NCAA Football FanHouse

Virginia Tech May as Well Start Punting on Second Down

Adam Jacobi — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:15:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia Tech Football, ACC, NCAA FB Injuries

For as long as football has existed, it has done so as a collision sport. While advances in conditioning, rules, and protection have limited the grievous and fatal injuries, the gridiron is still absolutely no place for the weak or timid.

And yet elsewhere, an entirely different match of unbelievable athleticism plays out; while it's mainly confined to the edges of the field (and, of course, the SEC), the contest of speed on speed is every bit as integral to a football game as what happens on the line. Indeed, few things are as awe-inspiring as a wideout in full sprint, ball in hand, rendering all the violence and shoving behind him utterly meaningless.

That's why a ruptured Achilles tendon, like the one suffered by Virginia Tech wideout Brandon Dillard, is the cruelest of injuries that could befall such a player. Before Tuesday's injury, Dillard was one of the fastest players in the nation. Once the Achilles ruptured, though, his right leg was every bit as useless on land as a fish's flipper; his foot may as well have fallen off, so useless it became. He's gone, done, finito for the season, and it'd be darned good news for Dillard and the Hokies if he were even at 90% a year from now.

Of course, that's not even the worst of the news.

Severely exacerbating the severity of the injury is the fact that the Tech offense returns two shaky quarterbacks and, well, nobody else. Signal-callers Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor have combined for zero big victories, and their Orange Bowl performance was so laughable that it didn't even look like an upset by Kansas.

At running back, they dismissed senior Brandon Ore in March, then lost their next two tailbacks to serious injuries. The projected starter is a traffic cone.

They also graduated their top four wide receivers, and with Dillard gone, the top two wideouts left are Zach Luckett and converted QB Ike Whitaker; the two "veterans" have combined for five career catches. Failing that, Frank Beamer has some perfectly capable backups to call upon, namely John Daly and the dog from Air Bud 2: Golden Receiver.

Yes, the Hokies might be better off booting it away on second down. Their offense is going to be the most gruesome thing to happen on a football field since the opening scene of The Last Boy Scout.

Virginia Tech May as Well Start Punting on Second Down originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texans Pick LT Duane Brown; Would Have Missed Him With Another Trade Down

Stephanie Stradley — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:05:00 EST

Filed under: Chargers, Texans, AFC South, NFL Draft, Virginia Tech Football, Houston

A number of talking heads believe that the Texans picked Virginia Tech left tackle Duane Brown too early. They believe the Texans could have traded down again and still got their target. Those people would be wrong.

The San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that the Chargers wanted Brown with the 27th pick:

"Funny that the Chargers finally got a tackle with their final pick. They had been stymied from starting off the draft with one when an unprecedented eight tackles were selected before they picked at No. 27.

'We came up one pick short,' said [Norv] Turner, who along with the rest of the Chargers brass watched Houston trade into the 26th spot and take tackle Duane Brown of Virginia Tech."

At the Texans draft party, someone told me shortly after the trade down from 18 that Brown was going to be the pick. I didn't believe it until I heard the pick later. If Brown was the target, then trying to trade down again was going to get too cute.

If the Texans only have offensive line guru Alex Gibbs for a short period of time, you should probably get him the tackle he wants pronto.

Texans Pick LT Duane Brown; Would Have Missed Him With Another Trade Down originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ore Out at Virginia Tech

Bill Maloney — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:06:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia Tech Football, ACC

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.

Ore Out at Virginia Tech originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wisconsin Wusses Out Of Virginia Tech Game

Brian Cook — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:12:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia Tech Football, Wisconsin Football, Big 10

Oh, Wisconsin, truly your nonconference scheduling is to be mocked:

The University of Wisconsin's 2008 football schedule, released Friday, reveals that UW replaced an early season non-conference game against powerful Virginia Tech with a regular-season finale against Cal Poly, a Football Championship Subdivision program.

Wisconsin's nonconference schedule is now Cal Poly, Akron, Marshall, and Fresno State. Last year's schedule: Washington State, UNLV, the Citadel, and Northern Illinois. The year before: Bowling Green, Western Illinois, San Diego State, Buffalo.

That's one BCS opponent in three years, and that opponent was Washington State. That might be understandable if Wisconsin was struggling to pick up Motor City Bowl bids, but UW is among the second-tier Big Ten powers and should be scheduling... I dunno, anyone, especially since UW returns the vast majority of a team that ~~won~~* played in a New Year's Day bowl.

What's the common thread here? Bret Bielema, who evidently learned from the master of puff scheduling as Bill Snyder's defensive coordinator at Kansas State.

(Via the Wizard of Odds, and *correction.)

Wisconsin Wusses Out Of Virginia Tech Game originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ACC Embrace of the Hawaii Scheduling Model

Charles Rich — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Clemson Football, Florida State Football, Georgia Tech Football, Virginia Tech Football, ACC

Everyone lambasted the Hawaii schedule for being so easy and especially for having two 1-AA opponents on their schedule. Who knew they were just ahead of the curve.

Georgia Tech, Clemson, Florida State and Virginia Tech are all struggling to find one more home game. All of them already have a 1-AA team on the schedule. It appears that all four may have to resort to having two 1-AA home games for the 2008 season.

The problems are the usual: last minute buyouts/cancellations, wanting the game to be relatively safe (read, patsy), not wanting to provide a return game, "needing" another home game and/or not wanting to pay the premium price that 1-A guarantee games now cost.

Of course, those were the same problems Hawaii faced. I'm sure the other teams will get the same sympathy and understanding as the Warriors received for their scheduling issues.

