Postgame: Virginia Tech 49, ECU 27
Hokies rally from an early 10-point deficit to defeat ECU 49-27. If you want details, scroll down to the bottom and work up. Blow-by-blow account of the important stages of the game, with scoring plays in bold.
Randy King’s game story tomorrow will talk about the overall significance of the win and include plenty about the offense — David Wilson, Darren Evans, Jarrett Boykin and the like. Doug Doughty wrote a sidebar on offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring, which I look forward to reading. My column for tomorrow’s paper is on Tech’s defense, which finally sustained some success. It was only one half, but it was vital that those guys show something on that side of the ball. Below are some quotes from the postgame interviews. That’s all from me tonight; see you next week when the Hokies open their ACC slate at Boston College. Thanks for checking in and for contributing.
Frank Beamer
ON THE DEFENSIVE IMPROVEMENT IN THE SECOND HALF: “We made a couple adjustments there at halftime that I think really helped us in the second half. ”
ON CARMICHAEL: “You talk about a guy who turned it on when things weren’t looking good — what a great interception and what a great run.”
Eddie Whitley
ON WHAT CHANGED FOR THE DEFENSE: “We just got used to the speed of the game, used to the speed of the offense. We started knowing what they were doing, knowing their tendencies, and we started taking advantage of it.”
MORE ALONG THOSE LINES: “We just had to get used to the speed of the game and their offense. They were going with the no-huddle offense and sometimes they just hurry up and get on the ball….We knew what kind of defense we could play, and we showed it out there today.”
HIS ASSESSMENT OF THE TACKLING: “A lot better. Everybody was flying to the ball. There was more effort this week, more emotion in the game. I felt it from everybody. That’s what we needed.”
ON CARMICHAEL: “That’s our leader on defense. He’s a veteran…We’ve got a lockdown corner that can go out there against anybody, day in, day out.”
Bruce Taylor
ON TECH’S SECOND-HALF DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE “That’s been Tech defense since I’ve known it. Score on offense, score on defense, score on special teams. I feel like that pick that Rock had, the first one, really got guys settled, allowed us to just pin our ears back and played.”
ON HIS EMOTIONS: “I feel great. Two weeks too late, but this is our first win. Just gotta keep moving forward.”
ON THEIR IDENTITY BEING AT STAKE, GIVEN THE STRUGGLES AND CRITICISM: “With reason. Definitely that first half, guys were a little worried. But our seniors just came back and told us, relax, we’re a good defense, coach foster’s put us in position to make plays so we’ve just got to go out there and do it. When we started doing it, it became easy out there on the field, kind of anticipating what they were going to do.”
ON HALFTIME CHANGES: “As far as X’s and O’s, there weren’t many adjustments. The game plan was a good game plan. We just had to go out there and execute.”
GAME PLAN WAS? “Put pressure on Davis. Focus on our key reads, coverage guys focus on your receiver and just do your job.”
ON DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HALF ONE AND HALF TWO: “First half it looked like how we’ve looked in the first two games, missing open-field tackles and stuff like that. In that third quarter, we came out there and said enough is enough. This isn’t tech defense….we’re not known for that. We’re known for getting turnovers, making big plays and big hits and all that. So that’s what we did in the second half.”
ON SENIORS RALLYING THE TEAM THIS WEEK: “They’ve been in the program for years now and seen how the defense usually plays. So they just kept telling us, look, man, come out here and play, do your job, know your job and don’t worry about anything else.”
ON HE FELT LIKE THE DEFENSE CLICKED FINALLY IN THE SECOND HALF: I felt like it did. The first half, we were kind of spotty. We really couldnt get them off the field. But in that second half, everybody was just comfortable, having a good time, having fun. Coach Foster always says you have to have fun when youre out there playing defense. You have to have great emotion. We had that in the second half. You could just see it in guys eyes. It was just different.
ON A STRETCH OF ECU POSSESSIONS THAT WENT PUNT, PUNT, PICK-6, PICK: The first half, it didnt feel right. It didnt feel like the Tech defense that Ive seen. But in that second half, once guys got settled in, I really felt like we were playing Tech defense. The first half was long, I was tired, we couldn’t get them off the field. The second half … it was just fun to go out there and pin your ears back and play.
ON WHETHER THE FIRST 10 QUARTERS OF THIS SEASON ARE BEHIND THEM: “They’re behind us, absolutely. It’s in the past. There’s nothing we can do about it now. It’s over with.”
Eddie Whitley
NO INTRO NEEDED: “This week starts the Orange Bowl journey.”
ON THE DEFENSIVE MINDSET: “We had to go out there and tell them, ‘If you’re going to catch that ball, trust me, you’re going to feel it.’ Their guys were good at catching the ball and holding it. Some of those hits Davon was laying I was like, ‘Good lord.’”
SIMILARLY: “We had to go out there and let those guys know if you catch this ball, trust me, you’re going to feel the thunder afterwards.”
CB ROCK CARMICHAEL (courtesy of Kyle Tucker of our sister paper, The Virginian-Pilot)
ON HIS ROUGH START (GETTING TWO PASS INTERFERENCE PENALTIES), THEN SPECTACULAR FINISH (TWO PICKS): Im an aggressive player. Thats just how I play corner. I feel like this isnt flag football. Youre going to get touched. Youre going to get hit. Sometimes, its going to be a flag. Sometimes its not. But the key to it is keep playing, like I was telling my guys. Just keep playing. Thats what I did. I feel like we grew up as a whole, as a team. It was a series in the second quarter where we could feel that chemistry. Everybody was together. We wasnt going down when we were losing. We didnt want to lose that game. We just felt like we grew up today.
