I might be in the minority on this, but I am not afraid of OSU one bit. Yes they improved from when they last played us, yes they are returning a good amount of talent, but they also lost a lot of talent too. Being this the first game of the season again, I think this plays in our favor. If this was later in the season, I would pick the Bucknuts, but right now, I'll pick my Hokies..... and I'll especially put money on the Hokies if the line is -17 or whatever it is now.
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I actually agree with avtfan on this. People were saying the same thing about the game last year but honestly, VT didn't get much help in the way of luck or chance, certainly not anymore than OSU. We game planned and came in better prepared and out-executed OSU that night. We deserved the victory and I feel the same way about this year. We've done it before, we can do it again, just have to be prepared and execute. So, by this thread, technically you're in the minority until further notice.
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I appreciate the homerism, but we are heavy underdogs for a reason. They are better than us, plain and simple. Last year was last year and is in the past.
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we knew they had a very green OL last year and had a first time starting QB taking the helm. Not sure how this year is comparable especially coming off of a national championship. we have things going for us as well, but the amount of momentum they have with the guys returning and their normal recruiting classes are going to be hard to overcome. The one thing that gives me hope is honestly their qb situation and hoping it creates a mess during their fall camp trying to get guys reps and splitting time between barrett, jones and miller.
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You can say some of the same things for us..... new quarterback last year (who barely was there to learn the playbook), our guys returning this year and our improved recruiting. Sure their recruiting has been better star wise, but its not as far off as you say
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I did make sure to say we had things going for us as well, but I don't think it's as much as they have going for them. Our improved recruiting is having a class ranked about 25th in the country. Theirs has been #2,3 and 9 over the last 3 years.
Agree on the qb point, but do you see a difference between them starting a r-freshmen (barrett) and us starting a r-jr transfer qb who had taken first teams snaps at a P5 program previously? To list some of the things we have going for us: most likely the top acc defensive line plus returning an all acc player like luther maddy, possible return of Brandon faycson and if that allows clark to slide to FS would give us one of the best secondaries in the country IMO, returning skill players on the offensive side (ford, Phillips, hodges, malleck, coleman, Edmunds, etc.), found a better chemistry on the OL in the run game last year, QB in his 2nd year in the system and the game is at home but if i'm being honest lane hasn't been a great homefield advantage lately we are barely above .500 there.
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In regards to the QB situation, I would take a redshirt freshman that has a year or more learning the playbook than a transfer with limited playing time at his previous school, who only has 2-3 months to learn the playbook..... just my .02
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Knowing who the two were I'd have taken barrett everyday too, but if they had equal talent i'd take the junior every day of the week in terms of being able to adjust and handle the pressure immediately. Brewer had taken starter snaps and live game snaps prior to arriving at VT, can't say the same for JT minus a spring game.
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JT Barrett played against Navy the weekend before they played us. Not sure if I would rather take a redshirt freshman at QB or a Junior transfer that has only been on campus for a few months, kind of a toss up to me.
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VT didn't get much help in the way of chance? Do you not remember the 100% incorrect fumble call on Marshawn that let us keep the ball and score? Or Brewers one in a million throw to Rogers that he tip toed down. I know I certainly wouldn't bet on him completing that pass again.
Everyone has such a revisionist history of that game. We didn't kick their asses. It was a dead even 50/50 game until the last drive of the game. We happened to come out on top.
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Are you actually doubting SAM ROGERS' abilities at this very moment?
In all seriousness, I do remember the game correctly and what I actually said was that we didn't get anymore help by way of chance than OSU did. There were some questionable calls and lucky bounces in favor of OSU just as much as us. All I was saying is that the game was pretty balanced in that regard.
Also, it was 21-7 at half and from my seat in the horseshoe, we were in complete control of the game and the buckeye fans knew it. It was only dead even scorewise because OSU's depth finally started to take over down the stretch as our guys were gassed. But finishing a game is what matters most and we did, hence the final score.
