I know it's an unpopular opinion, but I really like what Motley has shown us and think he has a future as our QB1. Brewer has for sure earned his spot, but if he comes back ineffective at throwing the deep ball, I think there would have to be discussion to play Motley.
As for next year, who is to say he can't beat out the hype from Lawson?
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Considering they're apparently only training Lawson to run a small very specific package, I wouldn't put too much faith in him being the starting QB next year even if he was physically ready.
Its not exactly endearing to not see Lawson come in for a series when Motley looks like his body is about to fall apart out there.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
For me, this is the biggest knock on Loeffler. Motley looked like he could only run a small number of plays when he was forced into action too (granted, Ohio State). Maybe its the same with Lawson, though? If so, its a serious flaw in the way we handle our QB2.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I'm still of the opinion we conceded that game as soon as Brewer went down. We didn't run Motley like we have in the subsequent five games. I think the goal as soon as Brewer came out was to get out of there without any other significant injuries and focus on winning the ACC.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
We didn't run Motley like we have in the subsequent five games.
Thats part of my perspective, shouldn't he have been ready to run what they think he should run to be successful instead of just what package he had for the ideal game plan? Obviously I don't know any insider things. I just have a feeling that QB2 have been woefully unprepared when forced into action, yet then miraculously got better the next week when QB1.
And I 100% agree: If Brewer is healthy, he should play. He's earned that right.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I don't she with this mentality that he earned the opportunity. If he comes back and beats Motley out, then he earned it. JCC is a great example of how this thought process doesn't work. No freebies here, no trophies for dressing up.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Loeffler put all his eggs in the Brewer basket. Remember what he said about the second half? There were a ton of things they worked on to get Brewer ready for a myriad of adjustments and gadgets to outmaneuver OSU that Motley just wasn't up to speed on. Loeffler knew that that's what he would have to do to win the game, and he probably wasn't gonna win it with his backup anyways. No problems there - few teams will beat the Buckeyes with their starter, let alone their backup.
Now, we're down to a true freshman with all the potential in the world who needs time to clean up some physical mistakes as he comes along mentally. Are we really gonna bash a guy for not having a true freshman 3rd stringer ready to come in and take over the game? Of course the answer will be yes because this is sports, but that's asking a hell of a lot. The good news is that we should - key word there - have Brewer back soon, which gives us the luxury of having 2 guys who can go win a football game as well as Lawson who we can throw in there and run a small package with without worrying about knocking out our backup QB.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
This is what I said immediately after the game. It was clear they just wanted him alive. If you think 3-3 (with 4 & 7 pt losses) is bad, it would have been a whole lot worse if they had tried to play to Motley's strengths and he got injured too.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I'm not sure I agree on the hypothetical, although I agree that it was wise to not risk Motley getting injured.
Given five weeks for Lawson to have the same opportunities that Motley has had, who knows what our record would be? Might be worse, might be better. I'd personally think it would be about the same, give or take a win.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
You can believe what you want, but if Lawson was ready, you would have seen him vs Pitt.
What is hypothetical is developing an opinion about Lawson based almost entirely on a recruiting rating rather than looking at him on the field. He wasn't remotely ready in week 2 or week 3.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
if Lawson was ready, you would have seen him vs Pitt.
Yea after the performances Motley has put on I honestly can't believe what the coaches are saying about 'being game ready' anymore
based almost entirely on a recruiting rating rather than looking at him on the field.
that's what the coaches said all the time about our backup QB going back to Logan getting time with TT and Logan' backup getting time when Logan was struggling, and last year with Brewer struggling. If Motley was struggling in the games we've played and just getting us by to the return of Brewer it'd make sense but there is no way a QB not game ready is doing this kind of performance. It's almost like the Coaches chose on age and not a true competition
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Might want to re-read my previous comment again. I'm not saying he's ready (in fact, I think he's not and we'd be 3-3 or 2-4 with him). I'm just saying there's no way to know what would have happened these last five games. The statement "it would have been a whole lot worse" is conjecture. It's not that great currently, although we're riding an upswing currently.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Agreed. I obviously think Motley was the better decision but it's still silly to imply that Lawson would have automatically tanked. I mean just look at how much Motley has drastically improved since he came into the OSU game as a scared little boy. The reality was that he also wasn't close to ready in weeks 2 and 3. Lawson may have seen the same kind of improvement, and he may not have, but to his credit we really have no way of knowing.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I know it's a cliche, but there are 4 or 5 plays that can be the difference between not just a win and a loss, but a big loss and a big win. I can easily see a few of the big plays swinging the other way vs Purdue and NC State into L's if Lawson is the QB.
