Flipping the script? Virginia Tech looking at all areas of offense for solutions to slow starts
With Virginia Tech’s slow starts a hot topic this week, both offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring and play-caller Mike O’Cain anticipated getting questions about whether or not they script plays to start the game.
The answer? Well, yes and no.
“I know there’s this big thing about people saying, ‘Why don’t you script plays and dictate to the defense?’” O’Cain said. “You don’t dictate to the defense. You’ve got to go and block what they show you.
“They’re not going to line up and play man coverage because I’m here. They’re not going to play zone coverage because I’m here. You’ve got to adapt. And they adapt. It’s a chess match, and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.”
Virginia Tech has looked at all areas of its offense this week, trying to find solutions to its slow starts. The Hokies have scored only 14 first-quarter points this year. They haven’t scored in the first quarter of the last three games. Against Cincinnati, they had only 72 yards in the first half and two first downs, the first of which didn’t come until 25 minutes into the game.
Strictly scripting plays — a common suggestion from armchair coordinators (this reporter included) — doesn’t seem to be in the plans. The Hokies do have a script they follow, but it’s not a list of 12 to 15 plays to run in sequence, regardless of the situation.
It’s instead more a list of 10 plays taken from the game plan. The Hokies have a game plan that features broad situations (first-and-10, second-and-medium, etc.), a list of top plays from that they like in each to those situations, and from that, the scripted plays that narrows that grouping even further, for varying reasons.
“We basically have a top ten list,” Stinespring said. “They may be what we like the most. They may be formation-wise, what we like to get out there. If we’re going to run the option in that game, we might want to show that early, see how they defend it, so when it’s called, it’s going to get called quickly.”
The first play, Stinespring said, Tech will usually decide on Thursday’s morning. Things from there are decided based on situations, depending on field position and looks a defense is giving.
“We need to try to find out how they’re going to [defend],” O’Cain said. “You have an idea, but you don’t always know how they adjust until you get in there.”
The coaches have been open to suggestions this week, trying to find ways to make the operation early in the game go smoother. Stinespring asked quarterback Logan Thomas for a list of five passes he likes to throw most. Thomas gave him 10. (“I’d qualify the 10,” Stinespring said. “Seven. Well, eight because he double called one of them.”)
“You’re close enough to your players. You know,” Stinespring said. “But what I was really looking at was what wasn’t on there. That’s the one I wanted to know. What wasn’t on there? What did he not like that maybe we are calling?”
O’Cain is trying to take a positive tack this week. He doesn’t want slow starts to get in the players’ heads.
“I think sometimes the more you talk about things, the worse it gets,” he said. “Because guys come out and instead of coming out there relaxed and playing the game, they begin to press a little bit. … You don’t forget it completely, you don’t do that, but take that second half and the things we did in that second half and build on those and move forward.”
“It’s not like you stick your head in the sand or you cover it up. Of course you coach and correct it all, but let’s not just continually talk about that stuff. Let’s talk about the good things.”
For O’Cain, the problem is simple: execution.
“It’s always a multitude of things,” he said. “It’s not one thing here or one thing there. It’s a multitude of things that has been a part of this. And like I said Saturday, it’s every position and it’s not one guy.”
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Here are more notes and quotes from Tuesday’s post-practice interviews …
- One thing the coaches weren’t displeased with? Fullback Riley Beiro‘s block on Martin Scales‘ touchdown run that was called a hold in the third quarter. “It was a God-awful call,” running backs coach Shane Beamer said bluntly. “And probably one of the worst I’ve ever seen.” The Big East officiating crew made the call, negating the touchdown. On the next play, Thomas threw an interception on a high pass to tight end Randall Dunn. “We’ve got great officials in this conference, and an ACC official would not have made that call,” Shane said. “I’ll say that.”
- Beamer thought Beiro did everything right on the play. He didn’t cut the defender, because left tackle Nick Becton was initially engaged with him. “I don’t know what to teach him,” Shane said. “If that’s a hold, then everything we’re teaching is wrong. Because the kid had his hands inside, he ran his feet and he just buried the guy on his back. And the only thing I can tell Riley is don’t dominate the linebacker next time as bad as you dominated that guy.”
