Tuesday: “How you react to it is the deal there”
THE HOKIES LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND SEE PLENTY THEY WANT TO FIX. “I think everybody is going to have adversity somewhere in their life,” coach Frank Beamer says. “How you react to it is the deal there.” Andy has more here.
-Georgia Tech QB Tevin Washington says UVa was trying to take off his helmet near the goal line. Mike London says that’s nonsense. Doughty has that here.
-What is with all the helmets rolling around on the ground this year? Maybe I’m just noticing it more because of the new rule that forces lidless dudes to sit out a play, but you’d think they could make the chin straps a little more effective than this.
-Showcase week for the ACC, as No. 10 Clemson and No. 4 Florida State square off in Tallahassee. Guessing the whole staff will go with the Noles (I will). Anybody like the Tigers in this spot?
-If you’re thinking of picking against Duke in the Fearless Forecasters — typically a solid strategy — just know that the Devils are a 22-point favorite over Memphis. This does not portend well for Memphis’ season.
PENNANT RACES!
-Orioles roast Seattle and are now a half-game behind the Yankees in the AL East. New York hosts Toronto tonight while Baltimore plays at the Mariners again (10 p.m., MASN2).
-The White Sox rally from an early 3-0 deficit and beat Detroit, 5-4, in the final meeting of the year between the AL Central rivals. Chicago holds a three-game lead in the division.
-Oakland still has an outside chance at catching Texas in the AL West, trailing by three games with a four-game series in Arlington on tap next week. The wildcard-leading A’s travel to Detroit tonight (7 p.m., MLB Network).
-The Braves have won four in a row, while Washington has dropped three straight. The Nats still lead Atlanta in the NL East by five games, but you never know. Nats host the Dodgers tonight (7 p.m., MASN). Huge game for L.A., which trails the Cardinals by one game for the final NL wildcard spot.
-Meanwhile, the L.A. Times is reporting that Clayton Kershaw could be out until mid-May of 2013.
GOLF
-Blacksburg’s Jake Mondy wins his first college tourney at Auburn. Nappy has more here.
HIGH SCHOOLS
-Former Alleghany coach Mark Keith dies at age 46. Robert has more here.
NASCAR
-JR Motorsports parts ways with Danica’s crew chief, Tony Eury Jr., who is also the cousin of team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr.
NFL
-Two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Orakpo will miss the rest of the season because of a shoulder injury. Fellow Redskins defensive starter Adam Carriker also will be out for the year, with a knee injury.
NAME THAT TUNE
Gator Boots, with the pimped-out Gucci suits
Ain’t got no job, but I stay sharp
Can’t pay my rent, cause all my money’s spent
But that’s OK, cause [name of song]
Got a quarter tank a gas, in my new E-class
But that’s alright, cause I’m gon’ ride
Got everything in my momma’s name
But I’m hood rich, da-dah da-dah da-dah…
September 18, 2012 - 8:38 AM
Tevin Washington’s comments are ridiculous. Any instant replay would show something like that in a heartbeat. Players are just wearing their helmets too loose. Most players should not be able to just pull on their helmet with one hand. His helmet also came off at Tech. This is his fault and the Georgia Tech equipment people for letting him wear it that way. Clemson FSU will be a good game but it is hard to beat FSU at home. JR motorsports has cut ties with both Eury’s now as they let Eury Sr. Go a few weeks back. The Redskins defense looks really thin now with all these injuries. Is it just me or has there been a deafening silence from ESPN about USC losing last weekend? By the way I really hated watching that USC game on Fox most of their camera work was awful. If you can’t do better than that please let someone else air the games.
I think defenses are taking advantage of the new rule. If they can force the quarterback out for a play, that could slow down a hurry-up offense such as Clemson by forcing Tahj Boyd to sit a play, and give the defense a chance to force a turnover. Dirty? Maybe. Cheap? Maybe so. I think it’s dangerous though because if they put too much torque on a runner’s neck, it could spell serious injury. I wouldn’t be surprised if the NCAA revisit the rule to make some change or drop it altogether.
