Gobbler Country - The Hokies vs the Pirates: Folks, this is a real RivalryThe Gold Standard For Virginia Tech Athleticshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50377/gobbler-fav.png2015-09-26T23:05:59-04:00http://www.gobblercountry.com/rss/stream/91584042015-09-26T23:05:59-04:002015-09-26T23:05:59-04:00Beams Presser From The Loss<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1XCBqj7aMBE" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Frank Talks About The Tough Loss</p></p></div>
https://www.gobblercountry.com/2015/9/26/9403401/beams-presser-from-the-lossRoy Hatfield2015-09-26T19:11:50-04:002015-09-26T19:11:50-04:00Hokies Fall Short Against The Pirates
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<p>The Hokies were looking for payback, but the Pirates had the last laugh</p> <p>On a dreary afternoon in Greenville, the Hokies went on the road looking for revenge. The Hokies came out blazing, aided by 2 early turnovers from the Pirates. <span>Trey Edmunds</span> cashed in a 1 yard TD run, putting the Hokies on the board. After another Tech takeaway, the Hokies again had another short field. This time <span>Ryan Malleck</span> caught a laser from <span>Brenden Motley</span>, as the Hokies stunned the sellout crowd going up 14-0 with only eight minutes off the clock. On that scoring play <span>Wyatt Teller</span> picked up a tough personal foul penalty that was enforced on the ensuing kickoff. The Pirates took full advantage as QB Blake Kemp marched down the shortened field and scored on a 3 yard scamper.</p>
<p>The defensive struggles continued for the Hokies, as <span>Trevon Brown</span> reeled in an 11 yard pass from Kemp drawing the Pirates even near the end of the first quarter. The rain was really coming down at this point, which appeared to slow both offenses in the second quarter. The only points in the second quarter came via a <span>James Summers</span> TD run coming with 10:02 left in the half. Both teams traded punts, and Tech had a scoring opportunity slip, with kicker <span>Joey Slye</span> missing a 37 yard field goal with 5:26 left in the half. The half ended with the Hokies trailing 21-14.</p>
<p>The first half was dominated by penalties against the Hokies, as they had a <span>Bucky Hodges</span> TD call brought back due to a false start call. This was one of eight penalties against the Hokies, as the flags continued to pester any momentum the Hokies could muster.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Credit 14 points to the officials so far today. Complete garbage PI and fumble recovery calls <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VTvsECU?src=hash">#VTvsECU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hokies?src=hash">#Hokies</a></p>
— Michael Fullan (@mrfullan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrfullan/status/647874604510216192">September 26, 2015</a>
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The second half had the Hokies receiving the opening kick. After not converting a first down, punter <span>A.J. Hughes</span> (of scoreboard kicking fame) had the snap sail over his head. After corralling the ball, Hughes saved at the very least a safety by getting the kick away. The Pirates convert a 4th and 12 on their first possession with a soul crushing 26 yard touchdown pass from James Summers and took the lead 28-14. The Hokies were now looking at 28 unanswered points from the Pirates.</p>
<p>The Hokies offense got back into the game with a long drive capped off by a <span>Sam Rogers</span> 2 yard TD run. The drive was important as it afforded the defense a chance to catch its breath and regroup after the way the second half started. East Carolina continued its impressive 3rd down conversion rate. James Summers then broke a 41 yard touchdown that had at least 3 missed tackles. It even included a spin move, because we haven't seen enough of those this year. The Pirates again enjoyed a 14 point cushion as we entered the 4th quarter.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Told you cats James Summers was the truth. <a href="https://twitter.com/JBDavis333">@JBDavis333</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilCHeath">@PhilCHeath</a></p>
— Brad Van Horn (@thereal_BVH_08) <a href="https://twitter.com/thereal_BVH_08/status/647899935715819520">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p>The fourth quarter began with a Hokie drive that was stopped by a Motley interception of a tipped pass. If the Hokies had any hopes of a comeback, Summers quickly quelched it with a 40 yard run on the Pirates first play. The Hokies eventually held, and Brenden Motley ran it in from 5 yards to make it ECU 35 Tech 28 with 8:18 to play. After trading punts, and down only 7, Tech was poised to make its comeback.</p>
<p>With all three timeouts and only four minutes left in the game, Tech began its last stand on its own four yard line. Tech marched down the field and faced a 4th and 2 near mid field. Bucky Hodges was unable to collect the pass from Motley, and the Hokies turned it over on downs with less than two minutes to go. Tech was forced to burn its timeouts, and forced ECU to punt one last time. The Hokies last gasp began at its own 5 with no timeouts left. The final effort fell short, and the Hokies fall 35-28 in a very wet Greenville, NC.</p>
https://www.gobblercountry.com/2015/9/26/9402485/virginia-tech-east-carolina-final-score-hokies-piratesRoy Hatfield2015-09-26T17:17:56-04:002015-09-26T17:17:56-04:00Virginia Tech vs. East Carolina: Halftime Stats
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<figcaption>Michael Shroyer/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Quick look at all the halftime stats</p> <p>It's halftime and you need a refill! Here is a quick look at the stats from the first half, and look forward to the Hokies bringing home the W. Eight first half penalties did not help.</p>
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<td>Virginia Tech</td>
<td>East Carolina</td>
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<td>1st Downs</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>12</td>
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<td>3rd Down Efficiency</td>
<td>3-9</td>
<td>4-5</td>
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<td>4th Down Efficiency</td>
<td>2-2</td>
<td>0-0</td>
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<td>Rushing Yards</td>
<td>86</td>
<td>66</td>
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<td>Passing Yards</td>
<td>60</td>
<td>148</td>
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<td>Total Yards</td>
<td>146</td>
<td>214</td>
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<td>Interceptions</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>Punts (AVG.)</td>
<td>3(40)</td>
<td>1(45)</td>
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<td>Penalties (Yards)</td>
