Game Day: Russell Athletic Bowl

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Consider this post the open thread for today's game. You're invited to leave your thoughts in the comments below. Most of us have been working on a holiday schedule, so after the jump are a bunch tidbits and reads found elsewhere on the Interwebs that you might have missed while on vacation. Before proceeding, Box 'shopped another masterpiece.

Now then, let's continue.

Tech visited the Give Kids the World Village. Also, it should be noted that Martin Scales knows the Macarena.

So you're saying we should win the turnover battle...

SI.com's Andy Staples picked Tech to lose.

β€’ Final analysis: Thomas has had to do everything for Virginia Tech's offense this season. He leads the Hokies in both rushing and passing. If freshman tailback J.C. Coleman can't gain some yards to lighten Thomas' workload, Virginia Tech could struggle. Meanwhile, the Hokies' defense will have to slow Jamison. This is the same unit that gave up 157 yards to Pittsburgh's Rushel Shell and 262 yards to North Carolina's Giovani Bernard. If they bottle up Jamison, then the Hokies have a better chance to force Rutgers quarterback Gary Nova -- who threw five interceptions in the Scarlet Knights' final three games -- into making a mistake. If Jamison is picking up consistent yardage, Nova should be able to take advantage of one-on-one matchups on the outside.

β€’ The pick: Rutgers 24, Virginia Tech 20

Busts in man coverage have been our downfall a few times this season.

SBNation.com's Bill Connelly wrote an in-depth preview. One pick had Tech winning, the other losing, either way it's projected as a close game that could be decided by a big play.

Virginia Tech won two games scoring 24 points or fewer and played in 10 games that saw 55 or fewer total points scored. For Rutgers, those numbers are six and 10, respectively. In fact, there haven't been more than 37 points scored in a Rutgers game since October. A single long pass to Brandon Coleman, Marcus Davis or Corey Fuller ... a single defensive breakdown in a run by Jawan Jamison, Logan Thomas or Random Tech running back ... that could make the difference in the game.

He's harped on it all season long, but Bud Foster again mentioned Tech needed to limit big plays.

"We've got to stop the run. We've got to eliminate their big plays," Foster said before the Hokies practice Tuesday at the Citrus Bowl. "Short pass plays, they can turn them into big plays. The run game and passing game complement each other."

Chris Brown of Smart Football detailed Rutgers outside zone play, and discussed how important it is to Rutgers' offensive game plan.

Watch the press conference (if you like coach speak).

Andy Bitter's feature on, my favorite fullback, Joey Phillips is a great read.

Let's Go!

Comments

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"That kid you're talking to right there, I think he played his nuts off! And you can quote me on that shit!" -Bud Foster

Give Kids the World

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To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
@VTnerf on insta, @BuryHokie on twitter, #ThanksFrank

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I love Virginia Tech, regardless of the outcome of every game.

Let's dedicate this bowl to Coach Mike London

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VT '10--US Citizen; (804) Virginian By Birth; (210) Texan By the Grace of God.

Rick Monday... You Made a Great Play...

I also root for: The Keydets, Army, TexAggies, NY Giants, NY Rangers, ATL Braves, and SA Brahmas

See the helmets?

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We put the K in Kwality

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"Go Hokies!" - Thomas Jefferson
@HaydenDubya

holy hell can need on be

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tyrod did it mikey! tyrod did it!

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

Proud Member Of The Key Play Community Since January 2012.

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"Go Hokies!" - Thomas Jefferson
@HaydenDubya

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

Proud Member Of The Key Play Community Since January 2012.

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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Pathetic

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There are wolves and there are sheep, I am the sheep dog

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

Proud Member Of The Key Play Community Since January 2012.

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

Proud Member Of The Key Play Community Since January 2012.

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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SEVENTY THREE TOTAL YARDS in the first half

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Is this stat right

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A new season...new hope

James Gayle

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We put the K in Kwality

Lou Holtz is undressing our offense

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We put the K in Kwality

what am I watching...

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May we all get what we want and never what we deserve.

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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Look at the bright side...

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A new season...new hope

How many special QBs change?

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A new season...new hope

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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unconventional thinking

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A new season...new hope

Rumor (from reliable source)

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We put the K in Kwality

I don't write the contracts :)

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We put the K in Kwality

4 plays...3 of the worst officiating calls

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We put the K in Kwality

Rutgers Mascot

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A new season...new hope

79 mf'n yards through the 3rd quarter

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We put the K in Kwality

79 yards of O. 85 penalty yards.

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We put the K in Kwality

Redzone

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We put the K in Kwality

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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Who would pay off officials for the Russell Atheltic?

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We put the K in Kwality

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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It's either grounding or its not

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We put the K in Kwality

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

Proud Member Of The Key Play Community Since January 2012.

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

Proud Member Of The Key Play Community Since January 2012.

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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I JUST...

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"...sticks and stones may break my bones but I'm gonna kick you repeatedly in the balls Gardoki!"

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H_O_K_I_E_S-HOKIES!

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HAHAHAH!! FUCK THE WORLD!

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"That kid you're talking to right there, I think he played his nuts off! And you can quote me on that shit!" -Bud Foster

Question:

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Not the bagman VT deserves, but the bagman VT needs right now.

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VT '10--US Citizen; (804) Virginian By Birth; (210) Texan By the Grace of God.

Rick Monday... You Made a Great Play...

I also root for: The Keydets, Army, TexAggies, NY Giants, NY Rangers, ATL Braves, and SA Brahmas