I already posted my pick between the Tigers and the ‘Noles. It’s the Tiger, that’s my pick. I don’t know why folks think the ‘Noles are baaaaaaaccccccccck! They haven’t been tested. Clemson gives them that. The storyline is interesting. First time both teams meet undefeated. Last season, Dabo wanted FSU to visit Death Valley undefeated, but it was not to be as they got spanked by Oklahoma. This time, they will be fighting for the #1 spot in the division.
I’ll take the Tigers in the upset over FSU, based solely on their game against Auburn earlier this season. I know Auburn isn’t as strong as years past but Clemson looked pretty dominate against a strong team from the mighty SEC. That prediction can’t be any more bone headed than my prediction that Tech’s defense would keep Pitt out of the end zone and only give up a pair of field goals…I mean who seen that butt-whoopin’ coming?
In the last few seasons there have been alot of helmets hitting the turf, seems like at least one if not two in every game you watch. I know helmet designs have improved drastically since I played high school ball back in the eighties, but the helmet I wore back then fit ultra snug and the chin strap was thickly padded and tight. If someone had hit me hard enough to jar my helmet off of me as they seem to do every game nowadays I doubt I’d have the mental faculties to type this post. I mean the cheek pads would feel like they were tearing your ears off as you removed your helmet, even with a good sweat worked up underneath. But then again, I do have a notoriously fat head so it may have been just me. For pete’s sake, I was one of two kids on my sandlot team that they had to get a helmet from the high school because none of the kid’s sizes would fit me…true story. Thank God I eventually grew into my big head, if not I’d be walking around looking like a Macy’s Day Parade balloon.
I’m one of the few that like the new helmet rule. As a former player, and now a youth coach, I feel that if those helmets are fitted and strapped on properly, there is no way they should be coming off at the rate they are. When fitted properly, it’s going to be a little uncomfortable. I think the players are wearing the helmet a little too big, and then it puts way too much stress on the straps to keep it on. They then get the helmet flying off for dramatic effect. Since youth players watch their older brethern and want to emulate them, it makes it hard on youth coaches to enforce proper fitting helmets. With all of the focus on concussions in the NFL all the way down to youth leagues, this rule just makes sense….
The song is Still Fly but I couldn’t tell you the artist without cheating.
I’ve noticed the helmet thing too. Makes me wonder if players aren’t trying to pull them off so a guy has to sit out a play. If the helmet gets pulled off you aren’t supposed to have to sit out but if officials don’t see it then it wouldn’t matter.
I’m glad baseball is heating up again. I still say the season is too long. I would rather have these important races at the end of August or early September with the playoffs starting about now. Nobody should have to wear a parka to watch a baseball game.
No mention of the horrid attempted officiating in the MNF game last night? Maybe it got better after the 1st quarter…..I couldn’t take watching it anymore.
On the helmets, it isn’t the chin strap that needs work, it is the chin strapper that needs it. Players just don’t have them snapped completely (most have two snaps on each side, but players just fasten one).
Also, jaded hoo is right on the money – if the helmet is truly fitted properly, it won’t come off. If fitted properly, it won’t come off even without a chin strap.
I do like the new helmet rule, but there have been situations of players going after a players head to try to take it off, but I wouldn’t take Tevin Washington’s word for it, since he tried to skirt the rule in the VT game.
That’s a nice looking pair of boots. I’d like me a pair of those.
Is Clemson really the underdog to FSU?
Clemson is the defending ACC champ, right? They’ve got back a lot of their playmakers.
Maybe if schools just add “is Back” to their school’s name, they’ll get a boost in the rankings.
I’m starting to believe that FSU, and FSU is Back, are two different teams. They must be. FSU is Back is always ranked in the top 10, no matter what. FSU is never ranked that high, if ranked at all. If Clemson were playing just plain ol’ FSU, Clemson would probably be the favorite. But Clemson is playing against FSU is Back, which means they have to be inexplicably launched into the top 5 after an incredible 9-4 record in 2011 that includes losses to Clemson, WF, and UVA.