Last year, we were the better team. Our seasons didn't continue on the same trajectories, this we know. But I also know that this year is a new year and both teams are not the same teams as last year. There's no way to know who the better team is until after labor day.
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Eh, you could play the dumb woulda, shoulda, coulda game forever. The fact of the matter is that we were a bad matchup for them. We dominated them up front on defense with a good scheme, speed, and skill, their receivers couldn't shake loose but for a couple of plays, and their safeties and linebackers couldn't cover our slot receivers/Sam Rogers. It wasn't a fluke and it wasn't luck. The score reflected the game and how the teams played. None of Ohio State's mistakes were one time things, they were issues that crept up the rest of the season and we happened to have the timing and the personnel to pull off the upset. That doesn't mean that they can't improve, play better this year, have us play worse, and have them beat us handily. Doesn't take away from the win last year.
Also, Rogers only made that catch because Curtis Grant had lost him in coverage and he was wide open. Same thing with the numerous other good plays that we made- none of which were one in a million. Playing well is not lucky, it should be expected. Regardless, that play was on a drive that ended in an interception, so...
As for the refs, OSU was the beneficiary of a couple fortuitous calls/non-calls as well. Heck if a couple of "correct" calls hadn't gone their way, they wouldn't have won a national title, but that's how it goes.
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I wouldn't go as far as saying it doesn't mean anything if we lose. Yes, if we win, it will mean a lot.... national exposure, recruiting, national respect, rankings, etc. but if we lose, we lose out on all of that, even if its just one game.
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Well as far as we know, we could be ranked preseason, but I guess you are just talking about the ACC, and in the aspect, yes you would be right. Question though, would you be saying the same thing if it was a team outside of the top 25 or just some middle of the pack team and we lose to them with the game still being on a national exposure level?
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No, but that's why I said we are supposed to lose. If it was a middle of the pack team, we would not be such underdogs and more would be expected of us.
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For some reason I am not as confident as last year, but I don't think OSU is going to beat us like everyone thinks. This is going to be a close game with the tougher team winning a hard fought game. I like Lane stadium to give us an edge on toughness.
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Quoth the raven, "Nevermore."
Seriously, teh game day atmosphere should be amazing. A night game, on national TV, and a game that everyone will be watching combine to one fantastic experience. Both teams will be trying to establish tehmselves and in our case, take the crowd out of it. A good old fashioned slugfest will do a lot for both teams, and I expect a fight to the end. You guys will be pumped to show you deserve respect and we will be seeking revenge. I see this alot like when we played UT and wanting to pay them back after losing a close game in the Horseshoe.We'll come in with something to prove and no doubt will be ready for you. You'll be ready for us and I see a close game with use pullijng away late in the game.
Unless a miracle happens and I get tickets I'll be enjoying it in my man cave with friends and plenty of beverages and some turkey drumsticks to feast on, hoping we do the same in Blacksburg.
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I think you're spot on about OSU wanting to take the crowd out of it. Foster needs to expect Urban to come out throwing haymakers just so they can score 3 TDs in the first quarter. I think Urban will go for the nuclear option right off the bat.
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I think a lot of people's apprehension comes from their impressive playoff run. I honestly didn't think they would make the playoff until they drubbed Wisconsin and went on the title run with impressive wins over Bama and Oregon. No doubt that was a more cohesive team than earlier in the season, but I honestly think we had a defense that, when fully healthy, matched up with them better than any they played for the rest of the season.
It's a brand new season, and with Game 1 on the road for them in a hostile environment, anything could happen. They will be focused, but we will be too. Should be a hard-fought, chess match type of game.
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I must admit I never expected us to roll Wisky like we did. Tressel always seemed to take the foot of the gas when we were ahead while Meyer believes in going for the jugular until the final whistle; which has changed the team's outlook and style. There'll be no more coast to victory, instead we have an attitude that we'll keep scoring until you stop us. If you win it won't be because we let you back into the game but because you stopped us and imposed your will on us, as it should be.
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I really thought we might win last year, and I was happy to be right. We had some great intangibles in that game.
