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The Big One

posted at 11/20/2007 8:12 PM EST

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Adam_Kilgore

First post: 9/12/2007
Last post: 1/25/2008
Total posts: 61

The Hangout will be heading home for Thanksgiving, but this is too big of a game to not discuss. There’s a list, but let’s hope that’s just a start. Anything else that’s on your mind as Saturday approaches, let ‘er rip. And if one of the topics doesn’t entice you, feel free to ignore. I’ll try to chime in now and again.

Away we go …

When is the last time you were this excited for a game – does it seem even bigger than an average bowl game, given that the opponent is Virginia?

Will the Hokies be able to block Chris Long, even if he has strep throat? How?

What do you think of the dual-quarterback system? Should the Hokies keep it next season, too?

Last, but certainly not least, what is your prediction?

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Cavaliers are unknown commodity

posted at 11/20/2007 8:58 PM EST

cclark17

First post: 10/7/2007
Last post: 7/24/2009
Total posts: 19

What feels so weird about this game to me is that even 11 games into the season, UVa still hasn't been tested against a really good team yet. Their schedule has been extremely soft to this point. Their conference schedule didn't include the top two teams from the Atlantic Division (BC and Clemson). Their out-of-conference schedule included Pitt, Wyoming, Middle Tennessee, and UConn. Granted, UConn is a ranked team now, but they're largely in the same boat as Virginia, because they're untested, too.

That sort of uncertainty makes this a hard game to call. I'm going to take a chance and predict a VaTech victory. I think that the game will be close for 2 or 3 quarters, but in the end the Hokies will take it by a couple of touchdowns, 27-13.

I have bad memories of the rotating QB set-up we had in 2003, so I'm still skittish about doing it this year, even though it's clearly working. My hunch is that Taylor starts next year. He's burned up a year of eligibility, and to rotate him with Glennon next season will burn up a second year without giving him full control of the offense.

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Going to be a great game, VT 35 UVA 13

posted at 11/21/2007 10:06 AM EST

VPIgrad

First post: 10/25/2007
Last post: 11/26/2007
Total posts: 11

One dynamic in the VT/ UVA rivalry that is different this year than in past years is the support that UVA gave VT after 4/16 and the sincerity in their mourning with the Hokie Nation. In all the years I’ve enjoyed the rivalry and had questionable regard for any Cavalier, my attitude has been forever altered by their compassion and support, will that impact the game . . . nah.

The Hokies will struggle blocking Chris Long – any chance Long might have strep & mono. However, the Hokies in the second half of the season have scored on tougher, higher ranked defenses.

To my surprise, I like what I’ve seen in the two QB system. As long as the QBs and the coaches have bought into it 100% I think it can work and actually be an asset when there are two QBs that complement each other (and get along) as well as Glennon and Taylor do. I think it may continue into next season knowing that it will change if it does not add a beneficial dimension to the offense. As to who would be the starting QB if they went to a 1 QB system next year, I think it’s yet to be determined. Taylor has great potential, if Glennon improves as much heading into next year as he did the second half of this season ????

VT has the best defense UVA has faced, VT’s passing game is productive while UVA’s secondary is suspect VT 35 UVA 13

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Adam Kilgore, tell us your pick!

posted at 11/21/2007 1:48 PM EST

VPIgrad

First post: 10/25/2007
Last post: 11/26/2007
Total posts: 11

Are you still picking the Cavaliers over the Hokies in Saturdays game?

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Re: Adam Kilgore, tell us your pick!

posted at 11/21/2007 2:43 PM EST

*Moderator*

Adam_Kilgore

First post: 9/12/2007
Last post: 1/25/2008
Total posts: 61

Replying to:

Are you still picking the Cavaliers over the Hokies in Saturdays game? Posted by VPIgrad

I am still (bashfully, since this is the Hokies Hangout) picking the Cavaliers. I'll say 24-23. That was my predicition ever since Virginia beat Georgia Tech, so there's no turning back now, right?

Of course, back then, I didn't realize how well the offense line was going to start playing. But I'm still not sure it will be enough against Chris Long & Co. Even if Long is not 100 percent, a lot of people overlook how well Clint Sintim, Jeffrey Fitzgerald, etc. have played.

Would I be surprised if Tech won? No.

Will I pull a Joe Glenn and eat the biggest plate of Crow VPIgrad can find if Tech wins? Yes.

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Cavaliers are a big problem

posted at 11/22/2007 9:47 AM EST

PSUStudent

First post: 9/22/2007
Last post: 9/15/2008
Total posts: 95

To be honest, I really think this is the year that Virginia breaks through and makes it to the ACC Championship game. Although we have improved dramatically on offense, the defensive line on the Cavaliers is going to be really tough. I expect them to have a bunch of sacks, but that isn't unexpected as far as this season has gone, so I wouldn't say that it is going to mean that the Cavaliers are going to win the game.

