Some answers to your questions
Here are a few answers to the questions you asked three blogs ago. I’m going to paraphrase Johnson’s answers.
Frankly, I’m surprised that Johnson didn’t blow a gasket at the ACC media days for as many times as he was asked if year 2, and lots of game film, would mean his offense would have a harder time this year. Part of it has to do with the format of the interviews. Instead of putting each coach and a player at a podium on a stage, a coach or players are put at a table, and we descend and start asking questions. Because the coaches were broken up into three groups of four, we would go from table to table. Because you can’t be everywhere at once, the coaches would hear the same questions from the migrating reporters over and over. Anyway, you can read more about his answer in the story that’s posted on ajc.com.
For Johnson, it was year 2, how can Dwyer be better, and did the loss to LSU give folks an idea how to stop the defense.
For Bowden, it was when are you going to retire (he has an idea, but he’s not telling), why are you fighting the NCAA’s decision to strip you of wins (because they are wrong), and will FSU ascend to the top again (a year away).
For Clemson, it was what have you learned about being a coach during the past year.
For Virginia, it was is Vic Hall big enough to run your offense.
You get the picture.
But, the setup had to be done that way because radio needs times with the coaches, TV needs times with the coaches, yall got to have time with the coaches, and the coaches need some time with their families before the season starts in a week.
All in all, it was a good two days and the people at the ACC who ran the meeting were very gracious, very efficient, and very helpful.
Now, on to your questions
Nesbitt’s arm development: Nesbitt is progressing well. CPJ wants the passing game to be more efficient in terms of TD passes thrown. He said they left a lot out on the field last year.
Redshirting Stephen Hill: Doesn’t know. Wants the guys to compete first.
Run/pass mix: He doesn’t care, as long as he wins. And he said the 40% playbook thing is wrong. Most of the playbook was in.
Special teams competition: There will be competition at all spots. No secret that he wasn’t happy with the teams last year. Didn’t hear an answer to condensing the coaching duties. If he wanted to do that, I assume he would have already done so. Look for Tarrant to return punts.
Me coming back a fan: As I’ve said, I’m not a fan of any team. I enjoy covering Tech. The people here are very good, very helpful, and have a great passion for what they do. Personally, I think Tech could have a very special year in a lot of sports, and am looking forward to covering all the teams.
AJC and bad news about Tech: An old, tired line that’s not worth defending.
Deferring the toss: A common practice. Coaches usually like to see what tendencies a team has in the first half, and then try to gameplan for it at halftime, and then come out and take advantage of it in the second half.
Defending slants and run game: Team worked on defending the pass a lot during the spring.
Turnovers: Didn’t hear that one asked. Sorry about that.
Offense better in spring game: A year’s worth of experience, basically. Everyone knows what they are doing.
How the lines look: Offense will have 11-12 guys competing for 5 spots. Johnson said he wouldn’t be surprised to see guys who started the last four games get beat out. Defensive line is the same.
See the shotgun: Doubtful.
Worst fans in sports: [my take] Come on, that’s silly. I think Tech fans have a healthy passion for their team. No problems here.
Year 2 going against Tech’s offense: Answered above.
Changing blocking schemes for the opponent: Good question, that wasn’t asked by me or anyone. I would guess that he didn’t, based upon Johnson’s statements in the past. He may call certain plays that work better against this opponent, compared to other ones.
Offensive line be two-deep this year: It seems so now, but who knows what could happen if injuries occur.
Changes on defense: Wommack said they will try a few new things, but wouldn’t say what they were. Wants them to be a surprise.
Dwyer at A-back: Could happen. He needs to learn the position first.
CPJ’s expectations: Win every game.
Publicity campaigns for Dwyer: let’s play some games first.
Johnson teaching clinic: As I reported in Monday’s paper, he will be back in Greensboro this week to talk about chop blocks with the referees.
T.J. Barnes: If he competes well, he will play. Same for everyone else.
Other teams devoting time in spring to defending the option: As I reported on Monday, some did, some didn’t.
Jaybo put on size and weight: I haven’t seen him, but would imagine he has after a full year in Tech’s weightroom.
How many credentials at ACC media days: Don’t know, but they said it was a record turnout.
There we go. Thanks for the great questions, keep ‘em coming throughout the season.
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93 comments Add your comment
Seriously?
July 28th, 2009
8:19 am
Nice article Doug! Thanks! I am surprised by the fact that most of the play book was “in”, i wonder how much we of it we “ran” then?
patrickr
July 28th, 2009
9:06 am
CPJ has stated numerous times that most of the offense was installed or taught, but we only RAN a limited amount.
Doug, good job on the reporting. I am a little bumbed that my question about the o-line and a-back blocking scheme wasn’t asked. I have seen in the past (see last year’s Clean Old Fashioned Hate) where CPJ’s have changed there blocking assignments. I mainly wanted to know how confident CPJ is in making in-game adjustments and have his players still execute at a high level.
god and greyhound
July 28th, 2009
9:28 am
not bad for a mutt. kudos doug
ACCFan
July 28th, 2009
9:37 am
great comments and summary. glad to have you on board.
Trade School Junkie
July 28th, 2009
9:42 am
GT: 12-0, ACC Champs.
Only UNC, Miami, and Clemson (in that order of importance) stands in the way.
Not Disappointed
July 28th, 2009
10:19 am
Damn Doug! I’m impressed and I watched the conference on http://www.theacc.com. Good reporting!
Also, they asked CPJ about opposing teams adjusting to the option. CPJ replied that he has been coaching for over 20 years or something similiar. Coach PJ was letting them now he can adjust as well.
Ramblin Wreck!
Also CPJ was on College Football live yesterday. I played twice on Espn and Espn 2.