This year, we will have been the focus of a summer of OSU preparation with us in their scope, and will be playing against a team who gelled last year, and kept most of their starters -- including the ones who could have been drafted into the NFL.
We don't have some of the shakedown game advantages that we had last year.
I'm not saying we can't win, but I'd put the odds a little lower than I had them at last year. We'll need a couple of bounces our way to win, just like we did last year. We'll also be depending on an improved offense, improved performance from Brewer in spite of having to be more cautious, and some genius preparation from Bud.
Ohio State is the real deal, and we'll need all the arrows in our quiver in order to win a second match in a row with them.
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I'm not afraid of OSU because I expect us to lose. All I want is a good fight and something that we can be proud of coming out of the game. Also, no injuries.
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I'm not worried about that game in the sense that if we lose, it doesn't really look bad especially if it's a close game (7-10 pts). If it's a fight to the end then I won't be upset as long as we don't hand them the game. Of course I'll be all nervous watching on tv during the game but in the grand scheme of things this is one that I'm okay losing.
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Last year OSU played Navy first game and VT second. Who knows how much game planning and preparation OSU put into it. The Hokies definitely surprised them, played better than them, and won the game. This year with the game being first of the year and redemption on the line, there is no team other than the VT Hokies that OSU is preparing for. VT is improved, but OSU is improved to the point that they dispatched Wisconsin, Alabama, and Oregon to win the NC. With this year's Hokies having more experience (every player who scored returns), a stronger o-line (running game improved final four games), a stacked d-line (rated # 1 by many), an impressive secondary (All-American Fuller), and home field advantage - I hope for another win. But this isn't a normal game. This is a game against the number 1 team in the nation. The key will be stopping the superb running attack of the Buckeyes.
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VT played W&M first game so you don't know how much game plan and prep was put into that as well. Being the first game for both should be an interesting thing to watch. I know we started off rough against the Tribe, so we will have to see
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I never buy into the UNC hype. I always think we should beat them. Of course I always think we should beat everyone we play in the ACC (save when we play clemson and FSU and how they are doing). I wasn't that impressed by their offense last year so I don't know what will be better this year. Maybe I'm missing something.
Pitt worries me in the fact of Narduzzi. It's his first year so maybe not so much now but I look for him to build a decent team just on his reputation, we'll see though. I thought Pitt was definately a game that we could have and should have won last year as well. It's a new coach with them so we'll see how Voytik is used but I think his running surprised us a little last year. He won that game IMO not the whole team, he kept drives alive with designed runs for him. Conner and Boyd are good but I think Bud Foster is better this year.
Miami I have no idea. I just think our team had a horrible night. Played another night and we may still lose but not that bad. Duke Johnson is gone but their #2 RB seemed pretty good that night as well. I don't think he's anywhere as good as Johnson though. Force Kayaa to beat our (healthy) secondary is a tall task but we'll see. Kind of agree with Andy on this one.
NCState concerns me just because they are "up and coming" and seemed like fighters last year.
GT, ugghhhh. Perhaps I wouldn't dislike them so much if it weren't for PJ and his offense. Again we had that game last year and totally blew it. If we can get up by 2 scores and not turn the ball over it should be a decent night. Although I would like to see us completely crush them. Like a 24 pt victory or something like that would be nice. We haven't stomped them in years. That one is always a nail-bitter.
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Voytik's mobility shouldn't have surprised us- that was the scouting report on him and they ran a lot of the same plays against UVA the week before with quite a bit of success.
Other than that I agree completely.
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Andy, I don't recall playing any teams from James Madison University in 2010.
Otherwise, nice write-up and great work! It must have taken you good time to research all those teams.
I might be in the minority on this, but I am not afraid of OSU one bit. Yes they improved from when they last played us, yes they are returning a good amount of talent, but they also lost a lot of talent too. Being this the first game of the season again, I think this plays in our favor. If this was later in the season, I would pick the Bucknuts, but right now, I'll pick my Hokies..... and I'll especially put money on the Hokies if the line is -17 or whatever it is now.