From what I've seen of him thus far, he looks exactly like what he is...a talented, but somewhat raw kid who arrived in August and for whom the whole game just moves too fast right now unless he is in his narrow comfort zone.
There's nothing wrong with that. The list of true freshman that aren't like this is very short. I have every reason to think there's a good chance with the 2nd team practice reps he's getting now, the reps he'll get in spring practice and early fall practice and a year in the system, he could easily challenge for the job next fall.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
After rewatching it, I honestly believe it was a conscious decision by the coaches. They were trying to have Motley play the game of a pocket passer, and he just didn't have it. The defense stayed stout for two drives after Brewer went out, but you can honestly see a shift in the body language of both offense and defense when OSU went up 28-1417. I think when it became a two score game, the coaches put word out that everyone just needed to play safe and not risk injury. Then the floodgates opened and the offense just sort of quit trying and the defense followed suit.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I don't know that they literally said to play it safe, but the play calling clearly did not play to Motley's strengths and avoided putting him in harm's way.
Loeffler even said as much later on.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
To clarify, when I said "put the word out," I meant among the coaches over the headsets. I don't think they said it point blank to the players, but the players ain't no fool. They could tell what was going on with the playcalling. You can almost see the moment in the game when it happens.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Reading wayyy to much into this. He only gets a package of plays because there's no advantage to taking out your starting quarterback. At the end of the day, there's a very limited number of reps you get to run to prepare the players for the opposition and to install a gameplan. Loeffler is a schemer and builds around his gameplan. There's just not enough time in a week to get two quarterbacks up to speed.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
This is just the new reality of the Loeffler era, IMO. There will be supreme loyalty and reliance on the starting QB in this system, by virtue of how much responsibility Lefty's scheme puts on the position. To be honest, at this point I question the decision to play Lawson this season if he's going to be this limited in his duties. I kind of figured we would see him for one drive a game, just by virtue of him needing live reps.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I agree with this as well. Lawson has only gotten about 3 snaps total outside of garbage time against Furman. I think it was a massive mistake to burn the shirt when he's getting this kind of extreme limited playing time, even when he's the primary backup to a hobbled starter.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
They were going to burn the shirt anyway even if Brewer didn't get injured. If anything he's probably get more practice reps and game exposure than he otherwise would have gotten.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
He played a snap in this last game that was absolutely necessary since Motley was out for the play. You can't have a player redshirted when he is one play away from being in the game. I'd imagine it was never even a discussion once Brewer went down, if he's your second string guy, he has to be available to play.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I think the argument about the redshirt comes down to some people thinking that Durkin could fill the role that Lawson is filling currently. They might be right, and they might be wrong.
I personally think that a couple of quarters of snaps in garbage time is worth more than another potential year of eligibility. Part of that is we have another QB coming next year.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I definitely agree with questioning the decision to play Lawson. So far, burning his redshirt has had no perceivable benefit to either him or the team. He isn't getting meaningful reps, and sees the field for maybe one or two snaps a game in ACC play.
The QB competition next year should come down to either Motley or Lawson, and I honestly do not expect both quarterbacks to be on the roster come next fall. With Motley being a RS-Junior, he will have his degree at the end of the spring semester. If he doesn't get the job (which is unlikely, given the experience disparity between him and Lawson), then the smart decision for him would be to seek a transfer to another school. If Lawson loses the job, he either redshirts or rides the bench again, neither of which I think he would be happy with. If they don't redshirt him and want him to be a backup again, it would not be surprising for Lawson would seek a transfer.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
There's no way they redshirt Lawson next season, IMO, because if he doesn't win the starting job, he will be the clear backup. I fully expect Durkin to be a full-time TE come next year, and that just leaves Jack Click and true freshman Josh Jackson behind Motley at the position if Lawson were to redshirt.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
it would not be surprising for Lawson would seek a transfer
Yea, he's got to be seeing the writing on the wall for playing back up. Remember his recruitment?
Lawson: I love the U and want to play at Miami Maimi: Great come on in but we got a great QB so just take the bench we will red shirt you and see you starting your Jr year after Kaaya goes Pro Lawson: o, Well I'm a really good QB and wanting some QB time really soon Miami Cool, We'll get you all coached up and ready for your Jr year or Sr year Lawson OOO, VT is struggling to find a QB. I'll go there instead. Beamer Of course we need you and fast, come on in. We'll get you on the field real fast we have Brewer for one last year
None of that (may) is true but Lawson was a solid for Miami but didnt get the playing time he wanted in the depth chart at Miami and changed to VT for the opportunity he saw/was told about for playing time
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
The difference is he thought he was ready. Maybe his mindset has changed, and he sees that he might have a ways to go before he is ready to be a starter. It should be an interesting off season.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I doubt a transfer is in the cards, because even if he's the backup next season, you know he is going to get significant playing time. Motley can't make it through a season without an injury. (Not a knock on Motley, that's a byproduct of the game he plays.)