Not Disappointed
July 28th, 2009
10:21 am
Thanks for addressing my question on Nesbitt. Kudos Doug.
Don’t let it go to your head.
Go Jackets!
CPJ blocking scheme adjustments
July 28th, 2009
10:28 am
This may or may not be what you are looking for:
http://smartfootball.blogspot.com/2009/07/what-im-reading.html
Defensive Questions
July 28th, 2009
10:30 am
Thanks for addressing my quetions about the defense (except for the turnovers….but I can understand not being able to get in a couple of questions)!
GoodWord
July 28th, 2009
10:40 am
Thanks, Doug. I believe CPJ is just saying that most of the playbook was installed last year so he doesn’t tip his hand. I was at GA Southern from 98-01 and trust me there is still plenty we haven’t seen. I am looking forward to a great season. With a little luck it could be one to remember!
chbe06
July 28th, 2009
11:14 am
Thanks for asking my question about Hill! Hope he performs well and gets a spot, but Bebe can hold his own.
Paddy
July 28th, 2009
11:14 am
When CPJ was at Ga Southern and things were really fine tuned, he ran alot of mis-direction. We saw a little of that last year but not much. Big holes and ugly ground numbers followed when he is finally confident in his players ability to execute. It is fun to watch just not against my Dawgs.
Dragon*Con
July 28th, 2009
11:41 am
The bigger question is what costume you all will be wearing for Dragon*Con on Sept. 04, and the Jacksonville State game on the 5th? Would it be unTech like to wear a fantasy costume to the game? Big question.
old gold engineer
July 28th, 2009
12:42 pm
Thanks for the good info, Doug. Do you know how you will cover the practices leading up to the season? In other words, what can we look for?
Engy
July 28th, 2009
12:58 pm
ACC champs and our biggest threat is UNC?
VT and Miami are, by far.
Melinda
July 28th, 2009
1:16 pm
I think UNC’s huge defensive line might give us more problems than the speedy defenses will.
Great work Doug!
How many days until toe meets leather? August will be a long month.
RAMBLE ON!!!
July 28th, 2009
1:24 pm
Melinda is right…UNC will be the toughest game of the year for us. FSU a close 2nd. WF and VT tied for 3rd. Clempson and UGAg fighting it out for 5th.
Thanks for the update Doug!!!
StingerSplash
July 28th, 2009
2:04 pm
What? No question to PJ about what the VT DB said about reading the blocking schemes? Or was PJ able to stop laughing long enough to answer?
jconservative
July 28th, 2009
2:47 pm
Offensive line is again the key for the offense. And, as usual, if you block & tackle better than the other guy you generally win. Old quote from Howard Cosell – “football is the simpliest team sport out there.”
Pi$$onaDawg
July 28th, 2009
2:59 pm
Damn, You might cover the JACKETS well this year after all. I did like the pithy replys to many of GT fans stupid posted questions. Keep up the GOOD WORK. I want more info more often, but do not become bulldog bill writing crap just to write crap.
VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
3:00 pm
If Georgia Tech fans are seriously overlooking Virginia Tech then that is a terrible mistake.
Trade School Junkie :GT: 12-0, ACC Champs.
Only UNC, Miami, and Clemson (in that order of importance) stands in the way.
Wow you are the most irrational ACC fan of them all here is an unbiased opinion for you all VT is 4-1 against GT since joining the ACC. GT’s last win against VT was when Calvin Johnson went there. If I can remember correctly last year’s game was a close one but we still shut down the Triple Option game. It was a defensive game seeing as VT’s offense was not anywhere close to great last year. And I don’t want to hear about any of the ref’s blowing the game for Georgia Tech either.
Joe Friday
July 28th, 2009
3:09 pm
Miami will not be good. These aren’t the Hurricanes from 10 years ago. UNC and VT will be our toughest ACC opponents this year. Why people are so scared of Miami, I have no idea.
Doug Roberson
July 28th, 2009
3:21 pm
Actually, I did ask CPJ about Kam Chancellor’s comment. He said something to the effect of “well, I guess that means he’s going to make a lot of tackles if he knows where the ball is going.” Something like that.
jacketbacker
July 28th, 2009
3:25 pm
thanks doug!…good stuff
VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
3:31 pm
Oh Paul Johnson you crack me up!
As a matter of fact Kam Chancellor was a big part of helping stop the Triple Option last year. Now look as a student at Virginia Tech I know what Chancellor said was stupid and he definitely shouldn’t have even hinted at that comment. But look at the facts GT really hasn’t done much against Virginia Tech in the past. VT’s defense isn’t the only thing to look out for this year either.
@VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
3:50 pm
VT could barely beat Tech last year just a few games into the season. All we did that game was qb keep and hand off to the fullback. I didn’t see the pitch effectively added in until well into the season. You beat a team that is a shadow of what is to come this year, and VT’s 4-1 record versus Tech makes no difference during the actual game. I’ve gotta feeling y’all are gonna be thoroughly embarrassed in Atlanta this year.
Doug Roberson
July 28th, 2009
4:07 pm
I’ve got a feeling that what Chancellor said wasn’t what he meant. By referring to blocking schemes he could have been referring to anything before or after the snap. But it is what he said. I wish I could have gotten some clarification on it, but was unable to. I wouldn’t think much of it.
It doesn’t make a lot of sense to me considering so much of Tech’s offense is based upon reading the defense after the snap.
For the record, Tech had 387 yards against the Hokies last year, its third-highest total against an ACC team, trailing North Carolina (423) and Miami (518). Clemson (298) and Boston College (259) had the most success.
Trip
July 28th, 2009
4:15 pm
I just looked at Purdue’s roster on their website and didn’t see D.J. Donley listed. Anyone know what’s going on there?
VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
4:20 pm
VT could barely beat Tech last year just a few games into the season. All we did that game was qb keep and hand off to the fullback. I didn’t see the pitch effectively added in until well into the season. You beat a team that is a shadow of what is to come this year, and VT’s 4-1 record versus Tech makes no difference during the actual game. I’ve gotta feeling y’all are gonna be thoroughly embarrassed in Atlanta this year.
It doesn’t matter if we squeaked by or we won convincingly a W is a W. You’re right but the game hasn’t happened yet so for preseason purposes the 4-1 record stands. VT to be embarrassed in Atlanta? Please tell me you are joking. The only embarrassment that happened was the 51-7 beat down that Virginia Tech gave Georgia Tech a couple years back. And for once in GT fan’s lives would you all stop making excuses to why you didn’t win first it was the ref’s blew it now its because the hand off wasn’t efficient enough? Sorry that is COACHING and if that is the only argument you got then there is nothing to argue about. Virginia Tech beat Georgia Tech no excuses.
VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
4:25 pm
Oh and plus, we had a whole new receiving corps and our offense was terrible say what 105 in the nation or something around that general area. Our Defense created our offense last year. This year our receiving corps has game experience and we are deep at the RB position. Watch out for the combination of Evans/Williams. If and I mean IF Tyrod Taylor can stay healthy I don’t see any chance of an “embarrassment” at the hands of Georgia Tech. Trust me, it will be a good game down to the wire again like it was last year. Just because the game is in Atlanta doesn’t mean anything. All it means is Vegas is going to favor GT but that doesn’t mean squat.
@VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
“And for once in GT fan’s lives would you all stop making excuses to why you didn’t win first it was the ref’s blew it now its because the hand off wasn’t efficient enough? Sorry that is COACHING and if that is the only argument you got then there is nothing to argue about. Virginia Tech beat Georgia Tech no excuses.”
Read what I said. I didn’t make any excuses. You beat us. But once again, that 4-1 record and 51-7 beatdown when I didn’t even go to Tech yet doesn’t mean squat on the field during the actual game. But do realize that this is not the same team y’all played last September. I’m sure that if we’d played FSU or Miami earlier in the season, we wouldn’t have won those games. Likewise, if VT was in Miami’s shoes I bet you would have been similarly demolished. What’s done is done and now you have to deal with an offense using more than three plays this year.
VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
4:46 pm
Read what I said. I didn’t make any excuses.
“All we did that game was qb keep and hand off to the fullback” and “You beat a team that is a shadow of what is to come this year”
so those aren’t excuses? You just said our team wasn’t that good so you didn’t really beat the true GT team. But okay. Virginia Tech’s playbook should open up a little this year since we actually have a respectable run game that can open up the passing game. I can’t stand the flanker screen play that Stinespring likes to run so much. But we have more than 3 plays I mean Virginia Tech has 5 straight 10 win seasons. And don’t go off and say yeah because you played Cincinnati in the Orange Bowl. We can’t help who the committee picked to play us. I wanted to play West Virginia.
VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
4:51 pm
Oh and here is one more example you said “I’m sure that if we’d played FSU or Miami earlier in the season, we wouldn’t have won those games” It doesn’t matter when you play the team you have a week maybe two if you are coming off a bye week to study tape and get ready for that particular team that particular week. And at the end of the day after the game is said and done if your team doesn’t get it done it comes down to coaching.
gt_thwg
July 28th, 2009
5:17 pm
Big talk out of the purple turkey people. A win is indeed a win, and you guys earned it last year. Bud Foster better have something up his sleeve, cause what he saw last year is not what he’ll be seeing this year…I think it’s going to be a hard fought, high scoring game and in the end, Tech will win. We’ll see in October.
VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
5:31 pm
gt_thwg: purple turkey people? Okay. at least you are more rational than that other person. You know that Bud will have his defense ready for GT. I think it will be a great game. The game will be won by 7 to 10 points well that’s at least what I predict. It is going to be another defensive struggle seeing as the run game probably won’t be effective for either team. It should be a good one the games that VT needs to watch out for are Bama, Nebraska, GT and UNC. VT has an amazing schedule this year and I applaud our AD Jim Weaver and the staff for getting good talent to play out of conference.
bb
July 28th, 2009
5:37 pm
Seem as though I remember Tech steamrolling a #11-ranked VT team 38-27 in 2006 at Blacksburg (VT scored some garbage points late in the game to make it look closer than it was). So it seems that VT has been embarrassed by GT in recent history.
Also, VT did NOT stop GT last year, as Doug pointed out above. GT stopped GT in that game, same as the UNC game and the LSU game.
The VT-GT game will be decided by turnovers more than likely. If GT doesn’t turn the ball over, look out!
VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
5:50 pm
bb: I am pretty sure that 51-7 overkill is more embarrassing than 38-27. Oh and do you want to know who you all had at receiver that year? Calvin Johnson, one of the best players to ever come out of GT. We simply couldn’t stop him. VT did stop that triple option no team has ran the ball well against our defense in recent memory. Miami and BC were the two teams who have accumulated the most yards against our Defense. Clemsons “Thunder and Lightning” was shut down and Maryland had negative rushing yards against us last year. I don’t remember if GT had that many rushing yards or not so until I find that stat I won’t say anything. But like I said it is always a great game to watch. But if any of you Georgia Tech fans think you are going to stomp VT in the ground then you are sadly mistaken. Yes, congratulations to Dwyer for being preseason player of the year. C.J . Spiller was the player of the year last year and he did nothing against VT’s defense. We will see who gets the best of who soon enough.
hokie vpi11
July 28th, 2009
6:00 pm
good prediction gt thwg? a tech win.. both tech’s bud. and let’s be real. all these GT fans are saying it was only a couple of games into the season and that they weren’t as good as they got. Well i would also then think its fair to say they didn’t face the hokies at their best either. all the jacket fans on here seem to be ignoring that for some odd reason.