ON MAKING A TWEAK TO HIS TECHNIQUE DURING THE GAME: The ref told me, Youre in good position; we just threw the flag because you didnt turn your head around. I was like, Alright, Ive just got to turn my head around.
ON HIS TWO INTERCEPTIONS, ESPECIALLY THE FIRST ONE: They had one of their bigger guys out there, No. 84, the 6-9 guy. I remember seeing him go up on film and get some deep balls. But I wasnt sure how quick he was. I told Davon (Morgan), my safety, get me over the top because if he throws it short, Im going to make a play. It just happened to work in my favor. He was trying the hitch, and Id seen it on film. I played the play. I just told (Morgan), Im going to make this play. Im going to jump it. Theyd been throwing quick passes all game. I said, If he throws it quick, Im going to jump it. I need you to get me back deep.
ON WHAT FOSTER SAID TO HIM AFTER HIS SECOND INT: Just keep it up. Just keep showing these younger guys how we play ball here.
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Hokies defeat ECU, 49-27. Coach Frank Beamer calls it a “relief,” saying, “we needed a win around here.” You might say that.
Beamer said he didn’t think Williams’ hamstring injury was very serious.
Game ball winners, according to Tech: Greg Nosal (offensive line), Taylor (offense), Carmichael (defense), Myer (special teams).
I’ll have a little more later after I write my column for tomorrow’s paper. Thanks for checking in. Oh, and the trivia answer was Bluefield, W.Va. I know everyone was on pins and needles.
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[IN GAME POSTS ARE IN REVERSE-CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER]
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Tech defense finally starting to feast.
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Boykin 69 yard touchdown reception gives Tech a 49-27 lead with 10:53 remaining in the fourth quarter. Don’t look now, but the Hokies look like they’re going to cover the number.
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Carmichael interception at VT 31.
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Williams converts fourth-and-1, first down ECU at ECU 44.
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Harris shaken up for ECU. Walks off under his own power.
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I’ll update with big plays for a few more minutes but no more play-by-play as I have to go to the field soon.
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Hokies extend their lead to 42-27 with 13:22 left in the fourth on a 68-yard interception return by Carmichael. That’s 21 straight points for Tech in less than 7 minutes.
ECU drive anatomy: Starts at ECU 20…Williams up middle for loss of 1…THIRD QUARTER ENDS WITH TECH UP 35-27…Davis hits Harris over middle for 24, first down at ECU 43…Davis hits Bodenheimer on right side for 7…Williams bursts through hole off right tackle for 14, first down at midfield…Davis quick pass right anticipated and picked off by Carmichael at the VT 32, he races down the left sideline, fighting pursuers all the way, officials rule he’s in, touchdown. Play is reviewed and upheld. PAT is good.
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Wilson has 110 yards on 11 offensive touches.
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Hokies extend their lead to 35-27 with 29 seconds left in the third quarter on an 8-yard touchdown run by Wilson. Drive: Six plays, 39 yards, 2:58.
VT drive anatomy: Starts at ECU 39…Evans runs middle for 5…Wilson runs off right tackle for 12, guy’s got quite a burst, first down at ECU 22…Wilson runs off left tackle, tripped up after gain of 3…Evans off right tackle for 4…Wilson scoots off right tackle for 7…Wilson off left tackle, he’s in, touchdown, 8 yards. PAT good.
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Nice stand by the Tech defense. Hokies get good field position.
ECU drive anatomy: Starts at ECU 19…Davis tries to hit Ruffin in flat but overthrows him, incomplete…Davis pass over the middle, Gibson nearly tips it to himself for an INT but it’s incomplete…Davis sacked by Taylor for loss of 7…Punt of only 31.
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Hokies regain the lead 28-27 with 4:34 left in the third quarter on a 3-yard touchdown run by Wilson. Drive: Seven plays, 69 yards, 2:47.
VT drive anatomy: Starts at VT 31…Taylor pressured, run out of bounds for loss of 5 (should have thrown away)…Counter play, Evans runs off right tackle for 18, first down at VT 44…Option left, Taylor pitches to Evans who picks up 16 (Evans and Wilson both in backfield in that formation), first down at ECU 40…Wilson around left end, fights for extra yardage, gains 18, first down at ECU 22…Wilson run middle for 1…Taylor zips pass over middle to slanting Boykin, who gains 18, first down at ECU 3…Timeout ECU…Wilson toss right, looks like he’s stymied, does a little dancing, finds a seam, he’s in, touchdown. PAT good.
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Can we see some more of Wilson now? Pretty please? The guy has done something good every time he’s touched the ball today — which hasn’t been often.
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ECU punts for just the second time today after three-and-out.
ECU drive anatomy: Starts at ECU 25…Davis throws incomplete…Davis throws deep right sideline, incomplete…Davis pass underthrown, incomplete, nearly picked by a diving Exum….Punt of 44.
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This team has zippo confidence right now.
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Third-and-2, you throw deep? Really?
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Hokies pick up one first down but must punt.
VT drive anatomy: Starts at VT 6…Taylor drops back, scrambles right for 14, first down at VT 20…Wilson runs off left guard for 4…Taylor throws to fullback Kenny Younger for 4…(third and 2) Taylor scrambles right, throws deep off back foot intended for Marcus Davis, underthrown, incomplete…Strong punt of 53 by Saunders.
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ECU extends its lead to 27-21 with 10:43 left in the third quarter on a 41-yard field goal by Barbour. Drive: Seven plays, 15 yards, 3:57. Turnover set up the short field.
