Injury on the shoulder will keep him out for the season redshirt freshman JT Barret will be the starter according to espn......also we were called part of a soft schedule. Lets go hokies shock the world!!!!
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sucks for him and them. my brother mentioned that the town was buzzing about miller's shoulder a couple weeks ago and that the coaches were really being cautious with him despite saying he was close to 100%. they were just focusing on getting him close to 100% with no setbacks. no one expected this.
I feel bad for him, but at least now he will not have to face our defense.....uh, now I feel bad for the RS Freshman.
Upon further review, no. No I do not feel bad for the RS Freshman.
I lol'ed.
don't get me wrong, being called part of a 'soft schedule' doesn't sit well with me either but looking at it honestly and objectively it's not that far off base. We have won 13 games in 2 seasons. Some teams (cough cough, FSU) won as many or more games last season alone. I believe that we will be better this year and I hope that we are trending in the right direction. I think we will eventually get back to the level we were at once before but we aren't there yet. We shouldn't be pounding our chests and demanding respect yet...we need to go out there and earn it
EDIT: my fault..for some reason I thought we won 7 games and 6 games..not 7 and 8. my point remains the same though
Look at everyone else an OSU plays OOC conference.
Examine us in light of those other guys OOC for the past 2 years and then recognize we've been put in category with those guys.
Then come back here and try to type only nice things.....
It has been very, VERY difficult to type rationally since I heard ESPN go on and on about how easy Ohio State's schedule is this year. You have no idea how hard it has been to not carpetbomb this place with a slew of these bad boys.
Lets be honest for a second. We're not THAT bad of a team. With more consistent play, we could have beaten Ohio State even with Braxton. Hell, we outplayed Alabama last year in a game where nobody gave us a chance to even compete. Ohio State is replacing 4 starters on OL, their top RB, and now their #1 QB, and they have a defense that was all kinds of awful last year, with a secondary that couldn't stop up a leaky faucet. They have all the makings to be this year's version of last year's Miami, just with the benefit of having more recent success. Can we beat them? Yes. Will we beat them? Who knows, but I sure as hell hope everyone on the roster is as angry about recent comments as I am. Right now I am every bit as fired up for this game as I was for the 2003 Miami game.
leaky faucets are frustratingly difficult to stop. just sayin
You have to replace some parts or the whole thing. That hasn't happened with anOsU.
"We're not THAT bad of a team"
Disagree...we are dead solid mediocre right now. Last year we could have easily lost the ECU and Marshall games and been 6-7. Until we get back to being effective on offense and special teams, we will remain mediocre. Hell, the only people we significantly outplayed were Miami...and they don't really count. Miami has been a train wreck for a decade, and we always beat them anyway.
Marshall is preseason ranked some think they'll go undefeated and make the Playoffs. Cato is no joke. ECU also is a good team. We shouldn't have had that much trouble with either but neither are patsys
Who exactly thinks Marshall will go undefeated? And make what playoffs?
Let's see what Nicole Sherzinger(sp) thinks

Marshalls toughest game is likely Rice (in WV) .. there are a lot of people expecting them to go undefeated, and with them already ranked, it's possible they could reach a decent rank by going undefeated.. it would be interesting to see how the committee voted if there are very few undefeated/one loss teams in the power 5
Nah

Which poll has Marshall ranked?
If you have to ask, then they're not. Lmao, j/m
I was taking Benw92s word for it, I have no idea which poll he may be referring to
http://www.si.com/college-football/2014/08/07/sports-illustrated-preseas...
#25 and a Heisman mention next to Cato's name is something organizations don't toss around lightly with non power 5 teams
Under promise.
Over deliver.
That's what we want. Hokie sneak attack on our competition.
That B-52 in your avatar coupled with this statement makes me smile

And we could of just as easily been 11-1. Just saying. We aren't mediocre yet.
My definition of mediorce is like 6-6. We had a better record than most teams the last couple of years. I would say above average, not exceptional or elite, but definitely not mediocre.
Last year we did not outplay Alabama. Our defense outplayed their offense.
Their defense destroyed our offense.
Their special teams killed our special teams.
The OSU game could have a similar outcome. If the defense can play lights out again, and we can play decent special teams, we could get OSU in a "first one to 20 pts wins" kind of game. The Hokies have a shot in that kind of contest.
However, if the Hokies allow the defense to score, and the special teams to score, it doesn't matter if Urban Meyer's grandmother is the QB. The Hokies lose that game.