ACC Embrace of the Hawaii Scheduling Model originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:27:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can't Knock the Hustle(?): Branden Ore

Ian Cohen — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:41:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia Tech Football, ACC, BCS, NFL Prospects

I have a hard time trying to figure out what goes down at the NFL Advisory Committee that determines draft status for guys looking to make the leap. At this point, you have to wonder what kind of advice they're giving running backs seeing as how nearly everyone on the brink is chasing that buck and fixin' to make our fantasy lives hell. Ray Rice, Jamal Charles, Steve Slaton, you name it- expect to own at least one of them off the strength of a 50 yard, 1 TD game replacing Justin Fargas or whatever.

I mean, what can you use to distinguish yourself from the countless other end-of-first day guys? A bionic arm? Fluency in three languages? A starring role in a crack cocaine possession case? If the last one counts for anything, Branden Ore's got nothing to worry about come draft day. Perhaps realizing that being in Blacksburg tends to make things exceedingly difficult for him, between the injuries and legal mishegas, Ore filed his paperwork yesterday.

Yes, it's a suspicious move seeing as how he seemed intent on staying in Blacksburg for perhaps an injury-free season to solidify his prospects. Not to mention the overhanging legal woes. He still has the option of pulling out today, but as he said to reporters, "I ain't talkin', dog." While you may question his second gear, there's no doubt he knows how to stick to the G Code.

Can't Knock the Hustle(?): Branden Ore originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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They See Branden Ore Rollin', They Hatin'

Ian Cohen — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:08:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia Tech Football, ACC, BCS, NCAA FB Gossip, NCAA FB Police Blotter

Branden Ore's career at Virginia Tech has been troubled, to say the least. Academic troubles led him to take a warehouse job at 7-11 to gain some perspective before he ended up doing it for the rest of his life (~~redacted joke about VT degrees~~). When that stuff hasn't been slowing him down, he's often been plagued by injuries, such as the kind this year that limited him to under 4 ypc when he was supposed to be the ACC's premiere back.

But nothing quite like this has come up yet. As is the case, when you're riding in a car with crack cocaine that isn't yours, Ore was scheduled to testify in federal court regarding an occurrence in 2006 when he was riding shotgun in a Cadillac that was determined to have contained 23 grams of crack cocaine. To wit...

Blacksburg officer M.P. Czernicki thought the Cadillac's windows were tinted too darkly, according to court documents. He asked Majette for a license and learned (Tony) Majette's license had been suspended and that Majette had a long string of violations. The officer arrested Majette for driving with a suspended license and took him to his patrol car, court papers said.

While Ore will likely be in and out in a jiff, things aren't as rosy for Majette, who took the Michael Irvin/Shaggy approach to legally defending one's self to accusations of drug possession. Ore beasted out in the Orange Bowl, scoring a touchdown with 116 yards on 23 carries, but due to said injuries and serious character concerns, he's coming back to Blacksburg for his senior season for sure. All the better to play mediator in the inevitable QB dispute between Sean Glennon (unless he's planning on following through with his draft prospects- ha!) and Tyrod Taylor.

They See Branden Ore Rollin', They Hatin' originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can't Knock The Hustle: Brandon Flowers to Make Hot Fuss on Sundays

Ian Cohen — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:51:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia Tech Football, ACC, BCS, NFL Prospects

Great- unless Virginia Tech happens to have a guy named Ronnie Vannucci buried in their depth chart, looks like no more The Killers cracks at their expense. Not after Brandon Flowers confirmed long-standing suspicion that he'd be shuffling off to the pros even if he wasn't projected as a first-round guy.

The NFL Advisory board projects Flowers as a second-round pick, but the only thing that makes me wonder is how totally sweet being on the NFL Advisory board that projects draft status. And that they feel the need to circumvent Mel Kiper. But either way, the two-time All-American Flowers appears to be less of a character risk than recent Hokie DB's of note such as DeAngelo Hall or Jimmy Williams. I mean, god only knows what could go down if the Falcons take him as well. You might find the Buccaneers or Panthers scrambling to draft Matt Ryan. And just so you're prepared to slag on the ACC one more time in 2008, VT will now replace seven of their eleven starters on defense, and it's more than likely the guys you've heard of. And yet, they're likely STILL far and away the frontrunner in their division. And you thought the pre-2007 Big XII North was a hoot...

Can't Knock The Hustle: Brandon Flowers to Make Hot Fuss on Sundays originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Does The ACC Deserve a BCS Bid?

Ian Cohen — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 20:37:00 EST

Filed under: Kansas Football, Virginia Tech Football, ACC, BCS

"The story is a sad one told many times/the story of my life and trying times."- R.E.M., "How The West Was Won And Where It Got Us"

That's the first thing that comes to mind when reimagining the whole ACC/Big East switcheroo of a few years back. To recap, ACC commissioner John Swofford, stuck off the realness of having a Florida State/Miami conference championship game in sold-out Alltel Stadium year in, year out, raids the Big East for Miami, Boston College and Virginia Tech (due to near-extortive tactics by Virginia government) to pad out its roster to twelve teams. It's also worth noting that Syracuse was originally tabbed to jump ship.

On the one hand, it struck a chord with people who were looking to prove that the conference could be a legitimate stronghold, since the past couple of decades had proven the ACC to be Florida State and a bunch of teams that would usually get a Bowden smackdown when they thought they could snatch the crown (the exceptions being the 1995 UVA team that tied for the conference championship and 2001 Maryland, which still lost to FSU). But the other way of looking at it was that the ACC is first and foremost a basketball conference, and this expansion would wreak havoc on scheduling. Frankly, it's a shame that some kids just entering college might have to wait years before they see their squad go to the Dean Dome or have Duke come to their house (truly a great experience no matter how good they happen to be at the time). Moreover, there were questions about how these schools fit in to the profile of the ACC, generally considered the province of academically esteemed, mid-sized flagship universities and smaller, prestigious private schools that all tend to have well-balanced athletics. I'll leave it at that.
To this point, it looks like the nays have it. Though conference records in bowl games can be very misleading, the ACC went 2-6 in this year's slate, including Virginia Tech losing to what was either the 3rd or even 4th best team in the Big XII, depending on who you ask. The only wins were BC (the ACC runner-up) beating a Michigan State team missing several key players on defense and ranked 8th in the Big Ten and Wake Forest's technical "upset" of the 25th ranked UConn Huskies, a team that I would argue is one of the country's most overrated (not to mention it was damn near a home game for the Demon Deacons).