ECU drive anatomy: Starts at VT 39…Davis scrambles for no gain…Davis throws quick pass complete to Michael Bowman, wrapped up for loss of 1…Davis throws over the middle complete to Harris, he fights for extra yardage, gains 12, first down at VT 28…Davis throws deep for a receiver (I couldn’t ID him, sorry), Carmichael faceguarding him, gets nailed for pass interference, first down at VT 13…Personal foul facemask penalty on ECU backs Pirates up to first-and-25 at VT 28….False start by ECU tackle Grant Harner…Davis feel pressure, scrambles right, then throws it away…Davis throws deep for Lewis, broken up nicely by Carmichael, who nearly picks it off on a dive, BUT no play because of offensive holding on ECU…Davis throws quickly to Williams in flat for 3…Davis escapes pressure scrambles right for 16…41-yard field goal attempt by Barbour is good.
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Hokies turn it over in their own territory.
VT drive anatomy: Starts at VT 22…Taylor play action deep pass overthrown, incomplete…Evans runs up middle through big hole, nice gain but he’s popped by Bradley Jacobs, loses the ball, recovered by Emanuel Davis.
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Halftime notes:
Members of the 1965 football team — which played the first varsity game at Lane Stadium and finished 7-3 — were honored before the game.
Defensive end James Gayle, defensive tackle Antoine Hopkins, cornerback Kyle Fuller and defensive back Antone Exum all made their first college starts today.
Offensive tackle Nick Becton made his first appearance of the season on Tech’s third drive of the game. He’d been sidelined by turf toe the first two weeks.
The last time Tech gave up 24 points or more in the first half was to Boston College in 2008. BC scored 28 and held on for a 28-23 win in Chestnut Hill.
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A few first half numbers of note:
Total yards: ECU 278, VT 184
Penalties: ECU 5 for 50, VT 2-27
Wilson: Two carries for 28 yards
Taylor: Five carries for 26 yards
Evans: Two carries for 14 yards
R. Williams (out for game): Six carries for 8 yards.
J. Williams 12 carries for 51 yards and 2 touchdowns
Davis 19-for-25 for 188 yards, 1 touchdown and no INTs
Taylor: 5-for-10 for 108 yards, 1 TD, no INTs
Time of possession: ECU 18:12, VT 11:48
ECU is 4-for-4 on converting red zone appearances into points; VT is 2-for-2.
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The first half ends with ECU leading 24-21. I’ll have some stats for you in a few minutes.
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VT drive anatomy: Starts at VT 37. Taylor deep over middle intended for Boykin, high, incomplete, he was open, would have been about a 20-yard gain. Taylor scrambles right, throws across his body incomplete. End of half.
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Injury update: Ryan Williams has an injured right hamstring and will not return.
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ECU regains the lead 24-21 with 26 seconds left in the first half on a 1-yard touchdown run by Williams. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 5:32.
ECU drive anatomy: Starts at ECU 20. Williams runs middle for 6. Davis swings out to Williams for 9, first down at ECU 35 (they’re having a lot of success throwing short to backs). Williams runs middle for 4. Davis has all kinds of time, finds Bodenheimer open on the right side, he gains 19, first down at VT 42. Giavanni Ruffin runs middle for 2. Davis pass tipped by Antoine Hopkins, incomplete. Davis floats it out to Ruffin on the right for 5, brings up fourth and 3. Davis rolls right, throws on run deep, caught by Harris, he’s hammered by Morgan, loses his helmet but not the ball, gain of 17, first down at VT 18. Williams loses 4 on run. Davis keeps up the middle, weaves his way 21 yards, first down at VT 1. Davis sneak middle, no gain. Davis sneak middle, no gain. Williams runs right, untouched into the end zone, touchdown. PAT good.
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Hokies take their first lead of the game, 21-17 with 5:58 left in the second quarter, on a 7-yard touchdown run by Evans. Drive: Eight plays, 75 yards, 3:30.
VT drive anatomy: Starts at VT 25. Williams runs left, can’t get the edge, gains 1. Taylor has all day, scrambles around and dumps it off to Wilson over the middle for 26, first down at ECU 48. Taylor drops back, then scrambles (not designed) up middle for 10, first down at ECU 38. Williams runs middle for 2. Williams is shaken up on play. He’s helped off the field, not putting weight on right leg. Taylor drops back, scrambles right for 22, first down at ECU 14. Taylor floats it toward the end zone intended for Smith, a little too long, off his fingertips, incomplete. Evans run middle, nice hole that time, picks up 7. Evans runs left, nice move around left tackle, he’s in, touchdown, 7 yards. PAT good.
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The Hokies are getting a ton of calls.
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ECU drive anatomy: Starts at ECU 20. Davis pass complete to Harris BUT it’s called back for illegal receiver downfield by ECU, 5 yard penalty. Williams starts middle, bounces outside left and finds running room BUT it’s called back for holding to the ECU 23. Davis pass complete to Harris for 10, first down at ECU 33. Davis zips it out to Michael Bowman for 2. Williams up middle for 4. Davis pass incomplete, thrown behind intended receiver Andrew Bodenheimer, brings up first punt for ECU.
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Wilson’s making a strong case that he’s now Tech’s No. 2 tailback.
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The shootout is in full effect as the Hokies get a 24-yard touchdown catch from Roberts to cut the deficit to 17-14 with 12:03 remaining in the second quarter. Drive: Five plays, 7 yards, 2:42.