<td>8(65)</td>
<td>3(1)</td>
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https://www.gobblercountry.com/2015/9/26/9401317/virginia-tech-vs-east-carolina-halftime-statsRoy Hatfield2015-09-26T15:30:02-04:002015-09-26T15:30:02-04:00Virginia Tech VS. East Carolina Gamethread
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<figcaption>Michael Shroyer/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Hokies invade Greenville in search of some payback!</p> <p><br>Will the Hokies get their revenge at the "boneyard"? ECU is proud of the fact that their 50,000 seat stadium will be SRO when the Hokies come to town. Virginia Tech will be led by Brenden Motley and the rest of his crew. Join us for lively chatter during the game, LET'S GO!!!</p>
https://www.gobblercountry.com/2015/9/26/9401243/virginia-tech-vs-east-carolina-gamethreadRoy Hatfield2015-09-25T22:03:24-04:002015-09-25T22:03:24-04:00Virginia Tech vs. East Carolina:Gobbler Country Staff Picks
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<figcaption>Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The G.C. staff tells you what to expect tomorrow!</p> <p>There isn't much debate for the big game tomorrow, but the way the Hokies win is a matter of opinion. The staff at Gobbler Country shares their records, as well as the forecast for the showdown:</p>
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<p>John Schneider(3-0)</p>
<div dir="ltr">This game is a real wildcard. ECU is not Purdue, but it isn't the ECU from last season either. Ruffin McNeill has to rely on a new quarterback and a new number 1 receiver, neither of whom have proven themselves to date. The rub is that we are almost in that same position; well almost. ECU comes off a pretty thorough drubbing by AAC conference rival Navy. We are coming off a runaway that some folks are still dismissing. The Pirates are at home, and we are still missing big pieces; a starting QB, a complete wide receiver group, and linebackers. ECU couldn't stop Navy's triple option. It was a goat stampede. We don't run the triple option so we get to see if they can stop a more conventional below average running game. We don't know if they can stop the passing game; but we have Lefty and his passing game tends to stop itself at the line of scrimmage. This game shakes out to be evenly matched. I still think that we have an advantage because of the talent on the defensive line, and our oddball four tight end/H-back offenses might give the Pirates fits, if Lefty will actually game plan for it, and use it. This is going to be a slug fest.<br>
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<div dir="ltr"><br></div>
<div dir="ltr">Virginia Tech 35 ECU 21<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br>
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<p>Roy Hatfield(3-0)</p>
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<p>ECU plays us like Auburn plays Alabama. In the end, the Hokies have too much much talent and depth for the Pirates to fire their cannons.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Virginia Tech 31 ECU 17</p>
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<p>Chelsea Lindner(3-0)</p>
<p>ECU seems to be struggling this year after losing many players to the NFL. Their QB was also injured during training camp and is out for the season. They are 1-2, and struggled to beat Towson. Although they are playing at home I think their struggle continues and the Hokies win 38-24.<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></p>
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<p>Joshua Schneider(3-0)</p>
<div dir="ltr">
<span>Do you know that college drinking game 'Never have I ever'? Never have I ever seen an ECU game where Tech has completely dominated them. Even in the 49-27 win in 2010, we still struggled to get rid of them through halftime and then turned on the jets and stifled their offense. I don't expect this game to be altogether that much different. Even with losing Justin Hardy and Shane Carden and their offensive coordinator, I don't trust things to go smoothly for the Hokies. I know turnover kind of rules in the college world- and every 4-5 years you have a completely different team, but call me skeptical of a runaway. I think Tech wins, and covers, but the final score probably won't indicate how close we came to buffaloing it early. </span>VT 35-ECU 20.</div>
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<p>David Kistler(3-0)</p>
<p>Just as last week the Hokies will be in trouble only if they hurt themselves. East Carolina is a quality program with a number of athletes that could play at ACC schools. However, this is a very different Pirate squad than the one that beat the Hokies in Blacksburg last season. It will be critical for the Hokies to dominate on the ground and force the Pirate defense to guess what the Hokies are going to do next. Scot Leoffler still baffles me with bad play calling, but if he calls a decent game this one won't be a game late in the second half. The Hokies defense will step up, but expect Bud to help his corners out with a little zone coverage to keep the Pirates out of the end zone. Hokies Win : 34-17.<br><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></p>
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<p>Matt Costello(3-0)</p>
<p>The Hokies are tested again on the road this time against a familiar foe in the ECU Pirates. I think the story of the day will be the play of the offensive/defensive lines for the Hokies as we hold the significant advantage on both sides, but have to establish the line of scrimmage immediately in this game. The running game needs to start out strong and give Motley the confidence to complete throws down the field to keep the defense honest. The game will start out slow as all VT games do, but eventually the defense will make some big stops/turnovers which the offense should be able to capitalize on. Hokies win, 31-21. <b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></p>
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<p>CJ Rooks(2-1)</p>
<p>Virginia Tech better come in ready to play <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ"><font color="#222222">on Saturday</font></span></span>. It's an early kick-off and East Carolina seems to always give Frank Beamer and his team trouble. This is also a classic look ahead spot for Virginia Tech with the Hokies opening conference play next week. With all that being said I think Virginia Tech wins the game. Once again I will predict a close contest in the beginning, but the Hokies will pull away in the 2nd half. Virginia Tech wins 42-24.<br><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></p>
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<p>Jay Johnson(2-1)</p>