Actually, our offense destroyed our offense. Their defense had assistance. Lots of drives stalled by dropped balls. Two wide open receivers with nothing but end zone in sight dropped the balls that would have significantly changed the dynamics of the game.
Yep. We were getting very good runs all game long. Our OL was able to get a lot of push off the LOS and we were able to get some decent drives going. At the end of the day, we outgained their offense. The difference in the game were the drops by our receivers and the meltdown by our special teams.
meltdown is putting it lightly
Some explosive freshmen, more developed/consistent older guys, and some significant upgrades in the talent level across the special teams units will go a long way this year.
At the end of the day, it's all about #PUNTERSWAG
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't VT outgain Bama? Isn't that the combo of VT O vs Bama D and VT D vs Bama O?
Special teams killed VT last year.
The special teams were what put that game out of reach, and all the dropped passes certainly didn't help.
But our special teams will be much better this year and if we can stop losing OL to injuries, our offense should be significantly better.
Even with Miller I think we had a shot at winning, w/o him I think we have a very good chance to win. GO HOKIES!!!
13 games in 2 years?
16 games
7-6 9-4
I too have tried to forget the Maryland/Duke/BC losses, but we actually went 8-5 last year
Point taken, but 7+8 = 15
The soft schedule before the Braxton injury didn't make any sense. The Hokie defense, especially the secondary would probably be anOSU's biggest test for Michigan State. I doubt Meyer was taking this game lightly but especially that aspect of it. I'm shocked that ESPN put us in the soft section although anOSU was heavily favored, you can't underestimate what DBU would have meant to them after last years B1G championship debacle.
(EDIT: ESPN now is mentioning VT as a challenge early in the season. The narrative has changed in an instant.)
This is the second time this week I have seen the "won 13 games" for the past two seasons. I get 15 games or only 14 if we discount the bowl win in 2012. Even at 14 or 15, your point still holds. Those numbers are not ominous.
I must have gotten the "13 games in two seasons" from the same place you saw it for the first time this week...that's my excuse and I'm stickin' to it
Just figured it out and know what you were doing. You were trying to make us look even softer for those OSU fans patrolling our site. Cats out of the bag now. Sorry!
it is a soft schedule.. Ohio State is known for playing one of the softest schedule's in NCAA Div1. However we did get some primetime talk as posted in another forum.
Bud Foster's D vs a new O-line and a new QB and replacing Hyde= Great Success. I wonder if Bud brings the all out attack like we did vs GT last year? Get them flustered and we can get a 21-3 lead then just keep going.
The Hokies only scored 19 pts against the Wahoos last year. Gotta remember stuff like that.
He didn't say our offense would score 21 points. Dadi will put up 6, as will Kendall and Jarrett, and Slye will boot the 3 extra points. Still works since JC was talking about our defense against their offense.
Edmunds would have scored 2 more TD's had he not got hurt. With more talent this year and a better offensive game plan I'm sure we can put up 21+ 4 times this year.
I see what you're saying...It's all good. I'm just really hunkering down in my tempered expectations bomb shelter from here on out.
Bud and the D had a fantastic game vs. Bama last year...and we still lost by 20.
Specials teams gave up 14 of those 20 points (25 points actually, but since few are getting their facts right in this thread...).
And it put the offense in a hole.
Offense gave up another 7.
If ESPN placed the Hokies in the category of " Soft Schedule", you have to take it with a bucket of salt. ESPN loves drama. A team that does the right thing is not good for TV.
I hope they keep it up. Soft, soft, soft.

Then I want to see this live report from Columbus Sept. 7:
Why do they do that? Friggin' lemmings.
that definitely made me laugh... although we may be doing the same if we don't do more than just show-up to Lane on 8/30.
Leonard's Take -
First - Godspeed, Braxton. Be smart, heal up and come back for the draft, or maybe a med hardship.
This injury really doesn't make this game any easier. OSU has a formidable D. With the Hokies breaking in a new QB, and looking at the tape of how the Hokies did last year against good defense... they're probably good for 10-17 pts on the road against that D playing at home, which is now playing with a chip on it's own shoulder. So really, Coach Urban's new guy only has to be a game manager, and get OSU 20 pts or so to win this game.
That depends on where the ball is downed after F&F intercept them.
With Williams and 3 TE, I expect better redzone performance this year.
I agree with you, but to put a check in our column their D is going to be coming off playing Navy's triple option. Getting chopped every play can be really tough on those big D-linemen. As with every game the past decade I expect the defense to do their job and the offense and special teams to be the deciding factor.