VT drive anatomy: Starts at VT 29. Taylor quick pass complete to Roberts for loss of 2. Taylor drops back, slips and loses 8. Taylor deep pass complete to a wide-open Jarrett Boykin, who is hit and fumbles it, Tech’s Andre Smith recovers it at midfield, first down at midfield, gain of 31 on the play. Nice alertness there by Smith. Wilson runs middle for 11, first down at ECU 39. Taylor sacked BUT personal foul facemask call on eCU gives Tech a first down on ECU 24. Taylor deep pass complete to Roberts in end zone, touchdown Tech. Good zip on that pass, nice catch by Roberts. PAT good.
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ECU goes up 17-7 with 14:50 remaining in the second quarter on a 7-yard touchdown catch by Harris. Drive: Eight plays, 60 yards, 1:51.
ECU drive anatomy: Starts at ECU 40. Davis deep pass down left sideline incomplete (intended for Lewis, Carmichael on coverage). False start on ECU’s Willie Smith. Davis pass complete to Harris in right flat for 11. Davis pass complete to Arrington, missed tackle by Hill, slips away for 29 yard gain, first down at VT 25. Davis pass incomplete (quick middle). Davis quick middle pass to Lewis, he breaks and arm tackle and gains 18, first down at VT 7. Tech LB Lyndell Gibson is shaken up on the sidelines. Williams run left for no gain. FIRST QUARTER ENDS, ECU LEADS 10-7. Davis pass tipped at line of scrimmage by Chris Drager, incomplete. (third and goal). Davis floats one up to Harris, he jumps over Carmichael (who’s got his back turned) and grabs it in the end zone, touchdown ECU. PAT good.
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Kickoff by Justin Myer sails out of bounds. ECU will start at the 40.
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Hokies get on the board with a 2-yard touchdown run by Williams, cutting the deficit to 10-7 with 1:41 left in the first quarter. Drive: Seven plays, 70 yards, 3:54.
VT drive anatomy: Starts at VT 30. Ugly option run right by Taylor, bottled up for minus-5. Taylor swings out to Ryan Williams complete, Williams finds space and picks up 29, first down at ECU 46. Taylor keeps right for 7. David Wilson runs around left end for 17, first down at ECU 22. Williams runs left for 3. Pass interference on ECU, first down at ECU 4. Williams runs off right tackle for 2. Williams runs off right tackle, he’s in, touchdown, Tech. PAT good.
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No boos yet but another three and out and you can bet they’ll be coming. Woeful performance by the Hokies so far.
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The Pirates take a 10-0 lead with 5:42 left in the first quarter on a 2-yard touchdown run by Williams. Drive: Five plays, 56 yards, 1:35.
ECU drive anatomy: Starts at ECU 44. Davis scrambles for 14, first down at VT 42. Davis swings it out to Williams who slips tackle to gain 8, PLUS personal foul late hit on Taylor, first down at VT 19. Davis short pass over middle complete to Dayon Arrington for 5. Davis swings out to Williams but it’s dropped, incomplete. Davis pass intended for Lewis incomplete BUT pass interference called on Rashad Carmichael, first down at VT 2. Williams runs up middle untouched, touchdown, ECU. PAT good.
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Gouveia-Winslow did not start the game. Hokies came out with five defensive backs instead, and they’re doing it again now.
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Hokies go three-and-out and look bad doing it.
VT drive anatomy: Starts at VT 27. Tyrod Taylor throws deep, intended for Dyrell Roberts, incomplete. Ryan Williams runs left, slips and loses 2. Taylor gets heat from the left side, throws toward Jarrett Boykin in one-on-one coverage but the rushed throw is off target, incomplete. Punt of only 31 yards by Brian Saunders.
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ECU takes a 3-0 lead with 8:21 left in the first quarter on a 26-yard field goal by Michael Barbour. Drive: 14 plays, 70 yards, 6:41. Nice effort by Bruce Taylor on the last set of downs to force the field goal, but Pirates moved the ball way too easily before that.
ECU drive anatomy: Starts at ECU 20. Jonathan Williams runs middle for 10, first down at ECU 30. Dominique Davis pass complete to Dwayne Harris for 13, first down at ECU 43. Davis quick pass outside to Williams, who slips a tackle and gains 6. Williams run left for 3. Davis QB sneak stopped at line of scrimmage for no gain. (fourth-and-1) Williams runs up middle big hole for 10, first down at VT 38. Davis run right for 2. Davis shovel pass complete to Williams, a lot of room to move, picks up 17, first down at VT 19. Davis quick out pass to Lance Lewis for no gain (Eddie Whitley tackle). Davis pass over middle complete to Harris, big hit from Davon Morgan but he hangs on for gain of 11, first down at VT 8. Davis keeps right for loss of 3 (Bruce Taylor tackle). Davis quick pass over middle complete to Harris, snuffed out by Taylor for no gain. (third and goal) Davis shovel pass complete to Williams (Taylor hits him immediately) for no gain. 26-yard field goal by Micheal Barbour is good.
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Hokies win toss and defer. ECU to receive.
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Tech cornerback Jayron Hosley has been suspended for today’s days game for an unspecified infraction. Cris Hill will make his third career start in Hosley’s place.
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Matchup to watch: ECU wideout Dwayne Harris vs. Tech outside linebacker Jeron Gouveia-Winslow. Gouveia-Winslow has struggled in the first two games, but Tech’s defensive scheme demands he cover the Pirates’ all-time career receptions leader.
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The last time the Hokies started 0-2 was in 1995, when they finished 10-2. The last time they started 0-3: 1987, Frank Beamer’s first season as head coach. They finished that year 2-9.
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Trivia question (answer later): The first meeting in this series was played in 1956. Where was the game played?
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On the flip side, Randy King made the Hokies -17.5 one of the locks on our handicapping show this week.