<p><span>The last three meetings between VT and ECU have been decided by one score or less. One must reach all the way back to 2010 when the Hokies beat the Pirates 49-27 before one sees double digit deficits. East Carolina has suffered a few losses since last season - the largest being their OC taking a job with Oklahoma during the off-season. Virginia Tech should win this game, but we should have won last year as well, and in 2008 when VT lost their season opener to the Pirates. The Hokies have only beaten the Pirates soundly once, and VT does seem to mail a game in against an opponent they should dominate every year (WF I'm looking at you). This game concerns me simply based on history. I think VT wins, but I think it maintains the ECU tradition of being ugly and close. 21-17 VT.</span><br><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></p>
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<p>Joe Roy-Stewart(2-1)</p>
<p>Ahhhh East Carolina. For whatever reason it never seems to matter how good either team is, this game is always a fun one to watch and is close. That being said this is not the same ECU and it's not the same Hokie squad from last year as well. ECU lost it's playmakers from last season, and it's quarterback before this season. ECU gave Florida a good game, but couldn't do the same with a Navy team that wears you out with the triple-option. The Hokies on the other hand are as ready for this game as an injured team can be. Motley looks really good, even if not quite to what we think Brewer can be, and Huelskamp looked solid in place of Motuapuka. ECU will play hard but the depth of Virginia Tech mixed with playing Navy the week before will leave too many running holes and passing angles for the running backs and Motley and this one gets ugly late. ECU is better than Purdue, but the score won't be indicative of that. Hokies roll 45-21.<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></p>
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https://www.gobblercountry.com/2015/9/25/9400075/virginia-tech-vs-east-carolina-gobbler-country-staff-picks-betting-wager-college-hokies-piratesRoy Hatfield2015-09-25T09:22:37-04:002015-09-25T09:22:37-04:00VT vs ECU: Gameday Guide
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<figcaption>Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>How to watch the Hokies vs ECU on Saturday afternoon as well as information about Dowdy Ficklen Stadium.</p> <p>Virginia Tech travels to East Carolina Saturday afternoon for a 3:30 tilt with the ever-pesky Pirates. This has become as much of a rivalry game as the Hokies have had on their schedule the past 7-8 years. The game is always close, nail-biting and sometimes even heart breaking. The game with be covered throughout the mid-atlantic by ESPN on ABC, but the rest of the nation will see Western Michigan at Ohio State. If you are a Hokie watching from another part of the country or world, please try to view the game via ESPN3 or the Watch ESPN app, which should have coverage.</p>
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<p>It looks to be a gloomy day on Saturday, but if you're headed to the game still be prepared to bring some noise because Pirate Nation will be out in full force in hopes of seeing another upset over VT.</p>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Don't let some precip dampen your enthusiasm, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HokieNation?src=hash">#HokieNation</a> Not wearing orange lids :) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeatECU?src=hash">#BeatECU</a> HT <a href="https://twitter.com/wattsupbrent">@wattsupbrent</a> <a href="http://t.co/XDozQBhzzt">pic.twitter.com/XDozQBhzzt</a></p>
— VT Football (@VT_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/VT_Football/status/647168728094773248">September 24, 2015</a>
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<p><b>Stadium Info:</b></p>
<p>Name: Dowdy Ficklen Stadium</p>
<p>Capacity: 50,000</p>
<p>Conference: American Athletic</p>
<p>Notes: Saturday's contest is SOLD OUT</p>
<p>Go Hokies. Beat ECU.</p>
https://www.gobblercountry.com/2015/9/25/9397071/Virginia-Tech-Hokies-Football-versus-East-Carolina-Pirate-Footbal-gameday-guideDavidKistler2015-09-24T20:59:50-04:002015-09-24T20:59:50-04:00Virginia Tech Gambling and Other Odds
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<figcaption>Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Hokies opened as road favorites for the second week in a row, but the competition stiffens this time around against the ECU Pirates. We take a look at the Saturday match-up and other games around College Football deserving your gambling attention.</p> <p>Well, this week can only get better than <a href="http://www.gobblercountry.com/2015/9/17/9345263/gambling-spreads-virginia-tech-vs-purdue-odds-betting" target="_blank">last weeks debacle</a> of picks/bets, but hey you play to the win the game so we're back for more guessing and predicting what college kids are going to do in live simulated football action. Let's not lose our mortgage payment this weekend and based on last weeks results you should bet the opposite of what I recommend and you'll probably win big (reverse jinx).</p>
<p>Virginia Tech @ East Carolina: The spread opened up at -4 in favor of the Hokies on the road and quickly ballooned to -8.5. The Pirates are coming off back to back losses both on the road against the <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/151" target="_blank">Florida Gators and the Navy Midshipmen</a>, the latter laid a beat down on the Pirates by running for 415 yards and 6 touchdowns. The Hokies meanwhile are coming off an expected road win against the lowly Purdue Boilermakers and I know some might want to call it a solid win, but when Purdue finishes last in the Big Ten conference we can all nod our heads in agreement that VT put away Purdue the way they should have. The Hokies should be able to rule the line of scrimmage Saturday on both sides of the ball, but the Pirates as usual will spread the field and put the majority of the pressure on the VT secondary. The 8.5 points seems a bit high for my taste, I think ECU stays in the game for the most past, but the Hokies pull away in the 4th thanks to some timely defensive stops and protecting QB Brenden Motley with a stout running attack. Avoid the spread or do the exact opposite and win big based on my awful predictions last week.</p>
<p>Boise State @ Virginia: The Broncos opened as 3 point favorites and the line has stayed at exactly that for this Friday night match-up. The Cavs played the Fighting Irish tough at home in week two losing on the final possession of the game <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/game?gameId=400756917" target="_blank">34-27</a>, then proceeded to play it close with William &Mary as well pulling out a squeaky win 35-29, ugh. Meanwhile the Broncos recovered from their lone loss of the season against the BYU Cougars by pounding Idaho State 52-0. Both teams come into this game with underwhelming offenses so expect the defenses to be the story of the game. The 3 point spread seems like a push to me, but being a VT fan allows me to put on my blinders and remember UVA stinks! Take the 3 points and enjoy Mike London's final season as head coach Broncos win 20-10.</p>
