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Press Box

with our sports staff

Your 17-10 final

Posted Sep29, 2007 at 08:53 PM

Another week, another uneven performance by the Virginia Tech offense. The Hokies got a 17-10 win over North Carolina today, but they're still frustrated by their lack of efficiency. The bright spots included that first drive, a seven-play, 70-yard masterpiece; the defense, led by Xavier Adibi, Vince Hall and Cam Martin; and punter Brent Bowden, who was strong again. Jud Dunlevy also hit a 52-yard field goal, Tech's longest since 1999.

So it's certainly not all bad. It only seems that way when we've been thinking week after week that this is going to be the day the offense puts things together. We'll have plenty on the offense in Sunday's paper. A few notes, courtesy of Tech's sports information department:

-Tyrod Taylor threw his first interception today. He'd thrown 64 interception-free passes before then.

-Eddie Royal's 53-yard run on the first play from scrimmage was a career long. His previous best was 17 yards.

-Kam Chancellor's fourth-quarter fumble recovery in the end zone was Tech's first fumble recovery this year.

-Cam Martin had three sacks, the most since William Wall equaled that total against Duke last season

-Adibi's 15 tackles were a career high

A few thoughts from coach Frank Beamer:
On the nine penalties:
"I don't like that."

On the O-line's performance:
"I thought we were better. I think we go back and look at the film. We have to say with our quarterback, 'Are you looking where you need to be looking and should the ball be getting out of there or should you be scrambling?' We're into different stuff offensively...I think there's going to be some things he can learn from and be a better quarterback at Clemson."

On getting a late stop to win it:
"What I like is their toughness. When they absolutely had to, our defense stepped up....We are not as smooth as you want. I know that, and you guys know that, too. We're just not quite as smooth as we want, but keep giving effort, and we're going to get there. We're going to be a smooth machine when this thing's over."

That's all for tonight. Check out all our coverage in Sunday's paper and at roanoke.com. We'll see you next week from Clemson.

Pitt gets first down

Posted Sep29, 2007 at 07:47 PM

In fact, the Panthers picked up first downs on back-to-back plays in the final 1:05 of the first quarter but they're trailing 27-0 after a 1-yard touchdon run by UVa's Cedric Peerman, capping the Cavaliers' longest drive of the first quarter, taking up 2:13.

Pitt gets first down

Posted Sep29, 2007 at 07:47 PM

In fact, the Panthers picked up first downs on back-to-back plays in the final 1:05 of the first quarter but they're trailing 27-0 after a 1-yard touchdon run by UVa's Cedric Peerman, capping the Cavaliers' longest drive of the first quarter, taking up 2:13.

Nice pick, Randy King

Posted Sep29, 2007 at 07:29 PM

Pittsburgh, the pregame choice of Roanoke Times sportswriter Randy King, now trails 20-0 after Jameel Sewell's third touchdown pass in just over eight minutes of the first quarter. The Panthers fumbled the kickoff following UVa's second TD and Denzel Burrell recovered for the Cavaliers at the Pitt 26.

Deja vu

Posted Sep29, 2007 at 07:19 PM

Virginia has now scored on its first two possessions in four straight games -- seven touchdowns and one field goal. Cavs up with 9:06 remaining in the first quarter after Jameel Sewell touchdown passes to tight ends Jon Stupar and Tom Santi.

Eugene Monroe did not start at left offensive tackle; Brandon Albert moves from tackle to left guard and seldom-used fifth-year senior Gordie Sammis starts at left guard.

Eugene Monroe

Posted Sep29, 2007 at 06:31 PM

Can't say there's much going on here at Scott Stadium with a little more than 30 minutes remaining until game time, but No. 75, left offensive tackle Eugene Monroe is in uniform and going through pregame drills with the Cavaliers.Coach Al Groh had described Monroe as day-to-day as the result of a knee sprain suffered last Saturday in a 28-23 victory over Georgia Tech. (Can't believe the Yellow Jackets have Clemson down 13-3 in the fourth).

Hokies defeat UNC 17-10

Posted Sep29, 2007 at 04:09 PM

It was ugly at times -- quite a few times -- but Virginia Tech has held on for a 17-10 win over North Carolina. Back with more later...

Big swing...

Posted Sep29, 2007 at 02:28 PM

Xavier Adibi's interception sets up Virginia Tech at the UNC 12, and the Hokies need just three Branden Ore runs up the middle to convert. 2:17 left in the third, Tech's up 17-3.