Last time we played against a mobile quarterback, it was against LSU. At the time, the defense was having problems keeping their gaps against the running game, and Doucet and Lafell ran all over the secondary. I don't think Sewell is as proficient in finding receivers as Flynn is, but I still think he is going to be a bigger threat. Add to that the fact that Mikell Simpson has come on as a really good running back, and I think we will see them gain big chunks of yardage if they can establish the passing game. The only saving grace here is that they don't have any game breaking receivers. Macho and Flowers should be able to take any of their wideouts in man coverage, hopefully allowing our linebackers to focus on stopping the run. I think they'll need to, because it seems that Virgina has more options in the running game (no pun intended) than they do in the passing game.

Virginia is also the least penalized team in the ACC. We won't be able to count on UVA doing any damage to themselves, and if our offensive line reverts to false starts and holding penalties (holding penalties seem likely against this defensive line), then we might be in for a long day (another pun not intended).

Thus far in the season, I haven't really seen us pull a game out in the end when it was really close. We lost to Boston College in a horrendous way. UVA wins games on their final drives. We pull away early in the fourth quarter if the game is close, so if it gets to the end stages of the fourth quarter and the issue is very much in doubt, then I wouldn't count on winning. I think this should be a low scoring game, despite what these two teams have done in the past two weeks, so I'll go with a UVA victory, 19-18, true to the Cavaliers form this season.

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Re: Adam Kilgore, tell us your pick!

posted at 11/24/2007 5:02 PM EST

VPIgrad

First post: 10/25/2007
Last post: 11/26/2007
Total posts: 11

I like AK's sportsmanship, no crow on the menu here. It was a hard-fought game, the best team won.
Congratulations Hokies.

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6:01

posted at 11/26/2007 9:37 AM EST

drmsport

First post: 10/10/2007
Last post: 12/3/2007
Total posts: 14

PSUStudent -- "Thus far in the season, I haven't really seen us pull a game out in the end when it was really close."

for the most part I can agree with this statement, but we did have the FSU game where we were trailing in the 4th quarter and scored 20 unanswered points. So going into the UVA game we did have recent experience of playing a good 4th quarter.

MAN this is so bittersweet. I wish I could make it down to Jacksonville and party at the landing, but i have decided that this is the part of the season that i stay away from attending the tech games. in the recent past i have travelled to see the hokies lose to Auburn in the Sugar Bowl, FSU in the ACC Championship, and Georgia in the Peach. * I also saw them lose to USC * Lately i've enjoyed seeing my Hokies win in the comfort of my own home so i will continue this trend until it fails me.

redemption baby, watch out BC here we come. Go Hokies!

** Hokies theme - 6:01 **

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Re: 6:01

posted at 11/26/2007 9:38 AM EST

drmsport

First post: 10/10/2007
Last post: 12/3/2007
Total posts: 14

Replying to:

i also travelled to see them lose to LSU as well :(

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cheer?

posted at 11/26/2007 2:41 PM EST

drmsport

First post: 10/10/2007
Last post: 12/3/2007
Total posts: 14

quick question. does anyone know what the motion means after TT or Harper score a TD or a big play. they point their fingers around their head and go in a circular motion. it almost looks like they are taunting the other team saying they are crazy for thinking they can compete with tech. haha

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Re: cheer?

posted at 11/26/2007 3:39 PM EST

VPIgrad

First post: 10/25/2007
Last post: 11/26/2007
Total posts: 11

As per Adam Kilgore's column on Sunday - Taylor pointed at the Virginia Tech fans in attendance, then spun both fists next to his helmet, a celebration borrowed from the rapper Lil' Wayne. The meaning: "We're going crazy."

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Jacksonville

posted at 11/27/2007 4:19 PM EST

PSUStudent

First post: 9/22/2007
Last post: 9/15/2008
Total posts: 95

I will not be heading to Jacksonville because it is way too far to go. Why does the ACC have a flexible championship game location? I mean, Boston College and Virginia Tech. With the exception of UVA, this is the championship game with the northernmost combination of teams in the ACC (that could meet in the championship game). It would cost college kids (not to mention us alumni) hundreds or thousands of dollars to actually go see this game. That is money that most students don't have, and therefore can't go to see their team. On the other hand, if the game was moved to the FedEx, then both fans bases in Virginia and Boston would have a much easier, less expensive trip. Instead of maybe not selling out a stadium in Jacksonville, they would sell out the FedEx. I can understand that, on December 1st, weather is occasionally a concern, but come on, it is football!

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FedEx field

posted at 11/28/2007 9:56 AM EST

teden

First post: 10/25/2007
Last post: 9/18/2008
Total posts: 11

Man wouldn't that be nice. I seem to recall that VT-USC a couple of years ago brought in the largest crowd ever at FedEx field. You'd think some of the upper echelons of the ACC would take notice. Even if they went with a fixed site, but say in North Carolina, I think they would do better. Especially considering that they also play the Gator Bowl game in Jax a few weeks later - and they really doesn't want the loser of the ACC Championship, as folks are very unlikely to travel to the same location.

