2011.12.06
Tuesday: What, me apologize?
“NEVER!” SAYS FRANK BEAMER, or at least not for getting invited to the Sugar Bowl. As Andy Bitter details here, the Virginia Tech coach is tuning out the critics who say the Hokies didn’t deserve the bid. “I don’t think we have to apologize to anyone,” Beamer says. “When you’re the winningest football team since 1995, I don’t think there’s any apologies necessary. When you’re the only team to have won 10 games [eight] straight [years], the only team in the country to do that, yeah, I don’t think there’s an apology necessary. When you’ve been to 19 straight bowl games, I don’t think there’s an apology necessary.”
I THINK THAT’S THE RIGHT APPROACH, although at some point I’d like to see Beamer own this nonconference schedule. Won’t happen — he hasn’t publicly admitted its weakness all year — but as my column today argues, it’s a big reason they’re where they are. Celebrate your savvy.
-UVa coach Mike London says he’s thrilled his seniors will have a chance to play in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Doug has more here.
I voted for Andrew Luck, who's one of five Heisman finalists.
-Heisman finalists are announced: Montee Ball, Wisconsin; Robert Griffin III, Baylor; Andrew Luck, Stanford; Tyrann Mathieu, LSU; Trent Richardson, Alabama.
-I voted Luck first, Richardson second and USC QB Matt Barkley third. Fire away!
-Boise State coach Chris Petersen is “tired” of the BCS. “I think the best model is something like the basketball guys do,” he said. “Where you get a committee who is ranking these teams all throughout the year, and every week you see where they are. Maybe it’s halfway through the season you start ranking them and things just fall out. Like we said, ranking them early makes no sense. Then you pare the bowls down, there’s too many bowls, and then you play a “plus-one.” You get the top four teams, and it’s still subjective, but at least it’s closer. Right now nothing makes any sense.”
BASEBALL
(All from MLB.com.)
-Ron Santo is elected to the Hall of Fame.
Heath Bell signs with the Marlins.
-Jerry Hairston Jr. inks with the Dodgers.
-The Angels are increasing their pursuit of C.J. Wilson.
-Albert Pujols’ agent meets with the Marlins.
-Keep up with all the hot stove action at this handy site.
Mrs. Garrett could not believe the clock management from her son, Jason. OK, I don't think they're related. But they should be.
-Chargers whip Jaguars, 38-14.
-Cowboys coach Jason Garrett defends his shoddy clock management skills.
READER COMMENT O’ THE DAY
-Great discussion from everyone yesterday; one of those days where it’s hard to pick one. Let’s go with Tommy Fife’s take on Tech’s surprise BCS invite: Sugar Bowl CEO Paul Hoolahan explained his rationale pretty clearly – and we’ve provided the helpful translation (in parenthesis) from bowlspeak to plain English:
“I think Virginia Tech … will perform extremely well (in terms of buying up its allotted tickets),” Hoolahan said. “I think that’s a team that will be a great performer (on Bourbon Street food and beverage sales) for us.
“Obviously, it was a difficult decision (trying to tally the number of K-State and Boise State fans). … In the final analysis, we just felt the two teams we have chosen really give us in the long run the best opportunity to put together a matchup that will provide a very exciting football game (even if it’s 45-0, as long as the no vacancy signs are hanging from the French Quarter to Metairie and you can’t get a reservation at Commander’s Palace).”
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
-Harvard cracks the AP top 25 for the first time.
-Virginia hosts George Mason at 7 p.m. today (ESPN3.com)
HOCKEY
-The NHL is moving to a four-conference alignment.
"Let it flow like a mudslide..."
Just plug me in just like I was Eddie Harris
You’re eating crazy cheese like you would think I’m from Paris
You know I get fly, you think I get high
You know that I’m gone and I’mma tell you all why
So tell me: who are you dissing? Maybe I’m missing
The reason that you’re smiling or wilding so listen
In my head I just wanna take ‘em down
Imagination set loose and I’m gonna shake ‘em down
Let it flow like a mudslide
When I get on I like to ride and glide
I’ve got depth of perception in my text y’all
I get props at my mention ’cause I vex y’all
Congratulation to Harvard for cracking the Top 25. Nerd power!
I don’t blame Petersen for his sentiment. Pat Forde wrote a column at Yahoo! Sports blasting the Sugar Bowl for picking Tech and Michigan over K-State and Boise State. Granted, Forde supports Boise State and calls everybody who didn’t support Boise State Snobs. I like the fact he doesn’t shy away from criticizing the CEO of the Mardi Gras Bowl. Dan Wetzel pretty much says the BCS is holding the football game hostage with an all-S.E.C. Championship game.
It seem to me the BCS is doing their damnedest to keep Boise State out of the BCS after the Broncos had the gall to beat Oklahoma and TCU in lucrative bowl games.
It’s interesting that NHL is adopting the NFL’s conference alignment using 4 divisions. Not that I follow hockey in any way.
Comment by Trevor — December 6, 2011 @ 8:19 am
Boise State is on the outside looking in. So the crying towel comes out and the pity party begins. I guess forgotten in it all is that the Sugar Bowl has every right to invite whoever they want to withinthe rules.
While is it possible to gear up for a big game like Oklahoma, TCU, Georgia, and VT, playing teams like that every week I don’t thing Boise would have that shining record. In fact, if they were in the SEC and had to play the likes of Bama, LSU, and Arkansas and the rest I am guessing they would be a 6-6 or 7-5 team. The injuries would mount.
Boise needs to move on. And get some cheese with that whine.
Comment by Bob H — December 6, 2011 @ 8:33 am
This describes how low our sports system has sunk, Clemson beats the bazoo out of VT twice and they end up with a worse bowl game than VA Tech. VT did not beat a team that ended up in the top 25.
I fully realize and accept that outside of the championship game, bowls are entitled to select the matchups they feel will sell the most tickets and draw the most eyeballs. But don’t insult our intelligence, Paul Hoolahan. Which do you think the country would rather watch: Michigan vs. Virginia Tech or Michigan vs. Boise State? And while Hokies fans will certainly travel, they won’t travel in greater numbers than fans of Boise or 10-2 Kansas State, the team widely expected to take that last spot — and the team more deserving of the honor.
The Sugar Bowl had first choice of at-large teams to replace LSU and was well known to covet Michigan. Fair enough. The Fiesta then took Stanford, at which point the Sugar again had its choice of available teams. Its options: No. 7 Boise State, in the last game of Kellen Moore’s career; No. 8 Kansas State and the possibility of Bill Snyder’s first BCS bowl in eight years; or No. 11 Virginia Tech, which, with all due respect to Frank Beamer, did not beat a single team that finished in the Top 25, got blown out both times it faced Clemson and played one of the least impressive nonconference schedules of any team in the country (Appalachian State, East Carolina, Arkansas State and Marshall).
