Virginia Tech is on a two-game winning streak going into tonight's game at UVa. The Hoos have been the most surprising team in the ACC this year and sport a 3-1 conference record. Meanwhile the Hokies are at 2-2, but have yet to be above .500 in conference play this year. Tech has struggled on the road this year, so a win against the Wahoos would be a big ego boost for Seth Greenberg's team. Let's see what everyone else has to say about tonight's matchup.
Virginia Tech at Virginia
Beat Writers
Hokies prepare for Landesberg (Mark Viera)
"Making Landesberg more difficult to prepare, Virginia is aided by two legitimate outside scorers. The Cavaliers' other shooters are Sammy Zeglinski (.469 three-point percentage) and Jeff Jones (.453 three-point percentage). When Zeglinski and Jones are on, that can open up driving lanes for Landesberg, who will drive hard to the basket."
Dorenzo Hudson’s basketball IQ (Darryl Slater)
"Greenberg mentioned this was important because the Hokies "change up a lot" from game to game, altering their approach and what sets they use depending on the opponent. Hudson said he learns best by doing something on the court, rather than seeing Greenberg draw it up or watching the coach discuss it during a film session."
Bloggers
UVa Game Preview (Tech Hoops)
"Jeff Allen had a big donut last year against uva, going 0/7 from the field in the win in Blacksburg and sitting out the game after giving maryland fans the bird a few days before. I'd like to see him come out and really take it to the hoos in this one. They don't have anyone that can really match up with his post skills. On defense, he will be key to limiting Mike Scott."
Basketball Game Preview: Virginia Tech at Virginia (Tech Sideline)
"The first meeting of the season between Virginia and Virginia Tech will take place on Thursday night, and it's a big game for both teams. The Hoos haven't played well in their last two outings and are looking to get back on track at home. The Hokies will need to pick up two or three road wins in the ACC at some point if they hope to make the NCAA tournament, and this is a prime opportunity."
Hokie Hoops: @UVA Preview (Fight for Old DC)
"Despite UVA's lacking attendance in football games, the John can be a little intimidating at times. Yes, I said UVA is slightly intimidating, but I emphasize slightly. It's still nowhere near the intimidation factor of Cassell Coliseum. If the Hokies come out cold, then it could be a long night for Tech fans."
The 500? (The A-Line)
"Well, this very likely won’t be the first ACC basketball season where every single team finishes with an 8-8 record. While it looked for a while that the entire conference might finish at .500 in league play, and a bunch still might, a bit of separation has taken place in the standings. There is also the little matter of the league’s ‘other’ major in-state rivalry."
Game preview: Virginia Tech (From Old Virginia)
"Tomorrow is the all-important Virginia Tech game, sometimes also known as Just-Wait-Til-Basketball-Season Week. Well, basketball season is upon us, and I will tell you what: for really the first time this year, except for maybe the NJIT game or something, I am feeling juuust a bit cocky about our chances here. Just like old times."
Virginia Tech Football
What the Evans Williams Backfield Might Look Like (College Game Balls)
"In response to my own argument in favor of making Ryan Williams the lone featured tailback in the 2010 offense, I give you the CGB supercomputer analysis of the Evans Williams 100 proof backfield. Please note that the Hokies’ simulation opponent was Boise State."
Predicting the Future of Virginia Tech Football (VT Fan)
"A lot can change in ten years, just ask Bobby Bowden who came in as potential National Champions and left unemployed. However, for the Hokies not much did change. They entered the 2000 season with the hopes of winning the school’s first National Championship and when Tech beat the Tennessee Volunteers on December 31st, the Hokie faithful were still having those conversations. The Hokies did switch conferences in 2004 and are on an unbelievable streak of consecutive ten-win seasons. But, for an expectations point, the Hokies are on the same level they were when this past decade began."
Just how good is Bud Foster's D? (Annette)
"Since Virginia Tech has been in the ACC, no other defense in the FBS has played better defense more consistently. Over the past six seasons -- a span of 80 games -- Virginia Tech has allowed its opponents an average of just 268.33 yards per game. Foster has played an integral role in the Hokies' 62-18 record, .775 winning percentage and three ACC titles.
Worilds invited to attend NFL Combine (Norm Wood)
"Worilds opted to bypass his senior season of college eligiblity and make himself eligible for the April NFL Draft. If he goes to the combine, which is scheduled for Feb. 24-March 2 in Indianapolis, he may join punter Brent Bowden, free safety Kam Chancellor, cornerback Stephan Virgil and offensive tackle Ed Wang - all former Tech teammates that have also been invited to the combine."