Bullet dodged

Posted Sep29, 2007 at 02:11 PM

Orion Martin strips the ball fromUnC's Ryan Houston near the goal line. The ball pops into the end zone, where Kam Chancellor recovers for a touchback.

8:05 remaining in the third, 10-3 Hokies. Tyrod Taylor is back in the game. Sean Glennon completed his only pass attempt for 10 yards to set up Jud Dunlevy's 52-yard field goal, the longest for Tech since 1999.

Taylor shaken up

Posted Sep29, 2007 at 01:49 PM

Tyrod Taylor is sacked and leaves the field favoring his right leg. Sean Glennon is in.

Halftime thoughts: Virginia Tech 7, UNC 3

Posted Sep29, 2007 at 01:19 PM

The Hokies gained 53 yards on their first play from scrimmage, a creative, well-executed reverse to receiver Eddie Royal.

Since then, they've looked more like the team that's struggled on offense all season.

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor has had a tendency to throw many of his passes high today, including an attempt over the middle to tight end Sam Wheeler that was tipped and picked off near the UNC 10 and returned to midfield. Overall he's 6-for-10 for 45 yards, and he's been sacked twice.

Tech's defense has been solid, holding UNC to 103 yards. The front seven have been getting good pressure on UNC quarterback T.J. Yates, sacking him three times. They'll need more of that, because if Yates has time, these receivers will get open. On one such time, Tech was bailed out by a non-call on clear pass interference midway through the second quarter.

Xavier Adibi has been in on seven tackles already. Cam Martin's been a part of four tackles, including a sack.

Tech tailback Branden Ore had 42 yards on eight first-quarter carries, an average of 5.2 a pop. But he's had just three carries since and is sitting on 53 yards (4.8 average). Still an improvement over where he's been, and he's on pace for his first 100-yard game of the season.

The crowd here seems a little out of it. Part of that is the noon kickoff, but you also get the sense that the fans are dying for something to cheer for offensively. Not much yet, but stay tuned.

First quarter ends: Tech 7, UNC 0

Posted Sep29, 2007 at 12:25 PM

The Hokies just got bailed out on third-and-26. After quarterback Tyrod Taylor released a deep pass that fell incomplete, Hilee Taylor hit him late for a 15-yard roughing penalty and an automatic first down. Tech is driving, first down with the ball on the UNC 27 as we open the second quarter.

Tech's defense has been very solid thus far, Xavier Adibi in particular.

Strong start

Posted Sep29, 2007 at 12:12 PM

Tech forces a three-and-out on UNC's first possession, then wastes little time in marching 70 yards for the score. Tyrod Taylor takes it in from 5 yards out after scrambling away from trouble in the backfield on third-and-goal.

The big play was the first one: A reverse to Eddie Royal who took it 53 yards to the UNC 17. Just under five minutes elapsed here in the first quarter, 7-zip Hokies.

Tech's Beleaguered Bunch

Posted Sep29, 2007 at 11:46 AM

Does Frank Beamer know something we don't? He said this week that "cracks are coming" for running back Branden Ore, and folks who purchased the game day program today will find the Hokies' offensive line on the cover. Front and center: guard Sergio Render, who won't play in the first quarter because of disciplinary reasons.

Hmm....

Greetings from Lane Stadium...

Posted Sep29, 2007 at 10:09 AM

Well, here it is at last. ACC play. For too long, the Hokies have been forced to watch their neighbors up in Charlottesville pile up the league wins, and now it's their chance to get on the board against 1-3 North Carolina.

I really think the rest of the season sets up very well for Tech. It's reminiscent of 2004, when the Hokies lost their opener to USC and immediately had to adjust their goals accordingly, making an ACC championship the top aspiration. If they can make some strides offensive this week, even a loss next Saturday in Clemson would be OK. They'd still have to feel good about their chances in the Coastal Division.

It's 60 degrees, cloudless and downright beautiful here at the stadium. The Vegas line is holding steady at Tech by 19. We've got three reporters here today, so stay tuned for blog updates throughout the afternoon.

Favre ignites Packers' resurgence

Posted Sep25, 2007 at 02:05 PM

Where’s all the Brett Favre retirement talk? Amazing what 3-0 and tying the career touchdown passes record will do. An aging Favre is still better than most of the quarterbacks in the NFL. It was good to see Favre’s smile at the end of Sunday’s come-from-behind win over San Diego. Other than the gray in his sideburns, he didn’t look like a man who needs to retire. Hey Brett, play till you're 40.