Why, Hoolahan? Why?
“I think Virginia Tech has proven over the years the caliber of football team that they are,” he said. “Frank Beamer is obviously one of the winningest active coaches in the FBS right now. … I think he’s going to perform extremely well. I think that team will be a great performer for us.”
So to be clear: Virginia Tech is playing in this year’s Sugar Bowl because of what it did … before this year. Got it.
The truth is, commissioners from all potential parties were likely lobbying hard in the final hours. Boise State probably had no chance, both because Mountain West boss Craig Thompson is the sport’s only openly pro-playoff commissioner and because Big Ten commish Jim Delany wants nothing to do with the Broncos. But why not Kansas State? You’d have to ask Hoolahan. Maybe Snyder’s .657 career winning percentage just didn’t cut it.
So the Big 12, universally rated as the nation’s top conference, gets one BCS bid, while the ACC — for the first time ever — gets two. Congrats, ACC. And how’s this for ridiculous: For beating the Hokies twice and winning its conference, Clemson gets to play No. 23 West Virginia in Miami, while Virginia Tech backdoors its way into a game against Denard Robinson and No. 13 Michigan. Lovely.
Comment by Harvey B. — December 6, 2011 @ 8:39 am
I can’t blame Boise St. for being ticked off. What we have to remember is the primary reason bowl games were and are started is to boost the local economies. Bringing people to town in the winter to fill hotels, restaurants and shops is a big money maker for these areas. As time has gone on the fans and the media has placed more importance on these games, but the people who put them on are in it to make money. It makes the world go round.
Too bad Ron Santo won’t be around for his HoF induction.
I think Richardson will win the Heisman. I was hoping it would be Griffin until I heard him tooting his own horn in an interview the other night.
I hope Pujols does not take his talents to South Beach. Even with a new stadium I don’t think the Marlins will draw well after the newness wears off. I think guaranteeing $100 mil to an injury prone guy like Reyes was a big mistake.
Break up the Dodgers. Jerry Hairston Jr…….WOW!!
Comment by justafan — December 6, 2011 @ 8:45 am
This gift to Virginia Tech will hopefully provide some incentive for Beamer and his coaches to go back to the drawing board and figure out how to do some effective coaching for a change. If they could somehow, miraculously come up with a win over Michigan, then this would certainly give them a little bit of credibility in the eyes of the sports nation. But if they lose this game and more importantly, if they lose like they did to Clemson, then the sports nation will be calling for Beamer’s head. This will be a further disaster to the BCS system if this game ends up being a bust, even if the hotels and casinos are full in the Big Easy.
Comment by Hank — December 6, 2011 @ 8:46 am
Oy. No Griffin in your top 3? I mean…I know people vote certain ways for certain reasons, but wow.
Long-live the typical pro-style pocket passer!!
Comment by Ryan — December 6, 2011 @ 8:48 am
Sports business Darren Rovell has gone on record saying that the economic argument doesn’t justify the Sugar Bowl picking VT over either Boise St or Kansas St. Boise traveled their entire city to the Fiesta Bowls, and they’re arguably a more intriguing draw for casual TV viewers. It was also common knowledge that the Orange Bowl was hoping VT would lose because Tech had failed to sell its ticket allotment in 2 of its past 3 trips to Miami & because Clemson had not been there in 30 years.
Comment by RP — December 6, 2011 @ 8:52 am
My personal theory is to follow the money…all the way back to ESPN. ESPN’s 4 biggest NCAA properties are the BCS, SEC, ACC and Big 10. It’s not surprising to me that another ACC team gets an invite to the Sugar Bowl at the expense of a Mountain West team or a Big 12 team.
Comment by RP — December 6, 2011 @ 8:56 am
Harvey, The bowl officials are not morons. Regardless of your opinion, neither Boise St. or Kansas St. has travelled well in the past. As I mentioned earlier, these folks want people in hotel rooms.
As far a Clemson being in a lessor bowl, there was no other option with the ACC/Orange Bowl tie-in. Look at the big picture. The Hokies going to the Sugar Bowl will benefit the entire ACC due to revenue sharing. I’m sure the AD’s at all the other schools are thrilled about the Hokies invitation. Duke, BC, Miami and Maryland will be staying home but they’ll still get a couple mil from the other teams going to bowls and they don’t have to take expenses out of their shares. Last time I heard a bowl trip can cost a school around a million dollars.
Comment by justafan — December 6, 2011 @ 8:57 am
How about them communist?! Or how a +1 to socialism? Didn’t make it to any bowl game? No problem, we have VT and Clemson going to bring the lion share for you all, and enjoy the benefit of dividing the spoil from the rich.
Comment by Trevor — December 6, 2011 @ 9:06 am
1) Orange Bowl is not “inferior” to Sugar Bowl. I say that as a New Orleans native. Same money.
2) Why is everyone so comfortable with Michigan as a pick? Why is it “fair enough” to covet them? They didn’t win their division, their division champion didn’t win its league. It’s a starved fan base from a big, cold state that will watch the game on TV. Nothing there about football prowess.
3) Kansas State lost by 41 to Oklahoma. And, their non conference schedule was Kent State, Eastern Kentucky and Miami. Not exactly Murderer’s Row.
3A) Baylor lost by 23 to Iowa State (6-6) and 35 to Oklahoma State. Non conference schedule: TCU, Stephen F Austin, Rice.
4) Harvey, Hokie fans will indeed travel better to New Orleans than would Boise State fans. There are more of them, they are closer, and they have shown they travel. Kansas State has historically been a weaker traveling team. Don’t kid yourself–the bowl committees take that information very seriously, and they are very unlikely to let that evaluation be tainted by emotion.
5) As for Boise having the gall to beat Oklahoma and TCU (although that was not in a BCS game), unfortunately they once again had the gall to miss makeable field goals. There has never been a one-loss team from a non major conference that has made the BCS games.
Other than the 1 v 2 game, bowl games are put together for economic reasons–cities host bowl games to attract visitors and tv eyeballs, not because they are altruistically seeking to reward players.
The idea that this is some sort of cabal is tin foil hat conspiracy talk. I’m not saying it’s “fair” in an on-field sense, but every year we get the same indignant discussions. The system is what it is, and, this year, for once, the ACC and VT wound up on the upper side, the Big 12 on the lower side.