On the other side of the ledger, you have Virginia's meltdown in Jacksonville, Georgia Tech giving up 571 total yards to Fresno State (with their DC as interim coach), Maryland getting outlasted by Oregon State, Clemson dropping to Auburn in OT and a decimated Florida State giving a valiant effort but ultimately getting beat up by Kentucky. What's worse- it's tough to see any of these teams coming back with a top 15 ranking next year, to say the least. With the possible exception of Clemson, every team near the top suffers big losses; VT's defense gets gutted, the Matt Ryan era comes to a close at BC, Virginia brings back 14 starters and gets a couple a key returns from injuries, but they'll be without Chris Long and 2/5ths of their O-line with an early-season schedule that includes home games against USC and East Carolina and a trip to Storrs (OOC games on the road ... not Al Groh's area of expertise).

I'm not going to suggest that the conference is at the level of the WAC or Mountain West just yet. After all, things can be cyclical, and there's reason to believe that Virginia Tech will bounce back like they always do, or Clemson can finally get it together with Willy Korn and C.J. Spiller or that Butch Davis can turn things around quickly; then again, let's not forget how totally awesome those first classes were for Chuck Amato and Al Groh.

But let's face it, although West Virginia destroyed Oklahoma and has proven itself to be a BCS monster, they've likely hired their Larry Coker and the Big East didn't quite turn out to have the juggernaut year everyone expected ... so at least the ACC can still see themselves as perhaps stronger, particularly with the results of this past season in interconference play. Cincinnati could get something together if they can hold on to their coach (who will be Jim Grobe x 12 when it comes to discussing candidates for offseason openings), same with Rutgers, who still has something to work with even if they backslid a bit this year. As for Louisville, lord only knows and UConn's ceiling appears to be BC at best.

Does The ACC Deserve a BCS Bid? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 20:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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US Army All-American Bowl Liveblogging! (First Half)

Brian Stouffer — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 13:08:00 EST

Filed under: California Football, Michigan Football, Minnesota Football, Notre Dame Football, Pittsburgh Football, Virginia Tech Football, NCAA FB Recruiting, NCAA FB Media Watch, Arizona State Football

Picture the scene... you're sitting around your house on a Saturday morning and your girlfriend calls you and asks if you want to have brunch with her family. Normally, you'd be fairly amenable to free silver dollar pancakes, even if it means enduring some awkward conversation, but today is not a normal day. It's the high-school all-star game. Sorry, tootsie, but home boy has a date with Tom Lemming today, and no amount of waffles or eggs Benedict can interrupt.

If any of this made sense to you, congratulations, you're a junkie.

Just to remind you all, this game is sponsored by the U.S. army, so the over/under on lame Army commercials is like a million.

A lot of these blue-chippers will be announcing their college choices. When that happens, I'll put the contents in bold face, so you can skip over my pithy commentary and get right to the commitments, if that's your thing.
And we're off to the races! Virginia running back Ryan Williams puts on the Virginia Tech hat. Not terribly surprising that he picked his hometown school over Rutgers and Boston College.

Michigan-bound Sam McGuffie takes the opening kickoff and does not hurdle over any defenders. You can almost hear the entire crowd sigh with disappointment. Now it's time to see Notre Dame commit Dayne Crist take over the West offense. The announcers said he went to the same high school as Jimmy Clausen in the intro, but that's not correct. Hooray, fact checking!

The West drive stalls, and we have a punt and our first two Army commercials. Zing. Now it's time to see Tyrelle Pryor, the presumptive number one recruit in the universe ever. Rich Rodriguez is somewhere, salivating.

Covaughn Deboskie, RB from Arizona announces... for Cal! At least I think he did. He had his (daughter? sister?) pick a hat, so he might not have had any say in the decision. Oh well. Meanwhile, Tyrelle Pryor has scored on a nifty little read option. He's 6'6", for you keeping score at home. 7-0, East.

Army commercial count: 3.

Brandon Smith, DB from New Jersey, picks... Michigan. Good pickup for Michigan. That kid's got quite the head of hair on him. Plus, the announcers said he might play QB for Rodriguez's spread if they don't get Pryor. Hmmm.

The QB for the West is Andrew Luck, heading to Stanford. They said his dad's name is Oliver. Oliver Luck. As in, "even with Oliver Luck, she couldn't avoid the falling piano."

Army commercial count: 4

No commitments after this commercial break, they're just interviewing somebody who looks like Abe Vigoda.

Touchdown, West. Gabbert (Missouri commit) on a pretty fade to Dan Buckner. 7-7.

East QB Star Jackson (no, not Star Jones) has thrown two passes... an interception and a 50 yard touchdown. East, 14-7. And now we are treated to a Brady Quinn commercial, bringing the Notre Dame blow job level up to critical mass. Hold on tight, lads.

West is running some Emory & Henry. Notre Dame QB Dayne Crist drops the snap and it is recovered by ND DL Sean Cwynar. Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame.

Marquis Gray, QB from Indiana chooses... Minnesota! Best of luck to him in the Twin Cities. A long field goal for the East has enough leg but sails wide. That was Notre Dame WR John Goodman holding. Notre Dame Notre Dame.

