I will do my best to answer any and all of your questions as we sit through our final lull before fall camp starts for the 2016 Virginia Tech Hokie football season.
(Feel free to throw in fishing questions if so inclined)
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After seeing what Adonis and Terrell could do last year, what is your ideal secondary? Assuming Facyson is healthy that is.
Similarly, how do you see the o-line shaking out? The middle three look set, but Yosh, Demetri, Mcglock are all looking for LT time. Who best fits Fuentes O?
Will Settle see significant minutes this year? Would be best be paired with Woody or Williams?
Excellent questions- here are my thoughts
1) Provided everyone is healthy, Facyson is the boundary corner, Mook Reynolds is the nickel with Shegog replacing him against pro-sets. I think Shegog will have to get some work at backer behind Edmunds as well given depth issues.
That leaves rover-field corner. Terrell Edmunds is the safer guy at corner. He excelled in man to man coverage last year, essentially shutting down Mack Hollins on deep routes versus UNC and making numerous plays against Tulsa. At the same time, Edmunds was very tentative in zone coverage and doesn't have great closing speed on the football. He is a guy who won't get beat often, but also isn't going to be a guy you can robber/jump routes with and turn the ball over.
Alexander I believe has much more top end potential at corner. At the same time, the film that was released by VT and the spring game screamed that Alexander was getting beat deep frequently. He doesn't have a great knack for feeling when his cushioned is threatened and is wildly inconsistent with his technique. However, he has more length and much more closing speed than Edmunds.
The difference between the two is that Alexander has game experience at rover. Edmunds doesn't. I didn't see Edmunds doing anything in the spring game that would give me worries, but Alexander showed playmaking ability at that spot last season. Just like corner, Alexander has to improve the technique and alignment issues that plagued him. If given the choice (and a healthy Facyson), I would have Alexander at rover and Edmunds at FC.
For the OL, I would want to disagree a tad bit about the middle 3 being set. To me, Osterloh probably should have replaced Conte at right guard late last season. Conte was the most inconsistent run blocker among the starters and was really struggling with pass protection against stunts (particularly stunts where the DT would draw him outside and the DE would loop behind and crash through the B gap.) Without the benefit of knowing what is going on behind the scenes, my opening camp lineup would be Nijman-Teller-Gallo-????-McLaughlin, and Conte/Osterloh would be battling for that right guard spot.
Teller has a big bullseye on him this year. He is the most gifted OL at VT since Duane Brown. He is their best run blocker by far. He has to improve in pass protection and cut out the penalties that stem from poor technique. As for best fits for Fuente- I think Fuente can make the group work. He used mostly zone blocking at Memphis. I think he recognizes that this is a more mobile athletic group, and he will play to their strengths. If he gives the OL the freedom to adjust blocking schemes based on their recognition of alignment (provided they are capable), then that is the ideal circumstance. There can be multiple ways to block the same play if the OL is capable of making those adjustments on the fly.
I think Settle will be part of the DT rotation this season. I have said all along that he is a three technique, not a gap stuffer like the "change to a 3 man front and play Settle at nose" folks have been screaming. I'd look for him and Ricky Walker to push Nigel Williams. Nigel has a big microscope on him. He has been GREAT late the last two seasons, but has not been effective in fall camp and during non-conference play. He needs to come in and have a GREAT fall camp and non-conference season and carry it through the season. It is no coincidence that VT was better at stopping the run vs UVA and Tulsa when Williams, Baron, and Mihota were in the game. At points, it almost felt like Wiles put them in to stop the bleeding.
Settle plays the same position/same hand on ground as Williams. So i think he may have inside track on pushing Williams. Ricky sits behind Baron who's spot is pretty much sealed up. The two spots are not interchangeable without lots of cross training.
Clark is locked in at free safety.
Do you expect to see a change in philosophy of the defensive backfield? The CB technique of playing the WRs' eyes instead of the ball is lauded by football experts but bemoaned by fans. When done correctly it is devastating but last year our patchwork backfield couldn't live up to the DBU moniker. Based on what you've seen from them at other schools, do you think the new secondary coaches will bring a new philosophy to our group?
Yes, this. If I remember correctly, in the league they have to get their head around and find the ball, no?
in the NFL? Yes it's PI for face guarding.
Yeah, the days of reading the QB are a thing of the past. Not sure how you can play DB with your back to the ball and not expect to have a better than average chance of PI, even per college rules. I don't know exactly when that shift in coaching philosophy occurred, or why it occurred, unless it was done in an effort to simplify things in coverage. I know our INTs have been down lately, and based on your "back to the ball" coverage techniques, I can see why.