Comment by ken — December 6, 2011 @ 9:16 am
Trent Richardson will win the Heisman because of the relentless hype promoting him by ESPN. They have determined that the Heisman should go to the star skill player on a team contending for the BCS title, and manipulate the hype for that player until enough of the ESPN sycophants among the sports media buy into that pablum.
Comment by abdnva — December 6, 2011 @ 9:16 am
From Yahoo sports yesterday..off so true…!!!
The presence of Virginia Tech in a BCS bowl is an absolute, complete and utter travesty. The Sugar Bowl should be ashamed of itself for taking the Hokies over more deserving candidates Boise State and Kansas State.
What did Virginia Tech do to deserve its bid? It played three games against ranked teams – and lost two of them, by a combined 48 points. The lone victory was against Georgia Tech, a team that was No. 21 at the time but resides well outside all top 25s now.
Aside from the Yellow Jackets, here’s who the Hokies beat to earn their bid: Appalachian State, East Carolina, Arkansas State, Marshall, Miami, Wake Forest, Boston College, Duke, North Carolina and Virginia. They beat nobody ranked higher than 45th in Jeff Sagarin’s computer ratings.
Boise State, meanwhile, pounded Georgia (No. 16 in the final BCS standings) by two touchdowns in a de facto road game. The Broncos’ lone loss was by a single point to No. 18 TCU.
Kansas State played four ranked teams and split those games, defeating Baylor and Texas and losing to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. The Wildcats’ schedule is ranked 10th-toughest in America by Sagarin, while Virginia Tech’s is 56th.
But Tech gets the Sugar Bowl reward, while Kansas State goes to the Cotton Bowl to play Arkansas and Boise State is shuffled off to the Las Vegas Bowl to play an Arizona State team that fired its coach. Ridiculous.
Comment by proof reader — December 6, 2011 @ 9:19 am
Justafan, It shouldn’t be about How many people you can bring to the party, it should be about who actually earned it. Do away with the BCS and 2/3 of the bowls, keep the 6-7 teams out. Most of the lower bowls are money losers anyway. Make it that a team needs 7 wins minimum, and and start a 8 to 10 team play off. This is as Pat Forde said, Ridiculous..!!!
Comment by proof reader — December 6, 2011 @ 9:26 am
Revenues are shared AFTER expenses for the bowl trip; therefore, expenses don’t eat into attendees allotment, per se. This, arguably, could be the most pressure ever on Beamer and his staff. He’s not only representing VT, but the ACC and the Sugar Bowl committee. Odds are not in his favor.
Comment by Rick — December 6, 2011 @ 9:27 am
It humors me to see how many are critical on here of the Sugar selection of VaTech, while none of those same posters have criticized the selection of Michigan by the Sugar Bowl. If you folks are so bent about it, why not shout for a VaTech v. Boise State matchup? Or even a Boise State v. Kansas State matchup?
No, it’s just that you’re choking on those bitter grapes from seeing VaTech lose the ACC Championship game, only to be rewarded for that loss by getting a better bowl than if they’d won the game. That is the real crux of it. That is what bothers you so much, not that another team should go to New Orleans. Because there are at least ten other bowls this year where the same argument could be made, yet nobody on here mentions that.
No, you folks are just mad that the Hokies lost, and got a better reward than if they’d won. To that, I say… well, just watch the clip…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmRe_fK7pbw
Comment by abdnva — December 6, 2011 @ 9:29 am
Trevor, actually the NHL is reverting back to what MLB was before the current incarnation. They’ll have 2 leagues, each with 2 divisions. 2 of the divisions will have 8 teams, the other 2 will have 7. It’s to help balance the geography within the divisions better to reduce overall travel…needed since Atlanta moved to Winnipeg. The east coast teams will have to travel a bit more, but central/west teams will travel less. I’ll be interested to see how it goes, but Detroit GM Ken Holland was happy with the prospective changes.
Comment by Other John — December 6, 2011 @ 9:34 am
Sorry, I misspoke…there won’t be any divisions, just 4 conferences…with 2 at 7 and 2 at 8 teams. At least this re-alignment makes more sense than conference changes in college football!
Comment by Other John — December 6, 2011 @ 9:36 am
Just a few thoughts:
1. Frank Beamer himself believes that Boise St. and Kansas St. are better teams than Va Tech. See his USA Today Coaches Poll picks. “Deserving” the invitation to the Sugar Bowl is another thing all together. Tech qualified and is viewed very favorably by the Sugar Bowl committee. Done deal.
2. The BCS exists to put the best two teams in the national championship game and to generate revenue for top performing schools. If anyone has a problem with that concept, then you have to question a system that allows the schools that invest the most cash, build the best facilities, and therefore consistently recruit the best talent. Alabama and LSU have each recruited top 6 classes for the last 4 years. Virginia Tech has averaged 23rd during that time.
3. Having been to 3 Sugar Bowls and 2 Orange Bowls it is very apparent to me why Tech doesn’t travel well to the Orange Bowl. It is a terrible venue for a bowl game compared to the Sugar Bowl. Once you have had a taste of New Orleans football, everything else seems boring.
Comment by TexasHokie — December 6, 2011 @ 9:39 am
I agree justafan. I don’t care if it’s justified or not. I’m glad the ACC got another BCS bid because it helps all of us. And again as a college football fan I would rather see FSU vs ND, VT vs Michigan, UVA vs Auburn, and UNC vs. Missouri. I think all those schools match up well with each other. Normally I could care less about the bowl games but this year the match ups have me interested.
AM you’re speaking my language again with the lyrics. Watcha Want by the Beastie Boys is a classic tune. I got to see them in Orlando one time at an underground club. It was a crazy experience for sure.
Comment by Original Greg — December 6, 2011 @ 9:41 am
So Whatcha Want – Beastie Boys
Should Beamer apologize for being selected by the BCS? Heck no. Should he apologize for getting whooped by Clemson TWICE this season? Yes. And if history is any indication, Beamer should start coming up with his “Aw shucks, we tried really hard” comments after VaTech gets whooped by Michigan.
Comment by Willis — December 6, 2011 @ 9:42 am
Intelligent commentary. Why aren’t you people on the political blogs?
Comment by RW — December 6, 2011 @ 9:44 am
Harvey,
The top conference is not the Big 12 it is the SEC. The Big 10 is the oldest conference and has allure and appeal to much of the country because of that. The Big 12 lost alot when it lost Nebraska. Which, got tired of the B12 dog and pony show with Texas as well as getting legitimately screwed by the conference in the championship game against Texas which was the final straw on Nebraska saying bye.
RP,
You can’t just go by bowl allotments that the school sells. Not when there are so many other outlets to buy tickets. Hokie fans attend. They just don’t always buy the tickets through the school.