Remembering Temple-Va. Tech

Posted Sep23, 2007 at 06:09 PM

This seems to be the month to remember Temple’s 1998 football upset of then-No. 14 Virginia Tech. When Appalachian State upset Michigan, some in the media said it replaced the Temple win as the biggest upset in college football history. When my alma mater, Syracuse, won at then-No. 18 Louisville on Saturday, the announcers doing the game on TV said it might top the Temple win in Blacksburg as the biggest upset in Big East history. Syracuse was a 36½-point underdog, while Temple was a 35-point underdog. Of course, to have your alma mater compared to Temple in football is no great source of pride, but this season has been so dreadful for my Orange, I’ll take it. — Mark Berman

Cavs win 28-23

Posted Sep22, 2007 at 03:42 PM

Georgia Tech uses its final timeout with Virginia facing a third-and-8 with 2:46 left.

Sewell fumbles while avoiding sackers. UVa has to punt from 37. Chris Gould comes in.

Cavs can't cover the punt. GT has a 17-yard return to the 35, then Jackets are called for holding on back-to-back plays. Cavs decline the second one. After an incompletion, it's third-and-20 from the 25 with 1:33 left.

Perfect throw to Demaryius Thomas within sight of the first down but he drops it.

Offensive pass interference on GT and it's over.

Cavs kill the clock. GT can't stop it.

Stoppage

Posted Sep22, 2007 at 03:34 PM

Georgia Tech facing fourth-and-1 from the UVa 16 following a 13-yard scramble by QB Taylor Bennett, seemingly hemmed in in the backfield. Collison between Virginia DE Jeffrey Fitzgerald and GT wide receiver Correy Earls has left Earls motionless with 4:46 left. They've got a board on the field and a stretcher, reminiscent of a collision with UVa's Nate Lyles on the same field and with the same teams as two years ago. Looks like play will be out for at least 10 minutes when they're done attending to Earls. Cavs lead 28-23 with 4:46 left.

Earls is rolled out. He's not moving but he might be strapped in. Plays's back in.

GT called for motion.RT Now it's fourth-and-6. They're going for it. Chris Long sacks Bennett. Cavs' ball.

Another huge turnaround

Posted Sep22, 2007 at 03:10 PM

Jameel Sewell connects with walk-on Staton Jobe for a 26-yard touchdown connection with 8:56 left as Virginia retakes the lead 28-23. The one-play touchdown drives follows a fumble by Georgia Tech punt returner Andrew Smith, who is hit by Aaron Clark. Redshirt freshman Trey Womack recovers for the Cavaliers.

GT takes lead

Posted Sep22, 2007 at 02:46 PM

UVa's defense has given up a total of three first downs in three second-half possessions but two have resulted in GT field goal, the second a career-long 51-yarder by Travis Bell to put the Yellow Jackets on top 23-21 with 4:22 left in the third. True feshman Peter Lalich is in the game at quarterback, the third time he has relieved Jameel Sewell. Cavaliers' offense and poor punt coverage has given GT great field position.

UVa 21-20, 11:45 left in the third

Posted Sep22, 2007 at 02:21 PM

UVa picks up two quick first downs to start the second half, then quarterback Jameel Sewell tosses an errant pitch to Cedric Peerman on the option and GT recovers at the UVa 49. Travis Bell hits a 43-yard FG as fumbles have now led to 10 Yellow Jacket points.

UVa-GT Halftime observations

Posted Sep22, 2007 at 01:48 PM

Going into the game, Virginia would have been happy with a halftime lead of 21-17, but the Cavaliers had a chance to bury the Yellow Jackets and let it get away.

The Cavaliers led 21-7 and had GT stopped to start the second quarter, only to give the ball back at their 30 on a fumble by Vic Hall, who used poor judgment in not going for the fair catch.

Possession originally was given to Virginia on the premise that the ground had caused the fumble, but a review showed that Hall had lost the ball on the way down.

After a two-play touchdown drive by Georgia Tech made it 21-14, UVa coach inserted true freshman Peter Lalich, just as he had one week earlier at North Carolina. Virginia picked up one first down in two series with Lalich in the game, not because of anything he did, and the offense lost all flow

Sewell did a good job in moving Virginia out from its own 1-yard line on the Cavaliers' final first-half series and picked up enough yardage and ate up enough clock to make Georgia Tech go 77 yards. The Yellow Jackets moved the ball to the UVa 12 before Travis Bell came on for a 30-yard field goal.