Lawson will see the field next season either way, after having a full year to learn the offense.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
While that is likely going to be the case, if I were Lawson I wouldn't like having to hope the starter gets injured in order to receive playing time.
Unless we show massive improvements over this season, there will be little opportunity for the second team to get some reps. Looking at the schedule, Liberty looks to be the only game that Lawson would get meaningful snaps, similar to Furman this year. I wouldn't commit to burning a redshirt and riding the bench another season just to get in 15 plays.
Even going back several season, we rarely blow out any FBS teams. The only reliable playing time for backups is in games against teams like Furman or Appalachian State, and even then they may not get a lot of playing time.
Take Mark Leal, for example. In his four seasons as a backup, he only had 57 passing attempts, and 25 of those came as a result of Logan Thomas getting knocked out of the UCLA game. If you exclude that, he only saw the field for 22 passing attempts over his career. That's not enough reps to develop a good backup.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
This is just the new reality of the Loeffler era, IMO. There will be supreme loyalty and reliance on the starting QB in this system, by virtue of how much responsibility Lefty's scheme puts on the position.
FWIW, great episode of the solid verbal this offseason. Joel Klatt is the guest. He talks about how a 'pro-style' QB has a lot more responsibility, and how it results in a lower floor, but higher ceiling than a QB who plays in a 'spread' system. As I listened to it, I couldn't help but think of the offense Lefty is implementing.
To be honest, at this point I question the decision to play Lawson this season if he's going to be this limited in his duties. I kind of figured we would see him for one drive a game, just by virtue of him needing live reps.
This I strongly agreed with. I was very vocal about playing Lawson, provided that he can contribute meaningful snaps. I don't think he has done that yet.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
There is the chance, however, that they expected Lawson to contribute based on how he performed in camp, but his performance in limited snaps has been a liability. Lawson looked lost against Purdue, and it wouldn't surprise me if that made the staff reassess their approach to getting him live snaps.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Great podcast. Very interesting take on the lack of incentive for the QB to protect his WRs because of the hard core risk aversion behind the targeting rule. Just one of the many fascinating lines of discussion.
Good post. Good find. Usually Solid Verbal is pithy pop sports bubble gum but this was substantive.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I don't think there was really a choice with burning the redshirt. If you're one play away from being in the game, you can't be a redshirt player who isn't mentally getting ready for the game, and hasn't even played in garbage time before. When he was third stringer a redshirt made sense and may have been possible. As a second stringer you can't (this was the same logic used with Carson Lydon I'd imagine).
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
He's done well.
However, he has missed several long yardage (or perhaps TD) passes to a couple receivers over the past 3 games (Rogers & Hodges). Some of these have been with him on the run, but the receivers were wide open. He has to develop that touch, and quick. We will need those in the future (i.e., this coming Saturday).
That said, his touch on the long pass to Ford for the 1st NC State TD was a thing of beauty.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
You wouldn't believe the way people think of Deshaun Watson here in the upstate of SC; he's the best quarterback ever and he should win the heisman with no argument and he is much better than any Qb your program has ever had and they will win the NC this year and the next two years for sure and he can walk on water and also died for our sins.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Based on recent trends, some team is also guaranteed to take Golson in the first round, no matter if the current Nole QB is truly deserving of that high draft pick.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I've been saying since the draft, and still believe, that coming out of college Tyrod was as good, if not better than Russell Wilson. Leading up to the draft, everything they talked about as a knock on Tyrod was an asset for Wilson. Drove me nuts!
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Agreed, and frankly, I'm glad for him that it's worked out as it has. We're seeing too many rookie qb's getting tossed out as the starter, predictably not doing great, then ending up like EJ, RGIII, etc.