As for the record of 4-1.. of course it doesn’t matter on the field. but it’s all we have to go off of right now so just deal with it. i’m not ignorant enough to say that the hokie’s defense stopped the jackets last year because they put up 300 yds in the ground game alone. if it weren’t for turnovers and a couple key turnovers, the game would have been way different. i also know that every year the jackets talk real big game about “coming down to atlanta” and our starting qb’s play in YOUR JERSEYS and just demolish you. The fact that it is in atlanta means nothing because GT’s crowd is weak compared to Lane Stadium, which is top 5 in most blogger’s toughest places to play, and even number one in some.
let me just say from blacksburg, as a student, that the hokies are not overlooking the jackets. we respect them because they are solid year in and year out. but we’re also a little more concerned with Alabama, Miami, and Nebraska… all in the month of September. The hokies aren’t shying away from tough games right off the bat like normally, and we will be extremely battle tested by the time we travel to ATL to gobble gobble everywhere
hokie vpi11
July 28th, 2009
6:01 pm
meant to say penalties and key turnovers on the beginning of second paragraph
VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
6:06 pm
hokie vpi11: well put. Except seeing as their offense is the triple option you would expect GT to get 300 yards on the ground seeing as they had no air game. One of the turnovers was a fumbled pitch and we had our LB’s on the blitz so it hurried up the pitch and caused the fumble and I am pretty sure another turnover was a desperation throw that was intercepted. But I will have to go back and check to make sure.
VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
6:13 pm
Here is a complete Box Score of last years GT-VT game source is hokiesports.com
http://www.hokiesports.com/football/stats/showstats.html?9222
SugarHillDawg
July 28th, 2009
6:48 pm
Tradeschooljunkie ought to change his name to Crackjunkie. Here’s a question, will Tech sell out their dump of a stadium without UGA coming to that dump?You have NO defensive line you delusional fools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
7:41 pm
Buddy, I don’t think you understand what I’m saying. Based on your lack of periods and punctuation I’m guessing your some kid jumped up on too much candy and soda.
“You just said our team wasn’t that good so you didn’t really beat the true GT team. But okay. Virginia Tech’s playbook should open up a little this year since we actually have a respectable run game that can open up the passing game.”
You’re forgetting that tidbit that it was a brand new coach with a brand new offense. The difference between a team that is starting a completely new offense style after a few months compared to a team that is using the same offense as years previous is drastically different. If anything, you really should have torn us up with how new the system was. This isn’t an excuse, it’s an observation on the differences between GT in September and GT in November. Yes, VT won and a win is a win. You’ve completely missed my point which is that we’re significantly better than we were last September and the game will be much tougher for VT this year. Unless there is even half as much improvement on VT as there has been with GT, VT is going to have a very tough time in Atlanta this year.
“Oh and here is one more example you said “I’m sure that if we’d played FSU or Miami earlier in the season, we wouldn’t have won those games” It doesn’t matter when you play the team you have a week maybe two if you are coming off a bye week to study tape and get ready for that particular team that particular week. And at the end of the day after the game is said and done if your team doesn’t get it done it comes down to coaching.”
Once again. Learning a completely new offense is far different from improving on one already set for years.
Observer
July 28th, 2009
8:27 pm
VTHokie2012 – Dude, you need a hobby.
VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
8:30 pm
Oh, please forgive me for not punctuating perfectly. You couldn’t think of anything else to say so you give me an English lesson? By the way, I’m a sophomore at Virginia Tech, so I am not “some kid jumped up on too much candy and soda” but nice try though. Oh and Buddy, every new recruit has to learn a completely new offense from high school. So it’s not just the old players who have to learn a different offense. But you know they are football players it is their job to understand plays and different offenses. It doesn’t matter if they had to learn a new offense or not, they still have to execute when it’s game time. Don’t use that as some excuse as to why GT didn’t beat Virginia Tech. The football players at Virginia Tech have to do just as much tape study and learning plays as everyone else in the NCAA. Once again, it comes down to coaching and execution. But don’t sugar coat not getting the job done by saying our players had to learn a whole new offense. It is the players responsibility to have everything ready for game time. Oh, by the way was my punctuation up to your standards this time? I’m pretty sure I was trying to talk about football not English. But that’s okay.
VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
8:33 pm
Observer: I do have many hobbies and talking about college football happens to be one of them. It’s the last month of summer break and I finally got some time to relax. Thanks for the tip, but I have my life under control.
third quarter fan
July 28th, 2009
9:44 pm
Hokies, hope you guys start the season with a W over bammer and also hope the same HtoH ref is not calling the game this year…and it’s doubtful that CPJ is overlooking VT. May the real Tech win!
Techfan
July 28th, 2009
10:21 pm
I think in ten or fifteen years VT will be our biggest conference rival. Let’s get the trash talking going. The only thing the ACC lacks is passionate rivalries since it is a relatively new conference when compared to the other big conferences. Tarholes, turkeys, clem son’s, and criminoles are all welcome on the GT blog. Just no dawgs, they don’t bring anything of value to the conversation.
Southside GT Fan
July 28th, 2009
10:28 pm
Any news on Kyle Jackson and his foot injury?
mmgtfan
July 28th, 2009
10:47 pm
VTHokie: If youre a student at VT then why are you wasting your time on an Atlanta newspaper. Its sad to see you comment on newspaper that is 600 miles away. Just shows for Virginia Tech’s lack of civilization and journalism. Youre a joke!
@VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
11:08 pm
Obviously you don’t understand a thing I’ve been saying at all. Have fun at that joke of an engineering school, and I can’t wait to trash y’all in Atlanta in a few months.
VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
11:11 pm
mmgtfan: I like to see what other newspapers have to say about Virginia Tech and to see what they say about other teams as well. Seeing as the AJC is a pretty prestigious newspaper I wanted to see their views. Nothing wrong with that. My hometown newspaper is The Roanoke TImes and they do a great job on the ACC. Why are you so hostile? no need for aimless comments like “ust shows for Virginia Tech’s lack of civilization and journalism.” Are you kidding me? Now I know that most GT fans aren’t ignorant and irrational but you are pretty ignorant. It is always good to look at more than one source to get a more unbiased opinion. But when you come up to Blacksburg for the 2010 game I hope you don’t run your mouth like that to our fans or you will get run out of there. Oh and I don’t know if you saw, but Kam Chancellor said he had figured out you all’s offense so I wanted to see what they had to say about that and then I saw this. But if you want to throw pointless, aimless, comments out there have at it. You look like an idiot anyway. And obviously I wasn’t wasting my time or I wouldn’t have gotten a reply from you. Because you obviously cared about what I said.
and Techfan: I consider GT to be a big rival for VT now anyway the Battle of the Tech’s is always a great game.
GT12
July 28th, 2009
11:15 pm
Looking forward to the VT-GT game the most this season. More than the u(sic)ga game actually. That one’s in the bag. VT though . . . it’s gonna be a fun game. Hope it’s at night.
VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
11:20 pm
@VTHokie2012 whoever you are, what point are you trying to make? All you said was ” VT was going to get embarrassed in Atlanta this year and how we have gotten “lucky” to beat you all. Then you continued to make excuses as to why GT did not pull out a W when they played Virginia Tech. And then you said if we would have played FSU and Miami earlier you would have lost those games and then you said that GT had to learn a whole new offense….so where are you going with this? Just sounds like a bunch of excuses. And now VT is a joke of an engineering school? Wow, buddy I hope you don’t act like that all the time when you fail to add something relevant to a debate but that’s okay. I won’t talk smack about GT because they are a great school and so is Virginia Tech. I do know one thing for sure GT will not “trash us” like you say. Now, do the smart thing and go crawl back up in that little dark corner of yours and come back when you have something intelligent to add to this conversation.
ComptonHokie12
July 28th, 2009
11:39 pm
Ok so from both sides it looks like this will be a good game. VT doesnt care if they play at home or away. We are on a mission and are gonna take this season one game at a time. Right now we only care about Bama , then Marshall , then Nebraska , etc… And if Blacksburg has lack of civilization then Atlanta has too much. When I bought my bama ticket , I got warnings not to stay anywhere near downtown. So atleast we can feel safe in our small little party town. So sorry if we like to support our team , school , and community because we are real fans .. Were the HOKIE NATION !!! We shall see you in ATL , even
@VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
11:44 pm
Wasn’t really making a point . . .you kinda just jumped down my throat.
My point: We lost due to our unfamiliarity with the scheme. That’s not an excuse, it’s a fact. It led to lack of execution and turnovers. I’m not arguing with you on that point. You said it yourself. VT beat GT because they were the better team. But now that we have been running the offense for a year, we will be much better. Seems fairly logical to me.
Looking forward tremendously to the game this year and I look forward to it becoming a huge ACC rivalry.
VTHokie2012
July 28th, 2009
11:58 pm
@VTHokie2012: If you just would have said ” Now that we have been running the scheme for a year we would be a better team” then I would have agreed with you, but you didn’t come out and say that until now. But what gets me is you just said “Have fun at that joke of an engineering school, and I can’t wait to trash y’all in Atlanta in a few months” and now you try to be all nice about it. I don’t get it.
hokie vpi11
July 29th, 2009
12:03 am
ACC Champs?
Trade School Junkie
July 29th, 2009
12:37 am
Facts are always helpful. Lets use a few here.
2004: VT:34 GT: 20 (GT gave up 25 4th Qtr pts. Game over)
2005: VT: 51 GT: 7 (GT starting QB Reggie Ball spent Monday-Thursday in hospital, and tried to play on Saturday. Game Over)
2006: VT:20 GT:38 (Game wasnt even that close)
2007: VT:27 GT:3 (GT playing with all 3 starting RBs out, and relied on poorly passing QB that deliverd 5 INTs)
2008: VT: 20 GT:17 (GT playng 3rd game of year with totally new offense & defense and Off & Def coaching staffs. Total Yds: GT:387 VT:247
I had predicted last year that there was NO WAY IN HELL that VT was gonna play: at BC, at FSU, and at Miami over 4 weeks and win all 3. In fact, VT lost all 3 mid-season games.
I watched the VT-UNC game. UNC was winning 17-3 in 3rd Qtr when UNC Starting QB Yates went down. VT loses that game if Yates stayed in.
On September 13, 2008: VT: 20 GT: 17 (GT 387 total yds)
On November 13, 2008: VT: 14 Miami: 16 (VT 250 total yds)
On November 20, 2008: GT: 41 Miami: 23 (GT 518 total yds)
So, the point here is this: VT got REALLY lucky in 2008. VT was lucky they played GT on September 13 rather than on November 13.
Frankly, I’m not worried about VT…AT ALL.
GT Offesne is gonna avg 35-40 pts/game in 2009. GT defense isnt gonna give up 35-40 pts/game. And, VT has regularly struggled on offense, year-in, year-out. So, I simply & firmly believe GT is going to STEAMROLL VT on October 17. If GT beats Clemson, Miami, and UNC all in the month of September, I fully expect GT to STEAMROLL everyone else left on the schedule.