Georgia Tech had a 237-213 edge in total yardage at the half but took command in the second quarter, when the Yellow Jackets outgained UVa 121-39. UVa's Cedric Peerman led all rushers with 14 carries for 76 yards, and true freshman Jonathan Dwyer had 49 yards on five trips for Tech.

Defending ACC rushing champion Tashard Choice started at tailback for GT but carried only five times for 19 yards in the first half. Quarterback Taylor Bennett was 11-of-21 for 156 yards; Sewell and Lalich were a combined 11-for-18, with all of the completions to tight end or running backs.

Virginia receives to start the second half.

UVa-GT Halftime observations

Posted Sep22, 2007 at 01:48 PM

Going into the game, Virginia would have been happy with a halftime lead of 21-17, but the Cavaliers had a chance to bury the Yellow Jackets and let it get away.

The Cavaliers led 21-7 and had GT stopped to start the second quarter, only to give the ball back at their 30 on a fumble by Vic Hall, who used poor judgment in not going for the fair catch.

Possession originally was given to Virginia on the premise that the ground had caused the fumble, but a review showed that Hall had lost the ball on the way down.

After a two-play touchdown drive by Georgia Tech made it 21-14, UVa coach inserted true freshman Peter Lalich, just as he had one week earlier at North Carolina. Virginia picked up one first down in two series with Lalich in the game, not because of anything he did, and the offense lost all flow

Sewell did a good job in moving Virginia out from its own 1-yard line on the Cavaliers' final first-half series and picked up enough yardage and ate up enough clock to make Georgia Tech go 77 yards. The Yellow Jackets moved the ball to the UVa 12 before Travis Bell came on for a 30-yard field goal.

Georgia Tech had a 237-213 edge in total yardage at the half but took command in the second quarter, when the Yellow Jackets outgained UVa 121-39. UVa's Cedric Peerman led all rushers with 14 carries for 76 yards, and true freshman Jonathan Dwyer had 49 yards on five trips for Tech.

Defending ACC rushing champion Tashard Choice started at tailback for GT but carried only five times for 19 yards in the first half. Quarterback Taylor Bennett was 11-of-21 for 156 yards; Sewell and Lalich were a combined 11-for-18, with all of the completions to tight end or running backs.

If not for mistakes ...

Posted Sep22, 2007 at 01:15 PM

UVa might be blowing this open. Cavs looking at 3-and-3 inside GT territory before being called for an illegal shift, then Staton Jobe drops a ball right at the first-down marker. Still no receptions by a UVa wide receiver.

Huge turnover

Posted Sep22, 2007 at 01:03 PM

Cavs stop GT to start the second quarter but Vic Hall fumbles punt and Yellow Jackets awarded possession on review. Tech needs two plays to score and make it 21-14. Hall should have let an earlier punt go and should have fair caught this one. Then he gets run over for 21-yard TD by Jonathan Dwyer, who is making them forget Tashard Choice. Refs run one play between three reviews.Refs made the right call on reversing call on Hall fumble; he wasn't down.

It looks like Peter Lalich is ready to make his first appearance for the 'Hoos. Sewell's got the headset on.12:20 left in the 2nd quarter after an indifferent Andrew Pearman return.

Another scoring update

Posted Sep22, 2007 at 12:03 PM

Jeffrey Fitzgerald's 25-yard interception returjn of a pass batted by at least two teammates puts UVa ahead 21-7 with 2:01 left in the first. It's the fourth interception for Fitzgerald, a defensive tackle playing in his 16th college game. It was also the first turnover for GT this season. End of first quarter.

A worried Red Sox fan

Posted Sep20, 2007 at 08:33 PM

My dad warned me. I, a Connecticut native and long-time Red Sox fan, was giddy when Boston held a 14 1/2-game lead over the New York Yankees in late May. I was supremely confident when Boston led the AL East by 12 games in early July. My dad was apprehensive and thinking of the past, but not me. Now, though, the Yanks trail my Sox by just 1 1/2 games. Horror of horrors, this really could be 1978 all over again. Never mind winning the World Series, now I fear my Sox may not win the division. -- Mark Berman

UVa or not? That is the question

Posted Sep19, 2007 at 05:53 PM

If you think Al Groh has trouble making decisions, try playing along with the Fearless Forecasters online every week and deciding whether Virginia will win or lose. It's rarely an easy call. Can they win on the road? Probably not, but how good is Wyoming and North Carolina? Went 1-1 there. They have a pretty good home record under Groh, but can they really beat Georgia Tech? In August, I wrote that UVa was the sleeper team in the ACC. I went against that last week and picked the Heels. This week I'm going with the Cavs. Thankfully, my job doesn't ride on whether UVa wins or loses.