Lotta OSU fans are saying the will prob lose against us. New QB, new RB, 4 new Olinemen. Lots of new faces against a good defense
At least they give us some respect.
Dangit, Buckeye fans, I was so used to hating you... and then you turn around and do some mess like this...
#sources so we can all feast on their panic mode comments?
Can't their official website is offline aka broken due to all the tears
Eleven Warriors is my best guess.
ESPN on television reported it I figured that was credible Ohio state is making a statement later today
Here's the thread if you want to read what the fans are thinking.
http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2014/08/38901/braxton-...
Unfortunately it will be 3 new undersized Dlinemen and 3 new linebackers going against the 4 new Olinemen and new RB :(
I love our defense, but I'm really worried about the 4th quarter and fatigue. Our defense is great when we have 8 appropriately sized Dlinemen that rotate regularly throughout the game. Currently, we are looking at a normal sizedDT and DE with an undersized DT and DE playing majority of the snaps. How will they not get worn out?
We did alright with Wilson, and he was pretty small.
Hey now, Ken Ekanem isn't undersized at 6'3" 249lb.
Braxton Miller's injury is giving me a lot of mixed emotions. On one hand, I'm excited: our amazing defense mainly a terrifying DBU could give us a huge season changing win that could set us up for a rebound season that electrifies the whole state and creates a new era of Hokie football success.
On the other hand I'm upset. I grew up hating Ohio State. I wasn't a huge college football fan, I only kinda liked Michigan since my dad lived in Ann Arbor for a while so I couldn't stand the Buckeyes. But watching Braxton Miller over the past two seasons was, was, was, exhilarating. Intoxicating. Straight up exciting. I've been waiting for him to make a Heisman push. This isn't good for the sport. Yes there are other stars to pick up the slack but Jameis and Brett Hundley are no Braxton. And when we beat them Sept. 6 we'll have to deal with the whole we didn't beat them at their best, you always want to beat a team at their best.
He can come back in 2015 and meet up with us in Lane.
If he was smart he would graduate, stay away from college football and rehab. Then work with George Whitfield and enter the 2015 NFL draft. A QB with 2 shoulder injury's in Urban Cryer's offense is just asking to ruin your career.
I agree. Football has a hitspan. You can only take so many hits in your career. He should go pro rather than run a dual threat show in Columbus.
does anyone actually have the ESPN 'soft schedule' quote?
according to Phil Steele's 2014 SOS rankings (which I don't particularly like, but that's about all there is to go on before any games are played) OSUs SOS isn't really too shabby ..... (29) Arizona, (30) South Carolina, (31) Missouri, (32) Florida, (33) LSU, (34) Clemson, (35) Georgia, (36) Ohio State
http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/11376253/braxton-miller-ohio-state-buckeyes-miss-season-due-shoulder-injury
Watch the video
"The good news for Ohio State *long pause* their schedule is soft. They open with Navy, Virginia Tech...."
TY
We all want to beat a team at their best, sure. But really, the whole "now people won't think as much when we win" storyline is just silly. We're a program in desperate need of an OOC win over another big 5 school, and if we somehow can still beat a very good tOSU team on the road then I really could not care less what anybody else thinks about who did or didn't play for them.
I don't care so much about nationally unless we could be in contention for a playoff spot. This is more about those of us fans who used to be athletes and take pride in beating someone at their best and don't actually feel fulfilled unless that happens.
The feeling is not unfounded. I just think that they are still a very good team and a win there would do us wonders regardless.
Hey recruit, we just beat Ohio State at the Horseshoe. Next year they come to Lane Stadium.
Hey booster, we just beat Ohio State at the Horseshoe. Next year they come to Lane Stadium.
Hey student, we just beat Ohio State at the Horseshoe. Next year they come to Lane Stadium.
etc.
wonders upon wonders my friend
Couldn't agree more- beat them!
Mv favorite quote from one of their threads:
Reminds me of another team that's been known to confuse the roles of the QB and RB...
It's unfortunate for any player from any team to get hurt. To me, the worst part is that when we beat tOSU, all we'll hear is "You only won because Braxton Miller was out."
and then we will say... you only won because Urban Meyer faked a heart attack to leave UF.
