Gameday post: Virginia Tech at Miami
Usually you only have to endure a few hours pre-game shows before getting to the football game. But today, it’s an entire work/school day to get through before the Hokies take on Miami tonight at Sun Life Stadium.
Here are a few links to hopefully make the day go quicker.
** Follow me on Twitter and Facebook. I’ll be tweeting throughout the game.
** Today’s advance is about how big this game is — surprisingly. Whoever wins honestly has the inside track at the Coastal Division title, provided Duke doesn’t keep winning. Win and the Hokies probably only need to beat Boston College and Virginia to claim the division title. Lose and their chances at making the ACC title game are severely hurt.
** Here’s yesterday’s matchups post. I picked Virginia Tech to win 24-17. I think the defense comes around and the offense does enough against what is a historically bad Miami defense. Feel free to offer your thoughts.
** Columnist Aaron McFarling and I did our debut podcast the other day. Give it a listen here. It requires flash, so I don’t believe it’s iPod/iPad/iPhone accessible right now. We’re working on that. Also trying to get it so you can download it on iTunes. Perhaps next week’s will be that way.
** McFarling weighs in today about Virginia Tech’s road struggles. The Hokies are 0-4 away from Lane Stadium this year and have lost six straight in away/neutral sites, dating back to last year’s ACC championship game.
** The injury report is pretty favorable for the Hokies. Center Caleb Farris is expected to play.
** Interesting note, courtesy of Frank Beamer‘s website: quarterback Logan Thomas will be one of the game captains, the first time that honor has gone to a junior. It seems like Tyrod Taylor or Bryan Randall might have done that once upon a time, but not according to the site. (Anybody have proof otherwise?)
** The weather is lovely down here. I did a little recon work the other day just to check it out.
** The line started at Hokies by 2 and looks like it’s down to 1.5 at a lot of places.
** Pretty basic look for Virginia Tech tonight uniform-wise.
November 1, 2012 - 10:30 AM
Best of luck to the Hokies tonight.
So the field there is on the beach, the “turf” is sand and OB is the Atlantic? That could be interesting…
I say VT takes this one. Their D has shown signs of improvement and UM’s D is vulnerable.
You make good points about VT’s defense but I am still not sold on Lopgan Thomas, too much inconsistency in games on the road. Miami 23 – VT 17
Nice to see the blog, Andy. I’ve been wondering why AMc has been AWOL from his for the last two days, without providing prior notice. He’s starting to wander into Mark Berman territory these days. Thank you for your efforts.
This game is indeed for ‘All The Glory’ of the divisional ACC right to play for the conference crown. I’m not sure if that is something that will produce any more than the usual 2500 attendance for Miami, though. I’d bet Hokie Nation feels about the same way, too.
If Hokies lose this one, it makes McShay a genius and Beamer looking for a new excuse and Stinespring looking for another position.Man that makes it tough on the fan on who to root for.
I seem to remember Pittsburgh’s defense was supposed to be terrible. I cringe when I read phrases like ‘historically bad Miami defense’ Makes one think that Tech can drop 50+ on the jokers, yet time and time again, year after year their offense can’t get out of 1st gear for more than a few drives or a quarter of a game. Honestly I haven’t seen any Miami games this year and maybe they are THAT bad, but it’s always Tech’s O that shoots themselves in the foot when it comes to playing these ‘historically bad’ defenses. I hope they can turn it around and expose Miami’s D as bad, but I have that nagging worry. Is it just me, or do these Hokie teams of late seem to have a fragile psyche? Man I’m just a ball of negative today…however, tomorrow is Friday!! That should cheer us all up!
The final score of tonight’s game has no bearing on the accuracy of Todd McShay’s perspective on the Hokie offense. His statement was based on Logan Thomas’ potential and the hurdles placed in Thomas’ way by the ineffective VT offense under the direction of Beamer & Stinespring. By the way, if Stinespring can’t figure out a way to succeed against such a pitiful defense as Miami’s, currently ranked in the bottom 5% of all FBS teams, well, then Frank Beamer will just emotionally leap to his protection once again, like always.
