Hokies to pare down running back rotation during bye week; Frank Beamer: ‘Four backs is too many’
With a bye week starting today, Frank Beamer thinks the biggest area of improvement for the Hokies remains their inconsistent running game. One fix Virginia Tech will try to make it paring down its four-player running back rotation.
“I think four backs is too many,” Beamer said during a Monday teleconference.
The Hokies have split carries fairly evenly among Michael Holmes, J.C. Coleman, Tony Gregory and Martin Scales this season.
Coleman is the leading rusher of the backs, with 338 yards and two touchdowns on 56 carries. Holmes has 257 yards and four touchdowns on 61 carries. Gregory (29 carries, 158 yards, TD) and Scales (23 carries, 109 yards, 2 TD) have been called on the least so far.
Running backs coach Shane Beamer has long said he likes the diversity of running backs Tech has. Holmes is more of the all-around back, Coleman is elusive, Gregory a speedster and Scales the power option.
But Frank thinks splitting reps that much in practice is affecting the running game’s consistency, although he didn’t offer specifics of what the Hokies’ plan would be.
“I think that’s our No. 1 priority right now,” Frank said. “I think if we can get that squared away, I think that will affect other things. We have our moments at times, but I think to consistently be able to do that is a key objective for us.”
The Hokies are 72nd nationally and fifth in the ACC in rushing, averaging 157 yards per game. They had 199 rushing yards against Clemson, although 99 of those were by quarterback Logan Thomas. None of the backs finished with more than 29 yards.
Frank didn’t blame the running game’s inconsistency on one area, though.
“Again, sometimes you look at it and they could run better. Sometimes you look at it and we could block better. Sometimes you look at it and we get a block downfield by a wide receiver, that would make the play better. So it’s not just one thing, and I don’t want to make it sound that way. It’s a little of this and a little of that. The bottom line is we need to be more consistent as a group.”
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Here are a few more notes and quotes from Beamer’s Monday teleconference …
- The offense and defense had film review this morning but will have this afternoon and the next two days off before reconvening to begin Miami preparation on Thursday. “I think mentally and physically we need to rest up a little bit,” Frank said. “It’s been a tough stretch and just a very physical stretch. So we’re going to refresh our minds and bodies a little bit and get ready to attack these last four games.”
- Beamer was asked if the Hokies submitted two questionable calls in the third quarter to the league office. The plays in questions were the Thomas sack when he was ruled in the grasp and Sammy Watkins‘ apparent fumble that was ruled otherwise even after replay. Beamer declined to go into it. “I’m going to keep our dealings with the ACC between us and the ACC and leave it at that,” he said. (Clemson’s DT on the play seems to think it shouldn’t have been a sack, although he’ll take it.)
- Beamer thinks the bye comes at a good time for a few injured players. (Sidebar: has any coach ever thought the bye didn’t come at a good time?) Left guard David Wang has battled through knee and ankle problems. “He’s kind of been banged up several ways,” Beamer said. “I give him a lot of credit for playing.” Beamer said the team will have to “wait and see” about backup center/guard Caleb Farris, who missed the Clemson game with an ankle injury.
- As for linebacker Tariq Edwards, Beamer continues to see progress. “I think every week get him back rolling and he got in there a few plays there Saturday,” Beamer said. ” But he’s got to be mentally into it also. And be ready to play like we’ve seen him play in the past. And I think we’re getting closer to seeing that.”
- Virginia Tech hasn’t had this bad of a record since 1992, when it went 2-8-1. The Hokies have had six seasons with four or more losses since then, but none of those times did they have four losses before November. What does Beamer call upon to right the ship, having not been through this kind of season in a while? “I think you look at your players and coaches and say, ‘Hey, are we giving our effort?’” he said. “And I think we are. I just think some things, like in that ballgame the other night, I don’t think it was a lack of effort, I just think it was some plays that didn’t work out our way. Some, as I said earlier, was their doings. And some, was otherwise. But the deal is as long as guys are giving effort, you’ve got to accept what’s come down and keep on working and keep on getting better. And finish up strong and it’d be a great feeling here to finish up strong. So that’s what I’m going to look at.”
- Beamer has talked before about having more pleasant conversations with fans during the offseason after winning the bowl game. Asked how much he hears from fans during the season, particularly one as trying as this one, he called the fans loyal and vocal, but noted that he tries to tune out all the outside noise. “I can honestly say that I don’t read papers and I don’t listen,” he said. “I try to look at what we’ve got here and what’s realistic and what’s real. and how can we solve problems. Right now, the people that can solve our problems are the coaches and players. And we’re 4-4. We haven’t had a record like that, but we’ve had some good moments, we’ve had some good play and to me that tells you that you can do that all the time. So I look at it in that direction.”