Inside leverage vs outside leverage explained: http://www.thekeyplay.com/virginia-tech-football/2015/06/9434/beating-bu...
I actually have a column pending some edits and film uploads on the defensive secondary scheme. In short, I think the four verticals concepts that so many spread teams use really exposes the leverage zones that Bud has used in the ACC era. I will be interested to see if Mitchell tries to get them into more traditional zones and less leverage coverage.
The trend now is for teams to recruit big up front and play soft zones, and then try to get red zone stops or let the offensive team make mistakes and stop themselves. This worked for UNC last year (and it helped that they had an O that could light up the scoreboard.) That trend runs the polar opposite to Bud's philosophy. I think Alex's conversation with Bud could be very enlightening on this topic.
Thanks, French. I look forward to the column. The DBs are my favorite unit on the field to watch so I appreciate the breakdown!
Why do you think Vinny Mihota can be a successful DE?
^Would like to hear your take on this as well...
I spent a ton of time re-watching both Mihota's performance against UVA and Tulsa and old film of VT's defenses in the mid 2000s. The Hokies top 5 defenses rarely featured DE's with burner speed. Guys like Burchette, Martin, Ellis, etc. were POCKET COLLAPSERS. They were also gap sound up front, meaning that they didn't fit their gap and then just run up field. They ripped off blocks and found the football (as Bud says often-fit your gap and then play football.) Far too often last season, Dadi Nicolas and Luther Maddy fit their gap and then let the defender carry them up the field. When Mihota was in the game, he cross faced back against blocks and caused all kinds of chaos at the point of attack- so much so that UVA ran more to their left as the game progressed to stay away from him. He tied up blockers, which allowed linebackers to make tackles unblocked in space.
From a pass rush perspective, he doesn't have the edge speed. But, he is a bull in a china shop and excels on X stunts- that is the DT drives outside and Mihota loops behind him to go through the B gap. Mihota drew a holding penalty and had several pressures (one forced an incompletion where Zaccheus had twisted Edmunds into the dirt and was wide open.)
If the plan is for Bud to use 40 fronts, or to play Mihota as a 3 tech in the bear, with the backer and Ekanem standing up, Mihota will be just fine.
>>The Hokies top 5 defenses rarely featured DE's with burner speed. Guys like Burchette, Martin, Ellis, etc. were POCKET COLLAPSERS.
>>Far too often last season, Dadi Nicolas and Luther Maddy fit their gap and then let the defender carry them up the field.
>> He tied up blockers, which allowed linebackers to make tackles unblocked in space.
Would be an interesting article IMHO 2 compare contrast. Have 2 imagine it would be a little rough calling out specific players...
Whether you write it up or not, should be interesting in that the next couple of years may force Bud and Charlie's hand, and/or they may have sufficient size up front to see a more stable "front gap fit"... and we may see more LBs playing aggressively in the gaps, which could in turn lead to better recruiting across the board (all though I actually feel like we're looking pretty good with the talent level across the DL). Probably a misguided hope, but I can't imagine I'm alone.
Expect one at some point before the season starts.
Best news of the Offseason!!!
Ekanem has talked today about how he is 15lbs heavier. Again, I think being gap sound up front will be a HUGE focus.
Not to be pessimistic but haven't we been saying this for the past several seasons? None of the DL and linebackers to an extent want to play their gap anymore. Why doesn't Wiles have a stronger grip on these guys and demand gap integrity?
If I was the coach and that's what my defensive philosophy was centered around then I'd sit those guys and play those who execute my system/technique (just like Fuente sits those WR's who don't block).
Corey Marshall busted his tail to maintain. The problem was physics. If an OL got squared up on Corey, he was at a disadvantage.
Dadi wasn't healthy, and he was not particular good once he was engaged anyway. I always thought he was misused. Once Foster went Bear, Dadi got exposed because teams could kick him out. He needed a bad ass three tech holding up inside to maximize him. Maddy healthy was that guy. Maddy last year was good when you ran zone at him. If he was getting down blocked, he was run out of his gap fit way way way too often. That space between Dadi getting kicked out and Maddy blocked down exposed the linebackers, who often had to fit AND beat a block to make the play. For the guys they had, that was too much.
Ekanem-Williams-Baron-Mihota (with the options of bringing in big kids like Walker and Settle) and Edmunds is a huge size, leverage upgrade. They need Nigel Williams to show up as end of the season Nigel Williams (he has been great down the stretch the last two years, but not great in camp and early season games in the same time period) and they need Ekanem to take that next step and be the game changer on the edge. Hill and Gaines can give them 4 good series a game and help on passing downs, and we have something going.