An easier check on the VaTech offense is done by observing their final rankings for the past decade. Considering even their best offensive team in Stinespring’s tenure couldn’t crack the top 25% of the FBS offenses – while featuring Logan Thomas, the best rushing yardage in VT history by David Wilson, and the two best WR’s in VT history, then you’ve got a called 3rd strike on Stinespring’s continued failure as an OC. Also on Frank Beamer’s continued knee jerk defense of Stinespring despite all evidence to the contrary.
Game prediction: Hokies 34-Miami 17 in front of less than 10K actual fans (not paid attendance).
37-23 VT over Miami… man I am so hoping against hope our O doesn’t make their D look improved….
Andy you poor thing. Having to rough it out in Miami. Enjoy it because you will be back to boring Roanoke soon.
Crooked Road- Why don’t you cut and paste one of your past posts, and just post it about every ten minutes or so. It’s the same one over and over again. Save you from typing the same stuff time and time again. We get your point of view. Hard not to.
Well let the fun begin tonight. We solidify our hold on the Coastal and move that much closer to the ACC Championship that I predicted since game 1 this year. A national stage and on Thursday night means defeat for anyone we play. It’s a fact! Beamer and the boys have had plenty of time to prepare for this one and we will hammer this bad Miami team. The final score will be 42-10. And Beamerball is brought back with 2 key plays early. Thomas 4 TDs 3 pass 1 rush…….mark it down!
BB Alltime—-why not predict the score at 72-10. I think you are dreaming Alice. It might be the national stage for the Hokies but this is not a normal Hokies team. The question that you must realistically look at tonight is how good does Miami have to be to beat VT? If the Hokies cannot run the ball effectively it is going to be a long night.
Also, if you are one that relishes in stats, look at this stat: Miami defeated NC State; NC State defeated FSU; FSU defeated Clemson; Clemson destroyed the Hokies. All of this equals: Miami 28 VT 14
Desert, aren’t you one of the apologists who praises Frank Beamer for being consistent? I’m just trying to crank out 10-4 posts, that’s all. I see the same blindered defenses on here constantly, so I’m just adding my thoughts. We’ve only seen the same production from Frank&Stine for over a decade now. Why don’t you tell me how pleased you are with Beamer’s & Stinespring’s offensive strategies, and why. Then we can evolve into better discussion like you desire.
Those pics are worthless without boobs. And McFarling’s don’t count.
Meh, the transitive property is worthless in sports. VT beat Duke, which beat North Carolina, which beat Miami.
All that tells me is the ACC is pretty mediocre and both of these teams are in the middle of the pack.
I love VT and want the team to be great, however that is impossible with the offensieve coaching staff in place. As much as I want the team to do good I know it will never happen with Stinney in place. So as bad as I hate to say it I hope Miami wins this game because we are going to have to hit rock bottom before changes are made. It is so sad because it doesn’t have to be that way, if Beamer had any BALLS!!! Or even Weaver!!!
ACC stinks it’s almost worst then then every non-bcs conference who cares who wins it doesn’t mean anything as long as this sorry staff stays the same. Miami 31 Tech 27
The apprehension I have about tonights game is Beamer and Stiney are going to try to prove McShay wrong and install some current offensive plays. Lord help us if they do, bowl memories anyone.
We’re virtually guaranteed of a bowl game. All we have to do is beat BC & UVa, the two worst teams in the ACC. Sure, we’d be 6-6, even if we lose to Miami & F$U. We’d still qualify for a bowl game, though, and since the ACC has about 8 bowls they’re linked into, we’re wasting time worrying about that.
It’s kind of funny, in a way. If we win this game, we’re almost guaranteed of playing for the ACC title. If we lose, we’re looking at a .500 regular season record and something as irrelevant as the Sun Bowl. If the offense performs well, it did so against one of the ten worst defenses in the nation. If it doesn’t, then the criticism continues. So nothing changes there. Really an interesting perspective to watch this game.