October 22, 2012 - 12:49 PM
Not much of a surprise here. Lets change some little things.
Rocket Science ladies and gentlemen! Unfortunately not the SOURCE of the problems.
So Frank thinks we need to decide on 1-2 RBs to get the load of the carries. In practice. Not the game, NOT THE GAME (thank you Allen Iverson), but PRACTICE. How wonderful.
Maybe Shane won’t ever have to learn how to coach RBs, he can just do like Stinespring and stumble along with a false reputation as an ‘excellent recruiter too valuable to lose’. Once Frank retires and anoints Shane as his replacement, everything will work itself out. Like now.
All the other quotes from Beamer? Same old, same old dismissal of the reality and refusal to admit there is a problem.
Frank is banking HEAVILY on beating BC & UVa to go 6-6, then beating some pitiful mid-major in something like the Sun Bowl. Then he’ll spend the whole offseason ignoring the problem and crowing about how ‘We’ve got it turned around now…’
Frank might want to watch game film of Marcus Davis & Dyrell Roberts as well as the entire offensive line. After that, he might rethink that phony claim that ‘everybody’ is giving full effort.
Wait. If Frank hasn’t watched game tape of the WRs or the OL this season, then is HE giving full effort? And if he HAS watched game tape of them, and still says publicly that they’re giving full effort… Either Frank Beamer is sputtering the same old BS denials, or he’s on cruise control to his retirement while collecting $ $2.4 mil for this season. Or both.
Scales should run 15 times per game but the Beamers have a fixed mindset against him being the R back..4th and 1/2 yard first qtr Clemson he’d have made it TD Momentum
Do the officials dislike the team or the coach…4 calls Hoplkins pushes off and our punter was hit in chest ater the fumbled punt and the punt long gone…?????
Frank is right he don’t listen!!!!
Not sure why FB sees the need to keep secrets regarding plays submitted to the ACC office. I am certain VT submitted those two plays. Who wouldn’t? It’s not like he’s giving up some competitive advantage by confirming it.
I think FB used to be more candid in his dealings with the press, back in the day. Now he is like a robot in terms of vague, canned answers on everything. Maybe Weaver insisted on it, who knows.
And I don’t agree that 4 backs is necessarily too many. They are all a bit different, with Gregory and Coleman being the most similar to each other. But, if they do cut it down, maybe Holmes is the odd man out? He’s described as the “all around back” but he only runs up the middle and with our O-Line, he is not big enough or fast enough to do well. His YPC is the lowest of all four guys. VT needs to realize what it is and what it isn’t. This O-Line, combined with the tailback personnel, dictates that we focus on Gregory/Coleman to the outside on jet sweeps/options OR smash it up the middle with Scales. I really don’t think there’s a place for Holmes given the state of the line this year. Yet, what did VT call on the critical 4th and 1? Holmes up the middle. Doh!
This is exactly what fans are talking about when they criticize the coaching staff. Obvious bonehead calls. What do you do there? QB sneak, play action to tight tend, option w/ Logan keeper, maybe even delayed QB draw. You do anything other than Holmes up the gut. And I would have said it was a poor play call even if we had made the first down (we just would have been lucky).
They can make all the changes they want to in the back field and on the line, its not going to change the idiotic play calling. In the 3rd qtr against Clemson, VT had 5 straight 3rd and over 10 yards. I was at the game and it wasn’t players not “stepping up in the spotlight” It was the play calling that made no sense, you ran Thomas left and Thomas right all day with no results. Jet sweep left and jet sweep right, bubble screens….hey guy in the booth its not working. What did work were slants and I don’t know a throw over the middle to the tight end, it was open all day long!!!!
So here we stand, at 4-4 with a shell of a season. Frank’s most recent comments after this loss, as seen above? We need to only focus on one or two RBs in practice. PRACTICE. We’re talking PRACTICE. Not the GAME, NOT THE GAME where it matters. But practice.
So the repeated use of the same ‘trick plays’ is not an issue. The tipping of plays by limited formation use for the plays is not an issue. The continued reliance on the most unmotivated WR since Randy Moss – Marcus Davis – is not an issue. The O-Line that couldn’t block a bunch of 3rd grade girls is not an issue. All the other myriad on-field issues are not a concern. It’s RBs in practice sharing the load. In PRACTICE.
