Two things come to mind when talking about Frank Beamer and Virginia Tech football -- great special teams and turning a blind eye to player misbehavior. With the escapades of the Vick brothers still hovering around the program, the Hokies are starting to change their culture. First example: Beamer declaring the services of leading rusher Branden Ore were no longer needed and the troubled tailback is off the team.Despite his talent, Ore has been a challenge to the coaching staff for much of his career in Blacksburg. He's had minor discipline problems, been involved in a drug trial and showed up out of shape. Despite all that, Ore always found his way back on the field as one of the team's leading playmakers. Ore, who missed the deadline for the NFL Draft, will now try to catch on with a team through the supplemental draft or through free agency.
One would hope Beamer's decision was about character and not about winning, but it's a little easier to give Ore the boot now than it was last year. The depth chart probably factored into the final say. The Hokies are loaded in the backfield and should still be the favorite to win the ACC.