Sam McGuffie goes two more plays without jumping over anybody. The bloodthirsty crowd pelts the field with tomatoes and beer cans in a hail of boos.

Army commercial count: 5

Shane Hale, LB from Pennsylvania chooses... Pitt! My God, is there anything the Wannstache can't do? Nice catch! Meanwhile, West makes a field goal to pull within 14-10.

Army commercial count: 6

Gerrell Robinson, WR from Arizona chooses... Arizona State! Nooooo.... he spurns the Irish. The production crew is panicking. Shut this game down!

Army commercial count: 7

US Army All-American Bowl Liveblogging! (First Half) originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 13:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Orange Bowl Liveblog: Second Half

Adam Jacobi — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:54:00 EST

Filed under: Kansas Football, Virginia Tech Football, ACC, Big 12, BCS, Bowl Games

AJ checking in from the state of Iowa, where we just had the caucuses and okay you don't care about politics.

- Ha-YUUUGE fake punt from Kansas to keep their drive alive, as Virginia Tech is within a field goal and had all the momentum in the second half.

- Fumble near the goal line, he may have been down... and a personal foul? And now a holding call? Good heavens, even Roy Riegels is wondering if they know which direction to take the ball.

- And now an interception by Tech! Mangino is probably mad enough to eat a horse.

- We're at the end of the third quarter, and Virginia Tech is out of the shadow of their own end zone. If Kansas lets the Hokies put points on the board here, the lineman who committed that personal foul penalty near the goal line should find a safe house and lay low for a while, because Mangino may want to murder him.

- Three and out for Kansas, including two big hits on Reesing as he tried to scramble for yards quite unsuccessfully. The punt goes to the 9-yard line, so we get to see Sean Glennon try to guide the Virginia Tech offense on a sustained drive. This should be amusing.

- Glennon tosses a lob into double coverage, and to the surprise of nobody, Kansas picks it off and takes it back inside Virginia Tech's 5. This may be over very soon.

- Indeed. Six points for Reesing on the keeper, and it's 24-14. What's more fun than watching an aerially deficient offense? Watching an aerially deficient offense that's down by 10 in the fourth! I'd say the probability that Glennon throws another interception is right around, oh, 70,000%.
- Kenny Albert brings up a good point: Glennon threw three picks in last year's Chick-Fil-A Bowl, then after a regular season with only three interceptions all year, he's thrown two more today. Sean Glennon: A real-life Footsteps Falco!

- Tyrod Taylor relieves Glennon, and he's shaken up on his first play. Glennon dutifully trots out to replace Taylor... and he's sacked immediately. Do you suppose this offense has any confidence in Glennon at all?

- Virginia Tech fails to convert, which is so obvious that it scarcely merits mention; I may as well mention that gravity failed to reverse just now, and we have not hurtled off the face of the earth. The Hokies have zero chance of winning without some serious mental breakdowns by Kansas.

- Vince Hall registers a near-miraculous stop, but not after the KU offense drives for 50 yards down to the VT 23-yard line. And the Jayhawks are... going for it? Really?

- And the 4th down lob into double coverage somehow fails, so Virginia Tech takes over on downs. Wouldn't, um, anything have been better than trying to throw the ball 20 yards, Kansas?

- Sean Glennon is looking positively "competent at times" on this hurry-up drive, which is probably the nicest way to describe any of his play tonight. They're into KU territory and near field goal range. Does Tech actually have a chance after all? (no.)

- The Hokies are going with the old "take what the defense gives you standpoint, taking zero shots at big yardage and dinking their way down the fi---and as if specifically designed to make me look like an idiot, Glennon throws for the end zone (into the most passive, useless triple coverage ever) and hits Harper in the end zone to make the score 24-21. Drama!

- The onside kick, as they so often do, fails. KU takes the ball in Hokie territory, and they probably won't be giving the ball up again.

- It probably goes without saying, but this "Jumper-scope" cross-promotional replay bit is absolutely worthless.

- This 4th quarter run defense for Virginia Tech has been, um, lacking. McAnderson runs for another first down, and the Hokies cannot stop the clock. You can safely switch channels now (but don't stop reading the liveblog! Support AOL's sponsors! We demand your fealty!)

- There's not enough Gatorade on earth to sufficiently soak Mark Mangino. The Jayhawks decide not to try.

- That's game, folks. 24-21 with the ball resting comfortably on the VT 1-yard line. Ta ta.

Orange Bowl Liveblog: Second Half originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Orange Bowl Liveblog: First Half

Ian Cohen — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 21:17:00 EST

Filed under: Kansas Football, Virginia Tech Football, ACC, Big 12, BCS, Bowl Games

- The weather is in the mid-50's...I wonder if this will be attributed to "Beamer ball"

- Tyrod Taylor is getting destroyed on this first drive. Appears to be more of an offensive line breakdown than a matter of anything he can control, but jeez...

- On their first drive, Kansas is tearing up VT in the short passing game ... credit to Mangino, because this always seemed to be Tech's defensive weakness in spite of all their speed. Rather unusual slip-up for VT on 4th and 1 with the false start penalty. Missed field goal from Kansas, though. Not how you want to start things on specials teams against BEAMER BALL!!!!

- Tyrod Taylor looks waaaay in over his head. Pick-six to Aqib Talib, KU up 7-0. Mangino Ball!

- Kansas is often giving up good field position to the Hokies, but I have to admit- their defense appears up to the task. Maybe a little too much swagger for guys who wear what looks like bastardized Texans uni's.

- Aqib thinks he's Devin Hester ... but it works, taking a too-short (no "Gettin' It") field goal attempt dang near to the 40 after fielding it in the air.

- Pick thrown by Glennon, and not a good-looking one. Dare I say that this Jayhawk defense looks real.