Frank’s other solution? Asking everybody if they gave effort. His words, not mine. He didn’t even say FULL effort, just effort. Yeah, that’s Hall of Fame, legendary leadership right there. I wonder how many times Bear Bryant asked a player if he was giving effort? You think that ever happened in the locker room or on the practice field?
‘Junction Boys’?
That’s why Frank Beamer will never coach in another MNC game, much less win one.
I still want to know why Stinespring is unavailable to the media this week. He still gets paid, doesn’t he? Yet he can’t talk for himself? O’Cain has to shield him? Frank Beamer has to shield him?
What am I saying, Frank Beamer ALWAYS shields Stinespring. Stinespring has been Offensive Coordinator for over a decade.
Same old Beamer, gibberish and no change coming. ( worse than the political debates )
Congrats on the 1st grade math there Frank!! Something is outa wack. It really speaks volumes that the staff does not want to hurt anyones feelings by making a hard decision on one guy, therefore the whole team suffers. Thank goodness that Logan is 260 else we would have a QB that is beaten to a pulp right now. Too many cooks in the kitchen. 1 Offensive coordinator, 1 play caller, one RB coach that is also assistant head coach that answers to his old man and not the OC…. What!!!???? I’m confused and I don’t even play.
Pathetic !!!! Beamer is a joke !!! Right on crooked road about Davis! Word is security wont let us into the FSU game if we are wearing paper bags on our head. Can they do that?
crooked road, Stinespring wasn’t unavailable after the game. Reporters get six players/coaches we can request after a game. It’s a consensus thing. We chose O’Cain to talk about play-calling. The players were Logan, Corey Fuller, Bruce, Gayle and Exum.
And it’s not that Stinespring is unavailable this week. There are no interviews with anybody until Saturday. That’s just how Tech does its bye weeks.
Are you people Tech Fans? Seriously? Do you think bashing our players when they need our support the most is the answer? Come on!
If we beat Miami, BC, and Virginia, we are in the Acc Championship game. We CAN beat Clemson in that game(or FSU) and go back to the Orange Bowl.
How about SUPPORTING THESE YOUNG PLAYERS! They didn’t come here to get bashed if they lost a few games one year. It’s an off year. We can’t overcome the mistakes we could in the years past. I think we still make it to ACC championship game and put up a heck of a fight…..maybe even win the thing!
Show some support! Lets go….HOKIES!
“Right now the people that can solve our problems are the coaches and the players” – Frank Beamer
Nope. Not the coaches on the offensive side
Someone needs to ask CFB on TTL if he ever places blame on the coaches. While I am a firm believer that it is the players on the field that wins or loses a game, it is the coaches responsibility to see they are ready and coached up in areas of deficiency. I do not see that happening this year. Way past time to hold some coaches responsible. And NO, I am not a member of the “get rid of Beamer” club. I have nothing but love for the man that built this program from the ground up…I just think he needs to re-think his loyalties!!
I am a Hokie fan and a loyal Hokie fan. Why don’t you guys who have nothing but negative comments go into hiding or go into coaching, since you apparently think you are good at it. I do not like many things about our football team. However, there is a time when we should and will comment.
Thanks,
GO HOKIES from Wilmington NC
I am very optimistic that the hokies will win this weekend. Go hokies!!
Face it. These Hokies are totally average and will be lucky to go bowling….If they stay home, maybe the coaches should take a look at themselves it reminds me of Texas fall from grace.
Yeah harvis because everyone that finds problems with the coaches is comparing the coaches to themselves. I think I’m capable of noticing what a teams weaknesses and strengths are despite not bringing in 6 figures to fail miserably. Other coaches are held accountable for their performance, why not at VT? What makes them so special? Winning was enough even though some coaches and their part of the team were not carrying their own weight? Now that the winning’s over there is no excuse to keep some of them around
Does anyone but me think Logan does much better in a hurry-up offense? When he checks out under center and a new play comes in from sideline, 9 times out of 10 it doesn’t work or that’s when his balls go sailing. His offensive line isn’t giving enough protection for him to drop back and be a pocket passer and I think he realizes this (not the coaches).
Still a Hokie fan even on an off season but I agree with everyone else our play calling is horrible. Any dc worth his salary can read our routes. Heck I can even figure them out.
