot clock. We are NOT a good enough 3-point shooting team to live and die by the 3-ball. We seem content to be pushed out by our opponents, because you know that's in the scouting report. "They will let us make them set up from the half-court line if we make them." Given the fact that we already struggle against more physical teams, I don't think we should give them an easier out in that respect. We need penetration and kickouts to free up shooters and get good shots!

5. When ANYBODY shoots THAT LIGHTS OUT from 3 is hard to stop. Case and point the 3-pointer at the buzzer in the first half. Jeff Allen couldn't have played any better defense on the closeout and yet he still hits the shot from the U at mid-court (and yes, that was exaggeration).

Positives going forward

1. The play of the enigmatic JT Thompson recently has been the key to our success, or in this case, even being in this one. He brings a toughness right now that nobody else on this team has, or chooses to show (Jeff Allen).

2. Dorenzo Hudson continues to be a scorer, despite some questionable shot selection. He hit some ridiculous shots tonight...shots he is not likely to replicate soon or on a regular basis. However, as much as I question him, he keeps showing up.

3. Speaking of enigmas, Jeff Allen came out of his funk tonight, scoring 19. But he still has plenty more to go before he returns to his usual solid form. For one, I want to see us post more, both with Allen and Davila. They are seeing very little of the ball even coming through the post. So guys that play guard...AHEM...put the ball in the hands of the post players so you can establish them.

4. Seth has gotta tell these guys that they are THIS close. He's gotta commend them for the effort, and tell them that it's hard when you're going up against two teams (the team in the Green and Orange and the one in the Black and White). You gotta respect their fight tonight, and if they get positive reinforcement for that, you have to think that they will play better.

Boise State Game possibly moved to opening weekend.

2010-01-19T15:31:18Z

Just read an article on SI Sports about how they are projecting the VT-BSU game to be moved from early October to the opening game in september. Anyone else not feeling this move and the game should be kept where and when it was originally scheduled or if the date is moved then VT force the game into Lane in September instead of fed ex field? As a VT fan it always is good to get early primetime exposure, but regardless this game will be a headline game.

Do you think the Hokies should use the Wing-T?

2010-01-18T13:53:19Z

With the talent emreging for next year, plus all the players returning in the skill positions, should the offense run a Wing-T formation to use those players more effectively? The formation relies on the play action, so does the Hokies. The formation uses three backs, we have a few more great backs. Plus the formation is a great basis for option, misdirection, QB sneak/design, and makes good use of available speed. What do you think?

TV Information for Virginia Tech's Basketball Game at Florida State on January 16

2010-01-15T20:57:13Z

The following regional sports networks will be showing the Hokies and Seminoles at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010. If I'm missing any, please leave them in the comments. The game can be seen on NESN at 7 p.m. EST.

Comcast Sports Mid Atlantic Plus: DTV 643, channel listings
FSN Carolinas: DTV 645, channel listings
FSN South: DTV 646, channel listings
FSN Florida: DTV 654, channel listings

The Best of the Best: The 2000's Virginia Tech All-Decade Team (I refuse to say aughts)

2010-01-09T03:15:54Z

[Ed. Note: Bumped from Fan Posts]

Well, the decade has come to an end, and it was one to remember. Early on it looked like it was going to be rough, being undefeated 3 times going into November and collapsing to finish the season below expectations. Then with the move to the ACC and a re-birth of the traditional Tech TEAM under Beamer, the Hokies got back on track, making the second half of the decade worth the wait. We started the decade out in New Orleans in the Sugar Bowl, losing a toughly fought National Championship game to Florida State and ended it by exacting some revenge on our ugly, hillbilly, trash-talking neighbors in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. So who were the best players at their respective positions this decade? Who makes my All-Decade team? Click here to find out, and let me know what you think and what omissions I may have made. I decided to go with two halfbacks instead of a fullback because I felt we had so much success at that position, it would be a crime to only have one halfback. Also, hokiehaven.com already did one of these lists, but there were some things we differed on. It's worth noting the differences though. Here's the link. I promise I began mine before theirs was published though.

http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1036319

http://virginiatech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1036946

OFFENSE

QB- Bryan Randall (2001-04)- Really this is a no-brainer. Despite his early struggles, Randall was the unquestioned leader on the 2004 ACC Championship team in our inaugural season in the ACC. Randall also finished his career as the all-time leading passer in Hokie annals with 6,508 yards and total yards with 8,034 (which is tops by almost 2,000 yards!). Randall was also named the 2004 ACC Player of the Year, the 2005 ACC Offensive POY, (and no that's not a typo. It's confusing, but this comes straight from hokiesports) and the 2004 Dudley Award Winner (an honor that goes to the top player in the state). He had such a command over the offense and such respect from his teammates that he could make his team walk across fiery coals for him. Add to that Randall's class and professionalism and it's easy to see why he is the right guy for this honor.