- Shane thought Michael Holmes showed some toughness in the fourth quarter that hasn’t always been there. ”I thought he had a good look in his eye, if that makes sense,” he said. “I thought he showed a lot of competitiveness, a lot of intensity, a lot of toughness. I thought he showed a lot of that on that drive.” (I’ll have a little more on Holmes and what the offense actually did right late in the game tomorrow on the blog.)
- Beamer is hopeful that running back Tony Gregory (knee) will be able to play Saturday. He sat out of practice Monday because the team was indoors on a turf field. Tuesday, he was in blue and worked some at the beginning before being held out at the end. “I’m optimistic,” Shane said. “Tony said he feels good, and he didn’t want to be in blue today. If we have him, great. If not, that’s OK. We’ll go down there with those three guys and see what happens.”
- Offensive line coach Curt Newsome said Caleb Farris getting playing time in the fourth quarter Saturday was more a function of him coming along as a player than anything to do with Andrew Miller‘s play or health. Newsome has been so pleased with Farris’ progression that he’s had the sophomore work some at right guard this week. “Caleb is a smart guy as far as the communication,” he said. “He brings something to the table.” As for Miller, Newsome said he does not have any injury issues.
- David Wang and Michael Via remain the best bets to start at the guard positions this week. Wang was in a regular practice jersey Tuesday and was almost a full go. Matt Arkema has been working at left guard too, with Via a possibility there as well. Behind Via at right guard is Farris and Brent Benedict, who got close to 30 snaps last week at right guard but had some mental lapses.
- Newsome said Wang, when completely healthy, would get the most reps of the guards. But he anticipates playing four or five of them at both spots. “We’ve got some guys that are interchangeable,” he said. “The more people we can play, the better we’ll be.” (I think a fair translation of this is that nobody has separated himself from the rest, so getting everybody some reps in the game might help sort things out until the Hokies find a combination that works.)
- Defensive tackle Luther Maddy (ankle) was not out there at the open session for media at the start of practice Tuesday, but he was there by the end of the day in a blue, limited jersey. I did not see LB Tariq Edwards (leg/knee) out there during the open portion.
- Wide receiver Corey Fuller said he consoled his little brother, Kyle, in the locker room after he got beat in the final seconds on a long touchdown pass that proved to be the game-winner. “I seen him sitting in his pads, so I went over, and he had his head down,” Corey said. “I just gave him a hug. It’s like, ‘It’s OK everything isn’t going to be perfect. I had a fumble. I had to let it go. Let it go. You’re a great defensive back.’ Gave him a hug. He was still down about it. We haven’t talked about it since and I really doubt we will.”
- This isn’t the kind of list to make. CBS Sports’ Bruce Feldman lists his Top 10 disappointments from the first month. Virginia Tech’s passing game ranks No. 3.
October 2, 2012 - 9:41 PM
Talk,talk,talk. Actions speak louder than words.
It is the responsibility of the coaches to have the team ready to play, and that means from the start of the season also. This team was not ready for the season to begin because of a lack of preparation, and now the team is in a hole and trying to dig out of it.
It is the bigger picture of the philosophy of the team that needs addressed, not a few plays here and there. It is the philosophy of the staff that needs improvement.
Let’s go Hokies !!!
10 plays from the game plan? QB draw, QB option, & QB sneak narrows the list to seven. A list of top ten plays for each situation? This isn’t Letterman Stiney! Not to mention the plays aren’t working because all I’m seeing is a bunch of 3 and outs with the occasional turnover. Bitter your doing a great job!
The problem with Stinespring’s top 10 plays, they have been the same 10 plays for 15 years. Here’s a news flash…everyone in the stands know what your play is going to be before you run it. If we do, so do your opponents.
David Letterman has a new top 10 list every night. The show would be pretty boring if he kept repeating the same list.
