Lots of goings on, both in Blacksburg and at other schools, affecting the Hokies: Conventional wisdom says Tech is lagging behind in recruiting, the ACC has a new TV deal, the investigation at UNC continues, Kyle Parker is back at Clemson and other news that I haven't gotten around to talking about the last three weeks or so...
Virginia Tech Hokies
Hokies pushed by U.Va., UNC for in-state elite (Kyle Tucker)
The Hokies aren't doing as well at recruiting the Commonwealth's best football players this year, as several have chose North Carolina and UVa recently. This is what happens when you combine a loss to UNC the previous year, a new coach at UVa and VT being bereft of available scholarships. The key is to keep it from becoming a trend. That's why it's important for Tech to have a good season (and beat both UNC and UVa) this year.
Q&A With Frank Beamer (Tech Sideline)
Here's a sneak peek at Chris Colston's Hokie Football Annual. Beamer talks bowl prep, the criticism of the offense and how long he plans to keep coaching.
Hoo Wants A Ticket? (The A-Line)
The Jeffersonian way of earning football tickets is, naturally, through an essay contest. Mike London will apparently not sleep until his fan base cares about football.
What does a 'good' Virginia Tech offense look like, anyway? (Dr. Saturday)
The Doc has picked Tech to win the ACC this season on the strength of its ... offense? Last year the Hokies averaged their most yards per play since joining the ACC and had the second-highest national ranking in yards per game since Bryan Stinespring's first full year as the offensive coordinator. However, he says this year's offense won't be defined by pure stats, "but by how resilient it can be at its worst."
2010 Denver Broncos Positional Preview - Wide Receivers (Mile High Report)
Over 50 percent of the Broncos' receiving touchdowns from last season are gone, meaning Eddie Royal will probably be counted on for more production. Royal struggled in his first year in a new offense, but should be able to put up good numbers like he did in his rookie season.
ACC and Opponents
The basics of the new ACC-ESPN TV deal (D1scourse.com)
Patrick breaks down the ACC's recently announced TV deal. The run-down: We double our annual payout, keep Raycom as the "ACC Network" (sort of like the SEC network, except it's not run by Raycom) and we lost FSN basketball games. Expect a lot of games on ESPNU and ESPN3.com.
ACC Oughta Have SEC Envy; Just Not The Type You Expect (In the Bleachers)
Apparently ACC schools should root for each other to do well like SEC teams do. Is it OK if I still root for UVa to go 0-12, though?
UNC Under Siege Day Seven: Miami Vice Edition (Tar Heel Fan)
Marvin Austin's now-defunct Twitter page included talk of shopping sprees and photos of high-priced dinner checks and photos from South Beach. Plenty of questions about the investigation will be lobbed at Butch Davis during ACC media days, but NCAA rules will hamstring what he can say about it.
QB Kyle Parker Will Return To Clemson (SB Nation)
Parker's return helps Virginia Tech because the Tigers play Miami (home), North Carolina (away) and Georgia Tech (home) during a four-game stretch beginning Oct. 2. The more losses Atlantic teams can inflict on our Coastal competitors the better.
For Seantrel Henderson, All Roads Lead to the U (Eye of the Hurricane)
One of the most highly sought-after freshman finds his way to Coral Gables. Seantrel Henderson should give a boost to Miami's offensive line, which showed signs of improvement in pass blocking during the spring game, but still has a ways to go.
One-On-One With: Paul Johnson, Part 2 (ACC Sports Journal)
ACC Sports Journal talks with Paul Johnson about why his offense would work in the NFL, how he's able to call plays without a play sheet and what separates him from other play callers. It doesn't get too much into X's and O's, but gives you an idea about why Johnson is so good and making adjustments during games.
Five Things I Believe About 2010 GT Football (From The Rumble Seat)
Will Anthony Allen be better than Jonathan Dwyer? Winfield thinks so. He also believes Al Groh's 3-4 will lead to a big improvement on defense.
Best On Best -- Film Review on Rodney Hudson Against UNC (Tomahawk Nation)
Your reigning Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner was at his best when matched up against the best defensive front in the ACC.
Football's Ongoing Turnover Problem (Backing The Pack)
NC State isn't helping its own cause: "As far as the big picture: since 2004, no ACC defense has forced fewer turnovers than NC State's. No ACC offense has committed more turnovers than NC State's. All of which amounts to a -47 turnover margin, far and away the ACC's worst." Virginia Tech is +60 in the same span.
Bye Week Roulette Winners (BC Interruption)
Brian and Jeff take time off from yelling at the neighbors for watering their grass while they're trying to mow to discuss bye weeks. Boston College will have an extra week to prepare for Virginia Tech before hosting the Hokies. Will it make a difference?
2010 Virginia Tech Hokies are who we think they are (OBNUG)
Kevan Lee gives a Boise State perspective on the Hokies. There's a lot of respect, but he still picks the Broncos to win by 10 points. I think that's what I said as well when the game was moved to Labor Day.
Dan Enos talks influences (Fire Up Chips)
Central Michigan's new coach is looking to have a balanced offense in 2010 and lists Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson as one of his influences. There's a good chance the Chippewa offense will look similar to Nebraska's when we play them this year.