Yes, you're in the minority there.
I'm HOPING VT wins, and I know it's possible, but they'll need a few things to fall their way in order to accomplish that.
I actually agree with avtfan on this. People were saying the same thing about the game last year but honestly, VT didn't get much help in the way of luck or chance, certainly not anymore than OSU. We game planned and came in better prepared and out-executed OSU that night. We deserved the victory and I feel the same way about this year. We've done it before, we can do it again, just have to be prepared and execute. So, by this thread, technically you're in the minority until further notice.
I appreciate the homerism, but we are heavy underdogs for a reason. They are better than us, plain and simple. Last year was last year and is in the past.
And we haven't played them this year yet. We might be better than them again.
Maybe, you are absolutely right, but doubtful.
We only have to be better for 60 minutes, I hope we can manage that
I hope we are better for 900 min
we knew they had a very green OL last year and had a first time starting QB taking the helm. Not sure how this year is comparable especially coming off of a national championship. we have things going for us as well, but the amount of momentum they have with the guys returning and their normal recruiting classes are going to be hard to overcome. The one thing that gives me hope is honestly their qb situation and hoping it creates a mess during their fall camp trying to get guys reps and splitting time between barrett, jones and miller.
You can say some of the same things for us..... new quarterback last year (who barely was there to learn the playbook), our guys returning this year and our improved recruiting. Sure their recruiting has been better star wise, but its not as far off as you say
I did make sure to say we had things going for us as well, but I don't think it's as much as they have going for them. Our improved recruiting is having a class ranked about 25th in the country. Theirs has been #2,3 and 9 over the last 3 years.
Agree on the qb point, but do you see a difference between them starting a r-freshmen (barrett) and us starting a r-jr transfer qb who had taken first teams snaps at a P5 program previously? To list some of the things we have going for us: most likely the top acc defensive line plus returning an all acc player like luther maddy, possible return of Brandon faycson and if that allows clark to slide to FS would give us one of the best secondaries in the country IMO, returning skill players on the offensive side (ford, Phillips, hodges, malleck, coleman, Edmunds, etc.), found a better chemistry on the OL in the run game last year, QB in his 2nd year in the system and the game is at home but if i'm being honest lane hasn't been a great homefield advantage lately we are barely above .500 there.
In regards to the QB situation, I would take a redshirt freshman that has a year or more learning the playbook than a transfer with limited playing time at his previous school, who only has 2-3 months to learn the playbook..... just my .02
Knowing who the two were I'd have taken barrett everyday too, but if they had equal talent i'd take the junior every day of the week in terms of being able to adjust and handle the pressure immediately. Brewer had taken starter snaps and live game snaps prior to arriving at VT, can't say the same for JT minus a spring game.
JT Barrett played against Navy the weekend before they played us. Not sure if I would rather take a redshirt freshman at QB or a Junior transfer that has only been on campus for a few months, kind of a toss up to me.
VT didn't get much help in the way of chance? Do you not remember the 100% incorrect fumble call on Marshawn that let us keep the ball and score? Or Brewers one in a million throw to Rogers that he tip toed down. I know I certainly wouldn't bet on him completing that pass again.
Everyone has such a revisionist history of that game. We didn't kick their asses. It was a dead even 50/50 game until the last drive of the game. We happened to come out on top.
Are you actually doubting SAM ROGERS' abilities at this very moment?
In all seriousness, I do remember the game correctly and what I actually said was that we didn't get anymore help by way of chance than OSU did. There were some questionable calls and lucky bounces in favor of OSU just as much as us. All I was saying is that the game was pretty balanced in that regard.
Also, it was 21-7 at half and from my seat in the horseshoe, we were in complete control of the game and the buckeye fans knew it. It was only dead even scorewise because OSU's depth finally started to take over down the stretch as our guys were gassed. But finishing a game is what matters most and we did, hence the final score.
