Hokie Tracks are Rapping about Lil' Wang
Lil' Wang practiced on Saturday for the first time since breaking his foot against ECU. That's great news as far as the future of the o-line is concerned. Both starting guards, Jaymes Brooks and Greg Nosal, are seniors. The coaches raved over Wang during spring practice and August camp and he figured to rotate at guard this season. In his only complete game of the season he played 29 snaps against Appalachian State and graded out at 89 percent. Michigan's two inside tackles are stout, and it'd be a huge boost for his progression to get work against them.
Juniors David Wilson, who Yahoo! named a second team All-American, and Jayron Hosley will both soon decide whether or not to enter the 2012 NFL the draft. Mark Giannotto says David Wilson is undecided about the draft, where as Hosley will likely enter.
"Clear first round, it's definitely gonna be like, 'Whoa,'" Wilson said. "Second round, that's gonna make it hard and think about it. .?.?. With the combine, there's chances to move up. It just depends."
DW is an ambitious hardworking kid, and if he's already thinking about improving his draft stock at the combine, then he may have already made his mind up and not know it. At the beginning of the season I figured he'd come back to school, because he just seems like one of those kids that loves the college experience.
Losing Hosley is going to hurt.
"I plan on getting my grade back and go from there. Right now my mind is I'm moving on after this season," Hosley said.
"I put the papers in because obviously I have my mind on leaving or possibly leaving," he later added. "I'm not going back and forth or re-thinking anything. Right now my mindset is on leaving so right now I'm gonna complete the rest of my time here and help my team to win as much as I can for right now."
Against Clemson we saw a glimpse of what the secondary might look like without Jayron. Granted Fuller was playing Whip and not corner, but it didn't look pretty. Although their ceilings are high, Jarrett and Bonner looked young and inexperienced, because they're young and inexperienced. And don't forget, 5th man Cris Hill is a senior.
http://blogs.roanoke.com/andybittervirginiatechfootball/2011/12/11/lefto...
But did anyone tell Tyler Denard doesn't tie his shoelaces.
"That's the thing that kind of scares you because when you can run so well with the quarterback you don't need an extra blocker," Tyler said. "When you're running with the quarterback, you use your running back as an extra blocker, and it's tougher to get into gaps because there's that extra blocker. It's more difficult, especially with a runner like him. He can break it for a long run in a flash, so in this game it's all about stopping Denard Robinson."
...
"You have to be really good with your run-pass reads and also when you do get a pass read he can take off and run and just scramble,' Tyler said. "So you have to be really good at coming back to the ball. You have to be very good at tackling in space, because he's so elusive and there's going to be a lot of one on one tackles out in space. I mean, really, it's going to be a team effort. You're going to have to get him down, make them run another play. You can't let them get many big plays."
I'd imagine whenever Michigan is in their multiple receiver, shotgun formations we'll see Hill and Hosley at corner and Fuller, the spill-man, at Whip to match up with Denard's speed and balance against the run-pass threat. Although, I bet French will go into our defensive gamplan in more detail as we get closer to kickoff.
Why aren't you buying Sugar Bowl tickets? As of today we've sold less than 10,000 tickets, the Frankinator is shilling like Seth on HokieSports for you to buy (which makes me sad inside), and now VT is letting people buy proxy tickets. Can you not afford the trip, or on the fence? Or are you going, but buying scalped tickets? Or are you burnt out after 4 BCS games in the last 5 seasons?
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Comments
Straight-up too expensive a trip for me. #
My brother and his GF are going, and my old roommate couldn't swing it either to at least split hotel costs. I also swore off New Orleans again unless it was a national championship game; Michigan's damn tempting, but flying solo on this one just isn't practical.
I did two Sugars and an Orange pre-mortgage. Time for other folks to step up.
I wish I could. The issue #
I wish I could. The issue isn't the ticket prices. It is the cost of airfare, coupled with the purchase of the new car, coupled with the fact that I absolutely detest New Orleans. It doesn't help that the BCS system has completely devalued all the bowl games except for the Rose Bowl and the National Championship game for all established football powers. The game is, in essence, a high profile (and expensive) exhibition (hence my argument for giving younger backups practice snaps leading up to the game.) It meant much more in 1995 when the Hokies were attempting to break on to the national scene.
Anticipate a post on my plan for replacing the BCS. Trust me, you won't like it.