@Jaded Hoo Kids in our rec club do the same thing. They try to wear a helmet much too loose because if it fits right it is slightly uncomfortable. Funny thing is I very rarely see helmets come off the kids and in High School it seems rare too. Now I watch these guys in college and NFL and there helmet is so loose they can put it on and take it off and never even snap the chin strap. The whole rule come about becuase too many players were losing their helmets last year due to them being too loose that is why they made the rule. The rule is good and players need to wear the correct size helmet and have the chin strap tight.
Big Tymers – Still Fly
“How you react to it is the deal there.” That could be a Mattingly quote on Kershaw being out for the rest of the season. Not a good 3 days for me. Last night`s talk show? With everyone waiting for answers for what`s wrong, Weaver gave us the types of planes that would be flying over in two flyovers Saturday. Thanks. Hey, Jim. Is Seth a worse coach then every one of our football coaches. Apples and oranges, I know. This O line may have hit the wall. They may get no better after having all spring and 6 weeks in the fall to do so. This is looking like a short season for the Dodgers and a long one for Tech.
I’m still in mourning
Shaun,
I think I’m in the same NRRC that you you are…Hunter’s Dad, you’re describing a proper fitting helmet, but they are a little more comfortable these days. Look at some of the guys that never lose their helmets–you’ll see impression marks when they take them off. They’re usually known as some of the more intelligent ones out there, i.e. Peyton Manning.
Here’s a rant from me…just be forewarned.
I am getting effing tired of seeing players on the professional and college levels using their head to tackle runners. Really? Using your head to knock a runner is a surefire way of scrambling your nogging, and that makes scrambled egg looks edible on the field. The fundamental of football is using your arms to wrap around the legs and waist of the runner, and then using your body weight to drag down the runner. If it requires gang tackling, then by all means, do so. How many more times do we need to see running back, wide receivers, or an offensive lineman go down on the turf wobbling because of the use of helmet to knock down a runner? Maybe Joe Paterno was right when he said they ought to remove face mask to force the change in tackling. Losing a few teeths and having their face rearranged is gonna do it, I’m positive of that.
As for Virginia Tech, did y’all read the blog post on Andy Bitter’s blog? I mean, dadgumnit! Why can’t one of the coaches just come out and say this, “Eff it, we played like chit! We were so chitty, sergeant Carter turned in his resignation from the Marines Corps, and is now on the unemployment line. The bad part? Gomer Pyle is right behind him because he follows Carter wherever he goes.”
Ok, end of rant.
I told you folks before the season that Shaney Beamer has moved in and already his influence is being felt, you got a good taste of it on Saturday. Tech fans are in for a long ride downhill. You are fast returning to the Jerry Claiborne days. The Beamers and Foster are not going anywhere unless the big boosters call for their heads; give it a few
more weeks of the dismal play and anything could happen. The way I see the game this Saturday against BG (I know that you all want to know what I will predict) is a good game if BG comes in hungry. If they sustain any offense at all against VT, it could be a long day for the Hokeys. I will call it a toss-up with the edge going to VT, IF they run the big giant and don’t allow him to throw as much. VT typically comes back big against cupcake teams after they have lost a heartbreaker. The jury is out this time, however, because VT is not that good anymore. Should Tech collapse again and lose to BG, the Hokie Nation will really be on the warpath and they will require someone’s scalp, mark it down. Also, Clemson doesn’t quite have the edge on FSU; the Seminoles are not exactly back to year 2000 form but they will handle the Tigers. FSU 28 – Clemson 17.
I had some time to think. I know why the Hokies lost. It’s all my fault. See, I was away from the tv and computer with a prior commitment and as such I wasn’t able to cheer them on. Also I wore a blazing orange shirt for the second weekend in a row. See, we all know that Tech struggles when orange is the color of choice, and I wore orange on Saturday.
So I take the blame for the crap that Tech laid on Heniz field.
Hokies get the Lane Stadium T back and an apology from Georgia Tech.
“Still Fly” by Big Tymers was indeed the song.
Trevor that’s why some of the old school guys say to remove the helmets all together. If you don’t have a helmet, you will not lead with your head. Now I don’t necessarily agree with removing the helmets but there is some logic there. Some of these kids put on all this equipment and think they are invincible. That’s how we end up with guys headbutting brick walls and giving themselves concussions.