Also, if Edmunds can line up right, he is already an upgrade on Clarke.
Do you think Bud was coaching him to play that way for that game because he knew what he could do ("let's party like it's 2006"), or was Mihota just doing Mihota things?
I think they played to his strengths. However, when those DL's in the mid-2000's were good, the Hokies generated a ton of pressure using X stunts where the DE will get leverage on twist stunts and power through.
{Read in Jerry Seinfeld voice}
Looks like as much talent as we have had at OT in .....I dunno....forever? McGlock has never really taken that final step (injuries?). Nijman is full of a lot of hope, what does he need to focus on? Osterloh has worked himself, literally, into the mix. What's his future look like? Thoughts on Plantin and Moore?
I like the offensive tackle spot. Most of the pressure that Brewer faced late in the season came on breakdowns against stunts by the guards. Nijman looked FANTASTIC in spring drills before he was shut down due to minor injuries. McLaughlin is solid- I still think right tackle is the best fit for him. As I noted above, I want Osterloh to push Conte on the inside.
When Plantin was recruited, I raved about his feet and noted that if he added strength he would be a good OT. By all accounts, that has happened. Unfortunately, it was almost impossible to get a feel for him based on the limited film from the spring. Moore LOOKS huge, but I thought he was a little raw. We'll see about him. Note, I am also very excited about Tyrell Smith's potential on the inside. OL depth is probably a little better than most think.
Which side of the ball do you think takes a bigger step forward this season?
Do you think one of the freshman receivers steps up and fills the WR3 role or do we spend all season flexing Bucky out?
Bucky will be flexed out all season. Diablo will get work because of his ability to block. I expect you will see McClease and McMillian flexed out in the slot a ton this year because Fuente likes using RBs for his jet sweep/IVR series.
I like hearing that. While a WR running a jet sweep on occasion can be a good surprise play, putting a running back in the position to build up a head of steam on a jet seems like a winner, especially if there is no telegraph to the play.
Which assistant coach (new or holdover) are you most interested in seeing how their unit operates this season?
Mitchell and the corners.
In a world where all cakes are pies, and all pies are cakes....cake or pie?
I don't want to live in a world where all pies are cakes
Pie
Woah woah woah. Let's not post NSFW pictures like that /s
Speaking of pie...I need direction from a wise pie-master. Can cobbler be considered pie? Or is cobbler in another category by itself?
To me, cobbler shares key characteristics- filling, butter crusty encasing. However, cobbler is a different item. Pie has shell on the top and bottom. Cobbler only has crust on top. Hence, pie is slightly superior to cobbler.
I respectfully disagree. Pumpkin Pie Key Lime Pie have no shell on top, so I think cobblers are pies (as well as "crumbles")
while I appreciate custard filled pie shells, I like top crust the most with fruit in the middle.
Ice Cream guy here. Is there a method or pattern to which fruits make best pie filling?
I prefer a tart- give me cherry, strawberry rhubarb, and granny smith apple any day.
and no bananas. they are the cheese of fruit.
Your thoughts on veggies in pies? Pumpkin and sweet potato to be specific?
Tomato and pumpkin are a-ok. Not a fan of sweet potato anything... pie included.
Is being the cheese of fruit a bad thing? Because bananas are bitchin'.
I got you a present, sorry I couldn't make it any bigger.
that is shameful. down vote, by rules be damned!
I find this incredibly troubling.
Speaking of Key Lime Pie. If you live near a Bruster's, stop in and DEMAND the Key Lime Pie ice cream. It's phenomenal.
cobbler is like pie with training wheels. If you don't feel confident in your crust taste/consistency, cobbler mitigates that risk a little by cutting the amount of crust by roughly 63%. By the same token, a crisp is basically the tricycle version of pie: all filling with an impossible to screw up crust alternative.
Thank you all for the clear up, I agree with what french and 07ME said. I really like the "pie with training wheels" bit. Legs all around!
Will Fuente's new offensive system help Ford, Philips and Hodges regardless of who the QB is? Or will growing pains of a new offense set them back?
Not necessarily. I don't know if they will get more touches. The potential will be there to make more big plays if the QB can find them. They will get space, because Fuente will do what he has to do to make the run game credible.
Congrats on the job promotion, does this mean you will be able to make more or less games? Look forward to your reviews every week. I'll hang up and take the answer off the air.