I hope UVA sends alot of people to Atlanta. Historically they haven’t travelled well.
Comment by Bob H — December 6, 2011 @ 10:12 am
So Whatcha Want – Beastie Boys
Comment by Dave E — December 6, 2011 @ 10:20 am
According to the ACC website regarding revenue sharing..it states that all profits from bowls be divided. ..in order for it to be a profit the bowl would have to payout more than what it cost to take the team to it…so everyone gets a share after the trip is paid for….and I will be pulling for all the acc schools.
Comment by The truth hurts — December 6, 2011 @ 10:25 am
Brilliant justafan. Bring in the bucks and leave the best teams out of it.
Comment by Jarod — December 6, 2011 @ 10:40 am
Ahhh the Miami Marlins are about to put together a team that wins the World Series.
Comment by Uptheriver — December 6, 2011 @ 10:50 am
No mention of the other( you can’t fix stupid ) Busch brother’s firing.Call it what you want there Kurt,but you got the ax son ..
Kyle and Kurt,two talented drivers yet they think they are bigger than the sport,glad their respective team owners and sponsors have said ” enough is enough.” Kyle still has a ride but you have to believe he is on Joe Gibb’s short leash.Now ,Kurt has time for his drag racing gig.
Comment by The Orrie — December 6, 2011 @ 10:56 am
I agree with you, RP, on following the money back to ESPN. I also wish there were a viable competitor for them. It’d be nice to have more options for sports opinion on TV.
So Whatcha Want, by the Beastie Boys. You can’t front on that!
Comment by Marjo — December 6, 2011 @ 11:01 am
Let’s start this off by saying that I’m a VT fan, graduated from Tech, when I lived closer had season tickets cheer for Tech every time they take the field or the court or the mat or whatever. I thank Coach Beamer for the improvements he has brought to the program. BUT the program is stuck on a plateau that it won’t climb above until they start recruiting great players instead of good players, until they start considering bowl games as showcases instead of rewards, until the coaches quit choking in the big games. Try stepping out of your “footprint” to recruit. I’ve been to Oklahoma and east Texas and people talk about VT. I’ve been told many times that VT and Alabama are the only teams east of the Mississippi River they’ll watch because they are the only teams in the east that play football the way it should be played. You could start there but it’s gotten to the point where you’re going to have to prove something by beating Michigan first. Based on the recent history of Boise, Alabama, Clemson and Stanford that will be difficult. Does Tech still have the will power to make a statement?
Comment by Steve — December 6, 2011 @ 11:11 am
The powers that be have shown a great deal of intelligence with their bowl selections. This is good for Tech, UVA, the ACC, the BCS, and the state of Virginia. National exposure, win or lose, can only help recruiting for ACC schools and all of their athletic programs. Look at the coaches in the ACC Football programs, the league is on the way up and the inclusion of VT into the conference has been a win-win for everyone.
Frank Beamer should be lauded for his program and accomplishments, not critized by some sports writer trying to stir up controversy for a column in the local paper.
Comment by Blue John — December 6, 2011 @ 11:23 am
The amusing thing, at least to me, is that 48 hours ago the entire VT fan base was resigned to the Chi-Fil-A Bowl, and everyone that I talked with at church on Sunday was FINE with it, based on Saturday night’s “contest”.
Now it seems that those same people have convinced themselves that they earned the Sugar Bowl bid. Some people on here have got it right, talking about the fan base and other (non-football) reasons for the bid.
But regardless, I don’t think it needs any additional justification. Just enjoy it & hopefully beat Michigan. Lord knows that VT has been left out enough times in the past (at least in basketball)…
Comment by RP — December 6, 2011 @ 11:28 am
No offense Aaron, pass my comments on to Andy if you like. He’s the newbie anyway.
Comment by Blue John — December 6, 2011 @ 11:28 am
“Intelligent commentary. Why aren’t you people on the political blogs?”
I think you answered your own question!
Comment by hokie24 — December 6, 2011 @ 11:29 am
The Orrie is back! Awesome take on the Brothers Busch. I’ve heard the Gibbs is going to limit Kyle on the number of events he participates in outside of the cup car. This may open up his Nationwide ride for his brother.
Comment by Original Greg — December 6, 2011 @ 11:33 am
Willis – you are right on the money with the “aw shucks” comments. A lot of the Hokie fans would like Beamer to do some apologizing and explaining about this horrible display of a game Saturday night. We’ll take the Bowl game, undeservedly as it is, because it is the system that we have. But our coaching staff leaves a lot to be desired at this point and they just don’t seem to care. It is almost like, “just get us to the big Bowl game and we will party and have a good time. We don’t care if we win the game or not, we will have some lamebrain explanation for it later.”
Comment by Hokie65 — December 6, 2011 @ 11:53 am
Folks, let’s face it!!……….The current BCS system and the NCAA as a whole, is a joke – plain and simple!! and they have proven that it is “ALL ABOUT THE MONEY BABY”!
College football is the only collegiate sport does NOT have a tournament???….Why?….Because “MONEY TALKS” and “you know the rest”!!!
I believe it is corrupt, there are far too many bowls and every year there are teams that will be left out and dealt with unfairly………..WHEN WILL THE BIGWIGS AND ESPN DO THE RIGHT THING!!…..There needs to some kind of playoff system, even if the BCS is involved, so that teams left out each year can settle it in a place that is fair – ON THE FIELD!!
A “PLUS ONE” system where at least the top four or maybe even eight teams, play a quarter final or a semi-final game and the winners play for the championship!!.
All I know is SOMETHING needs to be done and I am “SICK TO MY STOMACH” in regards to the corrupt BCS system and just the thought of seeing a “REMATCH” of LSU vs Alabama……it is simply ridiculous and I, for one, will NOT watch!!!
Comment by JAY — December 6, 2011 @ 12:17 pm
So, it’s ok for Boise State to miss a field goal and lose by 1 to TCU, and not being selected for the BCS; while Tech got thumped 23-3, and 38-10 by Clemson and invited to a prestigious bowl game? How so very logical.
*stand up and applaud*
On the bright side of thing, at least Danny Coale prove he can consistently punt the football over 40 yards. That had to be the best special team performance by VT all season long beside the UVA game.
Wow, I am so relieved that Beamer finally figure out the special team woe. Whew, there is hope after all.
Comment by Trevor — December 6, 2011 @ 12:23 pm
HOW IN THE HELL DOES A TEAM “PAD” THEIR SCHEDULES WITH THE LIKES OF, “MARSHALL”, “EAST CAROLINA”, “APPALACHIAN STATE” and lets not forget that powerhouse of a football mecca “ARKANSAS STATE” and make it to a BCS game!! – THE SUGAR BOWL HEAD HONCHO “MR. HOLLIGAN” (deliberately spelled wrong), SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES!!!!