_his whole ‘T’ _hef_ _hing was a li__le over blown. I_ was never criminal, or newswor_hy, o_her _han being funny as hell. Nobody from G_ needs _o apologize _o V_. As a socie_y, we’ve los_ our sense of humor. Everbody is _oo damn up_igh_.
Seem to me the bill for the re-install should be enough to fund a 5 Star Recruiting budget at Virginia _ech
As a Clemson grad, I will be pulling for the Tigers, but, I think FSU should be favored. I don’t trust Clemson’s run or pass defense. So far both have been shakey. No one has been able to fill Branch and Thompson’s place from last year at DE and DT, respectively. Plus, the inexperienced O-line has had some injuries.
I’m definitely against the new helmet rule. As with most rules, it was made with the best of intentions but the rulemakers lacked the wisdom to see the unintended consequences. In Clemson’s first game of the year, the defenders were actively pulling at Taj Boyd’s helmet to try to take it off—– they knew that he would have to sit out a play if it came off. To my knowledge, there is no rule against trying to pull off an opposing player’s helmet; unless that changes, the new “sit out a play” rule is going to get someone killed. Unintended consequences…
Most Misused Word in Sports: adversity.
Adversity is when you find out you have cancer, or when your house burns down, or you lose your job. Overcoming true adversity takes courage, character, patience, faith and having loved ones around helps, too.
Not being able to complete a pass is not adversity.
Thank God the “T” has been returned to Lane Stadium (Sadium). Now would someone please return the “D” and the “O”???
RP, that is exactly what I was talking about in my earlier post (see #2). I don’t think it’s a coincidence that there have been more helmets on the turf than past years.
OG, I don’t think removing helmet is the answer, but the face mask, sure. I mean, they do it in hockey. Just imagine, a linebacker by the nickname, Dentist, would be looking to collect more teeth than tackle. He would make running back pee in his jock strap before taking the football in the mesh. I don’t think the old leather helmet that was used by Ben-Hur is the best one. I think the ones from Starship Troopers looks to be the best. If you don’t remember, go and watch a bit of the movie. That quarterback laid down sone blitzing defenders before she tossed the winning pass.
I don’t know what the uproar is over the “T”, we kidnapped a VMI cadet and traded him back on gameday. The polce gave him the choice to return or stay with us. He stayed with us because we treated him like an upper classman. He was a freshman. We kept him for 4 days. True story.
Trevor, I don’t think there are more helmets on the ground this year. I just think its more noticeable due to the rule. RP, the rule states that if the helmet is removed by another player, the player who lost his helmet does not have to come out of the game. I find it hard to believe that the players were trying to remove his helmet in this instance. I’ve been in those scrums, and I know a lot of unmentionable things are done in the pile. However, there was usually a lot less of that near the goal line, because your primary focus was keeping the runner from squirming the ball across the plain. if you’re trying to remove the helmet, he could easily flop across the line. Again, if the helmet fits properly, and is strapped on correctly, it shouldn’t be able to be removed easily in the scrum.
Tim definitely gets the award for greatest comment of the day. Just confirms that those Georgia Tech folks are honest to the core. But we are going to have a game on our hands with Miami, I am more worried about them than the Hokeys.
That’s a good one Tim!! Can’t live on what you did in the past. Just look at the opponents you have played to get those 10 win seasons.
Okay, I am going to sign off from these VT blogs, it has been nice to get to know all of you…..Trevor, Hokie24, Scott, Robert H, RP, Original Greg, Shaun, Rich H., etc., etc….I really have not right to comment, being a Jackets fan. I will give you my final prediction for the Hokies., I think they will win against Bowling Green, Duke and Virginia. I can’t go beyond that. Lots of good talent on the team but they seriously need cohesion and need to be hungry for these wins. I really do think we all will need to watch out for the Hurricances in the Coastal.
tim, great comment. but remember, it’s how they react to the deal there.
Have to agree, Tim clearly just became the leader in the clubhouse for comment o’ the week.
Tim’s comment is a good one. And sadly, it’s funny because it’s true!
“…But we are going to have a game on our hands with Miami, I am more worried about them than the Hokeys…”
Interesting comment, considering your team lost to the Hokies. I’m not sure if this shows your lack of understanding… or what.