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Kyle Tucker, sitting next to me in the press box, just said: “Everything that ECU does well on offense, Tech does poorly on defense.” He picked the Pirates to win 38-31 in The Virginian-Pilot. He couldn’t remember the last time he didn’t pick the Hokies to win. He picked them to beat Boise State in the opener and top Alabama last year.
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The Hokies have not beaten ECU by 18 points or more since 1998 — a span of five meetings.
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Greetings from Blacksburg, where we’re less than an hour away from kickoff of East Carolina-Virginia Tech. Gorgeous afternoon — cloudless sky, comfortable temperature
The Vegas line opened at Tech by 17.5 and now is up to 20.5.
September 18, 2010 - 12:48 PM
It’s hard to believe the Hokies are 20.5 favorites…What does Vegas know that we don’t?
I picked ECU to win this game, 35-17. I do not expect to see anything improve on offense (and yes, I just read Stinespring accepting the blame for the O’s woes). I base this largely on the lack of leadership from Tyrod Taylor. I have been watching some football games, and I have noticed how quarterbacks from other teams are very involved with their lineman, and that’s something I don’t see from Taylor. I do expect for the defense to improve, especially after Bud Foster had lectured his men on the importance of defense.
I wanted to add that I’m glad I don’t gamble because I would have lost money on Tech. Like Jason asked, what does Vegas know that we don’t? They might be hoping that Tech pulls a rabbit out of their Hokies rear end.
I think the O does a little better against the Pirates D, but I still think ECU wins, but I think I took VT in the Fearless Forecasters picks.
Bad start for the D with that first run. Looks a lot like the first 2 games.
Oy, the D just lacks that ‘pop’ from years before. They look slow and slightly confused.
3 and out, yuck.
There is some crappy tackling going on, and that late hit does not help matters.
John, the O still can’t block! Tyrod is still underthrowing and overthrowing. Even Ryan Williams can’t run anymore. It seem that VT is now done for this season.
I was about to compliment the D for third down stops, but then a pass interference, so I rescind that compliment. Ugh. Down 9-0…long day ahead.
Where is everyone else?
Tech needs to score this possession or could be out of the game early.
Trevor, I’m starting to think that. I was watching the GT-UNC game earlier and they look a lot better than VT has been, and after watching the Cincy-NCSU game, I’m inclined to think that VT is playing about as bad as any ACC team at this point, dare i say worse than UVA who held their own against USC.
Not going to score like that, Jack. Absolutely abysmal blocking.
Nice screen pass, but the O-line blocking was still bad, several Pirates got through.
With a run like that…keep Wilson in the game for a while and get him more touches.
The only way for VT to win this ballgame is to keep playing Play Action.
We can thank ECU for the gift of pass interference call. Now lets see if the D can’t get fired up and put some hurt on Davis.
Tech is back in it…interesting to see if there is a momentum switch,or if EC marches again
Actually, NCSU impressed me with their victory over Cincy. I wish that Tyrod was like Russel Wilson, he was involved with his o-line, and kept mixing up the plays. Right now, it seem that every defensive coordinator is simply overloading the left side, forcing Tyrod and company to run to the right where the strong side linebacker is sitting and waiting.
Good drive after a shaky start, and a nice gift by ECU. You’re right Trevor, the D needs to get going though. If ECU keeps waltzing downfield and scoring, I doubt the VT offense can keep up in a shootout. We need some stops and turnovers.
The Wolfpack are going to be a formidable force in the league this year, and a surprising one at that. NC State has typically underwhelmed as a football team going back to Chuck Amato, but maybe they’re finally getting it all together.
Did my eyes deceive me? Did Bud just run a 3-4?
Looks like Bud’s using the 3-3-5 formation.
Man the tackling sucks.
It’s hard for me to tell Trevor, my ESPN3 feed is a little too fuzzy. And more bad tackling.
tackling is still an issue apparently.
Gotta make that first tackle
Same here. I was watching Arkansas vs Georgia, and the feed was crisp and beautiful. I guess that Espn 3 is still tweaking with their feed. I think that Bud is trying to find the right combination to contain the ECU no-huddle spread attack. Very effective for ECU to use…*rolls eyes*
That quick offense is keeping tech on their heels
VT will be screwed if this turns into a shootout. The defense simply can’t stop anything. Tackling is still an issue, and they have done a piss poor job of harassing the quarterback.
The D has got to tackle and make some stops. They look awful out there. Maybe the O needs to just grind it out with running every play and keep the D off the field as much as possible.
Can’t believe I’m saying that, but the D looks like the Achilles heel of this year’s team.
Have they even harassed the QB on a single play yet??
Let the boos begin…
wow…bit off luck there
No kidding, Jack.
getting the fumble back
Aaron, I remember you wrote a column about the year that Tech defense collasped, what year was that?
We got lucky with that fumble, could have ended the game in a hurry…
Another ECU gift there…the didn’t need the facemask to get the sack there.
Now, lets see if the D can make a stop this next drive…
And we capitalized on that.
Grind it out, John, wouldn’t work because of the issue with the left guard and tackle not creating the holes for Ryan Williams to do his magic.
Will they finally stop EC and get in control
Arkansas looking good between the hedges…I was very tempted to sake the Razorbacks in the Dog picking for today, but took the Vols instead.
Yeah Trevor, I know…it’s wishful thinking on my part.
EC shooting itself in the foot
We need an interception to get the momentum going in our favor.
They can’t get any pressure from the D line at all.
Well how about that, a defensive stop.
There we go, got the stop we need, and now we need for Taylor and Company to get a TD.