And, I’ll go ahead and RE-STATE my VT predictions for 2009:
VT gets these 4 ACC losses to: GT, UNC, Miami, and NCSt. A loss to Bama and/or Nebraska could make it a 7-6 season. It’s VERY possible. VT has a very tough 2009 start: Bama, Marshall, Nebraska, Miami. I’ll cheer for an ACC team vs SEC, Big 12, etc. but Bama & Nebraksa will be tough.
I seriously hope VT beats both Bama & Neb.
VTHokie2012
July 29th, 2009
12:49 am
Trade School Junkie: “VT got REALLY lucky in 2008…..I simply & firmly believe GT is going to STEAMROLL VT on October 17″ sure we got lucky with the UNC game and Yates getting hurt but remember VT lost Glennon and Taylor in the FSU game and they didn’t steamroll us even with our 3rd string QB in there. Now, I am all for rivalries and getting excited for big games like VT-GT but to say that GT will steamroll VT is not true. The only true blowout was the 51-7 win that VT had over GT. The game will come down to TOP and TO’s so basically a defensive struggle. Also, yes VT’s offense has been subpar to say the least these past few years but now I think we can generate offense off of our run game. There is no way either team should score any more than 30 points in this game. I am glad to see that you are optimistic about your team, but you can’t just simply overlook Virginia Tech. I mean 3 ACC Championships and 5 10 win seasons in a row aren’t just things you overlook. Sure, we have played some creampuffs but so has GT.
chris o bomb
July 29th, 2009
1:40 am
thanks doug and the bloggers’ comments. this was so much more in depth with better grammar, etc. i’m still a little worried about the special teams though(not as much as the d line at all anymore). Tarrant will be in the mix, but should we consider the “acc’s best RECEIVER” in the mix? there’s nothing to lose there in trying him out in august ala knowshon. he could also be a decoy or not in the backfield… imagine that!
with that said,
thwg
The Truth
July 29th, 2009
9:47 am
If what happened last year at VPI is their fans’ definition of “shutting down” the Tech Option, then they are even more delusional than I thought.
GT Que
July 29th, 2009
10:14 am
It’ll be a good game and I cannot wait for it to happen, BUT, if I were VPI at THIS point of the preseason, I would be worried about that 200 Ton Crimson Elephant sitting over there in the corner of the room….
I will ALWAYS root for an ACC team over a SEC team but a demoralizing trip out behind the woodshed at the hands of Saban’s squad could have a snowball effect that could spell a 7-6, 8-5 season for the Hokies
Trade School Junkie
July 29th, 2009
10:36 am
IMHO, the ACC comes down to these 5:
ACC-A: Clemson, NCST
ACC-C: GT, Miami, UNC
In Atlantic:
Wake wont have the defense to stop ANYONE this year.
BC: bad all the way around
MD: 75% of 2008 team were Seniors. All gone now. Good new OC but a few too many rookies.
FSU: TOTALLY OVER-HYPED. Lost star RB Smith, all their WRs, and pretty much the enitre starting defense. FSU wont score much unless Ponder himself runs it…a lot, and their defense wont stop anyone. Wake just might make it 4 in a row vs. FSU.
That leaves: Clemson & NCST
Clemson will have a more experienced O-Line and a good offense that obviously (with all the CJ posters being passed out)wants to “showcase” CJ SPiller. So the offensive play-calling is gonna look like…”give the rock to CJ and let him make a play.”
NCST: QB Wilson is the REAL DEAL and CLEARLY the best QB in the ACC, probably the best overall player in the ACC. NCST has everything they need on Off & Def to win the ACC-A.
Thats why ACC-A winner really comes down to whoever wins the Clemson-NCST game. My money is on NCST.
In Coastal:
UNC: Lost some key WRs/Playmakers but still brings back a good offense, and a VERY good defense. Secondary might be the one weakness.
Miami: Has EVERYBODY back from 2008. Miami beat VT, and almost beat UNC in closing seconds last year. New OC & DC will make all th edifference, but early season (when GT plays Miami) I dont think Miami will be completely up to speed, an dMiami has a BRUTAL early season schedule.
GT: Has a better/more experienced O-Line and what has been labeled as the DEEPEST BACKFIELD in the country…ALL BACK for 2009.
Translation: A crazy amount of rush yards, a new passing game, and a CRAZY amount of points to be SCORED…EVERY SINGLE GAME. GT lost to VT early in 2008. Crushed Miami. GT lost to UNC with dreadful TOs/STs and the fact that GT lost both starting Off guards AND both starting Off Tackles in first half of that game, and Nesbitt played with injury from FSU game. Bad combination resulted in lost to UNC.
While the GT Offense is gonna be REALLY good, the biggest surprise of all is gonna be how good the GT Defense will be in 2009. Its gonna shock everyone. Stay tuned.
IMHO, I just dont see VT beating: GT, UNC, Miami, NCST.
As for GT-VT game: That game wont be a defensive struggle…at all.
Its gonna be lopsided, something like: GT:40 VT:23
Trade School Junkie
July 29th, 2009
10:47 am
As CPJ said about GT Spring practice: “Its like nigth and day. We’re WAY ahead of where were at this time last year.”
In 2008:
VT scored 35 pts or more…once.
GT scored 35 pts or more…4 times.
With much of the same GT & VT rosters coming back in 2009,
I think SOMEONE has problem scoring points.