What coach could we have hired 8 years ago that would have lead us to 8 consecutive 10-win seasons? Who is this coach out there that everyone wants? What is it about Blacksburg(I love it, don’t get me wrong) that this other mystery coach could have brought that Frank didn’t? It this mystery coach going to make the weather sunny like Florida in Va every year? Is he going to build a beach? What is going to make Blacksburg such a desirable location? I know, its a winning program that ALL of our coaches have built over the past 15 years! Come on people. HOKIES!!!!!!
According to my math less than 800 total yards in 8 games.
I don’t think the running backs are the problem, maybe look
at the 5 guys in front of them?
Sorry harvey, I’ll speak my mind whenever I feel like it. This program has been sliding for 10 years and no one at Virgnia Tech will admit it. There is always another excuse, another positive ad nauseum. This program will be better off after 2016 when Beamer is gone. Don’t turn VT into another Bowden-problem. Watch, it’ll happen.
All of the complaining about Beamer and the other inept coaches will not change anything that these guys are doing. They are very happy to skirt by and hopefully back into another ACC Coastal championship. And that is very possible if they beat Miami and FSU. The game they need to focus on as well is BC, any of the away games will be a challenge for the Hokies. But Beamer is not going anywhere and he will continue to collect his overpaid salary of 2.4 mil. The only thing that will change the future direction of this team is if the big boy donors demand a change. It is the power and the money that talks in these days, pardner. The guy who is really coming out looking great, enjoying the scenery while doing absolutely nothing is Shane Beamer. Wow, what a future for these Hokies. Who will finish with a better record this year, the Hokies or UVA?
I am a Hokie fan and a loyal Hokie fan. Why don’t you guys who have nothing but negative comments go into hiding or go into coaching, since you apparently think you are good at it.
Thanks,
GO HOKIES from Wilmington NC
Yes, I agree! This is the first time this happened! Frank is counting people like you so that he can continue to make 2 million plus dollars. If you still think he took us to NC in 1999-2000 you need to open your eyes. It was Vick!!! We haven’t even come close to that in 12 years! Can you tell me what year that the offense carried the entire team? NO! Always excuses, we had to replace 8 players from the offensive unit. Are we the only team to do that?
So it’s still the players fault and not because the same play gets call in the same situation every time.
Barry gets it about Frank’s future. Frank Beamer will stay for 7-8 more years before anointing Shane his successor. Then he’ll hang out with the big money donors and use all his energy to ensure the program continues as though he were still head coach for five more years. $2.4+ mil annually until he ‘retires’, then $250K a year for five years.
Empty trophy case, indeed. Full bank account, but empty trophy case.
For those who talk about Frank Beamer building the VT football program from the ground up, here are some numbers. VT’s W-L record in the five years before Beamer’s arrival? As an independent with no bowl ties, we went 39-17-1 with two bowl appearances. One other team went 9-2 with no bowl bid in that period. No losing seasons, the worst was 6-5. The year before Beamer came? 9-2-1 with a Peach Bowl win.
Yes, Frank Beamer took the program from a mid-major level into a regular Top 25 team. Absolutely. Point is, there was Hokie football before Frank Beamer, and there will be Hokie football after Beamer. Even when he retires in 7-8 years and anoints Shane his successor. Once Shane finally leaves, I mean.
Maybe the problem this year is the fact our coaches visited Texas to share ideas about running an offense?
Fire Stinkey Stiney
Hey Andy do us a favor and ask to speak to Spriney. How can this guy not have to face the media? Seriously you are media ask to talk with him. If Frank is hiding him then it will be evident.
We do speak with Stiney, pretty much every week. He’s never declined.
We just have not asked to speak with him after games because there is a limited number of people we can get, and O’Cain often fills that spot.
The reason why Frank Beamer won’t comment on the official rulings is because of the ACC’s Sportmanship Policy.
From the policy “Public criticism of officials or public comments evaluating the officiating of particular
contests is not in the best interest of intercollegiate athletics. Athletics personnel, players, band members, cheerleaders and mascots are prohibited, therefore, from commenting while acting in official capacity on officiating other than directly to the Conference Office. Head coaches are responsible for the comments of assistants and other athletic
staff members associated with their teams.”
Reference.
You can say Frank Beamer is the victim of his own success if you like but name one other coach that would allow a publicly displayed empty trophy case on campus.
I bet Nick Saban would be more likely to smash the stupid trophy so it wouldn’t be a distraction.
Frank has been hoping for a NC, not building toward one.