Heres Techs chance
The front 4 (or 3) isn’t being very physical with the O-line. Losing Jason Worlids has really hurt us this year. He was a nasty pass rusher and we don’t have somebody with that same nastiness.
dont throw an out
Gotta run north-south…they haven’t been able to bounce anything outside this year for the most part.
Nice job keeping it alive for that pass to Wilson.
Uh oh
Now is David Wilson’s chance to shine.
Good scramble.
This drive should give Techs D a rest for next D set
TD Tech..
Nice running by Evans.
Oh, baby!
Pressure is on EC now
The O-line is now finally getting physical, giving the holes for Evans to barrel through, and that was through the LEFT!
Always great to kick deep in the endzone
Well, after that shaky first drive with -2 yards, VT has reeled off 3 nice drives of over 70 yards for TD’s. That’s a very nice effort, so if the D can start consistently stopping ECU…that would be good.
Hammy injury and out for the game, ouch.
Maybe during the rest they can learn how to tackle. Is this the least fundamentally sound defense that we’ve seen in Blacksburg in the past 10 yrs?
EC drivin again
Need a stop right now!
big play here
If I was EC Id play action and throw it in the end zone
What is ECU rated? LOL
Whining about Stinespring is old…Bud’s boys still can’t tackle.
Wish they gave points for touchbacks on kickoffs!
Hech uva play
Got our first sack of the game. Keep the pressure on!
wow!
I missed a bit switching computers. ECU still driving, again. The D has got to do better than this.
watch for a rollout
3 or 4 missed tackles on the “QB Sneak” for 20 yards?
Dang, what is it going to take for the D to lay the smackdown? Maybe Bud ought to put on a pad, jersey, and helmet and play as a linebacker and show how it’s done. LOL.
@Other John – Should have switched games not computers!
ruh ro
And there it was
Is this a “no contact” scrimmage?
lol@ MrHokie…no joke.
I think someone will break out in the second half
The O finally shows life, and the D is as bad as it ever has been.
Lets see if they can get a couple quick strikes and a FG to end the half.
or not
In other games…how about Vandy beating Ole Miss on the road? Yikes.
Nice interview by Frank…”we need to get a couple of stops”. Wow – that should help us in 2nd half. Can’t wait!
GT over NC..been a good game
Jack, who do you think will break out in the 2nd half?
Right now, the offense is actually being physical, creating pocket for Tyrod, and creating running lanes. The defense on the other hand is just terrible.
Aaron, I’m waiting for my answer.
I know that Stinespring is our favorite coaching whipping boy, but this is another DEFENSIVE calamity.
Trevor — the defensive collapse year was 2003. Capped by the infamous Insight Bowl loss to Cal, 52-49.
Do we move up and get a higher draft pick if we don’t win any this season? Sorry, confused my sports there.
Does anyone know if we have a good track team, or if the ladies Softball Team will be good this year?
Perhaps for the first time in a very long time, Bud Foster’s skill and knowledge as a D coordinator cannot overcome youth and inexperience on the D. They just do not seem to have what it takes to be a contender this year for much of anything beyond a middling bowl, and it could take a Herculean effort to even get to that much.
Arkansas is leading over Georgia by a touchdown. I smell an upset.
Mr. Hokie, got check out the VT Hockey team, they’re pretty good every year.
Im not sure,looked like Tech had the big mo for awhile there.But many times these games can be completely different half to half
Mr Hokie — men’s hoops ought to be good, despite the unfortunate loss of Thompson
The first set of downs by Tech will say a lot
The Offense, aside from the first drive, has shown some growth over the first 2 weeks and that’s a good sign, too bad it didn’t happen before last week.
The D continues to regress and look worse with every game, in my opinion. Tackling is not getting better. Pressure on the Qb is not improving, and they still can’t make many stops.
Aaron, that’s it. Thanks, for the info.
Georgia just rumbled into the end zone.
I would hate to be sitting in the locker room with Bud screaming his head off, “tackle, tackle, tackle!” LOL!
I think biggest weakness with the Defense is the front 4. They aren’t getting into Davis’ face enough to force him to throw, and maybe, just maybe, we could actually have a takeaway. I remember few years ago, every game plans for the opposing teams strolling into Lane Stadium was, “Avoid the feeding frenzy.”
Michigan may have a great offense this year and a real Heisman candidate in Robinson…but the D there is attrocious too, given up 30 to UMass.
ECu controlling the clock 18+ minutes is not going to help the D with playing any better, either.
GT beats NC
Has Taylor been throwing more accurately?
Ken, nope. He continues to overthrow and underthrow his receivers. He did connect here and then, but it has mainly been the running game and scrambling that’s keeping us in the game.
On a different subject…did Shaquille ever fight Mosely..I figure the outcome will be like what Ali said about his possible fight with Wilt Chamberlain..He said all you would hear is “Timberrrrrrrrrrr” lol
Arkansas scores with 15 seconds to go to take the lead vs Georgia on the road. First Hog road win in SEC in forever.
Taylor really looked out of whack early but has improved. Just missing on a few of the throws.
First win against UGA on the road in something like more than 20 years or something like that.
I wonder if Logan Thomas would have better success in throwing the ball than Taylor.
Good arm strength by the UGA QB to get it to the end zone on the hail mary, but it was not to be.
And a fumble.
Crap. Turnover.
whoops
David Wilson, please.
EC is due for a turnover
No idea on the Shaq fight though, jack. I never heard.
Ryan, Darren, and now David.
Yea he signed to fight Mosely..all other sports stars want to be boxers,doesnt usually work out too well
Good grief defense, another PI penalty?
Sweet Revenge department:
Big East Conference to Temple–you aren’t good enough..you’re kicked out of our league. Go find somewhere else to play.