In a perverse way, I wish Miami would set a record for lowest attendance, and only have about 250 people in the entire stadium. Just so I could hear the announcers try to spin it & the camera crew try to shoot the game without showing the stands.
Andy you make a good point. Duke did beat UNC.
Crooked Road, do you have it in you to say something nice about one thing without needing to say something bad about another? Where did life go wrong for you? Help me know so I can avoid similar mistakes.
Thanks,
Society
CR- Ok, you got me. I had to go to the dictionary to find out what blindered meant. I found out that that was not very nice thing to say. So, where are we? What is it that you want? Obviously, Stinespring gone. OK, I got it. Several times in fact! Beamer? Weaver? All? Some? My perspective in all of this is from watching Tech football since 1950. So, I tend to be less critical, and enjoy the successes which occurred over the past decade. Yes, I believe that Tech has been successful during this time. I do not believe that we have been on a steady decline over this period of time. Again, my perspective is different from yours. After watching Mosely, Claiborne, Coffey, Sharpe, and Dooley go through ups and downs, Beamer (and his staff) is a deal! I sat at the first game in a smaller Lane Stadium against William and Mary that was about half full. Tech won, by the way, barely. Now, when I look at what I see on TV and at the occasional game at the stadium, I live in Arizona, I realize that we have come such a long way from the good ole days when we used to get thumped by likes of Washington and Lee in Miles Stadium. If you truly believe we are in a serious decline, take a good look at Auburn. I may be blindered, I really like that word, but I am not in a state of panic. I’ve seen it much worse at Tech. Definitely, not to the ‘off with theirheads’ stage. Chill a little.
Crooked Road needs to talk with his doctor about changing his meds. Or his life. I mean…..whatever.
Jim may have made the most relevant point on this blog. Everyone keeps harping on how bad the Miami defense is and I am sure Miami’s defense has made it a point to respond on the field tonight. Yes, Pittsburgh was supposed to be a pushover on defense and we know how that one played out. Do not assume the Miami defense will be asleep; I really think Logan is going to experience a bit of pressure. But if he can respond with good runs and the overall running game is good, Tech will escape. Don’t think so though.
Hey!!
I like ‘blindered’ also…that’s cool.
“I wuz BLINDERED by the light”
Man!! You’re OK!!!
Where’ed you find the cool word??
Do you like ‘denasare’??
Now, that’s a cool word, too.
It’s amazing what you find on Tech blogs. Thanks very much. (TVM)
Pete
This is now a test of character. It is no longer just a football game. I really hope these people shine through.
Stiney is in the house. Good for 3 touchdowns for the opposition.
This game will come down to whether VT can keep Miami from scoring. Tech should be able to score a couple of touchdowns, maybe 3. I Morris is not pressured much, Miami will prevail. Tech must stop the run or it is over.
Hokies on the way to the Toilet Bowl. Go Hokies!!
Hokie’s D cannot tackle. Another Miami 1st down.
Anyone want to buy my next years season’s tickets? Two available for sale!! Cheap.
GET A SPECIAL TEAMS COACH!!! 3 mistakes on SP in the first half. Enough is enough!!!
Watch for another interception or fumble by Thomas.
Sportscasters tearing VT apart. Well deserved. NOTE: Poor clock management is a coaching issue.
Touchdowns are much better than field goals, that goes for Miami and VT. Tech needs to do a better job of clock management; it appears Frank may have had another senior moment with the clock and then blamed it on the officials. Do not fear if you are VT, Bud Foster’s defense will prevail in the second half. Remember the Duke game when Tech was down 23-0 and also the Clemson game when they were ahead 7-0. The second half will be the best of times and the worst of times.
Desert, like I expected, you did everything but discuss the Hokie offense. Ah, the Farmer’s Almanac apology – ‘I was there way back when…’ Yeah, I know how that one works, since I’ve been watching games in Lane for nearly four decades, certainly enough to take me back past the Beamer era. I could play that pointless game, but it wastes time and is a pointless tangent.