RB- Lee Suggs (1998-2002)- Statistically speaking, Lee Suggs was one of the best to ever play college football. Lee still holds the NCAA records for consecutive games in a single season with a touchdown (14) and consecutive games with a touchdown (27), a feat that is truly amazing. In total, Lee finished his Tech career with 2,771 yards rushing and 56 total touchdowns (53 of them rushing). What you must take into account is that Lee only started two full seasons and still put up those stats. Additionally, had it not been for Kevin Jones, it's hard to imagine what Lee Suggs would have been able to accomplish. Suggs led the nation in scoring in 2000, and picked up major slack as Michael Vick was not nearly as productive as he was in 1999. Suggs was named First Team All-Big East in 2000 and Second Team in 2002, and is the only two-time winner of the Dudley Award (given to the top player in the state of Virginia). Suggs opted not to apply for an extra year of eligibility based on injury and was drafted with the 115th pick in the 4th round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. Although Suggs was named co-Offensive Rookie of the Year with Anquan Boldin (still don't know how he pulled that off!?), he did not make the impact many Hokie fans thought he would. His career was abbreviated and he only spent 4 years in the league as they were marred by injury and a problem that he did not experience in college...fumbling. Lee is now the quarterbacks coach at Oberlin College in Ohio.

RB- Kevin Jones (2001-03)- What can you say about Kevin Jones? He was Tech's most heralded recruit in their football history (most recruiting services ranked him as the nation's top running back out of high school in 2000, some as the top player overall). Previous to this season and Ryan Williams' assail on the Tech record books, KJ owned the single season rushing record of 1,647 yards (set in '03), and is second on the all-time list at Tech in both rushing yards (3,475) and rushing touchdowns (35). Perhaps most impressive about Jones was his 2001 freshman campaign. When Suggs went down in the first game with an injury, Jones stepped up big...although he didn't quite click until late in the season, Jones finished the year a shade under 1,000 yards at 957, including 160 against one of the best defenses I've ever seen on the college level in undefeated and eventual national champion Miami. Jones continued his sophomore year in a backup role to Suggs, splitting carries and earning the moniker "The Untouchables." The two were supposed to be the top tailback tandem (mouthful) in the nation that year, and although they looked like it at times, an injury to Jones in the ninth game of the season sidelined him for several of the last couple games, hurting Virginia Tech's 1-2 punch. After Suggs' departure, Jones had the backfield all to himself, and shredded through the Tech record books, finishing the 2003 season with 1,647 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. Jones was a First Team All-Big East player in 2003 and a consensus All-American. Jones left school a year early and was selected 30th by the Detroit Lions in the 2004 NFL Draft. Although Jones started out his career on an explosive note (rushing for over 1,000 yards as a rookie and leading the league in rushing the last 8 weeks of the season), he was limited by injuries. Jones has never played an entire season, and as I'm writing this, Jones has been on injured reserve the entire season with the Chicago Bears. However, Jones still managed to collect over 4,000 yards of total offense in his first four seasons with the Lions. That's not bad at all. Unfortunately, with Jones' injury this season, it is unlikely that he will return to the Bears, and might be out of the league next year. Either way, Jones will go down as one of the top players ever to don the Chicago Maroon and Burnt Orange!

WR- Ernest Wilford (2000-03)- Wilford will go down as one of the most enigmatic players in Tech's history. Whether it was the dropped two-point conversion against undefeated and eventual national champion Miami in 2001, wide open in the back corner of the South End Zone that would have tied the game at 26-all, or his fracas with Beamer on the sideline during a 2003 loss to WVU, or his dropped pass that lead to an interception against UVA in 2003, it seemed like Wilford was always one play away from being a great at Tech. However, he does hold the single-game school record for receiving yards/receiving touchdowns (279 yards/4 touchdowns), and the Big East record for receiving yards in a game. He also made a spectacular diving catch against UConn that is one of the best in the history of Tech football. Giving Wilford his props, he finished his career first all-time at Tech in receptions (126) which still stands. He also finished his career with 2,052 yards and 11 TD's, including one of the best all-time years at Tech with 925 yards and 7 TD's in 2002. Wilford was a two-time All-Big East Second teamer (2002-03). As a pro, Wilford has been one of Tech's most successful, although inconsistent. Wilford has 2,142 yards and 15 TD's in 6 NFL seasons, and has since been moved to tight end. He is currently a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars again, after spending one year in Miami.