- Todd Reesing's intangibles are "immeasurable"...imagine that. Decent looking drive for the Jayhawks ends in a field goal. 10-0 KU.

- Dear lord, VT's offense looks lost. Understandably, a QB controversy is part of the lay of the land, but they need to establish some sort of identity.

- 17-7 at the half, in favor of Kansas. Really can't figure out a way that this might change.

Orange Bowl Liveblog: First Half originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 21:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Posse on Bowl-way: Virginia Tech

Ian Cohen — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Kansas Football, Virginia Tech Football, ACC, Big 12, BCS, Bowl Games

Happy To Be Here?

Well, I suppose that having two losses and finishing the season in a strong fashion is all the rage nowadays, but I'm pretty certain that you need to come from somewhere other than the ACC to be in that state and still have a legit claim for the title in 2007. And while their hopes were likely dashed the moment they stepped onto their planes en route to Baton Rouge, is getting smoked by LSU on their home field really that much worse than losing to Stanford? Even in light of the tragedies that took place this offseason, one could say that winning the ACC was an example of what was clearly the preseason choice for the strongest team holding serve. And many believe that by drawing Kansas, a team that a lot of people STILL don't know quite what to make of yet, VT has a good opportunity for the BCS' fourth blowout of 2008.

Come Here Often?

While Virginia Tech has flirted with all manner of BCS bowls as of late, this is their first Orange Bowl since 1997, when they lost 41-21 to Nebraska. If nothing else, we can lament a time when VT could go 10-1 and be ranked #10 (!!!) and Nebraska could go 10-2 and be #6. Wowzers!
Why Care?

Perhaps for no other reason than seeing how real Kansas is exactly. Pretty amazing that the vagaries of Big XII North scheduling can have a team that's twelve games deep and still be somewhat of a mystery. Either that or you can see the QB duo that will probably dominate the ACC next season, provided Sean Glennon doesn't act a fool and declare himself eligible for the NFL draft. Don't laugh- he's sent feelers out. But in reality, here's what it comes down to: writers strike + you don't have anything better to do.

And The Winner Is...

I say this well aware that the Orange Bowl constitutes a matchup of what is the ACC champion vs. the 3rd (at best) team from the Big XII, but if you check the stats, the ACC guys don't do well in BCS games. Then again, you had Wake Forest up against a Louisville juggernaut last season even though VT was playing the best football by the time the season ended (what a reversal!) and a verrrrrry questionable Florida State team going against what was considered JoePa's possible swan song team. This year, however, it's hard to see VT blowing this one, particularly now that they've figured out how to utilize both Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon as signal callers. All things told, it's possible that KU is way better than all of us think, but the Hokies aren't the kind of team that will either take a team lightly or make many mistakes. Due to their style of play, I wouldn't expect a blowout either way, but I'll have to give the nod to Beamer.

Virginia Tech 27 Kansas 13

Posse on Bowl-way: Virginia Tech originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Unthinkable Happens: #1 and #2 Both Fall

Ryan Ferguson — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 23:48:00 EST

Filed under: Georgia Football, Kansas Football, LSU Football, Ohio State Football, Virginia Tech Football, West Virginia Football, Big 10, Big 12, SEC, BCS, Missouri Football

WVU loses to Pitt.

No, that can't be correct. Did that really happen?

Why, yes. I did not just hallucinate that. A 4-TD underdog beats West Virginia in Morgantown in a game that no one, and I mean no one thought they could win.

Un-freaking-believable.

Oh, and by the way: #1 Missouri just fell to Oklahoma. That's less of a shock; Oklahoma was favored.

But no matter how you slice it or dice it, #1 and #2 both fell. Again.

So now you have the ultimate BCS nightmare: total disarray, total chaos. This is what the anti-BCS anarchists are always dreaming of. Now, it's here.

BCS standings:

1. Missouri ~~11-1~~ 11-2 (lost to #9 Oklahoma)

2. West Virginia ~~10-1~~ 10-2 (lost to unranked Pitt)

3. Ohio State 11-1

4. Georgia 10-2

5. Kansas 11-1

6. Virginia Tech ~~10-2~~ 11-2 (beat Boston College, now ACC Champion)

7. LSU ~~10-2~~ 11-2 (beat Tennessee, now SEC Champion)

8. USC ~~9-2~~ 10-2 (beat UCLA)

9. Oklahoma ~~10-2~~ 11-2 (beat #1 Missouri)

10. Florida 9-3

You ask me, I think it's rather obvious what should happen.

Ohio State?

Tressel comes up roses again -- but gets to turn them down. Ohio State is #1 yet again and will play in the BCS title game for the second year in a row. Congratulations, Buckeyes.

Georgia?

It's just tough luck for #4 Georgia that they didn't get a chance to represent the SEC East in the SEC Championship game. The way LSU played -- and the way Georgia finished their season -- you'd have to think they would have had at least as many opportunities to win that game as Tennessee had. If they had managed to do that, there would be no debate: Georgia would be playing for a BCS Title. But that's pure fantasty at this point. Based on recent events, I don't see Georgia remaining at #4; while they sat idle, #7 BCS LSU beat another ranked team and won a conference championship.

Kansas?

Forgive me for saying this, Kansas fans, but a 1-loss Kansas appearing in the title game will not happen for two reasons. One, their schedule was far too soft for any voter to take the Jayhawks seriously. Two, they didn't win their conference, much less their division. I can't see too many voters keeping Kansas' ranking intact. Expect Kansas to drop.

Virginia Tech?

Here we encounter our first pingings of the geiger counter as we approach BCS meltdown: Virginia Tech meets most of the voters' requirements for a title game appearance. They're ACC Champions. They have only two losses. And at #6, they should slide neatly into position at #2 to play for a BCS title. One problem: they were demolished by LSU early in the season. And I do mean demolished: they lost 48-7. That's just Va Tech's unlucky draw to get the Tigers in this year, of all years.