Blah, blah, blah! Foster should be held accountable for his nasty, profane, unnecessary public comments he made. No way would I want a child of mine playing under such a ranting, perverse man. Head coach material, yeah right! The VT fans and the general public need a public apology and he needs a very hefty fine from VT. Maybe the NCAA should get a bit more involved to curb this kind of talk from such such a “highly respected” DC. Yeah, right, FB will once again, sweep all under the rug since he doesn’t “read or hear it”. Absolutely shameful. Go VT! We are all watching.
Yay we made the top ten in something. I think #1 on that list should be our O-Line.
Refreshing to know that Stiney has a top 10 list. So does Letterman. One might think that the defensive coaches of the opposing teams might be familiar with those plays.
No matter what these coaches say, it is used as a weapon against them. They can not say anything that will satisfy the nay sayers. One person likes Foster’s passion and another one thinks he is a terrible example with his profanity. I wish Foster had not used those words but people who are saying he is a bad example must live in a cave.The players are men not elementary children. I hope we get this season turned around for all of the players, coaches and fans.
LET’S GO HOKIES!!!!
Foster’s comments were great!! Quit being a willie nille and put your big boy pants on. Kids hear far worse way before they get to college.
I have to disagree with the earlier comments about Bud Foster and his rant….I say it’s about time and Frank Beamer needs to do the same. This is the big time folks , not Pee Wee .These guys need to know that their coaches have a PULSE. ..I guarantee Nick Saban or any other SEC coach would have been livid on the sidelines last Saturday , not comatose like Beamer. Taking up for your guys is fine, but you need some fire to compete today
The Fact Is That The Defense Has Been Gashed For Big Plays Over And Over For Three Seasons At Least. The Drive Before The Winning Score Last Week The Back Out The Back Field Total Blown Coverage On Tv There Were No Tech Players Even On The Screen Until The Player Almost Scores. They Have Been Gashed For So Many Big Plays It’s Hard To Count So Bud Can Rant All He Wants To Results Don’t Lie!!!!
Unbelievable how some of you posters condone Foster’s profane comments. In private, his business, in the public eye, unpardonable. Professionalism at it’s peak! He should be suspended for a few games,the same for any player who would speak those filthy words. Get your act together, Bud! Frank Beamer, get your house in order.
When someone is upset they might say things that are improper. You guys that accuse and say suspend Foster need to look in the mirror and ask yourself have you never said something you regret?
“Unbelievable how some of you posters condone Foster’s profane comments. In private, his business, in the public eye, unpardonable. Professionalism at it’s peak! He should be suspended for a few games,the same for any player who would speak those filthy words.”
Hahaha… get real! Ancient Bobcat, you are a riot! Sometimes, the positive behind the words (the fact that Bud was emphatically supporting his players) is more important than an adult saying a curse word or two.
Grow up!
Oh, dear seems like Ancient Bobcat has his panties in a wad. Ask Mike Gundy how yelling and screaming at reporters worked out for him? Recruiting Bonanza? He’s a MAN he’s 40!!! Seriously Ancient Bobcat? Fosters Comments don’t even turn a movie into pg-13 material. Stop looking for things to trash the program over, and tear it down, no one blinked an eye at Fosters comments because they have read Nick Saban’s, Chip Kelly’s, Les Miles and the likes saying the same or worse and if you are pretty good at reading lips then, whooo pig suey isn’t all they are saying. It is the nature of the beast, getting all worked up over that is like calling a wrestler unprofessional because they are wearing speedo’s to work.
Will Virginia Tech open the season next year with a game with Alabama?
If so, watch Alabama be ready to go from the start of the first game.
The Tide will not still be trying to figure it out in October.
That is the difference between a truly top line team and a middle level team.
Who would hire Stinespring or O’Cain to coach their offense? There’s only one man in all of BCS football — Frank Beamer. Speaks volumes regardless of which side you’re on. @gtbowyer
Scariest part of the whole interview: “I know there’s this big thing about people saying, ‘Why don’t you script plays and dictate to the defense?’” O’Cain said. “You don’t dictate to the defense. You’ve got to go and block what they show you.”