<p>TCU @ Texas Tech: The line opened with the Horned Frogs as 13 point favorites then all a sudden the Red Raider nation decided to throw their life savings on the game and the line sits at 7. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCOKovbnFjsgCFUEcPgodcocIEw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fftw.usatoday.com%2F2014%2F02%2Fkliff-kingsbury-ryan-gosling-jeopardy&psig=AFQjCNHHvcN8u92zpf13WUmp7gedm3QmvQ&ust=1443145328333038" target="_blank">Kliff Kingsbury</a> might look a bit like Ryan Gosling, but that is the lone compliment I would hand to Texas Tech as I see the Horned Frogs covering and slowly maturing into the national title contender people saw them to be in the preseason. Defense is optional in this match-up which makes the over/under (80.5) possibly the best bet of the day, but I think <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/517127" target="_blank">Trevone Boykin</a> and the TCU offense throw up huge numbers in this game winning by the count of 55-38.</p>
<p>USC (Southern Cal) @ Arizona State: Where did everyone go? The Trojan bandwagon is pretty empty these days after the Stanford Cardinals upset the annually overrated Trojans by the score of 41-31. This is the same Stanford that scored 6 measly points on the road against Northwestern in week 1, but enough with the slights on the Trojans because I like them to cover the <a href="http://espn.go.com/chalk/story/_/id/13725244/college-football-chris-fallica-stanford-steve-pick-week-4-games-including-mississippi-state-vs-auburn" target="_blank">current 5.5 point spread</a> on the road against the Sun Devils for the simple fact that this game is a must-win already. Suffering two conference losses in the month of September alone would be crippling for USC to compete for a Pac-12 title and let's be honest Arizona State head coach, <a href="http://grantland.com/the-triangle/should-you-hate-this-coach/" target="_blank">Todd Graham is so easy to hate</a> that you can never side with him nor his team. Trojans bounce back with a W and Steve Sarkisian goes streaking across the downtown LA campus, 38-27.</p>
<p>Georgia Tech @ Duke: Damn you Paul Johnson. The Yellow Jackets were my lock of the week in week 3 on the road against the Irish and they got utterly dominated in every facet of the game. Note to self, there is no such thing as a lock in sports betting but this weekend the Blue Devils are 8.5 point underdogs and out of pure spite I am taking David Cutcliffe and the Blue Devils to cover. <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/150" target="_blank">Duke's defense</a> has allowed just 26 points through 3 games all season and currently ranks as the 18th best defense against the run this season which will obviously be key against the Yellow Jackets option attack. I see Georgia Tech ultimately coming away with the victory but this will be a close game. If you're feeling frisky, take the under (56) and the Blue Devils to cover the 8 points by a final score of 24-20, in favor of the Yellow Jackets.</p>
https://www.gobblercountry.com/2015/9/24/9389889/virginia-tech-east-carolina-odds-and-other-gambling-actionMatt Costello_VT2015-09-24T07:02:51-04:002015-09-24T07:02:51-04:00The Hokies vs the Pirates: Folks, this is a real Rivalry
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<figcaption>Ford runs after a catch in last season's heartbreak loss to the Pirates | Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Virginia Tech Hokies vs the East Carolina Pirates, this folks, is a game that is no longer just a non-conference warm-up. It looks like we've developed our very own private rivalry. Well it's time for the rest of college football to acknowledge it. This game means something, to both teams, every season. Let's look at where we are and what's going to be key.</p> <p></p>
<p>On Saturday September 26<sup>th</sup> at 3:30 pm the Virginia Tech Hokies will take the field at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, North Carolina. Head Football Coach Ruffin McNeill (six seasons and counting) heads up an American Athletic Conference team that has bedeviled and befuddled Virginia Tech Hokies teams far too often not to call this matchup a serious non-conference rivalry.</p>
<p>With a potential 50,000 plus fans in the stadium, ECU will be pushing hard to challenge the Hokies with a 12<sup>th</sup> man, as well as giving us a full measure of effort from the football field. Folks, this is the first contest with a very evenly matched program that we have had this season. We were on the short end of the stick for Ohio State, with a small outside chance of winning. Furman and Purdue were both listed as cupcake, to near cupcake status; though with our missing starting QB those outcomes might not have been very satisfying.</p>
<p>Whatever else is in play for this game, the reality is that these teams mean to go out and beat each other; period. ECU, regardless of its record has its team blood up when they are playing the Hokies. Consequently, all observations, analysis, or numbers need to be taken with a grain of salt - ok, maybe a spoonful.</p>
<p><b>ECU Pirates - The Search for ‘New'</b></p>
<p>ECU is not exactly the same team as we have faced for the last three seasons. The players who did so much to damage our #DBU self-image (and the scoreboard) are now gone. The Carden to Worthy and Allen connection isn't there this year. There are new players with new abilities, so let's look at the current stat-line*</p>
<p><b>Passing in 2015 to date</b></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="582">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p><b>NAME</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p><b>COMPLETIONS</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p><b>ATTEMPTS</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p><b>YARDS</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p><b>PERCENT</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p><b>YARDS/ ATTEMPT</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
<p><b>TD</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="37">
<p><b>INT</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
<p><b>RAT</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p><b>Blake Kemp</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p>99</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p>140</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p>893</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p>70.7</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p>6.38</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