Do you Tech “FANS” really think you can correct what’s wrong by your negative “Craqp”?
Frank knows what has to happen – Stiney and Newsome GONE! But it’s not going to happen!
Do you really believe Frank willl name his own replacement? I think not, I think Weaver will still be there and I think Weaver will make the call!
Wonder how many 4 star Recruits you fans have turned off in the past 5 or 6 years with you constant negative comments!
Some of you would still find something to “BITCH” about if Tech wss 8 and 0 at this point – Not enough passing and too much running or Why don’t we run more?
Go Hokies!
Sure glad that Frank Beamer, the coaches and the players have had “SOME GOOD MOMENTS”. I can’t wait to see what happens when & if these ‘clowns’ get shelacked by Miami (upset ?) and then everyone will understand the meaning of ‘BAD MOMENTS’. Oh wait, do you think that ‘Frankie’ will just
profess that things are STILL HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION or that this team can STILL REACH ITS GOALS ??? Just more BS !!!
Crooked Road, we all get that your frustration and rage are boiling over but at least you could listen to reason and fact. You go out after Stiney for not being available and when corrected you just tilt after something else.
You act as though bear Bryant’s summer with the Junction Boys was something to be proud of. It wasn’t. Later in life he was ashamed of how he behaved and what he put them through. If you know anything about it you know he ran off numerous players with behavior that put their health (and lives) at risk. He believed the need for water during vigorous exercise was a sign of lack of will. its amazing no one died of heatstroke. Is that really what you want? Do you really want the players we recruit to be run off by abuse? And if you say that the results speak for themselves, yes they do. He had a losing record that year. He learned from his own insanity. Now its true that the survivors look back at that summer with a certain fondness. So do soldiers who survive combat together or do heroic things. The Junction Boys wasn’t heroic. it was stupid.
It took a man making $2+ million a year, and his son, to figure this out in what game? Game #8 in a season?
I cannot beieve how much $$ Tech is wasting on this staff.
He’s pulling a Bobby Bowden on Virginia Tech – with the one exception – at least Bobby filled his trophy case.
This mess is a disaster.
“29.For those who talk about Frank Beamer building the VT football program from the ground up, here are some numbers. VT’s W-L record in the five years before Beamer’s arrival? As an independent with no bowl ties, we went 39-17-1 with two bowl appearances. One other team went 9-2 with no bowl bid in that period. No losing seasons, the worst was 6-5. The year before Beamer came? 9-2-1 with a Peach Bowl win.”
CR, Question: What did those 5 years earn VT? Answer: Probation and a reduction in scholorships. The program was in bad shape when Frank Beamer took over and he turned it around.
Ralph, unfortunately the Hokie punter was fair game on the play with the bad snap. He is only protected while he is in the “box”. I thought he made a great play though.
I’m making a personal decision. No more blogs, too many morons.
The football program at Virginia Tech is in trouble and it has been coming for years.
The philosophy at Virginia Tech needs changed.
Let’s talk the O-Line a moment!
Recruiting 2010 – 2013 – 4 Years!
2010 5 Recruits – 2 OT 270, 300 lbs and 3 OG 295,295,310 Lbs!
2011 1 Recruit – 1 OG 270 Lbs
2012 3 Recruits – 2 OT 265, 270 Lbs and 1 OG 255 lbs
2013 2 Recruits – 1OT 270 Lbs and 1 OG 285 Lbs
5 Recruits in 2010 and 2011, 12, and 13 to date 6 total! Same period we signed 18 DEs and DTs – Well I guess we need more Defensive Ends and Tackles than on the O line! To H—L with offense lets concentrate on Defense!!
Could the lack of recruitment be some of the problem and does this not indicate why we need an O Line Coach to speak up and take some responsibility in the Recruiting process – Look at how many have been Recruited by Newsome personally! Very few if any!
I think Frank Beamer and Weaver need to sit down and evaluate the entire Coaching Staff and the recruiting process! If it aint broke leave it alone, but folks it’s broke!!!
I feel that you guys who defend Beamers complacent attitude and his acceptance of Mediocricy should be considered “enablers”. I believe the reason for this seasons performance is theres a “WHITE ELEPHANT” in the hokies locker room!!!!! There’s a “MUTINY” goin on trust!!!! Thats why the coaching staff cant reach the players this year!!!!!!!
I will have to agree with an earlier post; VT will in most probability, certainly win this weekend! With no competition, how can they lose? Go Hokies!!!!