Likely less. My travel season for work is the fall, so time at home is cherished. I already have trips to Phoenix, St. Louis, Toronto, Newburgh NY, Dallas, Los Angelas, and other spots lined up between now and November 1.
Sad to see that, but maybe some great food posts could come out of those cities.
All those major cities, and then Newburgh. Are they getting an FCS payout?
/s
Do you think Fuente will heavily rotate the RBs this season or just give 1 back the majority of carries. Also, who do you think will stepup as the all important H-back for our offense?
I think we will at least three backs getting carries. Honestly, I have no idea who will be the H. My head says Rogers ends up there. The guy who can step in and be the most productive in the passing game will be Cunningham.
Thanks for taking my call, P1 listener here, I catch your show whenever I can. In your opinion, outside of QB, what's the biggest make or break position on the roster for the Hokies this year, and in your expert opinion, how do you see that position playing out over the course of the upcoming season?
Linebacker, and my expectations are low. I think Edmunds will be a very good player, but there is a big learning curve. Motu has to improve significantly. Against teams where he could play with some space and pursue (UVA, GT), he was very good. Against teams where he had to fit a gap and win battles (otherwise leaving a large hole for the back), he was not good. I would have loved for him to watch film of Jamal Smith (Hokies mike backer in the late 90's) and then worked drills all summer where the only point of the drill was to keep his feet moving while shedding at contact. That is a big part of the battle- those feet stop to absorb the block and then try to shed and he is dead in the water.
hah... yeah that like totally helped me ease my worries about the defense this year.... yeah, everything will be fine.... fine, I tell you, fine....
I will be very sad if Edmunds doesn't explode this year. Want to see him a high draft pick. Yes I probably need to put the pipe down.
Hey, don't put the pipe down, pass it over to me. I don't need no stinkin' reality!
You already mentioned Shegog may play behind Edmunds, but how's the depth at mike and backer? Who do you see backing up Motu and what new faces could we see on the field at those two positions?
I would assume Huelskamp is the back up. Jamion Moss is still on the roster and worked as the back up backer during the spring game, and he underwhelmed me. They need to figure out a way to get something from Ray Minor. There were two walk on linebackers that played really well at the end of the spring game, but I can't find them on the new roster at Hokiesports.com
Can you explain why I am so giddy at the chance to finally see Steven Peoples in games this year? Do you think my enthusiasm is justified?
For his size, he is an excellent blocker. If you expect to see him get carries, based on the spring you will be disappointed. If he wins the HBack job, he will be a blocker first and a receiver second (likely off play action, given that his size/wingspan isn't ideal for working stick routes.)
General question: how do we stack up against ND?
I have not watched Notre Dame yet, so I am not sure. I do know that I loved their running back and I believe he is gone. They lost their best WR. Their QB is dynamic as a guy who can run and pass. Plus, you are down 13 when you get off the bus in South Bend. It will be a really tough match up.
ND's best receiver (Fuller) and back (Prosise) are both gone.
As is Butkus Award winner Jaylon Smith
Tarean Folston is back, though, as is Malik Zaire. And DeShone Kizer didn't play poorly after taking over for him, either. Plus, we don't play at them until Nov 19th. I'm not going to be too bold on my prediction for that one.
I will be honest- I have spent much more time this summer watching Fuente film and watching old iterations of Bud's defense with different personnel. This season is about establishing an identity for VT much more than trying to match up with other teams.
Do you have any "too soon to tell" conclusions about what to expect? Sounds like the offense will be a blend of Memphis with something new because VT personnel. What about the defense? Or from the conditioning program, can we expect a tougher, more physical team?
To me, improvement on the defense starts with the best players running through blocks and winning one on one battles. Watching film from last year (I have watched UNC, UVA, and NC State the last couple of weeks), it was very frustrating to see DL fitting their gap and then moving right along with the block instead of fitting and then getting off the block and finding the football. Dead feet were problems at linebacker and on defensive line.
When you go back and watch the teams from the mid-2000's, they didn't have spectacular pass rush. What they did have were defensive linemen who kept their feet going at contact, which made them very difficult to block. Hall and Adibi didn't stop their feet and hop backwards when a back or a guard isolates on them. They would beat the blocker to the angle or keep their feet moving while working to shed. I just didn't see enough of it last season.
Fortunately, at the end of the season, Baron, Williams, Mihota, and Ekanem were the best four up front in terms of making themselves difficult to block, and that is the crew who we have back. I greatly appreciated Dadi Nicolas and Luther Maddy's contributions at VT and they gave us a ton of great moments. But, neither was particularly good last season compared to what was expected and needed for the scheme. Marshall was a unique player and played his tail off, but his size and style of play caused problems and often exposed linebackers.