WR- Eddie Royal (2004-07)- Eddie Royal was a special kind of player the likes of which we had never seen and may never see again. Eddie was a very cerebral player, a good route runner, and as sure-handed as they come. I mean, who remembers Eddie dropping a pass? The most frustrating thing to watch was how seldom the Hokies' coaching staff elected to get the ball in Eddie's hands. I know he returned kicks and punts and got the occasional reverse in addition to his receptions, but really, what Eddie did at Virginia Tech just scratched the surface. I know we were chock full of good receivers, but one compound word comes to mind to describe Eddie at Virginia Tech: under-utilized. Nothing says more about this than Eddie's first NFL game in which he bested his collegiate highs in both receptions and yardage. This prompted my roommate (who was tired of hearing my insistence to get Royal the ball for two full years) to say those beautiful words...you're right. Back to his accomplishments on the college level, Royal is Virginia Tech's all-time leader in all-purpose yardage with 4,686, he is fourth in career receptions (119), fifth in receiving touchdowns (12), and sixth in receiving yards (1,778). Royal also finished his career as the ACC's all-time leader in punt return yards with 1,296. Royal also received Freshman All-American honors from The NFL Draft Report in 2004, Second team All-America honors from the NFL Draft Report in 2007, and made an All-ACC team twice (First team in 2007 and Second team in 2006). Eddie was drafted in the second round by the Denver Broncos, and is probably the highest-profile/most successful active Tech player in the NFL now. Despite his sophomore slump, Eddie's 91 receptions as a rookie rank second all-time behind Anquan Boldin. He also finished seventh in the NFL in receptions in 2008 and sixth in total yards...AS A ROOKIE! Royal also became only the 11th player in NFL history to return a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown in the same game.

TE- Jeff King (2002-05)- Jeff King made his college career by doing exactly what tight ends are supposed to do...bail out the quarterback. Time after time Jeff would come open right as the quarterback would have to throw the ball, make the nice catch in traffic and lumber his way downfield for a first down. The most impeccable thing about Jeff were his hands. If you bail out a quarterback as often as Jeff did, you are bound to drop some balls. Jeff rarely ever did, and certainly not under pressure. He was CLUTCH! Jeff posted career marks of 724 yards and 12 touchdowns, which is not bad in an offense that rarely uses the tight end in the passing game. Jeff was also a fantastic teammate, and as the ESPN broadcasters once noted, Jeff had the highest IQ on the team! He played like it too. Jeff was drafted by the Carolina Panthers and has been their starting tight end for 3 years.

LT- Jimmy Martin (2002-05)- It's hard to put a guy who never went pro in front of a first rounder in Duane Brown, but in college, Martin was a better, more consistent option than Brown. Martin came in as a freshman and took the starting job at right tackle midway through the season. Jimmy was a starter from then on out, and was named Honorable Mention All-ACC in 2004 and Second team All-ACC in 2005. Vastly underrated, Martin was a player who just did his job and got back into the huddle.

LG- Will Montgomery (2001-05)- Montgomery was our most consistent and versatile offensive lineman of the post-Grove era. He came in as a defensive player before being switched to offense and redshirted. He won the Richard Bullock Award and the Frank O. Moseley Award as the team's most improved offensive player and one of the top hustlers in spring practice. He started for 3 years (two at guard and one at center) and played both equally well. Though he floundered in his professional debut with the Panthers, he has since recovered and found a role as a backup guard for the Redskins.

C- Jake Grove (1999-03)- Jake Grove was named a unanimous All-American (just the third at Virginia Tech at the time) and the Rimington Award winner given to the nation's top center as a senior. He was also awarded First Team All-Big East in 2003. He started at both guard and center for a total of three years, and was known for his nasty streak, getting it done before and after the whistles. Grove was drafted in the second round of the NFL draft by the Raiders, and found success, starting most of the games over the several years he was there. His playing time was limited by injuries, and although he was one of the most consistent offensive linemen on the team (when healthy), the Raiders opted to let him search for a new home. The Dolphins just locked him into a five-year $29 million dollar contract to be their starting center.

RG- Sergio Render (2006-09)- THE BEST offensive lineman to ever suit up in the Chicago Maroon and Burnt Orange. Period. Although he tended to disappear at times during his last two seasons (wait, isn't that good for an offensive lineman!?) A four-year starter for the Hokies, from the moment he stepped on the field in 2006 to the moment he stepped off as a Chick-Fil-A Bowl Champion, he was his team's BEST offensive lineman. That says it all right there. But, for you stat-hungry readers, Sergio started 52 of the 54 games he played in, leading the team in knockdowns with 37...AS A FRESHMAN! The biggest disservice for him is that he NEVER was named First team All-ACC! He was twice a Second team All-ACC player and an ACC offensive lineman of the week, but NEVER a first-teamer. That's just wrong. The most memorable Sergio moment came in a severe beating at the hands of LSU. When ESPN asked the sophomore how he felt about going up against the nation's best defensive tackle, Glenn Dorsey, Sergio replied "No, I'm not scared. The way I look at it, he puts his pants on the same way I do...one leg at a time." I really appreciated that, because that along with Render's performance against Dorsey placed him back into the realm of humans and out of the "Impossible to stop so don't even try" club that ESPN and co. had placed him in. True to his word Sergio handled his business against Dorsey, winning the individual matchup (probably the only one on the team to do that that night!). And if he had heard what Render had said before the game, maybe Dorsey would be the one shaking in his boots. I love Cody Grimm, but we will miss Sergio Render more than any other player on our team next year.