Expect Bowyer to hang around

Posted Sep18, 2007 at 02:08 PM

Good for Clint Bowyer. Not only did he win his first Nextel Cup race on Sunday, but he did it in dominating fashion, throwing a nice twist into Week 1 of the Chase. He lurks 15 points back of co-leaders Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon, giving those who like the underdog a natural rooting interest. His average finish at Dover is 11th, so perhaps we can expect him to hang around a while longer.

Tech, UVa roundups

Posted Sep16, 2007 at 12:00 PM

Check out today's stories on Virginia's win over UNC, and Tech's win over Ohio in the sports section of roanoke.com.

Talk about Tyrod Taylor's first start for Tech or UVa's 2-0 start in the ACC in the comments area.

Carolina needs a TD and 2-pointer

Posted Sep15, 2007 at 02:45 PM

Chris Gould's fifth field goal, a 32-yarder with 8:56 left, stretches UVa's lead to 22-14.

Chris Long sets it up with his first career interception and 25-yard return.

Virginia 19, North Carolina 14

Posted Sep15, 2007 at 02:31 PM

Three quarters completed.

Carolina dominates the third quarter as UVa quarterbacks struggle.

Seen this before

Posted Sep15, 2007 at 02:24 PM

A 53-yard pass from T.J. Yates to Hakeem Nicks makes it 19-14 with 4:37 left in the third quarter. Lalich enters the game for Virginia at quarterback and immediately runs the wrong way -- the second time that's happened. Cavs getting killed by quarterback play.

No way!

Posted Sep15, 2007 at 02:14 PM

Instant replay shows that a 48-yard field-goal attempt by Chris Gould, originally ruled no good, did indeed clear the bar and now Virginia leads 19-7 with 6:49 remaining in the third quarter.

Haltime thoughts: UVa 16, North Carolina 7

Posted Sep15, 2007 at 01:49 PM

The Cavaliers have dominated this game so far, outgaining the Tar Heels 235 to 125. Both UVa quarterbacks have been fairly sharp in the short passing game. Jameel Sewell is 7-for-10 for 59 yards, while freshman Peter Lalich is 6-for-8 for 51 yards. Tailback Cedric Peerman has been outstanding, running for 98 yards on 14 carries -- an average of seven yards a pop.

North Carolina cannot tackle. That helps. But give UVa's coaching staff credit: The team certainly has looked prepared today, and the Wahoos are 30 minutes of similar execution away from being 2-0 in the ACC.

Momentum swing

Posted Sep15, 2007 at 01:32 PM

Carolina needs only 1:41 to go 72 yards in 11 plays to cut Virginia's lead to 16-7 with 22 seconds left in the half. Two UVa miscues help keep Carolina's drive alive -- a late hit against redshirt freshman cornerback Mike Parker and a drop by safety Jamaal Jackson on a near-certain interception.

With a little more efficiency, Cavs could have had 2-3 touchdowns.

Lalich in

Posted Sep15, 2007 at 01:15 PM

True freshman quarterrback Peter Lalich enters the game with 10:35 left in the second quarter and completes his first five passes in taking Virginia from its 16 to the UNC 18 before Chris Gould comes in for his third field goal, making it 16-0 Virginia with 6:19 left.

Cavs up lead

Posted Sep15, 2007 at 12:55 PM

Cavs have a second straight drive stall after an offensive penalty but Chris Gould makes it 13-0 with a 28-yard field goal.

A 38-yard Cedric Peerman run gives him 11 carries for 93 yards. Field-goal drive starts when Clint Sintim strips ball from Johnny White and recovers himself at the UVa 33.

Cavs up 10-0

Posted Sep15, 2007 at 12:35 PM

Chris Gould kicks a career-long 51-yarder that never gets more than 15 feet off the ground.

Great field position comes courtesy of back-to-back Jeffrey Fitzgerald and Chris Long sacks.

Cavs kick off with 3:29 left in first quarter

Surprise, surprise

Posted Sep15, 2007 at 12:24 PM

Virginia converts a third-and-4, a third-and-11 and a third-and-10 to score a touchdown on its first possession. It's the first road touchdown for the Cavaliers in seven quarters.