AND LET’S NOT FORGET THAT VA TECH DID NOT EVEN WIN THEIR ACC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP!?!….IN FACT, THEY WERE SLAUGHTERED AND HUMILATED ON NATIONAL TELEVISION 38-10 BY CLEMSON!!
AND THEIR REWARD IS THE SUGAR BOWL??…..A BCS INVITE??…….ARE YOU KIDDING??…..
WHAT A JOKE COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAS BECOME………I AM SADDENED AND “SICKENED” BY IT ALL………..DISGUSTING!!
Comment by JAY — December 6, 2011 @ 12:24 pm
So Suh let the other shoe drop. He should be up for the Fleishman Trophy. He has foot faulted himself into game, set and match that he has forgotten where he came from. His team had a playoff shot and he is only hurting it by not playing. Detroit had enough problems before he came to town.
Comment by Ralph — December 6, 2011 @ 12:32 pm
proofreader and Jarod, You’re angry about the way it should be, I’m telling you how it is. With the present system you will never have all of the best teams. Go back and look, almost every year someone more deserving is left out. In 2000 it was Virginia Tech. As a Hokie Hater you’re just upset VT was selected. The only way to get the best teams in the best bowls is to have a playoff system. I’d love to see it but right now I don’t see that happening. What the coaches want doesn’t matter. It’s up to the college presidents to make it happen and so far the majority of them have been dead set against it.
Comment by justafan — December 6, 2011 @ 12:39 pm
I hear Larry Fedora is the new HC at UNC.
I have one of his hats. I guess UNC is keeping a lid on this for now.
Comment by Bob H — December 6, 2011 @ 12:43 pm
Aaron, I’ll agree with you, and I’ll disagree with you today. Just like Frank doesn’t need to apologize for the Sugar invite, I see absolutely no reason why he, or anybody else at VT, should “own” or apologize for the non-conference schedule.
Crap happens. Did Tech deliberately schedule a week OOC schedule this year? No, because it just happens sometimes. Only a handful of people know the dynamics of what goes into getting schedules done, non-conference ones in particular, when you are dealing with limited slots available with desirable teams and limited dates that may line up with those limited game possibilities.
Tech had Syracuse lined up for 2010-11 at one point, and something changed that, not that Syracuse was all that this year, but perhaps they were when it was originally contracted. They also had some other team back out on them for the same time period – Auburn. Syracuse actually slid into the slots Auburn backed out on.
Auburn ditched Tech prior to the schedule expanding to 12 games, because they claimed they needed to have all OOC home games, couldn’t/wouldn’t do a return. Schedule rules change to allow 12 games, and they marry up with Clemson, right away, but Tech had moved on.
Tech has played its share of strong OOC games, nobody can deny that, but there are so many forces at play, sometimes it just works out to be a bad schedule.
It may have even looked good when it was put together, but the teams then went south.
Nobody has to apologize for not having a crystal ball and the magical powers to force others to do what you want them to do.
Over the long haul, playing teams out of conference like Alabama, LSU, Texas A&M, Ohio State (upcoming), Wisconsin (upcoming, but should have occurred earlier, Bret Belima wanted to delay it), Boise State, WVU – Tech has no apologies to make.
Comment by Rick H. — December 6, 2011 @ 12:53 pm
Wowza, guys. Bringing the hammer down today! Sorry, weekly bowling league (blame Doug) has kept me from computer. Let me catch up and chime in here.
Comment by Aaron McFarling — December 6, 2011 @ 1:29 pm
Proof Reader posted the following, which is a repost from Yahoo Sports:
“Boise State, meanwhile, pounded Georgia (No. 16 in the final BCS standings) by two touchdowns in a de facto road game. The Broncos’ lone loss was by a single point to No. 18 TCU.”
My problem with the Boise contrast here is that their schedule is as soft as Tech’s is alleged to be.
I think Bill Roth, voice of the Hokies, makes some great points in his most recent Roth Report: “The bowl system is certainly flawed, and national pundits will point to Tech’s inclusion in the BCS as an example of politics and will further suggest teams shouldn’t get bowl bids based on decades-long success.
Umm, that’s the way college football has always been. Powerhouse programs that pack their stadiums, win 10-plus games each year and have a Hall of Fame coach on the sidelines play in major bowls.”
Read the rest here: http://www.hokiesports.com/rothreport/recaps/20111206aaa.html
Comment by Lori — December 6, 2011 @ 1:39 pm
A funny thing happened, I think it was sometime in the mid ’70′s, I’m not sure, I was very young then. But some enterprising athletic director realized that people would pay lots of money for seats and concessions to see two of the nations best teams play a children’s game for an imaginary title. Following this, another AD realized that those very same people would pay those very same dollars to see a game between two slightly lesser teams playing for an equally imaginary, though less prestigious title… and they told a friend… and they told a friend… and so on.. and so on.. and so on… and that my children is the story of Holiday Bowl season, and if you think really, really hard, the answer to why everything that is being debated on every media outlet including this one carries any importance at all. Happy Holidays!
Comment by Dan — December 6, 2011 @ 1:43 pm
OK, a few quick replies:
Bob H – Credit to you, sir! Two quality hat puns and no mention of Greenberg. Don’t worry, though. We’re almost to Greenberg season (just messing with you Bob H – I really do like the hat puns.)
Ryan – Yeah, I’m starting to regret my RG3 omission. If I had it to do over again, he replaces Barkley.
Uptheriver – Cubs fans have to be incensed that the Marlins have won two already!
The Orrie – Welcome back!
Marjo, Dave E, Willis – Good song nailage. Beastie Boys it is.
Trevor – Good point about the punting. That’s being overlooked.
Rick H – I really don’t think we disagree here.
RW – Agree that this blog crowd’s been phenomenal the past few days. But why aren’t we on political blogs? We’re WAAAAYYY too busy breaking down important stuff.
Ken – Good point on Michigan.
Comment by Aaron McFarling — December 6, 2011 @ 1:48 pm
HERE’S TO THE HOPE THAT MIGHIGAN WILL BEAT VA TECH IN THE SUGAR BOWL…………IT WOULD BE FITTING FOR THE “DOKIES” TO END THE SEASON WITH BACK-TO-BACK LOSSES………!!……………THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INVITED ANYWAY!!