LSU?

Ding-ding-ding. Written off for dead just hours ago, the 2-loss Tigers, in my view, will most likely get the nod due to a long list of factors: they're SEC Champions, they beat Va Tech as previously mentioned, they have the "inertia" of an expected title appearance, and despite how bad they've looked at times they still look like the best 2-loss team in the country, particularly when they're healthy. After all, they did win an SEC championship despite playing their backup QB and with a rash of injuries throughout the roster. And I think the public would love to see another Big Ten/SEC matchup for the national title.

USC?

Nope. Lost to Stanford. Sorry, that's the worst loss, by far, of any team in the Top 10. This will not be overlooked and USC is not likely to jump anyone except perhaps West Virginia.

Oklahoma?

This is an interesting one. Yeah... what about Oklahoma? They're a two-loss team, like LSU. They're the Big 12 conference champion. They look the part. Biggest problem? Their two losses both look bad. They're only two weeks removed from losing to Texas Tech, although starting QB Sam Bradford was concussed for the majority of that contest. Losing to lowly Colorado early in the season is also an ugly mark on their record. Still, I'd feel better about Oklahoma playing Ohio State than Kansas or Virginia Tech.

Hawaii?

Get real. Call me when Hawaii starts playing D-IA football.

Final call?

I think this one's too close to call definitively, but I think voters are going to put LSU, two losses and all, into the BCS title game to keep Tressel and the Buckeyes honest.

That's a game I'd really love to see. How about you?

The Unthinkable Happens: #1 and #2 Both Fall originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 23:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ACC Championship Live Blog: 2nd Half

Ian Cohen — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 16:10:00 EST

Filed under: Boston College Football, Virginia Tech Football, ACC, BCS

Really wish it didn't have to come down to this, but the fact is, Virginia Tech seems to have BC right where they want them at the end of the first half. Yes, the Eagles are on their way to about 500 total yards against one of the most daunting defenses in the country, but in spite of their ability to move the ball against the Hokies, their 16 points come off the strength of a strange turnover and a Matt Ryan scramble. Many red zone opportunities have been wasted. Many a Sully has been forced to drink and blame it on their genetics. Meanwhile, VT has yet to establish themselves on offense in a consistent way, but they've been able to keep pace with opportunistic special teams play and shifty QB play. Regardless of whether or not this game will lace the coffers of the Jacksonville bigwigs is pointless; at least up to this point, we've got ourselves a far more compelling and competitive game than the ACC title tilt has seen up to now.
- Exactly what is VT thinking having Sean Glennon work a 3rd and 4 instead of the far more mobile and threatening Tyrod Taylor? C'mon...even I realize sometimes that you need to snap a fake punt to your 99-speed havin' WR.

- BC receivers are beasts in the short game. They aren't on some Reggie Brown stuff when it comes to taking hits over the middle. But once again, the Eagles look like they're gonna stall at the 30. And that's exactly what happens after an ill-fated play action pass on 4th and 1.

- Well, that's the kind of stuff I've been talking about. Eddie Royal catches a 24-yard TD strike from Glennon on a 3rd and 13. Now I'm not gonna doubt Matt Ryan acuity in regards to making comebacks against Virginia Tech, but being behind 23-16 against a Bud Foster D that's seen your offense once already this year can't be encouraging.

- Matt Ryan has been an absolute surgeon on this past drive in the 4th quarter. Nothing along the lines of his godbody performance in Blacksburg, but nonetheless, still pretty good. Too bad they once again f'd up in the red zone, leading to a VT possession with little time left. Hope you didn't waste your frequent flyer miles on Jacksonville, BC fans. Looks like Orlando could be a realistic possibility...

-...particularly since Ryan got his arm knocked and uncorked a pick six. Well, it was a good season for both involved. Now, let's see what the spread is when it's ultimately announced that UGA will go up against VT and BC will go against Michigan.

ACC Championship Live Blog: 2nd Half originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 16:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ACC Championship Live Blog: 1st Half

Ian Cohen — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 13:41:00 EST

Filed under: Boston College Football, Virginia Tech Football, ACC, BCS

You know what's pretty good? Victory Golden Monkey. I don't know about you, but the ability to get a six-pack of 9.5% beer that actually tastes good and costs $10.99 at an LA BevMo is a pretty good find. And yeah, I know it's 10 AM, but you're not my mom. And if you are, I totally want a new pair of Wallabees for Hannukah.

You know what's also pretty good? Atlas Sound (beat the bloggers at their own game...this is some 2008 ish!). Just be thankful Deerhunter's not available in Getty Images, because Bradford Cox looks about as good as Brandon Cox plays.

Anyways, these two will guide me on my first-half Live Blog of the ACC Championship game. Just my thoughts, people...
- From the looks of things in the stands, VT fans appear to outnumber BC's by a ratio of approximately 150:1. The Eagles better win or hope there's a complete blackout of this game in Chick Fil-A corporate offices (playing on Sunday would've helped).

- Not sure if the Miami game was just a red herring, but Boston College looks ultra-prepared on this first drive. Lots of success with the short passing game, but a couple of incompletions show that BC's gonna have to take some chances eventually. As if to drive that point home more thoroughly, they get a 36-yard FG attempt blocked (of all things!), and I'm sure we'll be privy to about five dozen "Beamerball!" references by the time the first half is over. Then again, it's worth mentioning that, cool name aside, BC's kicker is a walk-on that actually kinda sucks.

- Not that I have much desire to dredge up sympathy for Bostonians, but having watched their red zone offense over the last two drives...man, I feel for you. Because having seen VT play more times than I care to mention, be forewarned that this is the kind of stuff that comes back to haunt you once one of their 6'4", 4.3-runnin' wideouts catches some fluke TD in the second half. Anyways, Matt Ryan once again masterfully commandeers the Eagles to around the 30 yard line, but they can't cash in as a 4th and 6 pass fails.

