The Hangover

4:37 Wednesday morning hit like a brick. My phone had already gone through the third alarm and second snooze cycle before I awoke in an absolute panic. I had already missed my shuttle and knew my plane would take off with or without me at 6am sharp. Shelling out a $40 cab fair and cutting about 100 people in the security line later I finally hit my gate in the nick of time. As I was taking my seat the adrenaline turned into despair. I had totally forgotten my connecting flight routed me through Detroit. For the next two hours I’d be left to my hangover amongst a sea of Michigan fans still intoxicated on victory and hand grenades.

Countless thoughts dripped through my brain regarding my survival the last few days, my livers health, and how in the hell we had lost that game. The details to which have already been beaten to death here. However, the realization I’ve made in the last few days has been that we are all hungover. That loss hit harder than most in recent years. The surprise of an 11 win season with a new QB at the helm. Limping through with a depleted defense that played lights out in the Bowl game only to ask ourselves, “What in the helllll happened to us last night?”  A few days have since passed, but the nausea set in once again as David Wilson announced his early exit to the NFL at 11am today.

For the next few months sudden lurches will arise as thoughts are directed toward our studs that will never again suit up for a game in Lane. Doubts of the future will proliferate in question of a reloading offensive line, back field, and special teams unit. Nonetheless, time and plenty of water will quell the woes. Getting us back on our feet will obviously be attributed to our defense. Barring another injury prone season I see this group somewhat akin to the ’05 squad in terms of depth and talent. The safety position is albeit thin yet manageable considering Coach Grey’s ability to develop talent. I’m sure French will delve into this much more as the spring game closes in. Thanks to Bud Foster’s consistency year in and out any reservations going forward will be minimal.

Simply getting back on our feet however will not help with the wooziness of our offensive concerns. Most glaring is the loss of four starters on the line with The Beard (DeChristopher) being the biggest hit at right tackle. Depth on the line is a little scary at this point. Becton, Via, Gibson, Farris, and Miller have had some experience with the added help of a healthy David Wang and possible diamond in the rough in Georgia transfer Bruce Benedict. Bryan Stinespring should have this crew somewhere close to the level of production we’ve seen all season. Good not great has been the mantra so anywhere in between the two would be a success.

The gut check of David Wilson leaving is of no great surprise yet the stomach still churns at the thought of his absence. The dynamic presence he brought will be sorely missed. At this point what golden stead is waiting in the stable to succeed him is a toss up. Chances are good either Holmes or Greggory, if 100% after his surgery, will battle for the top spot. Then again, we have three promising commits in Harris (4*), Coleman (4*), and Mangus. Time will only tell at this point but Billy Hite’s scouting ability with running backs has been exemplary. Expecting another record breaker will be presumptuous though. I just hope the boy can block.

Conversely, entering toward the light at the end of the tunnel is Logan Thomas. His command of the offense is utterly sobering and has far out performed any prediction at the start of the season. It also goes without saying that ALWAYS OPEN and Boykin suggest some trepidation. Gaining Straightburner back from a medical redshirt along with Coles and Davis should ease that to some degree however.

The parting seniors have concocted one of the best spans we’ve seen to date. Making this last loss hurt so much more. They deserved that win on Tuesday night. It was our time to change the tide. Nevertheless, here we are bitterly bruised in pride and heavy of the heart. Saying we seem to be growing accustom to this makes it even worse as each hangover lingers longer. Theses hangovers however will always fade. There is always next year after all. Come august we will be licking our chops ready to party through the season. Hokie fans are a rare breed. We take our lumps for a while then fanatically jump atop the saddle once again.