Cuttysark
July 29th, 2009
12:34 pm
This is why college football is, and will always be, the best sport around. I enjoy reading all of the coments from everyone who is passionate about their favorite college football teams. I am pulling for the Hokies to knock off Bama and come into Bobby Dodd undefeated. Competition is what makes a conference and its teams receive national recognition. For a more detailed team perspective on Georgia Tech Football and Virginia Tech, as well as other teams, go to isportsweb.com and click on the ACC and go see the articles on your teams. The Georgia Tech postings are currently giving a position by position analysis of the upcoming season. Go Jackets!
Hey VTHokie2012
July 29th, 2009
12:42 pm
I will say this to you. Please come back and talk trash any day of the week. You are very refreshing and logical especially compared to the trash ass UGA douchebags we deal with on a daily basis. I hope it’s a great game again this year. But you are welcome anytime here since you obviously classy and aren’t an idiot like all the barking dawgs.
RAMBLE ON!!!
July 29th, 2009
1:23 pm
DEREK MORGAN IS NOT ON THE ALL ACC PRESEASON TEAM…..WHAT????????????
I’m with Cuttysark.
I think GT wins, payback for that highway robbery last year.
Doug Roberson
July 29th, 2009
1:33 pm
I’m with you Ramble. I was stunned that Morgan didn’t make all-ACC first-team. He was arguably the best lineman Tech had last year.
Worilds has 18.5 tackles-for-loss last season, and Young had 12.5 tfls and 5.5 sacks. Morgan had 9.5 tfls and 7 sacks last season.
So, the media vote wasn’t too far off-kilter. Worilds and Young are both deserving, as was Morgan.
Baton Rouge
July 29th, 2009
2:00 pm
((((38-3))))BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
RAMBLE ON!!!
July 29th, 2009
2:02 pm
He’ll be on it in Jan., when it counts!
VTHokie2012
July 29th, 2009
2:11 pm
Trade School Junkie: With past stats I would agree that the 30 point line has been broken by either team. However, Turnovers by both teams cost them points so I don’t know if that is a fair stat. The thing that has killed VT the past few years has been the offensive line and the subpar play calling by Stinespring. However, set that aside we still got it done in a lot of games which is why we have won 50 games in the past 5 years. I think this year will be different for VT and especially for the GT-VT game. GT is a lot better with the Triple option than they were a year a go no doubt about it. VT’s receivers are a lot better and we have depth at the RB position. RB/WR positions are arguably the two deepest positions on offense we have. QB position scares me a bit but I think Tyrod can stay healthy without Glennon breathing down his neck. I mean you said it yourself there is a lot of talent coming back for both schools. With the run game effective, Stinespring can open up the playbook a little but with no run game then he is at a loss for plays. In short, I think the game could easily be a 10-7 or a 7-3 game. Our defense is always good and with more experience on the offensive side of the ball I say VT will be better than 105 in the nation this year.
Hey VTHokie2012: I don’t really talk trash as I do trying to start up a conversation. I realize that when I said we “shut down GT’s Triple Option” that it seemed open ended and what I was trying to do was get a reaction so conversation would start up. Look, I know we didn’t shut down GT’s offense I mean 278 rushing and over 100 yards passing is not shutting down, so I apologize for my misuse of wording. I think it will be a good game I hope I can get tickets but if not, I will just be happy and watch it on TV. Good Luck to GT this year I know when we play you all it will be a good one. As for UGA fans of course they are going to hate they are in the “Almighty SEC.” That’s alright let them hate it only makes them look stupid anyway.
Baton Rouge
July 29th, 2009
2:15 pm
((((38-3))))) hurt so good…
VTHokie2012
July 29th, 2009
2:33 pm
Baton Rouge: You can gloat all you want about winning in the bowl game against GT, but I would be worried about how you are going to deal with UF and the rest of the SEC. Because I am pretty sure you all have no chance of winning the SEC. Les Miles better be more worried about how to stop UF than making friends with Snoop Dogg. But that’s just me. Oh, and before you go bragging about how you destroyed VT 48-7 in 2007 don’t forget we beat you all (#14 in the nation) in Blacksburg 26-8 a few years before that (2002). Oh, and are you going to gloat about how you had to come from behind 4 TD’s to defeat mighty Troy too?
YOUhaveNOlife
July 29th, 2009
2:35 pm
Are you done trying to convince yourself VT is of importance to anyone???? Maybe you should copy your posts and put them into book form and have them published so you will always have something within reach to convince people how meaningless VT is!!!!!!!! Now I know why we have a near 10% unemployment rate. Dumb!@#s like VTHokie2012 spend all there time researching there worthless schools stats and go trolling on other teams blogs trying to convince people how great they are. I think its time to go to the Miami Blog and convince them now!!!!!!!! MIKE VICK IS MY HERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
VTHokie2012
July 29th, 2009
2:51 pm
YOUhaveNOlife: I don’t need to convince anyone that VT is good, 5 10 win seasons speak for itself. Dude I am a college student, so I do have extra time on my hands during the summer. I am sorry if you don’t have anything intelligent to add to this discussion of college football. Oh, and nobody is telling you to join in the conversation, if you don’t like it leave. I’m not holding you here. Your attempted cheap shot at me has failed miserably. You don’t know me so you can’t make a statement like “Now I know why we have a near 10% unemployment rate.” If you would turn on the news and educate yourself before posing bogus, aimless, crap on here maybe you wouldn’t look so ignorant.
Hey Baton Rouge
July 29th, 2009
2:53 pm
Wouldn’t it be cool if you were ACTUALLY an LSU fan and not a sad and lonely Dawg fan hiding behind a fake screen name???
Hey VTHokie2012
July 29th, 2009
2:56 pm
Don’t listen to some of these folks that get so angry. Keep coming here and keep up the rivalry. I will say it once again. I for one would rather have you here daily than any of the lonely douchebag dawg fans that frequent this blog. ACC all day brotha. Here’s to a good game between the Tech’s this year. And here’s to VT kicking the crap out of BAMA and GT killing the DAWGS!