Calling it a VT win 24-10
honestly, I'd be surprised if there are more than 32 points scored in this game..I was thinking either 13-10 or 17-14
their strength is defense..at least it is now. Offense has been our Achilles for the last decade or so. I have high hopes for Scot and his offense and I'm willing to be patient with him and his staff...but I'm not going to pretend that our offense is competitive in D1 football until we have consistent results. This will be an ugly defensive battle with minimal fireworks IMO (of course, I would LOVE to be wrong...I would be completely stoked if we came out firing on all cylinders and put up 350 yards of offense and scored 28+ points..I just don't see it happening)
and..obviously, Bud MF Foster..'nuff said
This is a perfectly acceptable use of the (first name) MF (last name) nickname, only it doesn't do a complete job of describing how much of a badass Bud is.
I made the comment to a friend earlier today that if our offense scores 21, I think that we win this game now.
Thats a big if.
And years from now, it's the tic in the win column that will be remembered.
Feel bad for him. Hope he recovers quickly. Whelp, let the asswhoppin commence! NO MERCY!
OSU Spring Game
I found the Spring Game so if anyone wants to watch it to see JT Barrett play. I also wouldn't rule out the Cardale Jones kid. He is a redshirt sophomore so we will see.
Other interesting note is on their practice review video from 8-13 Braxton is shown throwing/doing work.. Not saying he isn't hurt but maybe he rushed it back to fast?
Cardale Jones is #12- On Scarlet
JT Barrett is #16- On Grey
Watching that game with a focus on Barrett, it's easy to see OSU making things easy for him with quick passes and limited progressions. They're not gonna want him sitting back in the pocket going through 3, 4, or 5 progressions with an inexperienced line in front of him against a Bud Foster defense. I think we'll see lots of zone read-type stuff, as described by French, lots of quick throws and quick drops followed by scrambles or throwaways.
And with the corners we have, that could lead to some interesting things...
Well, regarding the young man, I feel for him. Hopefully, he returns to form.
Regarding our game w/anOSU, I think that they should handle Navy, perhaps not in the dominating fashion that they might have otherwise. Which means they should still be in the top 5-7 when we play. We win, we will have beaten a top 10 team. In their house. That looks good on anyone's resume. And worst case scenario for the Buckeyes, let's say they struggle for the rest of the season and end up at 9-3 or 8-4. Aside from the central Ohio suicide hotline meltdown, the net effect is that we still will have beaten a top 10 team, even if that's not where they are at the end of the season.
I don't know what to think
Pretty sure you do considering you guaranteed we'd lose to Ohio State in the BL.
For those who are wondering, the BL is known as the BaconLeague, which is where all those who used to comment on the ESPN blog went after the mothership decided to enforce facebook logins to comment.
I can vouch for this
I don't remember ever saying such things. I polytech
Hahaha... I invented polytechin'.
Never found my way to the BL though.
Well, that second game is now looking more competitive. I've said it before and I will say it again, the Ohio St. defense wasn't good last year.
This year, they'll have to deal with the double-edged sword of having a new DC (or, new co-coordinator, 'cause what ship sets sail without two captains?). On the plus side, the players will be coached better. On the other hand, they'll be playing only their second game in the new system, and their first against a non-option team. Here's to hoping for an assignment bust or two that might give our offense a little nudge.
and here's to Michael Brewer recognizing that favorable match up/assignment bust and throwing a dart to "The Paperboy" who Byrn'd his LB on the coverage... then he will get a block from JS5 to spring him for a 45 yard TD!
It will conclude with a couple of Brews/Bourbons being chugged and high fives everywhere!
Welp, never like it when a kid, especially with his talents, gets hurt, but heres to a little better chance of improving to 2-27!!!
Look at the positives. A RS Freshmen QB will be making his first big time game against arguably the best secondary in the nation. Sure he might make some plays but our secondary should make just as much if not more. I think it comes down to whether our offense can score at least 20 points and if we can slow down OSU's rushing attack. Should be a close game.
And their star qb who we were so worried about had a pretty difficult time with the only secondary that can compare with ours
I don't think Braxton was ever pegged as being a stellar passer. Yes he made plenty of completions but against mediocre dbs with some of the best wrs in the game. We've already started to see how having good receivers can affect your completions as a qb (see Thomas, Logan). This is all why buckeye fans have been saying even before his injury that Braxton would probably get picked up in the nfl to play RB for his shiftiness rather than throwing as a qb.
Just read in a Grantland article that Barrett tore his ACL his senior year and didn't play. So he hasn't played in a real game in 2 years. should be interesting
This is correct. The last time he was on a football field playing against non-teammates, he was in the 5th game of his senior year of high school. He'll meet Bud's defense in 17 days.
I see lots of this in the future, especially on Sept 8th