Viva El Guapo
I'm glad to see #
someone else hates New Orleans. I've got three visits under my belt (one in HS plus two Sugars, all pre-Katrina), and every time it became clearer that the locals see themselves as carnies, us as marks, and their city as a fairground that someone else will clean up one day. If I'm going to spend $250/night on a hotel room (or even $160 out by the airport), I'll spend it somewhere where the locals give a damn about their city. Montreal is my favorite city in the world basically because it's what New Orleans could be if anyone there cared.
The market-flooding issue (especially from bundling tickets with the BCSCG) is a big problem for the schools, and one the bowls don't give a crap about. Schools and conferences need to figure out how to jam the guarantee system back down the bowls' throats.
Some Christmas-themed Sugar Bowl goodness #
A newborn is keeping us from New Orleans this year, but in our stead, I offer you this:
Follow @Hokie_Wartooh
Airfare #
I agree...it's not ticket prices it getting there. $850 round trip from Richmond is insane. $500 for the train which takes 20 plus hours each way...no better. Or, 2,000 miles round trip in a rental car. hmm.
After going to Lane 6 times, down to North Carolina for the Wake game and ACC championship game I am having trouble justifying $1,500 for flight and hotel even if the game tickets were free.
Blame the Airlines for price gauging!!!
I'd love to, but i'll be in #
I'd love to, but i'll be in Krakow for new years.
Cheering the Hokies on from across the way!
I did the Auburn Sugar Bowl and new years in NO, it was outstanding.
HIGHLY recommend everyone to go.
bonus is that weather was in the 70s and sunny so we could do shorts in the day time
Bourbon street is pretty outstanding as well.
just do it!
Bought Tix from StubHub #
Got just as good of tickets as VT was offering for $74 ea. I have never been to New Orleans, always have wanted to go, but have always feared what previous comments suggest about the locals. But I figured I would go this once and probably never again.
This is an expensive trip for anyone to make, let alone college students.
BCS BS aside, this is a high profile game that VT needs if it ever wants to get over that final hurdle! I plan to enjoy myself in a city I have never visited and see a great football game while I am there.
--
dmcross
I WANT TO GO SO BADLY #
Tickets only went on sale to the general public today at noon, and guess what I find when I search the first time? 4TH ROW SEATS ON THE 50 YARD LINE FOR $150 AFTER FEES. I want them so badly.
I can afford the tickets, and would buy those in a heart beat, but I can't afford the rest of the cost of the trip. 4-5 tanks of gas, 2 nights in a hotel, and booze money is the real killer this year.
Shilling like Mass Effect 2 #
Beamer's worse then Shepard on the Citadel.
Debating #
Ive opened a credit card for the first time in my life this weekend. I should have years ago, but thought I didnt want the ease of fledgling into a debt spiral at the time. Depending on my limit Ill buy a ticket down once the airfare goes down below the $400 range. If I chose not to I've vowed to buy two Proxy tickets for military in the area. I suggest those who cant go do the same. Ut Prosim.
www.twitter.com/BeaunerJam
"To be the man, you gotta beat the man" - Rick Flair
Does anyone know what the #
Does anyone know what the Wang news means for his extra year of eligibility? Thought the coaches were pursuing that after shutting him down early this year.
Medical Redshirt #
http://www.athletics.vt.edu/compliance/competition/seasons.html
By the first rule he wouldn't be eligible because he played in 3 (21%) of the team's games. He meets the criteria of the other four rules. However, I think a bowl game would fall under the non-traditional portion of the season. Assuming that, and I'm reading everything correctly I think he would be.
David Wilson eats Chick-fil-A on Sundays.
Elite #
"Or are you burnt out after 4 BCS games in the last 5 seasons?" Can't have an elite program if the fans are already tired of that!
Hell no I'm not burnt out! I bought four tickets (off PrimeSport.com, lower-level corner endzone tickets 22 rows back for $171 each)! Everyone please come! I've been preaching all over Facebook, Twitter, and text messages to get as many Hokies to help me take over New Orleans as I can! I've never been either and I hope neither the game, nor the locals suck. The underwhelming amount of tickets that have been sold makes me really nervous. With the mobility of Denard Robinson and the possibility of media backlash, we need as many Hokies there as we can get!