<p>6</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="37">
<p>2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
<p>135.6</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p><b>James Summers</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p>3</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p>4</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p>13</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p>75.0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p>3.25</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
<p>0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="37">
<p>0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
<p>102.3</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p><b>Totals</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p>102</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p>144</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p>906</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p>70.8</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
<p>6.29</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
<p>6</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="37">
<p>2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
<p>134.7</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b>Rushing in 2015 to date</b></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="595">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="138">
<p><b>NAME</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>CARRIES</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>YARDS</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>AVERAGE</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>LONG</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="31">
<p><b>TD</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="138">
<p><b>Chris Hairston</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>45</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>207</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>4.6</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>45 (TD)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="31">
<p>4</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="138">
<p><b>Anthony Scott</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>17</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>60</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>3.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>16</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="31">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="138">
<p><b>Devin Anderson</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>32</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>16.0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>17</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="31">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="138">
<p><b>James Summers</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>1.0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="31">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="138">
<p><b>Totals</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>76</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>259</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>3.4</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>45</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="31">
<p>4</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Receiving in 2015 to date</b></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="588">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>NAME</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>RECEPTIONS</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>YARDS</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>AVERAGE</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>LONG</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p><b>TD</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>Isaiah Jones</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>30</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>342</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>11.4</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>36</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p>1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>Bryce Williams</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>17</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>161</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>9.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>19</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p>3</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>Jimmy Williams</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>13</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>102</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>7.8</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>19</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p>1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>Davon Grayson</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>7</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>87</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>12.4</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>31 (TD)</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p>1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>Chris Hairston</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>16</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>83</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>5.2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>12</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>Brandon Bishop</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>6</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>45</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>7.