RT- Dave Kadela (1997-2000)- I'm also aware that it's hard to justify putting a player on this list that only played one season in the 2000's, but he was the best this position had to offer. Jon Dunn may have been a good player (although goofy), but Kadela was a much better player. Don't believe me? He started his last 34 games for the Hokies and allowed a whopping...1.5 sacks (sorry for the misleading adjective). That's right, Dave Kadela was our version of Robert Gallery (minus the hardest contract to move in the NFL). He made two All-Big East teams (Second in '99 and First in '00). He saw little success in the NFL, going from team to team, but he was an all-star in the NFL Europe League, making the All NFL-Europe team in his only season in Berlin.

DEFENSE

RE- Darryl Tapp (2002-05)- The Virginia Tech lunchpail owes its mystique in the last decade to Darryl Tapp. The lunchpail symbolizes a person who puts on his hat and goes to work every day, never complaining, and working hard. It symbolizes a blue-collar worker that has no inhibitions about laying it all on the line (a that mentality that has typified and defined Virginia Tech football). Tapp WAS that guy. You could tell from his body of work, his effort on and off the field, and how the coaches talked about him. Tapp carried the lunch pail for two consecutive years (although it is traditionally given to the most deserving player each week, and aside from Tapp, the other players who have been given the lunchpail haven't deserved it for the entire season) and nobody had a problem with that. Even when Tapp had a bad week (though I can't remember many), it was clear he still deserved the lunchpail for his effort. The lunchpail meant so much to him and him to it (and what it stands for) that he left Blacksburg with it. And nobody had a problem with that (of course they did get a new one). And who can forget the motivation Tapp gained from his brother Charles who was stationed in Iraq? Or just that story in general. The main point is that Darryl Tapp was the quintessential effort player that every coach hopes, neigh, dreams, neigh, salivates about getting. His stats (166 tackles, 40 for a loss and 21.5 sacks) are almost academic compared to the other things he offered up to his team. Tapp was twice an All-ACC First teamer (2004-05) and a First Team All-American in 2005. The bottom line is that Darryl Tapp will go down as a Tech legend. He has had success with the Seattle Seahawks, recording 149 tackles, 18 sacks, 11 passes deflected, 2 INT's and 1 interception returned for a touchdown this year.

DT- Jonathan Lewis (2002-05)- Jonathan Lewis was a force at defensive tackle. He was physical, aggressive and a space eater on the defensive line. Despite his size, Lewis showed a great burst both to get into the backfield to bring down runners, and to get to the quarterback (which he did an astounding amount of times). Lewis came in right away and contributed, starting several games. Lewis solidified that position for the next three years, compiling 183 tackles 32 tackles for a loss and 15.5 sacks and earning Honorable Mention All-ACC in 2004 and Second Team All-ACC in 2005. He spent some time with the Arizona Cardinals and with the Cleveland Browns, but has so far yet to see consistent playing time.

DT- David Pugh (1998-2001)- Pugh was another player at defensive tackle who was capable of stuffing the run and filling a gap on the defensive line as well as wreaking havoc on the quarterback. Pugh surprised many offensive linemen with his explosiveness despite his size, getting off the ball about as quick as any player I can remember at DT. Pugh finished off his Tech career with 170 tackles, an absolutely UNREAL 41 tackles for a loss, and 13.5 sacks. Pugh was also selected as a First Team All-Big East player in both 2000 and 2001.

LE- Chris Ellis (2003-07)- This was a difficult decision, but in the end I went with Ellis over Nathaniel Adibi, although Adibi was the more complete player, Eliis was slightly more productive. Chris Ellis was a very versatile and athletic player on Bud Foster's defense. Ellis was capable of rushing the quarterback and dropping into pass coverage (as proven by his interception returns for a TD against GT in 2005 and FSU in 2007). Ellis was a little inconsistent and plagued by nagging little injuries, but when healthy, he was capable of producing dominant performances as a rush end. His weakness was as a run stopper, although he got better as his career went along, wrapping up better and committing fewer dumb penalties. Ellis finished his career at Tech with 165 tackles, 35.5 tackles for a loss, 22 sacks, and the aforementioned 2 interceptions, both returned for TD's. He was also a First Team All-ACC pick in 2007. Apparently the pro learning curve has been pretty steep for Ellis who has recorded only 8 tackles in very limited action in his two years as a pro.

ILB- Vince Hall (2003-07)- Vince Hall was not only the most dominant defense player of this decade, but he may go down as the most dominant defensive player in Virginia Tech history (Sorry Bruce Smith). Who remembers a play that Vince Hall wasn't in on? Me neither. All joking aside though, Coach Bud Foster said that Hall was the best football player he has ever coached, and that says a lot coming from a guy who produces NFL talent on a yearly basis. Vince managed to rack up 404 tackles, 30 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, 3 interceptions and a touchdown (no idea on forced/recovered fumbles or pass defense), and won the Dudley Award in 2006. But he was so much more than that. He was THE leader of our defense, and he is what made some of the best (including THE BEST in 2005) defenses in Virginia Tech history. That this guy hasn't stuck with an NFL team yet is a mystery to me, because his football instincts are off the charts. Some might laugh, but does anyone remember the scene from The Waterboy where Bobby Boucher attends LT camp to tell the kids how he stops the offense? Vince Hall made it look that easy too. Whether it was the quarterback, the running back, or someone else, Vince was the first one there.