Junior tailback Cedric Peerman accounts for 63 yards -- 32 rushing, 31 receiving -- before scoring on a 1-yard run to put UVa ahead 7-0.

Dooley looking good

Posted Sep15, 2007 at 11:53 AM

With 15 minutes remaining before kickoff at Kenan Stadium, there's been a Bill Dooley sighting in the press box.
Dooley, formerly the head coach at three current ACC programs, had a brush with death when he suffered an aneurysm in April 2006 but looked to be in good shape after a trip through the media buffet line.
Dooley had two hot dogs to go with a fried chicken breast, cole slaw and fruit, but showed good restraint by eating the hot dogs without buns.
It was good seeing the old boy.
The news on the Cavaliers is that Kyle Long, younger brother of Virginia star defensive end Chris Long, had to be immobilized after suffering a neck injury in a football game for St. Anne's-Belfield in Charlottesville.
Kyle Long, who has committed to Florida State for baseball, apparently had movement in all of his extremities and was diagnosed with a "stinger."
From the UVa pre-game, the big news is that sophomore quarterback Jameel Sewell has been working with the first-team offense. Coach Al Groh has said he will rotate quarterbacks Sewell and Peter Lalich, a true freshman.

Thoughts on Tech's 48-7 loss

Posted Sep09, 2007 at 02:01 AM

Forgive the lateness of this post -- we're closing in on 2:30 a.m. here at Tiger Stadium -- but I doubt most Virginia Tech fans can sleep right now anyway. I'll make this quick and come back with more later.

When I think about Sean Glennon, I feel like Virginia Tech basketball coach Seth Greenberg did last year about his struggling center, Coleman Collins. "I want something good to happen to him," Greenberg often said of Collins, "because he deserves it."

Glennon deserves better than what's probably going to happen to him. He's a classy, classy young man, and an extremely hard worker, and now he's probably out of a job. I'm going to stop right here and make you wait for Monday's column, where I'll expand on this.

That said, Tyrod Taylor brings another dimension. And in Tech's one-back set, behind this offensive line, you've got to have another dimension. So my guess is he'll be the starter next week against Ohio.
"I think he gives some athletic ability in our offense that we need," Beamer said.

Tyrod's thoughts:
"The first couple of snaps there was a little bit of jitters, but as the game went on, they went away."

"I still have things to learn as far as picking up defenses, but that comes with reps in practice and just working hard every day in practice."

On if he thinks he is now the leader of the offense:
"I can't comment. That's up to the coaches."

On if he's ready to start being the quarterback the rest of the way:
"Yes, sir."

Uglier details to come...

Haltime thoughts: LSU 24, Virginia Tech 0

Posted Sep08, 2007 at 10:47 PM

Nightmare, all around. The defense can't stop anybody. The offense won't budge. Tyrod Taylor, the prized freshman quarterback, has been tossed into action in a hostile stadium, asked to save something that doesn't look like it can be saved.

Taylor showed off his big arm, letting loose two deep ball that looked nice but still fell incomplete. Sean Glennon -- the man Taylor replaced with 6:39 remaining in the second quarter -- has not thrown deep yet today.

All these flanker screens have added up to very little. It's an effort to get the ball quickly to the Tech playmakers before LSU's defensive line can reach the quarterback, but there's not much space out there, and when there is, the quarterbacks haven't put the ball on the money. Taylor's first collegiate pass was one such throw, skipping toward an open receiver near the right sideline.

Running back Branden Ore is faring no better than he did last week. He's had eight carries for 20 yards. Tech as a whole has rushed for 23 yards. If the Hokies can't run the ball, they're toast. And so far tonight, that's exactly what's happened.

Tigers quarterback Matt Flynn has been outstanding. His arm is strong and accurate, and his line is giving him time to find the open man. Usually that man has been Brandon LaFell, who has five catches for 102 yards.

It will be interesting to see who starts at QB in the second half. And it will be interesting to see if the Hokies can salvage anything positive out of this one.

I'll be back after the game...

Taylor enters game...

Posted Sep08, 2007 at 10:34 PM

So long, redshirt. Frank Beamer wants to see what freshman QB Tyrod Taylor has right now. With 6:39 left in the second quarter, it's 24-0 LSU.

Tyrod Taylor warming up...

Posted Sep08, 2007 at 10:27 PM

...on the sidelines, throwing with fellow QB Cory Holt. With 9:34 remaining in the second, it's 24-0 LSU. Sean Glennon is 2-for-10 for 16 yards and an interception.