2008.10.27
This could be Glennon's break
So who's going to be Virginia Tech's quarterback a week from Thursday against 25th-ranked Maryland in Lane Stadium?
Starter Tyrod Taylor and backup Sean Glennon both suffered left ankle injuries in last Saturday's 30-20 loss at Florida State, and head athletic trainer Mike Goforth said Monday that each is questionable to play against the Terps. Both are still wearing protective boots on their lower left legs, and will miss Tuesday's and Wednesday's practices.
Goforth said each will wear the boots until possibly as late as Saturday, when the Hokies open game-week preparations for Maryland.
The key here, I think, is that Taylor's injury is the most severe. He has a high left ankle sprain, while Glennon's injury status doesn't include the qualifier "high."
Last season, Taylor missed 3 1/2 games with a high ankle sprain to the same leg. Glennon's injury is a mere ankle sprain.
While I'm not counting out Taylor recovering in time to face Maryland, Glennon figures to have the better chance of the two playing next week. And I'm betting that Glennon will do everything in his power to get back on the field and try to get most of the reps in game-week preparation. Hey, this is the senior's last big shot to finish his career with a flourish.
What a story it would be if Glennon were to be able to go against Maryland and lead the Hokies in what is a must-win game for Tech to win the ACC's Coastal Division crown.
Considering how long it took Taylor to return last season from the same injury, Glennon could be in a position to play a lot more down the stretch in the final three regular-season games at Miami (Nov. 13), Duke (Nov. 22), and Virginia (Nov. 29).
Despite all the criticism he's received from Tech fans during his career, Glennon hasn't let it keep him down. The guy is routinely the last player to leave the practice field each day, hanging around to play pitch-and-catch with redshirt freshman wide receiver Danny Coale.
Not matter what any Tech backers say, Glennon is a tribute to the program. The guy has had plenty of opportunites to cash in his chips and not be a team player during his up-and-down career.
It would be a fabulous script if he could finish his college days on a high note. No matter what anyone says, the guy deserves it.
-- Randy King
I couldn't agree more. Sean Glennon is one of the toughest, most dedicated football players to grace Lane Stadium. He deserves to play. And he deserves our support.
Comment by Paul — October 27, 2008 @ 6:04 pm
For the first time this year, at FSU, Tech was actually dangerous on offense. Glennon threw some brilliant passes, and the young receivers were converting with better-thrown balls. (All the more remarkable with Glennon coming off the bench and taking #2 snaps in practice...) Tyrod can certainly help the team in certain down and distance combinations, but Glennon has to get many (if not most) of the snaps for this team to play its best. The BC game, for example, was painful to watch, as BC denied the run, forced Tech to beat them with the pass, and Tech had no response. Glennon likely could have helped Tech win that game. Here's hoping for 4-0 down the stretch and a rematch with FSU in the ACC title game.
Comment by Miles — October 28, 2008 @ 11:09 pm
Thanks Ivan, for a look at a very under-appreciated player and leader. Glennon has gotten way to much blame and not enough credit for what he has done for the Hokies. Players with less character would have packed it in long ago. While hardly playing since the second game, he looked good against Fla. State. His passing made the young receivers look better and seemed to open up the running game as well. I hope he does recover quickly and can lead to Hokies to victory over the Terps. I hope the vocal minority who have boo'd this fine young man will finally embrace him for all that he has done for Hokie Nation. He has been there for us, we should ALL be there for him.
Comment by Issac — October 29, 2008 @ 11:07 am
Glennon's problem this year might be that Tech just hasn't done a great job of recruiting receivers for him to throw to. I think he's a good player also.
Comment by Nelson — November 3, 2008 @ 1:41 am