ILB- Xavier Adibi (2003-07)- Despite the fact that he has had trouble transitioning from the college game to the pro game, I don't think Tech has ever seen a more freakishly athletic defensive player than X! He completed the 9-11 duo (Hall and Adibi), and when opposing players took on the two of them on the field, they needed to recall their Boy Scout days for that emergency number...what number is it again? If they had ever found a permanent starter their equal in the linebacking core, it would have been game over. X was capable of so many things on the field that it was scary. He could stop the run, he could rush the passer, he could cover field quicker than SpeedRacer and cover your fastest receiver and not be a glaring weakness. The point is X was legit. I thought it would be hard to match his older brother Nathaniel's (Tech DE 2000-2003) accomplishments, but Xavier proved he was the best in the family. Xavier finished his career with 291 tackles (including 115 his senior year), 30 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks and 8 interceptions returned for 170 yards and 2 TD's (take that Eric Berry!). As for his pro game, he is sort of a tweener, and he will always struggle with that because of his lack of size (think Vernon Gholston). But, the jury is still out, and given the opportunity, X could show us shades of his Tech career in the league.

WHIP- Cody Grimm (2005-09)- I actually struggled a lot with this position. It came down to Cody Grimm and James Anderson, and I gave the nod to Grimm because he was a true stat sheet stuffer, getting hustle statistics that Anderson just didn't accumulate. Also, Grimm was the 2009 Dudley Award winner, which represents the top player in the state of Virginia. How are you not going to include the best player in the state one year in your all decade team? Grimm also earned First team All-ACC honors this year, as well as Third team All-American honors from the AP. Grimm finished his Hokie career with 214 tackles, 26.5 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 7 pass breakups, 7 passes defensed, 16 quarterback hurries, 9 fumbles forced and 2 fumbles recovered. Pretty impressive for a guy who was mostly a special teams player his first two years. Grimm also tied an NCAA record against NC State this year with 3 forced fumbles, and set an NCAA record, that is likely never to be broken, with 3 forced fumbles in NC State's FIRST 4 offensive plays! WOW! Also, did I mention he was a walk on?

BC- Brandon Flowers (2004-07)- Despite playing only three full years, Flowers blossomed (hope you enjoyed the pun) into possibly the best cornerback in Virginia Tech history. Flowers was not only a shutdown corner, but an absolutely vicious hitter. Some of his best highlights come from bone-crunching hits. One of the knack's Brandon had was shutting down a wide receiver screen. Any time an opponent ran that play to Brandon's side you really felt for what that poor receiver was about to experience. In his three full years Brandon helped to anchor three top-10 defenses, including two #1 defenses in consecutive years. Brandon finished his Tech career early, making the decision to forgo his senior year (which in his case was more than justifiable). Flowers totaled 158 tackles (17 for a loss) 3.5 sacks, and 10 interceptions with 172 return yards and 2 TD's (take that Eric Berry part 2!). Flowers was drafted 35th by the Chiefs and is now their #1 corner and one of the few bright spots on the team.

FC- Jimmy Williams (2002-05)- Jimmy Williams was a blazing fast, tall and hard-hitting player in the secondary for the Hokies. He started as a sophomore at the free safety position, recording 114 tackles, before moving to cornerback and putting together two of the most dominant seasons ever put together at that position. In 2005, he became just Tech's fourth unanimous All-American. Williams was also named First team All-ACC in consecutive years ('04-'05). Although he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round, he never really established himself, and was arrested for smoking marijuana. However, Williams finished his Tech career with 264 tackles, 12.5 for a loss, a sack and 9 interceptions for 173 yards (Ha, take that Eric Berry part 3!) and 2 touchdowns.

FS- Willie Pile (1998-2002)- Once again, this was a tough choice as there were plenty of good free safeties from this decade (Pile, Williams and Parker stand out). But Willie was a true leader on the defensive side of the ball. He was tenacious, defending sideline to sideline. His character was fantastic and his effort was superb. Looking at his stats, I had forgotten what a productive player Willie was. Willie finished his career with 267 tackles and a WHOPPING 14 interceptions with an EYE-POPPING 276 return yards on those interceptions (ERIC BERRY, TAKE THAT PART 4!) and two touchdowns. Pile finished third all-time in Tech annals with those interceptions and second in return yards. Pile also compiled two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, 21 pass breakups and 1 sack. After a brief career in the NFL with the Chiefs (who drafted Pile in the second round) and the Cowboys, Pile found success with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.