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>11</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>Quay Johnson</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>5</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>35</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>7.0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>11</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>DaQuan Barnes</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>3</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>24</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>8.0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>9</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>Stephen Baggett</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>14</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>7.0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>7</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>Anthony Scott</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>3</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>13</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>4.3</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>9</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>Totals</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>102</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>906</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>8.9</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p>36</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p>6</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>What's plain to see is that Ruffin McNeill has his work cut out for him. His quarterback is new, and his running game is pretty weak. The total of 259 yards on the ground for three games, of which 1 was an FCS opponent, is going to be a difficult issue for the Pirate offense to fix. Since the running game has so much to do with the offensive line, and the play concept design, McNeill has to figure out a way to milk some more ball control and break his team's Offensive single dimension status.</p>
<p>The Pirate Passing game is what's been keeping them alive. They have a higher passing yardage total with more passes attempted for fewer yards. Much of this comes from the newness of the quarterback, and the need to give him higher percentage throws. It also speaks of a very inexperienced and challenged offense on the whole. Coach McNeill is being forced to substitute a short passing game for his lack of running offense.</p>
<p>The Pirate Defense is a real concern; for ECU that is. We saw Navy's option cut them to ribbons. That can't last long, and embarrassment is a powerful motivator. We need to be concerned about it because any defense can turn on a dime, get all hyped up and play like their helmets are on fire. This is one of those occasions.</p>
<p><b>Virginia Tech Hokies - Balance Emotions with the Proper Game Plan</b></p>
<p>Tech walks into this contest with a solid win under its belt at the FBS level, and a slow start shaky first half against an FCS team; Purdue and Furman. (Notice I am omitting the OSU debacle... it's useless for this analysis and proves nothing.) Brenden Motley has done a credible job at Quarterback, with two decent performances, and better than average statistics earning him a solid ‘B' in many an analyst's gradebook. That's still a ‘B' and as we head into ACC games it's still too early to be putting in orders for "Championship" Tee Shirts from the Main Street kitsch shops. He'll need to take another step up this weekend.</p>
<p>The receiver group is still oddly configured for a college football team, with three starting quality tight ends, a combo H-Back/Fullback and, two wide receivers. The Hokies come to the playing field on Saturday without a solid understanding of how to deploy these resources in an effective manner. Yes, we put up some yards and some catches, but the passing game is still too tenuous and under developed to put much strain on it. Here are the Hokie Offensive performance totals:*</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><b>Passing in 2015 to date</b></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="582">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="73">
<p><b>NAME</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
<p><b>COMPLETIONS</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="80">
<p><b>ATTEMPTS</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="55">
<p><b>YARDS</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
<p><b>PERCENT</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
<p><b>YARDS/ ATTEMPT</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="36">
<p><b>TD</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="41">
<p><b>INT</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="50">
<p><b>RAT</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><b>NAME</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>CMP</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>ATT</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>YDS</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>CMP%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>YDS/A</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>TD</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>INT</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>RAT</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/530541/brenden-motley">Brenden Motley</a></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>35</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>57</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>489</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>61.4</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>8.58</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>5</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>158.9</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/514481/michael-brewer">Michael Brewer</a></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>11</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>16</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>156</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>68.8</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>9.75</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>191.9</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/3929940/dwayne-lawson">Dwayne Lawson</a></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>3</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>8</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>51</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>37.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>6.38</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>91.1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/547028/sam-rogers">Sam Rogers</a></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>13</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>100.0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>13.00</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>209.2</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><b>Totals</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>50</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>82</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>709</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>61.0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>8.65</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>7</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>159.3</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b>Rushing in 2015 to date</b></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="534">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="112">