Great comment Bob, but I think there’s too many fans and supporters who are loyal CFB supporters, and dare not speak a negative word or criticism about his staff, or players. They seem to be satisfied with the way things are, and believe things will “fix themselves”. I for one do not believe in that. I am a loyal fan and supporter, and I care about reaching a NC game again like in 1999 season. Let me state this as simply as possible…I just want a coaching change on the offense, and the same ablity to get the most out of players as Bud Foster and the rest of the defensive coaches do.
Zman – Pot meets kettle. I’m surprised you stopped ranting about the officials in the Clemson game long enough to breath and read my post. We all saw how you boiled over in frustration about that little hot button issue for you.
To rebut – Andy answered my question about Stinespring & media access, even more solidly than I expected. It was illuminating and much appreciated. Question asked, question answered. I guess the only other thing I could say would be – ‘Thanks, Andy!’. So there.
As for your diatribe about Bear Bryant, thanks for totally not understanding context. Bear Bryant, national legend, won multiple championships. He did it by instilling respect and discipline in his teams, among other things. Frank Beamer, local legend with an empty trophy case, is faced with a potential losing season. He responds by asking his staff & players if they’re ‘giving effort’. His words, not mine.
Since you ignore context, I’ll be plain. Bear Bryant WANTED to win it all. Frank Beamer likes playing for ACC titles. Discipline? Check out Marcus Davis efforts his entire career. Check out the Frank Beamer called fake rugby punt/run option for a backup punter in the Sugar Bowl. Check out the second attempt at a trick play that was ill conceived the first time and poorly executed both times.
Empty trophy case, indeed…
justafan, next time try reading my whole post. VaTech was winning games as an independent before Beamer arrived. Winning games and going to bowls. We weren’t a doorstop of a program. The program irregularities under Dooley don’t change the on-field performance. Dooley’s last season? We went 9-2-1 & won the Peach Bowl over NC State. Beamer’s first two seasons, BEFORE the reduced scholarships could affect the program? 2-9, 3-8.
The program was absolutely hurt by the scholarship reductions, but far too many Beamer defenders like to pretend we never did ANYTHING until Frank came in with his Jerry Claiborne mantra. That’s totally wrong. He stepped us up to Top 25 status, from our mid-major status. He didn’t build the university, like some idiots pretend.
As for Dooley? Well, that just goes to show what happens at VaTech when one man is not accountable to the athletic department or university as a whole. Yeah, when one man is considered untouchable, above reproach, and who refuses to consider the best for the program instead of his own emotional interests, it hurts VaTech. Feel free to re-read that and think about today, not 1987. You’re welcome.
Wow. You people act like you have “stock/money” in VT football. I guess multiple 10 win seasons aren’t enough for any of you (what are we talking?? 8-9 in a row now??). I would say only a handful of teams have a better overall record than VT over that same time period. How many different BCS teams have had an undefeated regular season during that time period?? Try 4 (USC, Texas, Auburn and ‘Bama). Temper your expectations. VT is not in the SEC, they don’t get top 5 recruiting classes, they do the best with what they have and I think they have done pretty good.
I understand some of your frustrations and I have some too (particularly in OL recruiting and play over the years)..but publicly bashing the coaches and players is not going to accomplish nothing. In fact, I would say that some of our players and POTENTIAL players read this and other message boards, so I would say it is more likely to hurt our chances of going forward (froma recruiting standpoint). I am disappointed as you are, but changes will happen, let Beamer do his thing. He will get the program back to the winning ways (maybe even this year). But if you are waiting on MNC appearances every 2 or 3 years and to be on the same level as the teams listed above..you may be waiting awhile.
Someone here made the comment the program has been in decline for 10 years! Really? The last 10 years have been the zenith of this program in its entire history. Domination of the ACC, wins over top rank programs. The last 2 years of course have not been so great. Lets deal with reality and not distort history to prove a point about what’s going on today. There’s way to much hyperbole here. Today’s record speaks for itself.
Its time for FB TO GO! It’s that.simple.. He’s killing the program! He doesn’t want to change anything because he can’t remember a Dam thing! Beamer has to go!!!! Why is everyone just sitting around watching him destroy the program?? The game has passed him and his old ways. It’s SADD that no one can force him out.
//Show some support! Lets go….HOKIES!// LOL Is that you Frank?? LOL That’s a good one. That should fix all the problems !
SEE YOU IN FRONT OF THE PRESIDENT’S HOUSE AFTER F.St. ROUT !