Cheri
Virginia Tech alumni
twitter.com/H0kieHi
Hokies, Redskins, Capitals, Orioles, DC United
I'll be down there. #
My group bought tickets through the school, which at the time seemed legit, considering the scale of both the game and the opponent. None of us wanted to have to worry about scalping 4 tickets together if we waited til right before the game, knowing that UM would probably sell out their allotment. Also, I went to the Sugar Bowl in '05, and thought it was an amazing experience, even if I was underage and just hanging out with PappaSparach most of the time. Now it's time to go BALLZOUTNAWLINSALLOFTHEBOURBONZ.
Sort of an aside, my bucket list is to go to every BCS game, and a December game at Lambeau. Obviously I'd prefer if the Hokies were participants (Frozen Tundra aside, duh). I have been to two Oranges ('08, '11). The only way I see Tech playing in the Rose Bowl is if it's for a National Championship, so that might be a pipe-dream. I would love love LOVE to go to a Fiesta Bowl, the stadium itself seems pretty incredible. If we are able to beat UM, and continue having 10-win seasons, perhaps in the future we would be considered for an at-large in Tempe. This game is big for the long-term sustainability of our program.
Bring back the Pro Rev!
I've been wishing on falling #
I've been wishing on falling stars for a few years now hoping for a Tech Rose bowl trip mainly because it would be a short cross town trip. lol if you're interested, my floor is open.
I'm tempted to actually buy a proxy ticket this year but I wonder how those would be disbursed....
Coale'd blooded
It sounds like Tech is giving tickets to the cadets. #
https://twitter.com/#!/bryanwynkoop/status/146652464559558656
David Wilson eats Chick-fil-A on Sundays.
Left nut #
I would give anything to see to my hokies play michigan but with my new addition to the family it is going to be hard to afford. My 4 month old hokie is cutting into my expenses. Priority right now is my little girl. If you had the resources though this is a no brainer, how could anyone not want to be at this game. There is so much history and so many athletes involved in this one I can't imagine anyone staying at home unless you are in a similar situation as me. Maybe next year my little hokie will be big enough to go with me.
Win one for the Beamer...
damn kids #
Game in the middle of the week right after holidays with 2 young kids makes it impossible for me. My TV will be getting an earfull.
Vacation #
Unfortunately I'll be in the Dominican Republic with the wifey. But i'm told they pick up TV from Miami so should be able to at least watch from the beach! I'd love to...even though I'm still bitter from the only time i've been to that dirty town (National Championship of course).
I would go in a heartbeat... #
I would go in a heartbeat... except a grad student stipend covering the living costs for two people doesn't exactly leave much pocket change. Also, I already burned my one trip from my parents... on a trip to NOLA this past week. Derp -_-
For reals though, all y'all who go should get the "I got bourbon faced on shit street" shirts as the unofficial TKP Sugar Bowl trip shirts. I thought about y'all every time I saw one, hehe
Again, after going to New #
Again, after going to New Orleans, I don't want a single dime of my hard earned money going to benefit the local economy in New Orleans. It was well stated that the whole place is a cesspool, and the tourists are the marks. I wish the Hokies well, but the next time I go to a bowl, I want it to be the National Championship and I want it to be played in Pasedena.
Viva El Guapo
I'm all in! Going to the Sugar Bowl and I hate New Orleans #
Grandma and Grandpa coming to the house to take my 2 young kid's. $1K / each round trip plane tickets and $150 / each hokie sports game tickets all on the credit card. C'mon gang, when do you guys think we will get a chance to play in a Sugar Bowl again? It was a honor for us to get selected and we need to step up to the plate. We love our Hokies and I am hopeful we sell out our 17.5K or we will never hear the end of it from the BS / KS fans.
SCHokie
Your flight #
Just curious, but where are you flying in and out of? $1,000 a ticket is the highest I've seen anyone pay. Mine were $700 total out of Reagan.
David Wilson eats Chick-fil-A on Sundays.
Flight Info# #
I am flying out of Greenville - Spartanburg Airport in SC. I did see a better deal this AM for $790 / seat, but ihad already purchased mine.