Today’s score: Temple 27, UConn 16.
Dumb play by EC back
Maybe the D can get a stop on First and 30?
Keep shooting yourself in the foot, ECU. Maybe Tech will make something out of this.
EC is playing great D against itself
So perhaps a Second and 40 stop? Thanks Pirates.
2nd and 40…3rd and 37. What are the odds?
lol Jack, so there’s the trick…just force ECU to make penalties and the VT Defense looks great!
And they still manage to gain yardage to get to FG range.
Thats all we gotta DO..LOL
Missed a chance for a sack and force a punt.
Way to go D, tough tackling on 20 yard scramble that leads to field goal. We are back! LOL
Vandy up 28-14 at Ole Miss…going to be a long season for the rebels…especially with that Jacksonville State loss.
Thank goodness for ESPN3, so you can watch football at the same time you watch the Hokies.
Oddly enough, they beat Ole Miss on the road the last time they played in 2008 too.
The special team is performing very subpar.
A lot of penaltires on KO..especially in the pros
lol@ Mr Hokie…good one.
OK, that play 6 more times.
Going to have BYU-FSu on ESPNU going, with USC-Minnesota on the PIP…with VT-ECU going on the laptop.
@ Aaron M – what’s the mood of the crowd? Anyone left?
Actually no, UT-Florida and BYU-FSu on the TV.
3rd down and 2, and he throws it?
Why not either do a QB draw or a hand off and get a 1st down, grind down ECU? Dumb call by Stinespring.
How many losses will it take before Beamer or Weaver does something?? 0-10 ??
Peppers, last week, I announced my prediction that I think Tech will go 0-10 this year.
Give the ball to Wilson, he’s shown to have the ability to get positive yards just about every time. Stiney is killing this team with his play calling.
Aaron–just checking–can you feel your fingertips? No aftereffects from last week? Or, perhaps some reaction to the VT defensive play?
Or to their offensive playcalling
It’s looking like VT, playing this way, will go about 4-8. Sad thing is they could theorectically go 5-7 and play for the ACC title. Imagine, a 6-7 VT team with an ACC crown playing for a BCS game. That would be the death knell for the BCS though.
How about that? How about that?
Big chance for Tech now
Looked like it bounced.
The Hokies look like a defeated and demoralized army. Like Neopoleon marching out of Moscow in the knee deep snow.
TOTALLY DEFEATED ! ! !
John, if tech ever goes 6-7 and gets an invitation to play in a bowl, I hope they would be sensible enough to say, “no thanks,” and save themselves the embarrassment.
@Other John – love your optimism – or do you have a drinking problem that you’d rather not get into with a bunch of strangers online?
I’m beginning to think that come gametime for the rest of the year, I may be playing a round at Auburn Hills…lol. Well, except for night games. I don’t like glow-in-the-dark golf balls, and I’d prefer to not be arrested for playing at night anyway…lol.
Need a sustained drive here
lol, no drinking problem…just throwing out an utterly absurd situation that could theoretically happen. I don’t see it though. The way VT is playing, a good high school team would beat them.
Nice drive so far
Look out! Evans and Wilson are on fire!
Some good running there. Very nice.
@Jack – I’ll take a pulse, then a sustained drive!
getting close
Is Foster calling the off. plays now??
Here’s a tangent–Duke/Alabama on the tv now. Does Duke figure that uniforms which look like the Indy Colts will help them play winning football?
Mcguire, looks like it’s Evans and Wilson having a break out right now!
Now, that’s how you play the Hokies Pokies.
OK, hopefully something positive here in the “dead zone”.
TD…great running by Wilson
My call about VT not covering the spread was dead on.
OK. Onsides kick. Please. I can’t watch the D again today.
Yep theyre breaking out,gotta stop EC now
Not sure the Colt-like unis are helping, down 7-0 early.
Make that 13-0, barely more than 3 minutes in.
Pirates watched too much Hokie film this week…acting like us now.
So Bama is winning in their new home of Northeast Tuscaloosa.
oh man
wow
Anyone know whether the stadium is packed, or if a lot of sold tickets were unused?
Now there’s the Defense we all know and love.
Did Stinespring’s (SS) roper dope pay off?? They got tired of scoring on us??
EC has a lot more trouble when in poor field position
Looks like the stands are full. That Hokie fans. THE MOST LOYAL IN THE NATION.
Man Wilson is good. He’s explosive.
Maybe I’ll put the hex on them, but if VT scores, they should go for 2–Big difference between 8 and 9 point lead, less difference betweek 7 and 8.
@Peppers Ferry…amazing, you are right!
Keep putting it in Wilson’s hands.
There we go!
Two scores from the “dead zone” offense…finally.
They shouldn’t throw another pass this game–they are absolutely crushing ECU off the line.
Yea I would have gone for 2
EC is still very dangerous
Two for Wilson and there should be many more if the line and OC can get their act together. Gives the D a break.
No doubt Ken. I would have gone for 2 too, Jack. Would have made it a 2-possession game.
Tech has led in the fourth quarter of each of their first two games, and looks like they will lead here as well. It’s back on the defense…..again.
It’s time for smashmouth to take over like they have always done. Wilson is the man right now, and Evans has done a nice job of running over tacklers. He’s back to his 2008 form.
great kickoff..its good!
Those are some booming kick-offs
We haven’t seen those kind of kick off since Pace was the kicker. He used to kick the ball all the way to West Virginia.
If Tech stops them here they could break it open..
Is this game being telecast anywhere at all, or is it only carried on the ESPN3?
Might be some bars that are streaming it.