ROV- Aaron Rouse (2003-06)- Known as the hardest-hitting safety in Virginia Tech history, Rouse had a penchant for sending guys to the sideline. He was a head hunter at the Rover position, laying hit after hit on unsuspecting receivers and tight ends...and the occasional Wake Forest fullback! Of course, Rouse was also known as one of the dirtiest players in college football, landing late and unsportsmanlike hits by leading with his helmet on multiple occasions. Started his Tech career at linebacker before seamlessly moving to the Rover spot his junior year. Possessed rare size/speed ratio (which had pro scouts drooling) as well as soft hands. Rouse recorded 5 interceptions in his career to go along with his 217 tackles and 12 tackles for a loss (is anyone else surprised he didn't ever record a sack?). Rouse's interceptions always seemed to be at huge moments in the game, allowing Tech to come away with the W. After seeing marginal success with the Green Bay Packers, Rouse was traded to the New York Giants, where he has since made a name for himself as a starter in their secondary.

SPECIAL TEAMS

K- Brandon Pace (2003-06)- This is a simple choice. After suffering through what seemed like years, and years, and years without a quality kicker (I'm only referring to Carter Warley), Pace solidified the position, making 58-68 field goals in his career including 20 in a row. His only miss as a senior was his last attempt of the regular season against UVA. Aside from Shayne Graham, Brandon was probably the best kicker Tech ever had. He missed two crucial field goals in '04 (one that would have won the game against NC State and another that would have tied the bowl game against Auburn). But considering everything else, Brandon was our best kicker this decade.

P- Brent Bowden (2005-09)- It was hard not to put Nic Schmitt here, because before I looked at the stats, I had him in mind. However, Bowden had almost as many punts in 2007 (88) as Schmitt had in his entire career, which means more room for error...error which didn't appear. Bowden finished his career with a 42.2 career average, (including 43.8 this year!). He dropped a whopping 72 kicks inside the 20 and also finished his career booting an amazing 44 kicks over 50 yards! Hands down the best punter of the decade for Tech, in a decade where Tech had 3 quality punters (Bowden, Schmitt and Burns...no, not Peaslee for those of you who had thought I was off my rocker).

KR- Dyrell Roberts (2008- )- This was a tough one once again, as no kick returner really stood out from the last decade. Eddie Royal racked up the yardage...but never scored a touchdown on a kick return. Mike Imoh did a good job...but had limited attempts and yardage. Macho Harris returned a kickoff for a touchdown against Clemson 100 yards in 2007...but that was about it there. So the winner is Roberts. In two years Roberts has scored a touchdown and become a HUGE big-play threat all over the field. Most notably on kickoff returns. I have NEVER, EVER, not even in a world which includes Devin Hester, seen a guy get kicked away from as much as Tech's opponents did to Roberts the second half of this year. So even if the stats (which are still on pace to SHATTER the Tech record books) don't give this to him outright, Roberts could be even more entrenched in this space if he had the opportunity (i.e. getting kicked to). I'm absolutely giddy about this kid in the future!

PR- DeAngelo Hall (2001-03)- Although DeAngelo was an immensely talented individual at Tech, garnering many honors and racking up very good stats, he just couldn't break the top-2 corners of this decade in my mind. I'm only listing his stats as they apply as a punt returner. Hall racked up 831 yards and 5 TD's as a punt returner at Tech, setting school marks for punt return touchdowns in a season (3) and a career (5). He has enjoyed success in the NFL, becoming the youngest player to ever return an interception for a touchdown in NFL history, and collecting 22 interceptions so far as a pro.

Poll

Who was the biggest omission from the All-Decade Team?

Michael Vick

206 votes

Duane Brown

27 votes

Cedric Humes

10 votes

Marcus Vick

3 votes

Nathaniel Adibi

23 votes

James Anderson

8 votes

Carlton Powell

3 votes

Branden Ore

14 votes

Andre' Davis

80 votes

Other

25 votes

399 votes | Poll has closed

Opponent 3rd Down Conversion Efficiency

2010-01-05T14:56:22Z

VT Defensive Efficiency - Opponent 3rd Down Conversions

Opponent	3rd Dwn Conv %	3rd Dwn Att.	Ex 3rd Dwn Convs	3rd Dwn Conv	Eff
Miami	44.63%	11	4.91	1	0.204
Duke	37.36%	19	7.10	7	0.986
Boston College	30.23%	13	3.93	1	0.254
Georgia Tech	53.48%	15	8.02	8	0.997
North Carolina	37.10%	19	7.05	10	1.419
Maryland	36.56%	16	5.85	4	0.684
NC State	44.81%	12	5.38	5	0.930
Virginia	34.27%	16	5.48	8	1.459
Season	39.81%	121	48.16	44	0.914

WNATED: TICKET STUB V.T. VS ALABAMA

2010-01-03T02:34:20Z

I NEED ONE TICKET STUB FROM VT/BAMA 2009 GAME......................................... EMAIL OR SEND TO MARK 1531 BROOKSIDE RD MT OLIVE,ALA 35117...................................................................................................... THKS S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S

I NEED ONE TICKET STUB FROM VT/BAMA 2009 GAME EMAIL OR SEND TO MARK 1531 BROOKSIDE RD MT OLIVE,ALA 35117 THANKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

VT/UT Statistical Comparison

2009-12-31T17:29:09Z

Last edition for the season - expanded for the bowl!