- Tyrod Taylor now in for the Hokies on their second drive after going three and out. Looks far more effective for the time being, much to the chagrin of any ACC fan who's not in Blacksburg...at least until he gets the ball totally snatched away from him as if it was a pocketbook by wild-coiffed BC linebacker Jamie Silva on an option play and returned for a TD. Such are the vagaries of starting a true freshman at the QB position.

- After a totes ineffective 3 and out for Sean Glennon, BC gets the ball back and now leads in total yardage by about a 10:1 margin. The Eagles are pretty much moving the ball at will, at least until they get into VT territory. The fact that the Hokies are down 7-0 after the first quarter (on a defensive TD no less) should be considered somewhat of a blessing. Matt Ryan's already thrown 15 passes and completed 10 of them, looking far more composed and far less hassled than he was in Blacksburg earlier this year.

- Wow...didn't see that coming. BC once again stalls around the VT 30-yard line, but converts a 4th and 9 to Rich Gunnell. Still can't quite come through within the 20, but Aponivicius connects emphatically on a 37-yarder.

- VT definitely came back on that last drive. Josh Morgan catches himself a fade pattern (was Vic Hall out there?) for a TD, at least somewhat vindicating the use of Sean Glennon in this game.

- Okay...maybe those Glen Foley references aren't particularly accurate. Matt Ryan's been known to pull off nice looking runs when it's least expected, which is exactly what happened on a eerily easy-looking 14-yard TD run. Problem is....BEAMERBALL. XP gets blocked and returned for two points, pretty much draining any momentum BC gained from yet another leisurely drive down the field. 16-9, BC.

- Maybe I spoke too soon...Pennington-style duck tossed up Glennon, picked off by Silva around BC's 40. Keep in mind, this is a linebacker playing centerfield on a near Hail Mary.

- Despite mostly dominating most statistical categories, BC finds itself tied with VT after a particularly nice-looking escape trick from Glennon. Despite his statuesque mobility, Glennon managed to escape the goal line pass rush to hit Josh Hyman for a TD on a broken play.

- So, to the half at 16-16. Matt Ryan has already posted "are they playing Duke?" numbers- 21/31, 197 yards. Whereas VT has 149 total yards, but then again...BEAMERBALL.

ACC Championship Live Blog: 1st Half originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 13:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Someone Hire Bud Foster Already?

Ian Cohen — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia Tech Football, ACC, BCS, NCAA FB Rumors, NCAA FB Coaching

At least so far, you'd think you were following the NHL considering how incestuous and uncreative the coach-hiring process has been. Perhaps it's due to the fact that the 119 best candidates in the world of college commandeering are already employed/recently deposed head coaches, or maybe those "hot" coordinators aren't really on the radar.

Well, let me ask you a question: when was the last time you saw VT's defense sloppy? BC game aside, I'm talking about a season as a whole. To quote UVA Sportsfanatic, we hear about "Beamerball" so damn much, it's a surprise that announcers don't bring it up any time their b-ball team blocks a shot. And while the special teams do make for the best highlights, their physical and especially quick defense has proven to be a boa constrictor under Bud Foster's stewardship- eight top-five finishes on defense in twelve years do anything for ya? Much to Virginia fans' chagrin, Foster isn't really looking to have a Mark Richt sort of effect on the Hokies, even more amazing considering that Ron Prince couldn't do diddly against his defense (and many other) and Kansas State handed him the keys. Not only that, Prince's defensive counterpart, Al Golden, got himself a top gig as well despite overseeing a unit that surrendered 52 points to Tech. Granted, he's at Temple now, but how is Foster still around when he's such an obvious commodity?

Well, for one thing, Foster is content enough with his current position to wait for the right job. Sort of like Frank Beamer, who had his name bandied about some years back, but now most people know better than to think he'd possibly leave Blacksburg for any job. But it's not unthinkable for Foster to leave this offseason or next. Among the jobs that supposedly intrigue him are Southern Miss and Northern Illinois. These certainly aren't the dregs of non-BCS, NIU's recent slide notwithstanding and don't really need a rah-rah recruiter to energize them. Foster's lunchpail approach should definitely have these teams on their phones.

Will Someone Hire Bud Foster Already? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VT's Flowers To Bloom In Pros?

Ian Cohen — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia Tech Football, ACC, BCS, NFL Prospects

Fresh off of ~~releasing a collection of his band's B-sides in time for holiday shopping~~ making a game-changing INT against Virginia and being named 2nd-team All-ACC, VT junior Brandon Flowers is staring down his draft decision and supposedly "leaning" towards his return. Bad news for ACC receivers as well as draftniks looking to use "the next DeAngelo Hall" in a pejorative sense. Though Flowers seems to be implying that a first-round guarantee could certainly sway his decision-making (i.e., he's gone), Bud Foster calls him the "best corner he's ever had," so do the math on that.

Despite superior stats, it's quite possible that Flowers wasn't able to show his ability as often as he could, mostly because teams were staying away from him after a season in which he made third-team All American. Of course, with 1st-teamer Macho Harris on the other side, well, I guess you pick your battles.