<p><b>NAME</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="98">
<p><b>CARRIES</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p><b>YARDS</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="90">
<p><b>AVERAGE</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
<p><b>LONG</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
<p><b>TD</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="112">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/3124074/travon-mcmillian">Travon McMillian</a></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="98">
<p>21</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>179</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="90">
<p>8.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
<p>63</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="112">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/530531/trey-edmunds">Trey Edmunds</a></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="98">
<p>29</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>136</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="90">
<p>4.7</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
<p>35</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
<p>1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="112">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/530522/j.c.-coleman">J.C. Coleman</a></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="98">
<p>25</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>104</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="90">
<p>4.2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
<p>10</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
<p>1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="112">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/530541/brenden-motley">Brenden Motley</a></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="98">
<p>26</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>79</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="90">
<p>3.0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
<p>20</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
<p>2</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="112">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/3929940/dwayne-lawson">Dwayne Lawson</a></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="98">
<p>13</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>51</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="90">
<p>3.9</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
<p>10</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
<p>1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="112">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/3116773/shai-mckenzie">Shai McKenzie</a></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="98">
<p>13</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>50</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="90">
<p>3.8</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
<p>11</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="112">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/547028/sam-rogers">Sam Rogers</a></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="98">
<p>4</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>38</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="90">
<p>9.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
<p>16</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="112">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/3124066/chris-durkin">Chris Durkin</a></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="98">
<p>4</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>25</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="90">
<p>6.3</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
<p>9</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="112">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/3124069/isaiah-ford">Isaiah Ford</a></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="98">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>7</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="90">
<p>7.0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
<p>7</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="112">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/514481/michael-brewer">Michael Brewer</a></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="98">
<p>4</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="90">
<p>0.0</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
<p>6</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="112">
<p><b>Totals</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="98">
<p>141</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
<p>665</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="90">
<p>4.7</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
<p>63</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
<p>5</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b>Receiving in 2015 to date</b></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="588">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>NAME</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>RECEPTIONS</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>YARDS</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>AVERAGE</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<p><b>LONG</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
<p><b>TD</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/3124069/isaiah-ford">Isaiah Ford</a></b></p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>14</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>266</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>19.0</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>61</p>
</td>
<td width="56">
<p>3</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/3124079/cam-phillips">Cam Phillips</a></b></p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>10</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>116</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>11.6</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>29</p>
</td>
<td width="56">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/515567/ryan-malleck">Ryan Malleck</a></b></p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>7</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>99</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>14.1</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>40</p>
</td>
<td width="56">
<p>1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/547028/sam-rogers">Sam Rogers</a></b></p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>5</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>81</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>16.2</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>51 (TD)</p>