For ‘Time to Go’, Jerry, Crooked Road, Tony, Mike…
You guys make sure to sit by your phone today…I’m positive you will be getting a phone call to be a head coach somewhere (probably at Tech). You have it all figured out. No one can argue against you guys! I don’t consider you “fair-weather” fans at all…more like elite football analysts. Multi-million dollar offers coming your way because you are so football savvy. I mean, just reading what your “fixes” are would result in VT never losing again. How can no one not see this? Us real fans have no clue. I bet you idiots never even watched a game prior to Frank Beamer taking over. You just jumped on the bandwagon because your previous favorite team, UVA, sucked so bad.
WOW! Not only is there dissension in the ranks of the football team, but with fans as well. I went to Tech for the 92 season (painful). The problem now and why people get so upset, is expectation and appearance.
First, we need to burn that stupid empty NC trophy case! We went to the NC game once, over 10 years ago!! What did Janet Jackson say, What have you done for me lately?.
Second, I have been to two games this year. I have heard on more than one occasion that there is dissention among the players and the coaches as well. I sat with a former player during the Duke game and he told me about a all out brawl at practice that had to be stopped by FB prior to the Duke game. I think the hiring of Shane is a sore point with some of the coaches, hence the problem there.
Third, I don’t feel there is a hunger from FB anymore. If you didn’t know, when he retires as coach, he is guaranteed a job in the sports office (part of his current contract). That can make some men complacent. With the comments that he has made during his interviews after losses, I just don’t feel that “want to” in him anymore.
I get frustrated because of all the hype and expectations that get put on us and when we don’t deliver, we become the butt of criticism from everybody! But, let’s look at the losses:
Pittsburgh – nobody and I mean nobody showed up that day (circa WVU 03).
Cincinnati – missed opportunities and poor defense.
Carolina – total defensive melt down.
Clemson – dual effort here with shoddy refs and lackluster play calling.
Plenty of blame to go around to everybody (players and coaches). I feel the best we can hope for this year is a 6-6 record and a trip to lovely Hell Paso for the Sun Bowl (yuck!).
I think there are other things that are weighing on this team that we don’t know but hear about (earlier comments). But, I have to say, the offensive play calling is atrocious and unimaginative. Why didn’t we stay with the no huddle last week after the first drive? That stupid trick play was exactly that, stupid. Defenses are too fast for bubble screens and jet sweeps and sandlot football. We used to hit our TEs over the middle numerous times, for big yardage. I think they have five passes all year. I think our RBs lack vision and patience. We have been spoiled with Evans, Williams and Wilson. The WRs flat can’t make the catch when they need to and they look for help from the refs far too much. They also don’t block on run plays worth a crap.
All in all, worst season since 03. Everyone talks about fans running off future players, the lack luster offense that we run will do the same as will losing games.
Clp 5150 amen!
CR – lets talk the Bear some more. He often said that his best recruiting tool was the ‘Bama girls (can’t recall the nickname) who “hosted” visiting kids. Is that REALLY what you want our school to stand for? Go be a fan of the U. They’re your speed.
And yes, I was furious with the refs and I boiled over. But I never said we would have won if they got the calls right. I just want the calls right. I still say we won last year’s Bowl Game.
I support Frank and say he should stay. Many of you want coaches gone but as I recall, when he made changes a couple years ago, you all howled like scalded cats.
You dump on Weaver. Well, he has done a great deal for the total program and you can’t deny it. And OBTW, when fired an “average coach” you also howled like hell.
There is no making some people happy.
Does Frank honestly believe that his staff and coaches on offense can take us to the promised land? With the level of talent on offense that has come and gone and consistently top rated defense in the past we should have gone for the BCS Championship game at least on more time since 1999. Right now I am not sure if we can get even a whiff of it with the present state of affairs on the Offense. Big CHANGES have to be made to get big RESULTS. Otherwise we will always be an above average team with not much respect outside ACC.
Zman, you want to take the extreme tangent away from the central point? You want to talk Bear Bryant’s ‘Honeys’? Then let’s talk Frank Beamer’s Marcus Vick. You really want to go down that road? I didn’t think so.
Empty trophy case, indeed…
Zman, really? Weaver? I haven’t posted about Weaver in days, and then only about his scheduling with Frank Beamer’s approval. You need to bury the hatchet somewhere besides my back, LOL… We can chat about basketball in January, or even December. The little guy will wake up by then and get his blog rolling 2-3 times a week. I look forward to it.