A rookie qb killing it is the exception, not the rule. They need time behind to learn and develop their game further
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
A Clemson grad at work told me this offseason that Watson would "win AT LEAST 2 of the next 3 Heismans". I hope I'm not that big of a homer with any of my sports teams.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Our offense under Mot is certainly inconsistent, but at times it looks amazing. I don't know if Mot just gets a hot hand and has an unbelievable rhythm, or if the offense as whole gets a hot hand and executes really well for a couple of drives, or if Loeffler gets in a good rhythm with his play calling. Probably a combination of all of those. But if we continue to improve, if the run blocking can improve, and the offense can perform more consistently then we can beat anybody. It has been a long time since our offense has been able to get that hot and put up 21 pts in a single quarter. And the MotleyCrue has done it a couple of times already this season.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
That Dalvin Cook vs Leonard Fournette comparison is interesting (although, why only the last 200 carries?). It looks like they have simialr totals, yet Cook gets hit over a full yard before Fournette does and has way more explosive (10+ yards) runs. One is getting a lot of hype, while the other is not. I want to claim SEC bias, but perhaps it is because one has shown himself to be a nice, respectable young man and the other hasn't quite done the same.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I think the level of competition is different. Plus people are much more afraid of the pass from Florida State than from LSU. From the eye test, Fournette deserves the hype.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
In fact, they had no forced turnovers whatsoever, until the Pitt game. They do have an extremely poor turnover margin, which is how it should always be.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
well, it should also be noted that 100% of the turnovers they've caused have resulted in putting points on the board...just not necessarily for the cavs
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
You're also comparing Brewer with 3 months or less in the system and surrounded by Frosh skill players vs Motley in his 4th yr in the system with bigger, stronger, more experienced skill players around him.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I've enjoyed watching Motley play. I was worried that Brewer did not and does not have the body. The O-Line has improved but is still not there yet. I would like to see some designed roll-outs for Motley he seems to be better on the run looking down field.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
From Bitter's column: Aggressive penalties are one thing, but the pre-snap ones -- formations, substitutions, procedures -- are baffling. The Hokies had that last year but put it behind them by the end of the season going into this year. Not so, apparently.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Am I the only one on here that doesn't even check Bitter's blog since he stopped posting links here? It's not that I didn't enjoy them, it's, apparently, that I'm just too lazy to check two completely different sites (and clean who knows how many knives. They should just add croutons and put it all in a squeeze bottle. Lunch and no clean up: can life get any better? I submit that it cannot)
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
How does a QB the coaches never trusted to throw a pass, show up the next week like he's a college quarterback? Was there never any true Combine/Competition against Brewer.
Seriously, every play Motley has run the last 2 years was QB run as the coaches didnt want him to pass, but now he's got great QB numbers. Does he not have the talent, but developed it in 3 weeks on the fly due to AMAZING coaching?
Why is it that since TT backup days VT never lets their Back Qb be fully ready and throw the ball?
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Bingo. He was hurt most of training camp (when the playbook is installed - I think we can all agree that's pretty important for a QB) and then had a class conflict. That's not gonna help a guy become the next Andrew Luck.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I agree Motley has played well since taking over as starting QB, but there's not much sense in comparing him to someone who is currently undefeated. Wins are the most important factor and always should be. Sure, stats are nice, but at the end of the day, or season, all that anyone will care about or remember in the future is W-L record. Here's to hoping Motley and Brewer will have a chance to give Watson a L at end of this season.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I still don't buy Motley as a good QB. I'm proud of him for stepping in for Brewer and toughing out some low points but I still don't get the impression that he's really in control of the offense.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I'm not convinced he'll ever have the same grasp of the passing game or the presnap reads and checks as Brewer, and that's ok. There's a reason Brewer was/is QB1. However, he's still been more than adequately productive. He doesn't need to go out and put up huge numbers and win a bunch of awards. He needs to take care of the ball, move the offense, and take advantage of big plays when the opportunities present themselves. For the most part, he's done a pretty good job of that so far.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
The combo of inconsistency on short passes and staring down Ford on third downs is too much to give me confidence in him. He just left too many plays on the table for me. I guess if Brewer starts soon it will be irrelevant.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Comments
I know it's an unpopular opinion, but I really like what Motley has shown us and think he has a future as our QB1. Brewer has for sure earned his spot, but if he comes back ineffective at throwing the deep ball, I think there would have to be discussion to play Motley.
As for next year, who is to say he can't beat out the hype from Lawson?
Considering they're apparently only training Lawson to run a small very specific package, I wouldn't put too much faith in him being the starting QB next year even if he was physically ready.
Its not exactly endearing to not see Lawson come in for a series when Motley looks like his body is about to fall apart out there.
For me, this is the biggest knock on Loeffler. Motley looked like he could only run a small number of plays when he was forced into action too (granted, Ohio State). Maybe its the same with Lawson, though? If so, its a serious flaw in the way we handle our QB2.
I'm still of the opinion we conceded that game as soon as Brewer went down. We didn't run Motley like we have in the subsequent five games. I think the goal as soon as Brewer came out was to get out of there without any other significant injuries and focus on winning the ACC.
Thats part of my perspective, shouldn't he have been ready to run what they think he should run to be successful instead of just what package he had for the ideal game plan? Obviously I don't know any insider things. I just have a feeling that QB2 have been woefully unprepared when forced into action, yet then miraculously got better the next week when QB1.