Comment by JAY — December 6, 2011 @ 1:51 pm
I went back to 1995 and the bragging of 10 win seasons. What I found out was what I thought. Do this yourself. You can get it from the va. tech past seasons. What I found was that tech averaged 4.176 cupcakes a year. Don’t beleive it, check it out. All this stuff being the winningest team since 1995 is laughable. Boise did get the shaft. The Moore kid was fun to watch and all he did was beat all the big dogs when he played them.
Comment by Tiger #1 — December 6, 2011 @ 2:05 pm
I’m glad that Tech is in the Sugar Bowl. Yes, I agree that Coach Beamer needs to own the scheduleand schedule more competitvely. he also needs to own his staff. Beamer is loyal to a fault but he needs more passion and creativity and better recruiting on the offense. Coach Stinespring probably needs to have a fire set under him or find him a place in administration. The offense needs a passionate coach on the order of Bud Foster.
Comment by Dick — December 6, 2011 @ 2:13 pm
Aaron, back at the spring game, I commented that Coale should be handling the punting. None of the other stood apart from him, and it took nearly the entire season before Beamer decided to let him handle it. In fact, ESPN was very complimentary about it, saying they have never seen a punter being a returner in the same game. Coale, you are going to be sorely missed by me. At least I can always throw to you on my Xbox.
Comment by Trevor — December 6, 2011 @ 2:14 pm
Hay Jay and all the other closet hoos, you can thank the Hokies for the hoo good fortune of getting into the chicken bowl.
Comment by the other Tony — December 6, 2011 @ 2:31 pm
Justafan, I hear you loud and clear. The system is flawed , that it should of been changed years ago. The problem is no one can come up with a way that all will agree. As you said its all about the money and not about the game.Its time that someone had the stomach to suck it up and do the right thing. Its all about the mighty dollar. This is so wrong, even if its the current way. Bring the game back into the stadium so we can all enjoy it regardless of how many hotel rooms are filled.
Comment by proof reader — December 6, 2011 @ 2:35 pm
And yes, I am talking about both Tech and Michigan. If neither belonged, then neither should be in it. I would of thought Michigan State/Kansas State would of been a better choice for a Sugar Bowel game.
Comment by proof reader — December 6, 2011 @ 2:45 pm
Yes, I am in the other 99% of sensible fans in this country that knows Virginia Tech doesn’t have any business being in the Sugar Bowl; don’t care how many fans they bring to the game, they didn’t earn it and they play like a joke, for the most part, in any big games. But it is what it is and no one can change it now. What this will really come down to is the Big Ten vs. the ACC, which would normally make for good competition. But it ends with that idea. Michigan will beat VT worse than Clemson beat them. Michigan is a respected team over the years, not a fraud that plays 5 cupcakes + 4 mediocre every year. I am glad some of this is finally coming out about Tech and their 10 win seasons. The fans can now get an idea of who some of those teams were that VT whipped up on. Beamer is trying to save face by throwing out all of these statistics and all he has done is made it worse; fans now see Tech for what it really is. Overated times 50.
Comment by Bobby V. — December 6, 2011 @ 3:12 pm
I wonder if “proof reader” meant to write “Sugar Bowel”…. or was that just the cold finger of irony?
Comment by Dan — December 6, 2011 @ 3:14 pm
Tiger #1 — I love it!
Me: “Frank, according to the latest calculations, you’ve averaged 4.176 cupcakes per year since ’95. Explain yo’self!”
Frank: “I can assure you it’s no greater than 3.879 cupcakes. Where are you getting your numbers?”
Me: “Blog.”
Frank: “Uh…I don’t follow.”
Comment by Aaron McFarling — December 6, 2011 @ 3:16 pm
mmmmm more like…
Frank: “That 4.176 cupcakes is a really tough crowd they got over there… they’ll get after ya!”
Comment by Dan — December 6, 2011 @ 3:25 pm
Nice, Dan. Very nice!
Comment by Aaron McFarling — December 6, 2011 @ 3:26 pm
First of all, what does your “glorious” record in the past 16 years have to do with anything at all? For that matter, Notre Dame should be guaranteed a BCS bowl every year. It’s what you do this year that matters. Second of all, I don’t think there has been a school in history as overrated as Virginia Tech in the past 10 years. Has this school ever beaten a top 5 team in it’s entire history? How many years has this team been ranked in the top 10, only to be embarrassed by a team that wasn’t ranked as high. Number 5? Number 5 in the country are you kidding me? Please Virginia Tech is a joke program and will be facing another has been in Michigan who shouldn’t be there. I am sure all the VIRGINIA TICK fans will be tooting their own horn if they someone how are able to beat a Michigan team that wasn’t even good enough for their own conference.
Comment by SonnyBoy — December 6, 2011 @ 3:45 pm
Every vote counts, right? Well…YOUR VOTE JUST COST RG3 THE HEISMAN!!! Sleep tight!
Comment by Ryan — December 6, 2011 @ 3:51 pm
Bobby V…. how exactly do you “earn” a BCS game other than the BCS National Title game? The BCS clearly defines their criteria for how you can “earn” a BCS at-large bid. Which of the BCS’ rules to be eligible for a BCS game did VT not adhear to?
So many folks are saying that VT “doesn’t deserve” or “didn’t earn” the Sugar Bowl… but can anyone define exactly how you are supposed to earn it? Was winning 11 games not enough? Michigan didn’t win 11 games. Kansas State didn’t win 11 games.
For all of those who are complaining about VT getting the Sugar Bowl… did you complain in 2000 when #5 VT was skipped over for a 9-win Notre Dame? Be fair now, don’t just cherry pick your hate and pretend that it’s only now becoming a big deal that someone gets an at-large over someone else that you perceive to be a better team.
Why is it that so many folks that are posting here are pretending that they didn’t know that, outside of the BCS title game, bowl games are ENTIRELY about putting butts in the seats and creating interesting matchups.
Does it really burn that bad to see the chips finally fall VT’s way for a change, haters?
Comment by hokie24 — December 6, 2011 @ 3:58 pm
SonnyBoy – “…Has this school ever beaten a top 5 team in it’s entire history?…”
Yes, they have. Do you realize how useless of a statistic that this is?
But since you think that wins vs top-5 opponents is important, can you tell us what you think would be a good win percentage against top-5 teams? Give us a percentage… tell us what win percentage is good enough against top 5 teams.
Comment by hokie24 — December 6, 2011 @ 4:20 pm
Hokie65 is on point with his comments. To be blunt the staff has become fat and lazy.
Comment by Steve — December 6, 2011 @ 4:23 pm
JAY: Don’t watch. Problem solved.