I’ve never called for Frank Beamer to be fired. All I’ve ever said was, Frank Beamer will stay for another 7-8 years, then anoint Shane to be his successor. Then Frank will hover over the program for another five years to ensure nothing changes. So everybody can just get used to nothing substantial changing from the way it is now.
Clp,you’re passionate, but highly misdirected, so no gold star for you. Seriously, try some thinking and stop relying on the uninformed cliches. Bandwagon, UVa fans, yadda yadda.
Honestly, I fell asleep reading the post, but once I woke back up, I found it funny. I’ll toss a Jack of Diamonds on the pile with this – my tickets for the VMI freeze out game in ’81. The score was higher than the temperature. Fun times. We stayed the entire game, before retiring to Mr. Fooz downtown for turkey subs and pinball, among other things. Of course, it took two years after that for me to buy season tickets, held continuously since then, not that it matters. So yeah, bandwagon & UVa claims really don’t penetrate, LOL…
Any realistic assessment of the team’s performance, and I also include Foster’s defense (remember Pittsburgh and North Carolina), will come to the conclusion that some change is required. I also saw the the Junction Boys story about Bear Bryant at Texas A&M. As mentioned previously, Bryant was ashamed of how he and his staff conducted that camp. He admitted it. But, the interesting thing about Bryant was his ability to change. He changed his offense completely from sprint-out to a pro set when Namath got hurt. He was the first SEC coach to recruit black players. Remember, Jimmy Sharpe? He was Bryant’s architect for the Wishbone offense. A massive change! So, I like the reference to Bryant.
It’s one thing to be critical of coaches, but to be calling out individual players with spiteful invective is another. Do you you have the right to do so? Sure; but, it doesn’t make it right. And, if you think that that has no effect upon recruiting, you’re delusional. Come to Tech, and if you don’t measure up to our standards (winning), then be prepared to be attacked by the all knowing, and all seeing alumni. Welcome to Blacksburg.
I too am concerned with what the RB decision will be and would love to see Scales see the ball more. He runs well and is not getting the credit he deserves. Gregory is toooooo small. I would like to see Scales and Coleman, but Beamer has been high on Holmes and he hates to admit he’s wrong.
As for the O line, I don’t know why we can’t seem to recruit well OR ARE WE…? Of course 6′ 5″ 300lb 18 year olds who have an athletic bone in their body don’t grow on trees. There just aren’t that many of them.
I’m not calling for Franks firing or retiring. He goes when he wants to go as long as he’s not senile old man on the sidelines like Paterno was, but if he wants to go out a winner he’s going to need help on the offensive side of the ball.
I think Logan has really escaped much blame this year. The guy showed such great potential last year but his accuracy has been way off this year. When he overthrows he really overthrows.
Let’s talk about some positives. What about Cole, where did he come from and who did he displace? I don’t remember his name being mentioned until a few games in. B. Taylor seems to be coming back and Jack Tyler has really been bringing it. The D line looks better and the DE’s were wreaking havoc against Clemson. Of course I can’t think of a single thing to say positive on the offensive side of the ball.
When in the history of football has a 4 RB rotation ever worked? I’d say it has but rarely. The coaches should’ve learned THREE was too many back in 2010. Just because his last name is Beamer doesn’t mean Shane knows what he’s doing. Not that going with 2 is going to help a whole lot with who’s blocking for them
Need not worry. Not all is lost in football in the commonwealth. Both Tech and UVA will not lose this weekend because neither is playing. (Thank God) Next week it will back to the who, what, why,and when.
ITS NOT 10 WINS / SEASON people. Lets get real!! The ACC has been down. Tech has won the vast majority games against lesser competition. Not to say that every so often Tech beats a team that is in the top 25. This somehow rights all of Stineys sins for the entire year. Makes you think they have turned the corner!! It all comes down to this! When the chips are on the table and you had to pick an OC to make the calls to get a win, the question is, would you pick Stiney for your man???? HECK NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have to borrow one from Romney…. Maybe he’s a nice guy but he’s clearly not doing the job, he’s got to go!! All you defenders and negatory accusers; how do you get rid of an obvious problem without complaining about it? Maybe we can positively encourage Beamer to dismiss Stiney? That’s just as stupid as imagining that Stineys superior play calling is responsible for Tech’s multiple 10 win seasons. That’s UVA thinking right there!!! Don’t be like those stupid’s!