Last year, we were the better team. Our seasons didn't continue on the same trajectories, this we know. But I also know that this year is a new year and both teams are not the same teams as last year. There's no way to know who the better team is until after labor day.
Eh, you could play the dumb woulda, shoulda, coulda game forever. The fact of the matter is that we were a bad matchup for them. We dominated them up front on defense with a good scheme, speed, and skill, their receivers couldn't shake loose but for a couple of plays, and their safeties and linebackers couldn't cover our slot receivers/Sam Rogers. It wasn't a fluke and it wasn't luck. The score reflected the game and how the teams played. None of Ohio State's mistakes were one time things, they were issues that crept up the rest of the season and we happened to have the timing and the personnel to pull off the upset. That doesn't mean that they can't improve, play better this year, have us play worse, and have them beat us handily. Doesn't take away from the win last year.
Also, Rogers only made that catch because Curtis Grant had lost him in coverage and he was wide open. Same thing with the numerous other good plays that we made- none of which were one in a million. Playing well is not lucky, it should be expected. Regardless, that play was on a drive that ended in an interception, so...
As for the refs, OSU was the beneficiary of a couple fortuitous calls/non-calls as well. Heck if a couple of "correct" calls hadn't gone their way, they wouldn't have won a national title, but that's how it goes.
I'm not worried because it doesn't mean anything if we lose. We are expected to lose and it doesn't affect conference play.
I wouldn't go as far as saying it doesn't mean anything if we lose. Yes, if we win, it will mean a lot.... national exposure, recruiting, national respect, rankings, etc. but if we lose, we lose out on all of that, even if its just one game.
Well, more of an opportunity cost loss I guess, but we don't downgrade at all if we lose.
Well as far as we know, we could be ranked preseason, but I guess you are just talking about the ACC, and in the aspect, yes you would be right. Question though, would you be saying the same thing if it was a team outside of the top 25 or just some middle of the pack team and we lose to them with the game still being on a national exposure level?
No, but that's why I said we are supposed to lose. If it was a middle of the pack team, we would not be such underdogs and more would be expected of us.
we will be ranked preseason. If for no other reason than to build hype for labor day.
For some reason I am not as confident as last year, but I don't think OSU is going to beat us like everyone thinks. This is going to be a close game with the tougher team winning a hard fought game. I like Lane stadium to give us an edge on toughness.
Luckily I will be there to experience it, but I think this will be the loudest and largest crows Lane will house.
Quoth the raven, "Nevermore."
Seriously, teh game day atmosphere should be amazing. A night game, on national TV, and a game that everyone will be watching combine to one fantastic experience. Both teams will be trying to establish tehmselves and in our case, take the crowd out of it. A good old fashioned slugfest will do a lot for both teams, and I expect a fight to the end. You guys will be pumped to show you deserve respect and we will be seeking revenge. I see this alot like when we played UT and wanting to pay them back after losing a close game in the Horseshoe.We'll come in with something to prove and no doubt will be ready for you. You'll be ready for us and I see a close game with use pullijng away late in the game.
Unless a miracle happens and I get tickets I'll be enjoying it in my man cave with friends and plenty of beverages and some turkey drumsticks to feast on, hoping we do the same in Blacksburg.
I think you're spot on about OSU wanting to take the crowd out of it. Foster needs to expect Urban to come out throwing haymakers just so they can score 3 TDs in the first quarter. I think Urban will go for the nuclear option right off the bat.
I think a lot of people's apprehension comes from their impressive playoff run. I honestly didn't think they would make the playoff until they drubbed Wisconsin and went on the title run with impressive wins over Bama and Oregon. No doubt that was a more cohesive team than earlier in the season, but I honestly think we had a defense that, when fully healthy, matched up with them better than any they played for the rest of the season.
It's a brand new season, and with Game 1 on the road for them in a hostile environment, anything could happen. They will be focused, but we will be too. Should be a hard-fought, chess match type of game.