Comment by justafan — December 6, 2011 @ 4:35 pm
I wonder how loud you Hokie Haters would be crowing if your favorite team won 10 games a year and were invited to a BCS bowl? I’ve lived a long time and have realized that those who b*tch the most also brag the most.
Get a life folks. It’s football. If you put this much energy into solving the nations economic crisis, unemployment would be 1% and we’d all be millionaires.
Comment by justafan — December 6, 2011 @ 4:41 pm
Dan.. nice pick up, but I did mean “Bowel” instead of Bowl. That seems to be where its going., but nice work. Fingers are fine,thanks for your concern.
Comment by proof reader — December 6, 2011 @ 4:45 pm
Picked this quote up from Spencer Hall over at SB Nation on the Sugar Bowl matchup.. thought it was worth posting just for the sheer hilarity of his description of Logan Thomas’ running style…. “Is it going to be watchable? Begrudgingly, yes, since any game with Denard Robinson is by definition watchable, and because VT’s Logan Thomas running downfield is like watching a hippo trash a Gymboree, with racks flying everywhere and children screaming. It’s not the matchup either team deserved, but it doesn’t mean this won’t be interesting to watch.”
Comment by Dan — December 6, 2011 @ 4:56 pm
Your so right!!!! Imagine if Congress had a blog like this to pour their hearts to about there favorite topic. They might just get something done for once. We are not going to solve the worlds problems here by no means. As for being a Hokie Hater,(if you are calling me that) I will say this…you don’t know me well enough to say that. Sure I can be critical just like everyone else on here. The Hokies may not be my favorite team but I still will support them because they are a Virginia Team. In the same sense I will also be critical of them just like anyone else, when I feel. Now getting the unemployment rate down to 1% that’s a toughly for anyone.
Comment by proof reader — December 6, 2011 @ 5:13 pm
These Virginia Tick fans keep throwing out these statistics about their 10 win seasons and totally disregard the fact that fans have knowledge about the 10 win seasons and the real quality caliber of those wins. Over half of the wins were against sorry teams. Furthermore, VA Tick has done miserably against competitive bowl competition. They were rolled by Stanford last year. They might beat Michigan because it is apparent that Michigan is not a top tier team either, not as good as Clemson. But the Tick fans will think they belonged in the National Championship if they were to luck out and beat the Wolverines. On a side note, Beemer is not going anywhere until he puts junior Beemer in place. They will have to carry ole’ Frank out of that place. Good ole’ boys club in action.
Comment by Brian — December 6, 2011 @ 5:20 pm
Here I’m in my kitchen chowing down sandwich and fries from Chik-fil-a where the Hokies got lucky to skip for a glamorous bowl. Oh what it could be.
H24, I guess you have lumped me into the category because I speak my mind, and I’m not afraid of going against the grain. To remind folks about past snub is meaningless except to you, I suppose.
I think I’ll just become a casual football watcher instead of blindingly cheering on the Hokies, the Hoos, and whoever else is in the bowl games this winter. At least I don’t fall in line behind Beamer, worshipping the hallowed ground he walks on, nor do I put on a maroon/burnt orange blinder and pretend that the reward for putting on a crappy performance Saturday night was well deserved.
I’m not going to apologize for calling the spade a spade.
Comment by Trevor — December 6, 2011 @ 5:30 pm
To sum all this up. New Orleans January 3, 2012: Boise St and TCU won`t be “”Right There” We will. Frank has the last word(s).
Comment by Ralph — December 6, 2011 @ 5:57 pm
Trevor, I’m not sure where or how I’ve lumped you into anything. Actually, I’m not sure that I’ve even commented on anything that you’ve posted today.
I’m just not willing to pretend that VT has done any less to earn this at-large bid than most other teams that have ever gotten an at-large bid in the past have done.
VT has had teams in the past that did more in a regular season, and gotten a worse bowl. This time, we finally got a break and are going to play a big name team in a good bowl… and folks are still looking for reasons to hate on VT. This will be VT’s 8th BCS bowl game in 16 years… that’s an average of a BCS bowl game every other season. That’s a history to be proud of. Whether people like it or not, getting a good bowl game (unless it’s the national title game) is mostly about history, brand name, and putting butts in seats. People are griping because an 11-2 team got a good bowl game. Good grief!
Comment by hokie24 — December 6, 2011 @ 6:07 pm
At 4.176 cupcakes per year from 1995 to current at a cost of 250K per visiting team (have to pay them to come to Lane) comes up to $11,484,000.00. I guess that,s the price to get THAT 10 WIN SEASON. That’s a high price for a dang cupcake!!!
Comment by Big E — December 6, 2011 @ 6:13 pm
What would Tim Tebow Do?
Comment by NewUVAFan — December 6, 2011 @ 6:19 pm
Aaron–you be the man!!!!!
Comment by Tiger #1 — December 6, 2011 @ 6:45 pm
The main reason that the BCS committee passed on VA Tech in 2000 was because they knew that Tech always flopped when they were pitted against a quality team. Not sure where the disconnect came this time around because nothing has changed since 2000, i.e. Stanford, Clemson, etc. The Sugar Bowel was smart this time, though, because they know that Michigan is an okay team but not as good as Clemson. So Tech has a chance in this one so this bowel game might present them as a competitive team against a team like Michigan. The Wolverines are better than the crappy Cincinnati team that Tech got to play a couple of years ago.
Comment by David in Vinton — December 6, 2011 @ 7:01 pm
Andy Bitter had a nice blog post doing a blind comparison of criteria between different teams that could have gone to a BCS game as an at-large. If the determining factor for the BCS was based solely on the on-field performance of the teams, and nothing else, VT certainly would not have gotten a bid. But, the only time that sort of deciding criteria should be used is for deciding the participants in a playoff, which the BCS is not…aside from the championship game.
In that case, plenty can be argued about Oklahoma State vs Alabama…who beat how many ranked teams, how many bowl teams they beat, rankings of offense and defense, strength of schedule, etc. But for all the other bowl games, it’s always been about putting up the best possible game that fills the stadium best, gets the most corporate support, draws the best for local tourism, and garners the best possible TV ratings.
If you want that changed, then support getting some form of a D1-A football playoff going, that takes 4, 8, 12, etc teams from all of Division 1-A football, regardless of name, conference affiliation, rank, etc and looks at them in a similar fashion to the selection committee that decides the March Madness participants. Have them look at quality wins, road record, strength of schedule, margin of victory, number of wins, etc and decide based on that alone…then, let everyone else have their bowls that would remain largely meaningless like they are now, except for the purpose of making money…like they all aim to do.