VT's Flowers To Bloom In Pros? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth Revolves Around Sun, VT Beats Virginia

Ian Cohen — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:36:00 EST

Filed under: Virginia Football, Virginia Tech Football, ACC, BCS

Whether it was intentional or not, yesterday's UVA/VT contest served to propagate long-held stereotypes about both schools. For ESPN's player introductions, Thomas Jones and Ronde Barber handled the assignment for Virginia in their typically erudite manner. For VT's, they threw it to a bunch of yahoos in the Scott Stadium parking lot. But more notably, the play on the field was rather indicative of why Virginia Tech beats Virginia more often than not, and why we shouldn't expect that to change under their respective regimes. This isn't to take away anything Al Groh's done this season; Wyoming or no Wyoming, 9-3 far outstrips most reasonable projections for his squad. But it's beginning to look like a cold reality that year after year, Virginia Tech is blessed with strengths that are almost specifically employed to exploit the weaknesses that Virginia teams have seemed to have year after year under Groh's watch.

Yesterday's 33-21 score (VT's 7th win in 8 years) reasonably captures the game's essence: competitive, but Virginia Tech never had to feel too nervous, particularly after Jameel Sewell's near-halftime INT led to Eddie Royal's astoundingly deflating TD grab. Because even with UVA's flair for the dramatic, it seemed like it was the same old story. On offense, while Virginia executed far more successfully than they have in years past (easily their best output since their last win...they damn near equaled their last three years worth of points), it's a system that desperately wants for playmakers that can stretch the field. Outside of Billy McMullen (a George Welsh recruit), one could argue that the most dangerous receiver Virginia has had under Al Groh was Marques Hagans. Relying on power running and short passes to a battery of tight ends, it can kept under wraps by a team with quick linebackers and sure-tackling corners. In other words, the exact defense Bud Foster puts on the field. I realize that Branden Ore had himself quite a contest, but UVA fans almost had to feel relieved any time he got the ball. Simply put, with Sean Glennon under center, if it was between 10-15 yards, Tech could have it. Easy. You would've thought MIke London was gameplanning for the U.S. 4 x 100 team with the kind of cushion the Hokie receivers were getting. Corresponding with their lack of edge speed on offense, Virginia's pass defense has been suspect all season, and the teams that chose to exploit this (NC State, UNC, Wyoming) more often than not came up big. Eddie Royal finished with 6 catches and 147 yards, but it felt like far more than that, considering most of it came in the first half. Vic Hall continues to play like someone way over his head, and Virginia's safeties continued to get abused by the sort of rangy, quick receivers that are a VT staple.
In terms of quarterbacking play, Tyrod Taylor looks like the real deal. His ability to escape pass rushers demoralized the Virginia defense, particularly on third down. Though there's almost no doubt that Jameel Sewell is the best fit for the Virginia offense that formed its identity during the course of the season, he doesn't quite have the natural speed of Taylor. And his UVA frosh counterpart Peter Lalich seems to have regressed over the span of this year, although that could likely be the result of an offensive gameplan that has been catered to Mikell Simpson and Sewell.. It remains to be seen how Taylor will be employed once Glennon is no longer around to keep defenses on edge, but there's more to his Vick comparisons than a number and a Tidewater homebase...just not the extracurricular activities.

As far as special teams, Virginia Tech had just enough game-changing plays to make a difference; on their first punt-return, Eddie Royal pitched a reverse that went for 42 yards and set the tone, and of course, there was the obligatory blocked punt. VT has almost completely reversed the sort of reputation that plagued them during their latter days in the Big East- they're a team that gets far more dangerous as the season goes on, and Boston College better be on their game to a far greater extent than they were last time they played. I mean, the game was technically meaningless, but they only beat Miami by 14!

Once again, this proves as a sobering reminder for Virginia that speed kills at the college level, and although Al Groh has admirably tried to recruit more athleticism over the last two years, it has yet to translate into something tangible on-field, although the play of Ras-I Dowling and Dontrelle Inman has been promising. It's not like VT always caps the recruiting top tens...they just seem to know what fits their program better, while Groh has put teams on the field that are talented, but unbalanced.

In terms of what Virginia can expect for a bowl game, they might be better off rooting for VT in the ACCCG. It'll be interesting to see how a BC win would cause things to play out. Tech has an incredible ability to mobilize, and if they were to be available for the Gator Bowl, they might rethink their stance of not taking the Champ loser this year. And though Clemson would be a very attractive option for the Chick Fil-A Bowl, I'm sure they wouldn't mind having the Hokies come back. For Virginia, the Champs Sports Bowl is the prohibitive choice, though the Gator Bowl could also be an option...and if they were to send an invite, it would be the Cavaliers' first New Years Day appearance in over a decade. Then again, I've seen prognostications that indicate a potential opponent in Texas Tech. Vic Hall. Michael Crabtree. Let that sink in, Wahoos.

Earth Revolves Around Sun, VT Beats Virginia originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ex-Big East Battle for the ACC Championship

Charles Rich — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 15:51:00 EST

Filed under: Boston College Football, Virginia Tech Football, ACC

The ACC plans for football dominance -- and dreams of more than one team in BCS bowls -- continues to be on hold. Boston College and Virginia Tech -- the two throw-ins the ACC had to take to get Miami to jump conferences will face each other for the ACC Championship and the BCS Orange bowl appearance.

Boston College put Miami out of its misery for the season the way it has done for most of the seaon. Not pretty, but enough to do the job. Lots of passing yardage, some missed opportunities and a defense that plays decently. A very anti-climatic game after last week's wild game at Clemson. It was the first win for BC, though, over Miami in 15 games. Not since 1984 and Doug Flutie threw a Hail Mary had that happened. So the Eagles do have that going for them.

Virginia Tech pulled away from Virginia in the second half as the defense clamped down on the Cavaliers. The fourth straight loss by Virginia to their instate rivals. The Hokies have managed to stay out of any real national attention by losing their two biggest games. The blowout early in the season to LSU and then snatching a loss from the jaws of victory at home on a Thursday night against BC. Outside of Blacksburg, no one has been able to put much faith in the Hokies.

Ex-Big East Battle for the ACC Championship originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 24 Nov 2007 15:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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