And I 100% agree: If Brewer is healthy, he should play. He's earned that right.
I don't she with this mentality that he earned the opportunity. If he comes back and beats Motley out, then he earned it. JCC is a great example of how this thought process doesn't work. No freebies here, no trophies for dressing up.
Yea I brought that up after the OSU Game in my thread, but apparently this VT's SOP
CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS (COOP) FOOTBALL EDITION
Loeffler put all his eggs in the Brewer basket. Remember what he said about the second half? There were a ton of things they worked on to get Brewer ready for a myriad of adjustments and gadgets to outmaneuver OSU that Motley just wasn't up to speed on. Loeffler knew that that's what he would have to do to win the game, and he probably wasn't gonna win it with his backup anyways. No problems there - few teams will beat the Buckeyes with their starter, let alone their backup.
Now, we're down to a true freshman with all the potential in the world who needs time to clean up some physical mistakes as he comes along mentally. Are we really gonna bash a guy for not having a true freshman 3rd stringer ready to come in and take over the game? Of course the answer will be yes because this is sports, but that's asking a hell of a lot. The good news is that we should - key word there - have Brewer back soon, which gives us the luxury of having 2 guys who can go win a football game as well as Lawson who we can throw in there and run a small package with without worrying about knocking out our backup QB.
This is what I said immediately after the game. It was clear they just wanted him alive. If you think 3-3 (with 4 & 7 pt losses) is bad, it would have been a whole lot worse if they had tried to play to Motley's strengths and he got injured too.
I'm not sure I agree on the hypothetical, although I agree that it was wise to not risk Motley getting injured.
Given five weeks for Lawson to have the same opportunities that Motley has had, who knows what our record would be? Might be worse, might be better. I'd personally think it would be about the same, give or take a win.
You can believe what you want, but if Lawson was ready, you would have seen him vs Pitt.
What is hypothetical is developing an opinion about Lawson based almost entirely on a recruiting rating rather than looking at him on the field. He wasn't remotely ready in week 2 or week 3.
Yeah, he can't even get the snap at the right time to run the inverted veer. Nowhere close to being ready.
Yea after the performances Motley has put on I honestly can't believe what the coaches are saying about 'being game ready' anymore
that's what the coaches said all the time about our backup QB going back to Logan getting time with TT and Logan' backup getting time when Logan was struggling, and last year with Brewer struggling. If Motley was struggling in the games we've played and just getting us by to the return of Brewer it'd make sense but there is no way a QB not game ready is doing this kind of performance. It's almost like the Coaches chose on age and not a true competition
Might want to re-read my previous comment again. I'm not saying he's ready (in fact, I think he's not and we'd be 3-3 or 2-4 with him). I'm just saying there's no way to know what would have happened these last five games. The statement "it would have been a whole lot worse" is conjecture. It's not that great currently, although we're riding an upswing currently.
Agreed. I obviously think Motley was the better decision but it's still silly to imply that Lawson would have automatically tanked. I mean just look at how much Motley has drastically improved since he came into the OSU game as a scared little boy. The reality was that he also wasn't close to ready in weeks 2 and 3. Lawson may have seen the same kind of improvement, and he may not have, but to his credit we really have no way of knowing.
I know it's a cliche, but there are 4 or 5 plays that can be the difference between not just a win and a loss, but a big loss and a big win. I can easily see a few of the big plays swinging the other way vs Purdue and NC State into L's if Lawson is the QB.
From what I've seen of him thus far, he looks exactly like what he is...a talented, but somewhat raw kid who arrived in August and for whom the whole game just moves too fast right now unless he is in his narrow comfort zone.
There's nothing wrong with that. The list of true freshman that aren't like this is very short. I have every reason to think there's a good chance with the 2nd team practice reps he's getting now, the reps he'll get in spring practice and early fall practice and a year in the system, he could easily challenge for the job next fall.
I wouldn't say we 'conceded' the game, I think our entire team just lost confidence.
After rewatching it, I honestly believe it was a conscious decision by the coaches. They were trying to have Motley play the game of a pocket passer, and he just didn't have it. The defense stayed stout for two drives after Brewer went out, but you can honestly see a shift in the body language of both offense and defense when OSU went up 28-
1417. I think when it became a two score game, the coaches put word out that everyone just needed to play safe and not risk injury. Then the floodgates opened and the offense just sort of quit trying and the defense followed suit.I don't know that they literally said to play it safe, but the play calling clearly did not play to Motley's strengths and avoided putting him in harm's way.
Loeffler even said as much later on.
To clarify, when I said "put the word out," I meant among the coaches over the headsets. I don't think they said it point blank to the players, but the players ain't no fool. They could tell what was going on with the playcalling. You can almost see the moment in the game when it happens.