SCHokie
New Orleans is a great city #
Yea, Bourbon street is dirty and the locals are weird. But, the atmosphere is a party and the food is, hands down, the best of any city I've been to. Ok, maybe NYC is better, but NOLA rivals San Francisco in culinary experiences. Furthermore, where else in the US can you go to a DRIVE-THROUGH alcoholic slushie bar? (The only reason it's legal is because they don't put the straw into the drink.) Where else will you get a TO-GO cup to take finish your beer outside the bar? There are also some neat touristic things to do, such as an alligator tour. But, the reason I'm going is 3-fold: Hokies, Drink, and Food. I don't think there is a better bowl city than NOLA.
To answer your question about tickets, I haven't bought mine yet, as some of my family are still undecided on whether they are going or not. I have been watching the secondary market and VT ticket sales, and the secondary market prices have dropped every day. I still want to support VT, so I'm conflicted about being cheap or supportive.
Vegas #
You can get a to-go cup to finish your beer outside the bar in Vegas & Coconut Grove/South Beach, but I see your point..It's precisely why those are some of the greatest cities I've ever visited and am super stoked about going to New Orleans.
I see your point about wanting to be cheap, but support the Hokies at the same time. Go cheap, so you don't regret the trip/break the bank with it. You showing up supports the school in itself. If Denard Robinson can hear you, the Hokies automatically benefit :)
Cheri
Virginia Tech alumni
twitter.com/H0kieHi
Hokies, Redskins, Capitals, Orioles, DC United
I don't remember that in Vegas #
I know you could take your drink outside the bar while still in the casino/hotel, but I don't remember being able to take it onto the streets. Maybe I'm wrong about that... I've never been to SOBE, so maybe it's similar.
Either way, both NOLA and Vegas are awesome cities to visit... Why doesn't Vegas have a BCS Bowl? Vegas is way better than Miami, Phoenix and Pasadena...
Ohhh yes #
In June, when at Tacos & Tequila at the Luxor I ordered a rum and coke and asked if I could get it to go and got, "You're in the city of to-go" in response. It's why you see all the drunkards running around with the neon green yard slushy drinks from Fat Tuesday's..mmm.
I would LOVE to go to a BCS bowl in Vegas! I'm a tad obsessed with it..and yes..it IS better than Miami..haven't been to the other two places, so I can't say.
Cheri
Virginia Tech alumni
twitter.com/H0kieHi
Hokies, Redskins, Capitals, Orioles, DC United
Just too expensive for us.. #
Coupling the expense with a 2 year old and one on the way, this trip is not feasible for us. It sucks. I read on twitter and other media outlets the poor VT sales, and I know that I would've bought from VT and I am part of the problem.
It's a great day to be a Hokie!
Aww #
Don't beat yourself up! No one would want you to go if it ended up breaking the bank for you right around the holidays. Just start yelling at everyone else to go!
Cheri
Virginia Tech alumni
twitter.com/H0kieHi
Hokies, Redskins, Capitals, Orioles, DC United
Im in #
Buy your tix from the school. Or buy then resell on stubhub. I bought tickets through VT yesterday-- row 3 section 142. That's first level, 50 yard line. Paid $140 each. Closest thing on stubhub yesterday was 2 row behind me for $300 each. Don't believe the hype--the school's tickets are decent to good and currently priced lower than stubhub for equivalent value.
Just went with Hokie Tickets #
When I first looked hokietickets.com were not releasing the seat information. Now they are, and for the best available I purchased 2 tix in Sect 143 2nd row for $140 each. Not bad. However, I wonder about the 9,000 that already purchased their seats? Are they getting this good of seats? Anyone that purchased their seats blindly, did they get good seats? Do you know yet?
Broke #
As a current student paying for my own tuition, I would love to be there, but I'm as broke as Joe Theismann's leg under Lawrence Taylor.
I want to go so bad #
New Orleans is hands down (IMO) the greatest city in America. I just honestly don't know yet if I can afford it. A large part may depend on what my Christmas bonus looks like this year. I have friends in NOLA, so I have a free place to stay. I guess I should probably talk to my boss today and see if I can get the time off. It doesn't help that I just got back from Mexico with a layover in NOLA 2 weeks ago.
I absolutely encourage anybody that has never been to go. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!
plus, compared to South Beach or Vegas, New Orleans is one of the cheapest places to visit in terms of drinks, food, etc.
twitter.com/weavez22
Odds that Jack Tyler wrecked #
Odds that Jack Tyler wrecked it. #Likely
Viva El Guapo