How about not pretending falsely I said we were in decline, and instead discussing what you like about Stinespring’s offensive philosophy and why you are so satisfied with it, like I originally offered to discuss? I’ve not called for Stinespring’s dismissal, Newsome’s dismissal, Beamer’s dismissal, or even Weaver’s dismissal. I’ve only correctly pointed out how shackled their policies have made our football program.
As for the blindered description? It wasn’t an insult, just an accurate description of those lacking the ability to look any direction except one, which would be the one Frank Beamer pointed them.
Enjoy the rest of the game, if you’re watching.
We’ve got to hope for some more fluke failures by the weak Miami defense in order to get back in the game. Hokie red zone production has been very weak. We get close, but don’t convert. Field position will be as key in the 2nd half as it was in the 1st.
The amazing thing is that Miami isn’t really using Duke Johnson much except on kick returns. Thank goodness for that.
Blinding glimpse of the obvious: Logan Thomas returns for his senior season. We are in for an adventure next year!!
Was Todd McShay correct in his assessment of VT? The next series is critical for both teams, if VT gives up a TD, it will be a miserable ride home to Blacksburg.
VT: ACC Coastal Chumps; ACC Chumps; National Chumps. What a disappointment.
Vt Sports in Need OF Major Changes
>Replace Jim Weaver-he is a part time AD due to his health and his last
2 hires for mens and womens basketball are out and out jokes. Also
he is afraid to suggest changes to Emperor Beamer. Retire him-give him
a gold watch and send him on his way
>Force Beamer to restructure his staff. The Offensive Coaching staff is
laughble. Todd McShay from ESPN is wrong Tech’s Offense is not 10
years behind-it is more like 15-20 years behind. Newsome, Stinespring,
and O’Cain all need to go. And Beamer himself needs to assign Special
Teams to someone else(Shane perhaps-since he is not and has never been
a running backs coach. Special Team performance is a “grease fire”
I encourage any Real Hokie Fan to withold any pledges or gifts to the athletic programs-until they hire a FULL TIME AD, Hire LEGITIMATE Head
Coaches for mens and womens basketball. And last but not least send the originators of “Blind Squirrel Finds a Nut” on their merry way!
Please post to Sports Mailbag
C.A.S in Roanoke
Tony Gregory for a VT 1st down. Surprised that Stiney doesn’t take him out.
Fire stinkey stiney.
Logan Thomas strikes again. Another Hokie turnover. 2nd redzone turnover of the evening. Go hokies.
Frank looks like he is just confused. I feel sorry for him.
Can’t wait for Florida State to come to town. They will hang a 100 on the hokies. Whole Florida State team will letter on 11/8/2012
Let Mark Leal play. He cannot do any worse than logan
Thanks Barry from Ivy! This time the special teams and the O lets down the team…this game is a synopsis of Tech’s ills for the past what, 10 years now!! They’ve got the horses to run with the big boys and to run over teams like this Miami team but my goodness they can’t get out of their own way. Self inflicted loses..
Andy, do you have a summary of the red zone production by the Hokies tonight? Especially as far as how many trips into the red zone, since we didn’t score any TDs while in the red zone? Two FGs instead of TDs, then another missed FG. The fumble by Thomas, etc. – those things add up.
Blame play calling and the ability to produce points as an offense all you want crooked road. Bottom line the coaches don’t block, or take simple center to qb snaps, drop numerous passes, overthrow and underthrow passes. Coaches don’t let punt snaps sail wide or slip through punters fingers and get blocked. They most certainly understand defense coverage schemes which apparently our secondary players can’t seem to grasp. 3 deep coverage and the flat guy is 30 yards down field instead of 10 to 12 leaving receivers wide open. These guys are simply not getting the job done on the field and Logan is struggling to get the ball to wide open receivers. You can’t game plan for poor performance, plain and simple.