Gotcha. Agree completely with what you say (including the players seeing it).
It was 21-17 when Brewer went down. OSU then went up 28-17, not 28-14
Yes sorry, you are correct. Will edit.
Though point still stands that there was a palpable change in our playcalling and performance once it became a two possession game.
Reading wayyy to much into this. He only gets a package of plays because there's no advantage to taking out your starting quarterback. At the end of the day, there's a very limited number of reps you get to run to prepare the players for the opposition and to install a gameplan. Loeffler is a schemer and builds around his gameplan. There's just not enough time in a week to get two quarterbacks up to speed.
This is just the new reality of the Loeffler era, IMO. There will be supreme loyalty and reliance on the starting QB in this system, by virtue of how much responsibility Lefty's scheme puts on the position. To be honest, at this point I question the decision to play Lawson this season if he's going to be this limited in his duties. I kind of figured we would see him for one drive a game, just by virtue of him needing live reps.
I agree with this as well. Lawson has only gotten about 3 snaps total outside of garbage time against Furman. I think it was a massive mistake to burn the shirt when he's getting this kind of extreme limited playing time, even when he's the primary backup to a hobbled starter.
They were going to burn the shirt anyway even if Brewer didn't get injured. If anything he's probably get more practice reps and game exposure than he otherwise would have gotten.
I think you'll see more of him later in the season, but so far VT hasn't been in a position to risk it.
He may not be all that ready yet, so why set him up for failure?
He played a snap in this last game that was absolutely necessary since Motley was out for the play. You can't have a player redshirted when he is one play away from being in the game. I'd imagine it was never even a discussion once Brewer went down, if he's your second string guy, he has to be available to play.
I think the argument about the redshirt comes down to some people thinking that Durkin could fill the role that Lawson is filling currently. They might be right, and they might be wrong.
I personally think that a couple of quarters of snaps in garbage time is worth more than another potential year of eligibility. Part of that is we have another QB coming next year.
I definitely agree with questioning the decision to play Lawson. So far, burning his redshirt has had no perceivable benefit to either him or the team. He isn't getting meaningful reps, and sees the field for maybe one or two snaps a game in ACC play.
The QB competition next year should come down to either Motley or Lawson, and I honestly do not expect both quarterbacks to be on the roster come next fall. With Motley being a RS-Junior, he will have his degree at the end of the spring semester. If he doesn't get the job (which is unlikely, given the experience disparity between him and Lawson), then the smart decision for him would be to seek a transfer to another school. If Lawson loses the job, he either redshirts or rides the bench again, neither of which I think he would be happy with. If they don't redshirt him and want him to be a backup again, it would not be surprising for Lawson would seek a transfer.
There's no way they redshirt Lawson next season, IMO, because if he doesn't win the starting job, he will be the clear backup. I fully expect Durkin to be a full-time TE come next year, and that just leaves Jack Click and true freshman Josh Jackson behind Motley at the position if Lawson were to redshirt.
Yea, he's got to be seeing the writing on the wall for playing back up. Remember his recruitment?
Lawson: I love the U and want to play at Miami
Maimi: Great come on in but we got a great QB so just take the bench we will red shirt you and see you starting your Jr year after Kaaya goes Pro
Lawson: o, Well I'm a really good QB and wanting some QB time really soon
Miami Cool, We'll get you all coached up and ready for your Jr year or Sr year
Lawson OOO, VT is struggling to find a QB. I'll go there instead.
Beamer Of course we need you and fast, come on in. We'll get you on the field real fast we have Brewer for one last year
None of that (may) is true but Lawson was a solid for Miami but didnt get the playing time he wanted in the depth chart at Miami and changed to VT for the opportunity he saw/was told about for playing time
The difference is he thought he was ready. Maybe his mindset has changed, and he sees that he might have a ways to go before he is ready to be a starter. It should be an interesting off season.
I doubt a transfer is in the cards, because even if he's the backup next season, you know he is going to get significant playing time. Motley can't make it through a season without an injury. (Not a knock on Motley, that's a byproduct of the game he plays.)
Lawson will see the field next season either way, after having a full year to learn the offense.
While that is likely going to be the case, if I were Lawson I wouldn't like having to hope the starter gets injured in order to receive playing time.
Unless we show massive improvements over this season, there will be little opportunity for the second team to get some reps. Looking at the schedule, Liberty looks to be the only game that Lawson would get meaningful snaps, similar to Furman this year. I wouldn't commit to burning a redshirt and riding the bench another season just to get in 15 plays.
Even going back several season, we rarely blow out any FBS teams. The only reliable playing time for backups is in games against teams like Furman or Appalachian State, and even then they may not get a lot of playing time.