This week's statistical comparison will include the following ratings and, if available, the statistical prediction based on the rating:

Massey Ratings (http://www.masseyratings.com/)
Sauceda (http://www.masseyratings.com/pred.php?s=94988&sub=&days=7)
Markov (http://www.masseyratings.com/pred.php?s=94988&sub=&days=7)
Sagarin (http://www.kiva.net/~jsagarin/sports/cfsend.htm)
Fremeau Index (http://bcftoys.blogspot.com/2009/09/week-2-fei-ratings.html)
FACT (http://prwolfe.bol.ucla.edu/cfootball/rothman.txt)
Wolfe (http://prwolfe.bol.ucla.edu/cfootball/ratings.htm)

Here is how we stack up:

System	VT Rating (Rank)	UT Rating (Rank)	Highest Rated	Prediction
Massey	2.221 (8th)	1.927 (24th)	2.853 - Alabama	VT by 6
Sauceda	32.42 (7th)	25.65 (22nd)	44.40 - Alabama	VT by 5.7
Markov	34.245 (6th)	23.903 (23rd)	41.952 - Alabama	VT by 10.4
Sagarin ELO	83.92 (10th)	78.78 (31st)	100.33 - Alabama	VT by 5.1
Sagarin PREDICTOR	90.94 (4th)	80.81 (26th)	96.14 - Alabama	VT by 10.1
Fremeau	0.240 (5th)	0.117 (30th)	0.330 - Alabama	VT by 13
FACT	64.10 (9th)	59.29 (18th)	82.17 - Alabama	-
Wolfe	6.895 (11th)	5.834 (41st)	9.912 - Alabama	54% chance VT wins

Bryan Stinespring to Richmond?

2009-12-11T19:37:37Z

Could it be true? Could a respectable program really be interested in Bryan Stinespring as a head coach?

According to http://footballcoachscoop.com/Scoop.html, the answer is yes! So be sure to contact the AD at Richmond today to let him know how great he is, and how we've been so fearful of losing him that we frequently set up phony websites and blog posts claiming to despise him.

Christmas could come early to Blacksburg this year!

VT Hokie Cup Club @ Kilroys (Springfield, VA) NEW YEARS EVE!

2009-12-09T23:44:18Z

VT Hokie Cup Club @ Kilroys (Springfield, VA)

VT HOKIES vs. TENNESSEE

Thursday, Decmember 31, 2009 @ 7:30

COME WELCOME THE NEW YEAR WHILE WATCHING THE HOKIES WIN THE CHICK-FIL-A BOWL @ KILROYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bring any VT Hokies cup up to 32oz. to Kilroys and receive any domestic draft for only $2.00! Special begins 1 hour prior to kickoff and is good in the bar/ lounge and VT Hokie tailgate tent only. Special ends at 9pm, but the fun goes all night long into the new year! See all you Hokies there!

Plan on getting there early for a great seat as we fill the place with Tech Fans and witness another championship!

Please email us if interested in being on the VT Hokie Cup Club list serve. Members will receive game day specials.

Kilroys Restaurant and Sports Bar
Ravensworth Shopping Center
5250-A Port Royal Rd.
Springfield Virginia 22151
703-321-7733
kilroysspringfield@yahoo.com
www.kilroys.com

GO HOKIES

"Meet me @ Kilroys!"

Chick-Fil-a Bowl: Tennessee fan

2009-12-07T16:06:34Z

I for one could not be more excited at Tennessee's post season opportunity. I think this game will be one of the bowl season's premier match-ups. Lane Kiffin and the Vols have a chance to make a HUGE statement at the end of the year should we upset you Hokies. Its going to be a great environment comprised of two passionate fanbases in a sold out GA dome on New Years Eve. I got my tickets today, and I simply can't wait. While we may never get to play a game at Bristol Motor Speedway considering my preseason expectations for my Vols this year, I couldn't be happier with this outcome.

I will always choose Tennessee (homer that I am) but realistically I know we face a very tough challenge in VT. Special teams has been a serious weakness for our team this year (a couple kickoff returns allowed and TWO blocked field goals against Alabama in a game we lost 12-10) which makes me very nervous going up against BeamerBall. Plus your freshman running back (his name escapes me) is an absolute stud. However, we have our own baller in the backfield in Senior Montario Hardesty.

Re-reading this it sounds like a commercial or something, sorry about that. I'm just a UT football fan looking forward to this game. Despite the close proximity of our campuses I believe the last time we played was 1994 and that was in the Gator Bowl. This is a matchup fans of both schools have been clamoring for for a long time and we finally got it. But I digress, what say you Hokie fans?

See you in Atlanta, GO VOLS!

Grimm, Williams, Waldron, Bowden Make First Team All-ACC

2009-12-01T04:02:28Z

http://www.hokiesports.com/football/recaps/20091130aac.html

All that is not too surprising, but there were some surprises on the second team.

Pretty boy Ed Wang and hard-hitting, but can't-cover-his-shadow Kam Chancellor made second team All-ACC. Also making it was our tight-end that we don't throw to nearly enough -- Greg Boone --, Sergio Render, and Jason Worilds.