Comment by Other John — December 6, 2011 @ 7:21 pm
Yeah Brian you’re right. And don’t let facts get in the way of your argument. One being that prior to this year VT had beaten CU five consecutive games, or that since VT joined the ACC 8 years ago VT has won the Conference Championship 4 times, or that it has won the Coastal Division 6 times, or that it has now beaten its in state rival 8 consecutive times, or that since joining the ACC its conference winning percentage is over 80% and the second best is around 60%, or that since VT joined the BE in ’93 its record against Miami is 11-8, or that since VT joined the BE it has won 39 games in which its opponent was ranked in the top 25, or that since ’93 their bowl victories include teams such as Texas, Clemson, Alabama and Cincinnati(BCS bowl, ranked #12), or that since VT joined the ACC it is the only conference team to win a BCS Bowl…
or that VT’s final AP rankings since ’93 have been:
’93 #22, ’94 NR, ’95 #10, ’96 #13, ’97 NR, 98 #23, ’99 #2, ’00 #6, ’01 #18, ’02 #18, ’03 NR, ’04 #10, ’05 #7, ’06 #19, ’07 #9,
’08 #15, ’09 #10 and ’10 and #16
Brian, you still with me? I’m sure not but this has been fun for me. And then there is this: in the 8 full years VT has been in the ACC they have ended the season being the highest ranked conference team 7 times! I could mention victims of VT’s over the years, excluding all the ACC teams, include, Tenn., LSU, WVU (too many times to mention), Nebraska in consecutive years, Texas A&M (twice in conseutive years), and the aforementioned Alabama and Texas, but who cares about that?
This does not excuse VT’s relatively poor performance in bowls, improved since Beamer decided to take a more aggressive approach to them, or its two losses to CU, in my opinion, a superior team this year. But what these stats show is that VT has been in the Beamer era, one of the best, most consistent teams in the nation. My guess is that it is a team others aspire to emulate. Certainly that is the case in the ACC. Year in year out. There have been teams which have outperformed VT over that stretch but not too many consistently.No, I don’t think VT will ever win the NC unless they recruit another genetic freak ala MV, but at least they are in the picture, year in, year out.
So, how’s your team been doing? I’m guessing by your post your team is whoever your father pulls for…
Comment by scott whitaker — December 6, 2011 @ 8:24 pm
Did Tech deserve it? The people of New Orleans deserved Tech’s fans. They still haven’t recovered from the hurricanes and the BP spill disaster. My wife and I vacationed there a year-and-a-half ago. The locals literally asked us why we chose to visit NO while we enjoyed the music together on Frenchmen Street. Their gratitude for our visit was genuine and generous. They need Hokie fans. Boise St and Kansas St fans would not be as generous or numerous.
On the name that tune theme, I saw the B-Boys in the 1200-capacity 9:30 Club on the night of Obama’s inauguration. Went commando (no ticket for those who don’t know the lingo) and got one on the sidewalk in 5 mins for $100. Show was so amazing it was worth not sleeping that night even though I had to get on a 5am train to go to NYC for work.
Comment by Dave E — December 6, 2011 @ 9:05 pm
This clip from Sports Illustrated sums up the Sugar Bowl in accurate fashion:
8. Sugar (Jan. 3): Virginia Tech (11-2) vs. Michigan (10-2). Denard Robinson on the big stage isn’t a bad thing, and David Wilson deserves his props. The Sugar Bowl committee, on the other hand, deserves a 4.2 TV rating for picking the utterly undeserving Hokies.
Comment by Harper C. — December 6, 2011 @ 9:13 pm
I would be careful with regard to Michigan. Denard Robinson is the best QB VT will have seen this year.
Go Bayou Bengals!
Comment by Ron — December 6, 2011 @ 9:35 pm
I totally agree that Tech is undeserving, don’t care how many fans they take down there or how much money they spend in New Orleans to pay off the BCS Sugar Bowl Czars. It would serve them correctly if they fail to sell all of their tickets, get beat 40 – 0 and ESPN ends up with the worst Bowl game rating in their history. This is so unfair to players like Kellen Moore of Boise State. Tech needs to quit making excuses about how they were left out in 2000, they have always had a history of being a bust in the Bowl games so who would have picked them for a BCS game?
Comment by Mike S. — December 6, 2011 @ 9:41 pm
Life is not about fairness, it’s about the Benjamin’s.
Comment by Other John — December 7, 2011 @ 8:08 am
I’m a little disappointed I didn’t get credit for the song yesterday. I’m not sure I can participate anymore with such shoddy journalism.
Comment by Original Greg — December 7, 2011 @ 8:48 am
Sorry, O.G.! Oversight…There’s nothing I can do about the $1 million prize that has been given to the others, though.
Comment by Aaron McFarling — December 7, 2011 @ 9:00 am
Hmmm!!!………..Let’s see!!!………..Virginia Tech’s non-conference schedule included the likes of:………(drum roll, please)!
EAST CAROLINA – APPALACHIAN STATE – MARSHALL…….and last, but, not least, the “Red Wolves” of ‘ARKANSAS STATE”???
Wow!…..what was I thinking when I said the “OAKIES” didn’t deserve respect or a BCS Sugar Bowl bid???……………..MY BAD!!…………………….
Comment by JAY — December 7, 2011 @ 10:29 am
“…The Sugar Bowl committee, on the other hand, deserves a 4.2 TV rating for picking the utterly undeserving Hokies…”
Michigan is ranked lower than VT, and didn’t even make their conference title game.
No matter how many times people regurgitate their displeasure for VT being in the Sugar Bowl… it’s not gonna keep the Hokies out of New Orleans!
Comment by hokie24 — December 7, 2011 @ 11:49 am
Anyone wasting their time being upset about why their team didn’t make a BCS game or why another team did make a BCS game, needs to sit down and seriously think about their priorities. College football like any other money making venture in a capitalist society is about maximizing their profit, hence 32 bowl games create the potential for much more revenue than a 4 or 8 team playoff. The bowl system is not fair, but again its not about being fair its about making money. In fact most of the other college sports programs that have a playoff system actuall cost their respective Universities money. People rave about the NCAA basketball tournament and March Madness and how College football should follow suit, when in reality the only people who make money of the tournament our CBS and the NCAA, in fact in a Wall Street Journal Article written last year during tournament time it was noted that there are only two major college basketball programs that actually generate a profit for their respective Unitversities. The BCS system is not fair but most things in life our not fair, if you do not like it then go to a socialist or communist society start football programs at their Universities and devise whatever post-season structure you deem fair. Otherwise get a life and concern yourself with more important pressing issues like the economy, unemployment, and the fact that 1 in every 10 children born in the US go into families living below the poverty line.
Comment by Reed — December 7, 2011 @ 12:22 pm