Take Mark Leal, for example. In his four seasons as a backup, he only had 57 passing attempts, and 25 of those came as a result of Logan Thomas getting knocked out of the UCLA game. If you exclude that, he only saw the field for 22 passing attempts over his career. That's not enough reps to develop a good backup.
FWIW, great episode of the solid verbal this offseason. Joel Klatt is the guest. He talks about how a 'pro-style' QB has a lot more responsibility, and how it results in a lower floor, but higher ceiling than a QB who plays in a 'spread' system. As I listened to it, I couldn't help but think of the offense Lefty is implementing.
This I strongly agreed with. I was very vocal about playing Lawson, provided that he can contribute meaningful snaps. I don't think he has done that yet.
There is the chance, however, that they expected Lawson to contribute based on how he performed in camp, but his performance in limited snaps has been a liability. Lawson looked lost against Purdue, and it wouldn't surprise me if that made the staff reassess their approach to getting him live snaps.
Great podcast. Very interesting take on the lack of incentive for the QB to protect his WRs because of the hard core risk aversion behind the targeting rule. Just one of the many fascinating lines of discussion.
Good post. Good find. Usually Solid Verbal is pithy pop sports bubble gum but this was substantive.
I don't think there was really a choice with burning the redshirt. If you're one play away from being in the game, you can't be a redshirt player who isn't mentally getting ready for the game, and hasn't even played in garbage time before. When he was third stringer a redshirt made sense and may have been possible. As a second stringer you can't (this was the same logic used with Carson Lydon I'd imagine).
He's done well.
However, he has missed several long yardage (or perhaps TD) passes to a couple receivers over the past 3 games (Rogers & Hodges). Some of these have been with him on the run, but the receivers were wide open. He has to develop that touch, and quick. We will need those in the future (i.e., this coming Saturday).
That said, his touch on the long pass to Ford for the 1st NC State TD was a thing of beauty.
You wouldn't believe the way people think of Deshaun Watson here in the upstate of SC; he's the best quarterback ever and he should win the heisman with no argument and he is much better than any Qb your program has ever had and they will win the NC this year and the next two years for sure and he can walk on water and also died for our sins.
Yeah yeah. But can he dork magic?
Case closed.
Lol, well I felt the same way about Tyrod. Hell, I still do.
I told those assclowns years ago that he was better than Ponder and Gabbertt.
Based on recent trends, some team is also guaranteed to take Golson in the first round, no matter if the current Nole QB is truly deserving of that high draft pick.
Yea, I could see that.
I've been saying since the draft, and still believe, that coming out of college Tyrod was as good, if not better than Russell Wilson. Leading up to the draft, everything they talked about as a knock on Tyrod was an asset for Wilson. Drove me nuts!
I'm still of a mind that the only reason Tyrod took so long to become a starter is because he got drafted to a team with a rock-solid QB1.
Agreed, and frankly, I'm glad for him that it's worked out as it has. We're seeing too many rookie qb's getting tossed out as the starter, predictably not doing great, then ending up like EJ, RGIII, etc.
A rookie qb killing it is the exception, not the rule. They need time behind to learn and develop their game further
A Clemson grad at work told me this offseason that Watson would "win AT LEAST 2 of the next 3 Heismans". I hope I'm not that big of a homer with any of my sports teams.
Ask him if he is willing to put money on that. And if he is, let me know please.
Well Motley certainly has the hot hand right now. If he can stay healthy, we should be fine with him.
I scrolled down a couple articles, i can't believe WF won a game in which they only got 5 first downs. That's just crazy
Some good
highlowlights here:http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/10/10/9494551/wake-forest-...
Is this the first time WF got a win without getting a TD? I feel like that happened recently but I'm not sure.
Nope, nothing like that has ever happened with them. Ever.
Fun stat: Their head coach is 2-1 in games when they don't score a TD and 0-8 in games when they do score a TD.
BREAKING NEWS: 2016 five-star place kicker commits to Wake Forest. /s
Yes.
They won the 2006 ACCCG with a 9-6 score over GT.
Since then, no, I can't recall either.
We lost to Duke in 2013 and they failed to convert a single third down. -_-
Our offense under Mot is certainly inconsistent, but at times it looks amazing. I don't know if Mot just gets a hot hand and has an unbelievable rhythm, or if the offense as whole gets a hot hand and executes really well for a couple of drives, or if Loeffler gets in a good rhythm with his play calling. Probably a combination of all of those. But if we continue to improve, if the run blocking can improve, and the offense can perform more consistently then we can beat anybody. It has been a long time since our offense has been able to get that hot and put up 21 pts in a single quarter. And the MotleyCrue has done it a couple of times already this season.