I must admit I never expected us to roll Wisky like we did. Tressel always seemed to take the foot of the gas when we were ahead while Meyer believes in going for the jugular until the final whistle; which has changed the team's outlook and style. There'll be no more coast to victory, instead we have an attitude that we'll keep scoring until you stop us. If you win it won't be because we let you back into the game but because you stopped us and imposed your will on us, as it should be.
I really thought we might win last year, and I was happy to be right. We had some great intangibles in that game.
This year, we will have been the focus of a summer of OSU preparation with us in their scope, and will be playing against a team who gelled last year, and kept most of their starters -- including the ones who could have been drafted into the NFL.
We don't have some of the shakedown game advantages that we had last year.
I'm not saying we can't win, but I'd put the odds a little lower than I had them at last year. We'll need a couple of bounces our way to win, just like we did last year. We'll also be depending on an improved offense, improved performance from Brewer in spite of having to be more cautious, and some genius preparation from Bud.
Ohio State is the real deal, and we'll need all the arrows in our quiver in order to win a second match in a row with them.
I'm not afraid of OSU because I expect us to lose. All I want is a good fight and something that we can be proud of coming out of the game. Also, no injuries.
I'm not worried about that game in the sense that if we lose, it doesn't really look bad especially if it's a close game (7-10 pts). If it's a fight to the end then I won't be upset as long as we don't hand them the game. Of course I'll be all nervous watching on tv during the game but in the grand scheme of things this is one that I'm okay losing.
Last year OSU played Navy first game and VT second. Who knows how much game planning and preparation OSU put into it. The Hokies definitely surprised them, played better than them, and won the game. This year with the game being first of the year and redemption on the line, there is no team other than the VT Hokies that OSU is preparing for. VT is improved, but OSU is improved to the point that they dispatched Wisconsin, Alabama, and Oregon to win the NC. With this year's Hokies having more experience (every player who scored returns), a stronger o-line (running game improved final four games), a stacked d-line (rated # 1 by many), an impressive secondary (All-American Fuller), and home field advantage - I hope for another win. But this isn't a normal game. This is a game against the number 1 team in the nation. The key will be stopping the superb running attack of the Buckeyes.
VT played W&M first game so you don't know how much game plan and prep was put into that as well. Being the first game for both should be an interesting thing to watch. I know we started off rough against the Tribe, so we will have to see
this made me laugh
I never buy into the UNC hype. I always think we should beat them. Of course I always think we should beat everyone we play in the ACC (save when we play clemson and FSU and how they are doing). I wasn't that impressed by their offense last year so I don't know what will be better this year. Maybe I'm missing something.
Pitt worries me in the fact of Narduzzi. It's his first year so maybe not so much now but I look for him to build a decent team just on his reputation, we'll see though. I thought Pitt was definately a game that we could have and should have won last year as well. It's a new coach with them so we'll see how Voytik is used but I think his running surprised us a little last year. He won that game IMO not the whole team, he kept drives alive with designed runs for him. Conner and Boyd are good but I think Bud Foster is better this year.
Miami I have no idea. I just think our team had a horrible night. Played another night and we may still lose but not that bad. Duke Johnson is gone but their #2 RB seemed pretty good that night as well. I don't think he's anywhere as good as Johnson though. Force Kayaa to beat our (healthy) secondary is a tall task but we'll see. Kind of agree with Andy on this one.
NCState concerns me just because they are "up and coming" and seemed like fighters last year.
GT, ugghhhh. Perhaps I wouldn't dislike them so much if it weren't for PJ and his offense. Again we had that game last year and totally blew it. If we can get up by 2 scores and not turn the ball over it should be a decent night. Although I would like to see us completely crush them. Like a 24 pt victory or something like that would be nice. We haven't stomped them in years. That one is always a nail-bitter.
Voytik's mobility shouldn't have surprised us- that was the scouting report on him and they ran a lot of the same plays against UVA the week before with quite a bit of success.
Other than that I agree completely.
Toughest matchup I see is between me and the rest of the offseason.
If real football doesn't happen soon, someone is going to be injured.