</td>
<td width="56">
<p>1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/547022/bucky-hodges">Bucky Hodges</a></b></p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>5</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>59</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>11.8</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>46</p>
</td>
<td width="56">
<p>2</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/547020/kalvin-cline">Kalvin Cline</a></b></p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>31</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>31.0</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>31</p>
</td>
<td width="56">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/3124074/travon-mcmillian">Travon McMillian</a></b></p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>4</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>16</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>4.0</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>9</p>
</td>
<td width="56">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/530541/brenden-motley">Brenden Motley</a></b></p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>13</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>13.0</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>13</p>
</td>
<td width="56">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/511428/kevin-asante">Kevin Asante</a></b></p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>13</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>13.0</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>13</p>
</td>
<td width="56">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/530531/trey-edmunds">Trey Edmunds</a></b></p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>8</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>8.0</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>8</p>
</td>
<td width="56">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106">
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/515565/demitri-knowles">Demitri Knowles</a></b></p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>1</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>7</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>7.0</p>
</td>
<td width="106">
<p>7</p>
</td>
<td width="56">
<p>0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><b>Totals</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>50</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>709</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>14.2</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>61</p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p>7</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>The Virginia Tech Hokies have more players posting significant contributions than the ECU Pirates. Tech's depth (something we are not used to saying, here) is slightly better, and the offensive totals have been much better than many of us expected, given the injury to Brewer.</p>
<p>There are challenges, though. East Carolina is going to be at home with its blood up. They desperately need this win for both their program success for the season, and their confidence. They were beaten by the Gators, but hung in to make it a real game; only to be brutalized on the ground by Navy. Tech's offense is going to be pressed hard by whatever defense McNeill can glue together. Virginia Tech's Offensive line is going to be tested this weekend.</p>
<p>Our run game is going to be important, but not completely key. We have a chance to move the ball and score on ECU, and those risks must be taken. Yes, the Hokies might well prevail with a running game; but that approach has not worked very well for the first three games of the season. Tech's running game depends on the passing game loosening up the defense, and not allowing it to load the box to stop the run.</p>
<p>Tech's defense shouldn't see a really successful run operation from ECU. I do expect them to try to establish some sort of running game, but I think Bud Foster can put the Dime in his hip pocket for the contest, and work the nickel. ECU's passing game is in much the same shape as ours. A new quarterback means that regardless of the receiver quality, the idea is to get pressure on the guy chucking the rock.</p>
<p>This game should be a relatively even contest between two evenly matched teams in personnel and capability. The difference will be in Virginia Tech's better experience at critical offensive positons and the ever present Bear Front backed up by #DBU.</p>
<p><b>The ECU Pirates win</b> if they can put pressure on Motley to force him to make mistakes. It must also develop or establish some credible level of run attack so Foster has to go back to Dime configurations. They have to take full advantage of their better crowd situation, and the fact that Tech has been on the road two weeks in a row. Of course the Hokies can contribute to a disaster by making more critical penalty mistakes.</p>
<p><b>The Virginia Tech Hokies win</b> if they run a balanced offense, where Motley is given the plays that he can make. It also must be efficient and make first downs by avoiding 3<sup>rd</sup> and long situations. We need to run the ball off the edges, with one cut counters and sweeps. We need to avoid obvious plays that go for no meaningful yardage. Tech must get good pressure on an inexperienced QB, and take advantage of an inexperienced receiver corps to keep the ECU offensive series down to a few plays. We also need to generate turnovers. Above all, The Hokies must get the Tight Ends into the game, and stop the penalties.</p>
<p>ECU is more potent and has a real history of being a very painful opponent. Tech needs to be in control of its emotions, but allow the adrenaline of vengeance for last year's embarrassment to drive them to play mistake free, shutdown defense.</p>
<p>The kickoff is at 3:30. Parent Weekend will be in full swing in Blacksburg. I bet the TV lounges around campus are going to be full, and the bars will be busy.</p>
<p>This game isn't going to be easy ECU is NOT a cupcake, but it is one that we can win.</p>
<h4>GO HOKIES!!!</h4>
<p><br>*Stats from ESPN:</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/stats/_/id/259/virginia-tech-hokieshttp:/espn.go.com/college-football/team/stats/_/id/259/virginia-tech-hokies">http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/stats/_/id/259/virginia-tech-hokies</a></p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/stats/_/id/151">http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/stats/_/id/151</a></p>
<p></p>
https://www.gobblercountry.com/2015/9/24/9389993/the-virginia-tech-hokies-vs-the-ECU--pirates-folks-this-is-a-real-rivalryJohn Schneider