Totally unrelated, how many yards do ya’ll think Air Force gets against the Sooners? They’re running for more than 400 ypg, tops in the nation now. I give them 315.
Uh oh aint over yet
Does this page have an update or auto-refresh ?? Doubt it!
Too much for Roke Times
And the awful tackling is back.
huge play
TD!!
SWEETNESS!
There it is…That’s what we needed.
Now I’m starting to have a little bit of faith in this team. They need it going to BC next week. That will be a big test.
Bud Foster got to be damn proud of him. I thought I saw Macho Harris back.
Beautiful tight rope run.
He stayed in…it’s good.
That should do it,but ya never know in College ball
Looks like ECU’s offense has been taking tackling lessons from Foster as well.
Bama’s second home of Northeast Tuscaloosa is doing well for them, up 21-0 with 6 minutes to go in the first quarter.
Since it was 17-7 ECU, VT has outscored them 35-10
And, the spread is now in sight…
Bamas tough
Come’on – can’t we get points for kick offs into the goal posts?
The defense is actually stopping them. Let the feeding frenzy begin!
We may need to score 28 in 4Q to win…
I heard on ESPN that Bama fans bought hundreds or more Duke season tickets at $150 each so that they could go to this game.
Pirates really do think they are Hokies…film fatigue.
They did. Durham had to figure out what to do with hundreds of RV’s. They haven’t had that happen since, well, ever.
Total yards in Durham in first 9 minutes of the game: Alabama 230, Duke 8
ECs hangin in
Not much of a push on the 4th down effort there.
INT! Carmichael again.
wow..big disadvantage when they know you gotta pass
That’s what I’m talking about! Harass the QB and you will be rewarded!
Nice pick.
WOW!
The parties over..lol
And the Hokies Pokies continue!
Maybe VT does cover the spread after all.
What a turnaround by this team after falling behind by 10. This is more like it!
Oxygen is now flowing back into room.
I swear, if Carmichael didn’t have his helmet on, Bud Foster would had laid a big juicy kiss on his lips! Man, that’s what I’m talking about. Maybe Mount St. Bud need to erupt once in a while to get the D to wake up, and then the O get that smashmouth thing going. Man! Player of the Game, David Wilson.
Never thought they’d cover a 20 point spread. Game’s not over yet, but still….
Ther kicker has a big role in this win..Its like eliminating a play when you kick it in the zone
The Defense looks totally different now. They’ve still missed some tackles, but they’re making plays now…and that’s a huge change.
When EC got all those penalties on the 13 they reversed the momentum
Did we just tackle on first contact on TWO straight plays?
ECU is now in meltdown mode.
Great win for the Hokies. The offense looked much better after they shook off that first drive, and the defense started making some great plays in the second half. They were a completely different team after falling behind early, and that’s encouraging because I never would have guessed VT could come from behind, let alone hang 49 on a team. That’s more like the hokie football I expected coming into this season. If they can keep playing like that, they actually stand a chance of having a good overall season despite the rough start. next week will be a solid test of the will of this year’s team. If they decidedly beat BC on the road, I look for VT to put up 6 or 7 ACC wins and contend for the division. I just hope the VT we saw in the first 2 weeks and first part of today’s game is gone for good.
This is the start of a winning streak to pound the Pirates. They made them look silly. We dont need Williams we have Morgan and Evans. I knew when Beamer said Tyrod was prefect in practice this preseason he would be great. He said he was like 16-17 400 yds. The ACC is in the bag.
Don’t get too many high hopes there Tech fans..For a team that lost its first two games by shooting themselves in the foot,, looked pretty bad both on O and on D in the first half of this game. Now its on the road for two and one will be a sure loss . If NC State plays like they did this past Thursday against Cincy, then the Hokies better look out. As for BC thats up in the air right now.They (BC) will have a week plus off to prepare. It will be interesting. I say tech with 5 losses this year is where it will be. Forget winning the ACC at all.
NewTech Fan you will fit right in with your Blacksburg brothers. Tech didn’t “pound” anyone today. This was way more of a ballgame than it should have been and the final score doesn’t indicate how close it was. I’m guessing you think you guys can still win the National Championship now too huh?
Interesting trivia bit Aaron, I never would have thought Bluefield.
For me to feel really good about this team, they need to show what they did in the second half of today’s game for both the BC and NC State games, throughout. If they do, they I’ll feel very good about their chances this year. If they falter like the first 2 games and first half of ECU, then they’ll struggle for a winning record. Today could have either been the turning point, or a brief flash of what this season could be, but won’t be.
And just to clarify, for me the ‘chances’ are for them to contend for the ACC title. Obviously, they’re not winning a national title. But if they can keep it together and keep improving, the ACC is wide open and they certainly have the talent required to win it. Time will tell. I feel optimistic, but I’m also a realist. Keep showing me something on the field and I’ll believe the odds are there.
Greg. I Think we will win out. ACC Champs again BCS game if we win out. I seen the light today. This team is peaking at the right time.
So NewTech Fan they are peaking at after the third game of the season? You better hope not. That would mean trouble ahead.
OJ is right the ACC is wide open and any of the schools could win the league. That’s not saying much though because they all are playing like crap right now. And the only reason the ACC champ will get a BCS game this year is because it’s in the contract. Believe me, if the BCS bowls could take an extra SEC or Big Ten team they would in a heartbeat.
No doubt OG, this is yet another year where the ACC is lucky that the BCS has an obligation to grant a spot to the ACC, otherwise the ACC would not get one of those bowls.
If any of the pre-season hyped teams could simply play up to the expectations, the ACC might be taken seriously as a football conference. But every year, they fail to do so and the ACC is laughed at for football.