I genuinely worried about this game vs. UVa. If you've been reading my posts, it seemed natural to me that a team with nothing to lose like Virgina in a rivalry situation could play one of those games above their level and challenge the Hokies. For a half, the Wahoos did enough to at least make this a possibility. But with like so many Virginia Tech football games, a key turnover by the defense, in addition to masterful adjustments by Bud Foster made it not to be.
Here are my thoughts on the Hokies last game versus an Al Groh lead Virginia team.
First let me say that there is a lot of talk about how this rivalry is diminished due to the fact that it is one-sided and that the Virginia program is in such dire straits. VT to many probably has a bigger rivalry with teams like Miami and Georgia Tech. But I still get fired up for playing Virginia more than any other team. I love the emotions it stirs, the bitterness, the pride, and the joy of thoroughly beating the Wahoos. I don't like UVa because they are Virginia Tech's number 1 rival.
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In regards to this specific game, it took a a half of football but it eventually played out as many expected. The Hokies advantages in all aspects of the game overwhelmed the 'hoos, and the clear difference in talent was right there before your eyes. Some notes:
- I still contend the main resurgence in the offense in the last 4-5 games has been the improved play of the wide receivers, and Tyrod Taylor's confidence in them. Pass plays in the beginning of the year were adventures. Now, as long as Tyrod as a short amount of time or can scramble, its reasonable to expect a positive outcome. That is incredibly refreshing.
- If the WRs maturation is where it looks to be, start to consider the potential for this offense in 2010. As long as the OL can do without Ed Wang and Sergio Render (and you'd get mixed reactions from Hokie fans on that), this offense could be a special one. Tyrod is a confident QB. The RB situation (Williams, Evans, Wilson) is ridiculous. The OL should be young but capable. As long as Bryan Stinespring doesn't mess it up too much, it could be one of VT's best.
- As good as Ryan Williams has been, I still don't think VT gets him the ball in space enough. He looked unstoppable on the few option plays run in this game. Ditto on the shuffle passes and screen plays run this year. Give him the ball in space with any type of running start, and its almost unfair to the defense.
- I was happy to see Kam Chancellor has a big impact game. Big things were expect from Kam this year, and he's been under the microscope more for mistakes than stellar play. He's changed positions several times and I'm not sure he's gotten a fair shake, I just think we'll miss him more than we think.
- I was also bummed to hear about Zach Luckett's injury (apparently he tore up his knee and miss the season and spring practice). When I attended the Maryland game in person, there was always one player who on every special teams play was down the field first making plays. I forgot who #44 was, until I asked someone in the stands and they reminded me it was Luckett.
So now we wait for Sunday to find out our bowl game. I still think there's a chance the BCS suits will make fans, tickets, TV, and money a priority and leave a second mid-major Boise State team out of the BCS. That creates a slot for a team like Virginia Tech. There's always hope.
If you are into the Cyber Monday shopping thing, its going on all week at HokieJerseys.com. Its a very cool place to buy Hokie jerseys and gear.
Finally, here's to hoping more people are watching Obama's speech tomorrow night instead of ESPN2.
Go Hokies!!
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