It seems like he gets hot at certain times
I want to say 3rd qtr against both Purdue and Furman, and 2nd qtr against NCSU.
inconsistent, true. But let's see how this pans out with more consistency at RB.
That Dalvin Cook vs Leonard Fournette comparison is interesting (although, why only the last 200 carries?). It looks like they have simialr totals, yet Cook gets hit over a full yard before Fournette does and has way more explosive (10+ yards) runs. One is getting a lot of hype, while the other is not. I want to claim SEC bias, but perhaps it is because one has shown himself to be a nice, respectable young man and the other hasn't quite done the same.
I think the level of competition is different. Plus people are much more afraid of the pass from Florida State than from LSU. From the eye test, Fournette deserves the hype.
I've never seen a man as big and as fast as Fournette. Like, he pulls away from defenders that are 30 pounds lighter than him.
It makes me very happy to know that LOLUVA is the only team in the country without an interception
In fact, they had no forced turnovers whatsoever, until the Pitt game. They do have an extremely poor turnover margin, which is how it should always be.
well, it should also be noted that 100% of the turnovers they've caused have resulted in putting points on the board...just not necessarily for the cavs
How do they have a bad turnover margin?'
They turn over their roster every year
badum tsss
I know there are other factors to consider, but at this point Brewer is 7-6 as a starter. Motley is 3-2. I'm not factoring in the OSU game.
My point is that in the W-L columns, Motley isn't doing any worse that Brewer has thus far.
You're also comparing Brewer with 3 months or less in the system and surrounded by Frosh skill players vs Motley in his 4th yr in the system with bigger, stronger, more experienced skill players around him.
Yep. Those are the other factors to consider. No way of knowing how well Motley picked up the system without getting the first-team rep.
I've enjoyed watching Motley play. I was worried that Brewer did not and does not have the body. The O-Line has improved but is still not there yet. I would like to see some designed roll-outs for Motley he seems to be better on the run looking down field.
Either way we have no QB that has shown he can consistently hit the deep throw. Meanwhile TT is rocking the NFL!
Bitter touched on this as well....briefly:
http://hamptonroads.com/2015/10/virginia-tech-football-midseason-review-...
From Bitter's column:
Aggressive penalties are one thing, but the pre-snap ones -- formations, substitutions, procedures -- are baffling. The Hokies had that last year but put it behind them by the end of the season going into this year. Not so, apparently.
Am I the only one on here that doesn't even check Bitter's blog since he stopped posting links here? It's not that I didn't enjoy them, it's, apparently, that I'm just too lazy to check two completely different sites (and clean who knows how many knives. They should just add croutons and put it all in a squeeze bottle. Lunch and no clean up: can life get any better? I submit that it cannot)
Leg for the Regan joke.
How does a QB the coaches never trusted to throw a pass, show up the next week like he's a college quarterback? Was there never any true Combine/Competition against Brewer.
Seriously, every play Motley has run the last 2 years was QB run as the coaches didnt want him to pass, but now he's got great QB numbers. Does he not have the talent, but developed it in 3 weeks on the fly due to AMAZING coaching?
Why is it that since TT backup days VT never lets their Back Qb be fully ready and throw the ball?
IIRC, Motley missed a ton of afternoon practices last year due to his class schedule interfering.
Bingo. He was hurt most of training camp (when the playbook is installed - I think we can all agree that's pretty important for a QB) and then had a class conflict. That's not gonna help a guy become the next Andrew Luck.
Motley for Heisman!
I agree Motley has played well since taking over as starting QB, but there's not much sense in comparing him to someone who is currently undefeated. Wins are the most important factor and always should be. Sure, stats are nice, but at the end of the day, or season, all that anyone will care about or remember in the future is W-L record. Here's to hoping Motley and Brewer will have a chance to give Watson a L at end of this season.
I still don't buy Motley as a good QB. I'm proud of him for stepping in for Brewer and toughing out some low points but I still don't get the impression that he's really in control of the offense.
I'm not convinced he'll ever have the same grasp of the passing game or the presnap reads and checks as Brewer, and that's ok. There's a reason Brewer was/is QB1. However, he's still been more than adequately productive. He doesn't need to go out and put up huge numbers and win a bunch of awards. He needs to take care of the ball, move the offense, and take advantage of big plays when the opportunities present themselves. For the most part, he's done a pretty good job of that so far.
The combo of inconsistency on short passes and staring down Ford on third downs is too much to give me confidence in him. He just left too many plays on the table for me. I guess if Brewer starts soon it will be irrelevant.
While I only somewhat agree with you I upvoted to negate the downvote.... someone needs a refresher on the rules.