Baton Rouge
July 29th, 2009
3:04 pm
Hey shut the hell up dude. UGA’s gonna whoop that ass this year.
GO DAWGS!
JM
July 29th, 2009
3:10 pm
Mr Roberson, later in August when practice it going, I’d like to find out how Luallen is doing and his chances of playing this season.
GetOverIt
July 29th, 2009
3:12 pm
SugarHillDawg, how did that sold out stadium work out for you last november? Scoreboard, not people in the stands is all that matters!
VTHokie2012
July 29th, 2009
3:31 pm
I’m not worried about these people. They don’t have anything important to say anyway. I seriously hope that the ACC gets some much deserved credit during and after this season. Plus, it’s not just UGA fans it’s SEC fans in general. Seeing how ESPN praises the SEC like they are the gods of college football, the fans let it go to their heads. Yeah, I would like to see LSU or any SEC team recruit players like VT does (2 and 3 stars generally) and turns them into NFL star players. Yes, Mike Vick did something stupid but that was in the NFL. I’m sure he did stupid things in college too but it’s not like he was the only person to do anything wrong. Mike Vick has been good to Virginia Tech I mean the Merryman Center was built with Vick’s money. It’s crazy how people overlook the good and only look at the bad. Every college has had at least one embarrassment bottom line. SEC fans need to get over themselves.
juvenal
July 29th, 2009
4:15 pm
seems like in the past we beat vt on the way to a nat’l championship? & vt has how many? like fsu 1 coach does not make a history..
juvenal
July 29th, 2009
4:20 pm
there were 5-10K empty seats last nov.–it was raining
VTHokie2012
July 29th, 2009
4:26 pm
juvenal: Congratulations, you said nothing of relevance in that little statement. We all know that Virginia Tech hasn’t won a national championship and I am completely fine with that. Doesn’t mean we don’t hold our own against everyone we play. By the way before Beamer, VT was not nationally recognized as a threat for college football and look at us now preseason top 5 (even though that doesn’t really mean much, a.k.a. 2008 Clemson team). Frank Beamer has made Virginia Tech a huge success. He means so much more to VT than just being the football coach. He regularly attends other sporting events to cheer them on and he is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. It’s not like VT hasn’t had their shot at a national title either.
The Dude
July 29th, 2009
5:01 pm
Turkey Shoot 2009 commences October 17th. I’ll be there ready for the hunt.
Dawgaholic
July 29th, 2009
6:13 pm
Giving a shout out to Morgan Burnett……..an outstanding saftey…
mtraininjax
July 29th, 2009
6:28 pm
Hokies, Dogs, Tigers, whoever you are:
In 1989, Tech went 7-4 (4-3 in ACC), then in 1990, well, ALL TECH FANS know, Bobby Dodd led Tech to the National Championship. We seemed to beat another school from Virginia that year, in Virginia, who was ranked, Number 1 at the time.
All I have to say to VT fans, is I hope you are number one when we play, cause history is going to repeat itself.
ross?
July 29th, 2009
7:14 pm
.
Tokyo jacket
July 29th, 2009
9:30 pm
VT Hokie,
I guess you don’t remember Tech being up 21-0 in the first quarter at the famed Lame Stadium. I think that game definitely counted as an embarassment for VA Tech. We have to tell UGA fans (a lot, because they’re not as bright as VT fans) that the past no longer matters because we’re an entirely different team. They won 7 in a row, 6 of which were against Gailey. Those don’t matter because the game has changed. Similarly, VT’s 4-1 record can be thrown out, you’re 1-0.
I actually don’t expect us to be as successful against VT as I do against UGA. VT is a heart team, great coaching, generally with great defensive talent. UGA is a team with great talent and not as much heart or coaching as GT. I say as long as things stay current we’ll be 50/50 against VT and 70/30 against UGA.
By the way, I like VT a little bit. Lived in Va Beach for a while. I think VT has the classiest fans in college football.
Tokyo jacket
July 29th, 2009
9:37 pm
Dawg fans – Beamer is their Vince Dooley. He will have a statue outside of Lane Stadium within one year of retiring.
VTHokie2012
July 29th, 2009
9:56 pm
mtraininjax: I know that the 1990 season was good for GT and all but 1989 season? Dude, that was 20 years ago. Plus, when VT-GT played in 1990 GT was ranked # 7 and VT was unranked. The final score of that game was 6-3 GT in Atlanta. Granted, a win is a win. By the way VT was 6-5 that season. You can’t really say that history is going to repeat itself because VT was nowhere near as good in 1989 as they are now 20 years later. I think you might be talking about UVA, but just in case there are the stats.
Tokyo jacket: True, 21-0 is pretty embarrassing, especially when it is at Lane. But do remember that you all possessed one of the best WR’s to ever come out of football that year in Calvin Johnson. I don’t like to use past stats a lot but I was just giving out the facts to explain a point. I hope that the GT-VT game will be a good one I always look forward to it because I like the triple option offense, it’s just not in Stinespring’s repertoire. As for the UGA game I hope every ACC team who plays an SEC team wins. The SEC is overrated in my opinion. Sure you have solid dominant teams like UF but the conference is a little top heavy. I mean I think the ACC is one of the best conferences in football because all 12 teams can compete. Duke is not going to be a pushover this year. I see Duke beating UVA (again) and UNC but that is just me.
If I have a double post, I apologize my computer has been messing up today.
VTHokie2012
July 29th, 2009
10:01 pm
I forgot to add this link in my post but here is a series history of GT-VT from hokiesports.com:
http://www.hokiesports.com/football/opponents.html?opponent=Georgia%20Tech