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Right!

posted at 11/28/2007 4:28 PM EST

PSUStudent

First post: 9/22/2007
Last post: 9/15/2008
Total posts: 95

The Gator Bowl not wanting to have the loser of the title game is just another reason why it should be flexible. A deserving second place team in the ACC will be dropped to a fifth-tier bowl game because of traveling logistics.

I might think that a game in North Carolina would be better for a fixed location. The one thing that I'd be worried about there is the homefield advantage for Wake Forest (since there are few signs of life from the other teams in that state). Currently, Florida State has homefield advantage in the championship game, but only because other teams have to come from so far away. I suppose it makes sense to have it in Jacksonville - if Miami and Florida State were in the game every year. Which is why, I think, that a few stadiums should be chosen with availibility on the weekend where the ACC Championship could be held. Because if the game was fixed in North Carolina, then what would happen when Florida State and Miami got there? All of THEIR fans would have every right to complain, too.

I would think that FedEx, Jacksonville, and the Carolina Panther's stadium (Charlotte, right?) would be three ideal stadiums to have 'on the docket' in case some geographically challenging game came about. Maybe include Tampa Bay in case we see that Miami-Florida State game.

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Stay Bud, Stay!!

posted at 11/30/2007 7:32 AM EST

WalkTheLine

First post: 9/30/2007
Last post: 1/28/2008
Total posts: 34

Please don't leave Bud Foster! While the offense has faltered over the years, the one constant has been the excellent defense. Everyone here at Tech knows you're the best defensive coordinator in the country. Please don't go!

Of course, if you did go, we'd understand (there is no doubt you'd be successful as a head coach). But we don't want to lose you!

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Amen!

posted at 11/30/2007 10:49 AM EST

PSUStudent

First post: 9/22/2007
Last post: 9/15/2008
Total posts: 95

I just read that article, too, WalkTheLine. I just wish there was a way to give him everything he wanted here in Blacksburg. My opinion about this matter has changed since it was first mentioned on one of these topics near the beginning of the season. I used to think that Beamer should step aside to let Bud have the head coaching job. I now believe that everything should stay exactly as it operates right now, but Bud should have the head coaching job. Whatever it takes to keep Bud Foster as our defensive coordinator, I think it should be done. I don't think that Beamer should have to hand over his coaching title for Bud, but that is what it takes to keep him here, then Frank can still coach special teams. I'll have to say, though, that it isn't going to be long before he is gone. We have said it year after year, but this man will have a head coaching job. A good one. I just have to hope that he wants to be our defensive coordinator more.

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RE: Amen!

posted at 11/30/2007 12:43 PM EST

WalkTheLine

First post: 9/30/2007
Last post: 1/28/2008
Total posts: 34

I don't see how you can kick Frank out the door and make Bud Foster the head coach. Frank is an alumni of the school, he's built this program from almost nothing, and has taken the team to the national title game. In other words, he is the Bobby Bowden/Joe Paterno of Virginia Tech. Coaches like that do not get fired because they fall on hard times or to promote a defensive coordinator. Usually they retire on their own terms and wait to have a statue erected.

As much as I want to keep Bud, I just don't see how you can (unless Frank decides to retire). He's got to be itching to see if he can be a good head coach (though clearly on his terms). And I can't say that I blame him. Sometimes people need a challenge and this could be his.

Still, please stay Bud!!!

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Naturally

posted at 11/30/2007 1:05 PM EST

PSUStudent

First post: 9/22/2007
Last post: 9/15/2008
Total posts: 95

Of course not, I'm not talking about Frank being kicked out of anything. I'd rather hope that, if Bud Foster is in danger of leaving, that Frank would take it on himself to do something to give Bud the opportunities he seeks here at Virginia Tech.

Let's not forget that Bud came with Frank from Murry State back in '87. Frank is the alum (Foster went to Murray State), but this program wouldn't be what it is today without the both of them. Frank probably gets the most credit, but Bud has been there every step of the way. Every year that Bud has been our defensive coordinator, we have been to a bowl game ('95-present). Of course, Frank was head coach all of those seasons, too. So how do we separate the impacts of these two coaches on the program I'm proud to cheer for every week?

We don't. At least I don't. How could I? I know that they are both very valuable, and I know that as long as they are here I will be a happy fan.

Hopefully, he will take the opportunity to talk to Mickey Andrews or Chuck Amato before he goes. Andrews has been at Florida State since 1982, and Amato spent 18 years at FSU before leaving and coming back. And hopefully, they will tell him that his position as a Hokie will mean more to him down the line than taking a head coaching job. Also, Gene Chizik should chime in. Wonderful defensive coordinators don't always make good head coaches. Or get good head coaching jobs.

In summary, stay!

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We should create a website!!

posted at 11/30/2007 1:12 PM EST

WalkTheLine

First post: 9/30/2007
Last post: 1/28/2008
Total posts: 34

We should create a website and try to get as many Hokie football fans to sign something asking Bud to stay!

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