Now I’m not a football expert, but I thought the idea of having a game plan was to exploit weaknesses and such. O’Cain is right in one respect. We haven’t dictated to a defense in a very long time…except UVa.
It’s terrible that Bud Foster said those things! I am sure there has never been anything to the degree Bud said ever said on the football field. If your son has never heard those words, you should hope that he turns into a girl and sticks to womens sports.
It’s about time someone associated with VT Football has some passion in their voice! Thats why we LOVE BUD FOSTER AND VT FOOTBALL!!!!
Foster defending his defense after being torched for what 375 yards. He’ll never be a head coach defending that. What a !&/ !$= idiot
I’m afraid that the average Hokie football fan feels that the 2012 edition of Hokie football has fallen on hard times. Don’t know if they are not getting the quality athletes or if something else is the problem. Whatever it is it is depressing to see a team so highly rated before the season completely fall on it’s face. Maybe they can salvage a so-so season!
Way to go Bud I wish the rest of the coaches would stand uo for their players. Saying a kid played his ass of isn’t that bad if you’re offended by colorful language start watching golf. I’ve seen 10 times worse language coming from the sidelines than what Bud was saying. Go crawl behind a rock.
On offense we seem to have extremely talented skill players, certainly at least the equal of the teams we normally play. It would appear we cannot put together a cohesive system or offensive scheme which takes advantage of the specific talent level of our skilled and line positions. The O-line is young and cannot blow opponents off the blocks like we used to do 6-8 years ago, and our backs this year are fast but a little undersized, so why do we continue to run the same old power plays and say our kids don’t execute we’ll enough. In business we don’t blame the workers in failure, we accept the failure as a failure in leadership. Is it time for different leadership designing our offensive system. The Hokies used to be national leaders in offense as well as defense, lots of teams have amped up their offensive systems over the past few years, but we stay the same as others have changed. It’s not just WVU who can put up 70, the Hokies did it years ago in one game, not taking the first quarter of the season to do so. And for Bud’s tirade, the D played great until the last series and Kyle accepted responsibility like a man for the last play. Buds tirade keeps the D fresh and willing to play their guts out for him…because he was right. But I understand his frustration of getting thrown under the bus with the underperforming offense. His guys are getting gassed because they don’t get off the field with all the 3 and outs the offense gives him. I am a die-hard Hokie fan, I’ve been a Hokie fan before it was cool to be one, and I’ll be one going forward. But this offense sure does get us fans frustrated because we know it could be much better, for the players as well as us fans.
As I say phillyvt, in private, no problems. No reason for this kind of profanity in the public eye, keep those words for the team. Foster is a ranting lunatic who CAN’T control his temper. Perhaps anger management classes for this “great” DC? I read blogs, etc., from many conferences and have yet to see ANY coach on any team spew those profanities. Yes, the thug effect is alive and well at VT in the form of Bud foster. This is not passion, only a very bitter man who should know how to control himself. Those very PUBLIC comments should never have been printed by this paper or for that matter, any other. This kind of attitude is going to be the ruination of the VT football program, a lunatic DC and a comatose HC.
Ancient,
I have the opinion that the seemingly ineffective OC and OL coach may have a bit to do with the state of VT football. If you think a little profanity makes for a lunatic, I suggest that you refrain from watching or listening to any modern movies, tv shows, or music. Now, that being said, I will hand it to you that it would be better if Bud doesn’t cuss for the media. There are ways to state the same things without using the profanity. Personally, I think Foster is doing it deliberately. I don’t think it is any lack of control. People complain all the time about Beamer’s Tom Landry like poker face on the sidelines or his passiveness. People complain about Beamer’s blandness in interviews. I think Bud is setting out to give a contrast. I would be willing to bet that your reaction to him, and other’s reactions to Frank are being used to illustrate that it is impossible to please everyone. Now that is all speculation on my part. I admit that freely – lest you express a desire for me to pen a best selling novel again.
at least bud foster has a pulse cause beamer acts like these pitiful losses dont bother him at all smdh!!!!!!!!!!