Making honorable mention were Beau Warren, Blake DeChristopher, and Rashad Carmichael (who I feel put up at least a second team All-ACC type of season).

All in all there was some great talent on this team as shown by the credentials earned on Monday. If only we weren't so weak in the middle of the defense for the first 2/3s of the season.

VT Hokie Cup Club @ Kilroys (Springfield, VA)

2009-11-23T22:42:34Z

VT Hokie Cup Club @ Kilroys (Springfield, VA)

VT Hokies @ Virginia

Saturday, November 28, 2009 @ 3:30pm

Bring any VT Hokies cup up to 32oz. to Kilroys and receive any domestic draft for only $2.00! Special begins 1 hour prior to kickoff and is good in the bar/ lounge and VT Hokie tailgate tent only. Special ends at the end of the 3rd quarter, but the fun goes all day long! See all you Hokies there!

Plan on getting there early for a great seat as we fill the place with Tech Fans and witness another great year.

Please email us if interested in being on the VT Hokie Cup Club list serve. Members will receive game day specials.

Kilroys Restaurant and Sports Bar
Ravensworth Shopping Center
5250-A Port Royal Rd.
Springfield Virginia 22151
703-321-7733
kilroysspringfield@yahoo.com
www.kilroys.com

GO HOKIES

"Meet me @ Kilroys!"

Men's Basketball Individual Game Tickets Now On Sale!

2009-11-23T20:17:35Z

Press release from VT Athletics (single game tickets are now on sale for men's basketball):

Good Afternoon Basketball Fans- I wanted to send this release, which is going out today on our website, to you before it’s posted on our website. There are not many individual tickets left and these make a great gift for any Hokie Fan. I hope you all have a Happy Turkey Day! GO HOKIES!

Men’s Basketball Individual Game Tickets on sale now

The Virginia Tech Athletics Department has announced that a limited number of men’s basketball tickets will go on sale now for all remaining home games scheduled. The remaining schedule consists of eight home conference games that include contests against North Carolina, Clemson, Wake Forest and in-state rival Virginia, among others. The Hokies also host several key non-conference opponents including Georgia, VMI, and Charleston Southern. For a complete 2009-10 men’s basketball schedule, log on to hokiesports.com/mbasketball/schedule.

To purchase your tickets or for more information, log on to hokietickets.com or call the Virginia Tech Athletic Ticket Office at (540) 231-6731 or toll-free at 1-800 VA TECH4 (1-800-828-3244).

*VT*VT*VT*VT*VT*VT*VT*VT*VT*
Brent DiGiacomo
Director of Marketing & Promotions
366 Jamerson Athletic Center
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-3236
(540) 231-3445 fax
GO HOKIES!

Update - here is the press release from Hokie Sports - http://www.hokiesports.com/mbasketball/recaps/20091123aaa.html

VT/UVa Statistical Comparison

2009-11-23T16:20:14Z

An almost exact repeat of last week's ratings for us and our opponent...

This week's statistical comparison will include the following ratings and, if available, the statistical prediction based on the rating:

Massey Ratings (http://www.masseyratings.com/). These are Massey's own ratings which include scoring margin, not to be confused with his BCS rankings which will not post until they achieve some level of credibility during the season.
Sagarin (http://www.kiva.net/~jsagarin/sports/cfsend.htm), perhaps the most popular of all statistical rankings. The first is his ELO ranking, which is used for the BCS and fits their criteria; the second is PREDICTOR which takes into account scoring margin and is much more accurate for determining how good teams are.
Fremeau Index (http://bcftoys.blogspot.com/2009/09/week-2-fei-ratings.html) as suggested by furrer4heisman. From the site this system is "based on drive-based Game Efficiency data that rewards playing well against good teams, win or lose, and punishes losing to poor teams more harshly than it rewards defeating poor teams" where Game Efficiency is "Measurement of the success rate of a team scoring and preventing opponent scoring during the Competitive Possessions of a game as GE = ((Points For - Points Against)/7) / (Total Competitive Possessions/2)" and competitive possesions are basically possessions that potentially matter.
FACT (http://prwolfe.bol.ucla.edu/cfootball/rothman.txt) stands for the Foundation for the Analysis of Competition and Tournaments and was created by David Rothman originally to rank chess players worldwide. Peter Wolfe, whose own rating will publish for the first time next week, is gracious enough to continue publishing the FACT rankings since Rothman's death in 2004.

Here is how we stack up:

System	VT Rating (Rank)	UVa Rating (Rank)	Highest Rated	Prediction
Massey	2.235 (9th)	1.436 (78th)	2.735 - Alabama	VT by 12.9
Sagarin ELO	84.07 (10th)	68.79 (76th)	93.86 - Alabama	VT by 15.3
Sagarin PREDICTOR	90.36 (5th)	72.10 (61st)	94.21 - Texas	VT by 18.3
Fremeau	-	-	-	-
FACT	66.38 (9th)	46.46 (69th)	80.42 - Alabama	-