I encourage folks to get on youtube and watch clips from average ACC games (2006 vs UNC is good quality) and watch the defensive guys and compare how individual guys take on blocks versus now. Don't always focus on stars. It is night and day.
Any idea on what the big change is from? It's the same coaches, so just the player types or a scheme thing?
French, been watching some Tennessee replays recently (a combination of nothing else on, and hey, it is football), and while they look impressive offensively, their defense is somewhat porous at times. Pressure on the QB sometimes help slow them down, but Dobbs is a very elusive runner. Best guess, do we have a better chance at beating UT by outscoring them in a back and forth game like the Tulsa game, or by slowing down their offense and eeking out a win in a close low-scoring game?
Outscoring them. The Vols passing game does not scare me a bit unless they are running the ball effectively-PROVIDED the secondary is competent. The Vols are scary good at defensive end and starting linebacker. I have questions about their defensive tackles- top level recruits but Shy Tuttle may not be healthy, McKenzie was hurt all year last year and had conditioning issues, and the guy who returns that started the bowl game is mediocre. Depth in the secondary is an issue as well. Protect the QB, get plays vertically, and stop the run (easier said than done- they have two terrific RBs in Hurd and Kamara who would be even better in a different offensive scheme. Hurd is James Conner but more athletic. )
Dobbs concerns me as a very mobile QB, but hopefully our DE's contain a bit better than last year, and keep that to a minimum. Agreed Hurd can be impressive. Do we get into a blitz-fest like the Ohio State game to drive Dobbs nuts? I'd love to see him on the ground....a lot.
I am not sure- I am inclined to expect a loaded box versus Tennessee, but Ohio State has shown the gameplan where cutting down splits stops penetration and allows skill guys to get on the edge. The ideal circumstance would be that VT can minimize the damage that the Vols deliver in the running game and try to force the Vols passing game to implode. Imagine a typical VT defensive gameplan in 2008-2010.
How do you honestly feel about Tennessee? I know they have some guys named to watch lists and a qb Josh Dobbs who is supposed to be good but when you look at last year they lost to Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Florida and only beat Kentucky, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, and Missouri. Their only good win came against Georgia with an injured Nick Chubb, South Carolina had been run into the ground, and Missouri had racial tension at one point with players threatening to boycott games so those 3 SEC schools were not at their best when facing Tennessee. They do have wins against Bowling Green, Western Carolina, North Texas in out of conference games. They beat up Northwestern pretty good in their bowl game but overall their 6 game win streak to end the season doesn't impress me. They had a better record than VT, recruited better than VT, but lost their top match ups on the big stage. I think OSU is superior to them, and them being in the SEC has a lot of their fans thinking that intimidates us and we will be a walk over for them. I think we match up well with Tennessee and they get a run for their money, possibly upset. To add more they have no game film of this team playing for Justin Fuente and if Evans is our qb that is another unknown for them. Do they have the talent? Yes. Will they beat us? I say we have a good chance to beat them! I also am looking for Appalachian State to give them a tough time! What is your take French?
I think they have tremendous talent, especially defensively. They lost those games (especially Oklahoma and Alabama) more due to the defense wearing out at the end of games because of their depth issues and a very unreliable passing game that couldn't move the sticks on key third downs. Those are their liabilities, and VT can be them (VT was able to beat Ohio State with almost the exact same corps they have now minus Brewer, Malleck, and Kendall Fuller) and that Ohio State team was better than Tennessee. The problem is that we have no idea what we will get from the QB spot, and we don't know that our linebackers, rovers, and safeties can hold up against Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara (I think Hurd is better than Zeke Elliott and on par with Elijah Hood.)
French:
Great stuff as always and I'll echo posts that reading your stuff makes me feel smarter about football.
I have 2 questions:
1) Which group do you see benefitting from going against each other in practice, the O or the D?
2) What tackle do you recommend for speckled trout? I'm headed to NC shore and want to give it a shot.
Thanks!
I will take your second question first-
from the sand, I would say a 2500/3000 size spinning reel, with 15 lb braid and 20lb fluoro carbon leader. Light enough rod to throw 3/4 oz jig effectively. Use a red jig head and chartreuse gulp (3 inch mullet/grub or gulp shrimp.) Gulp alive is even better if you can find it. Scour the beach at low tide and find holes, and then slowly drag the gulp through the holes.
Good call on the trout stuff. I'll add that I have had a few times of outstanding success in the OBX surf with a double jig rig. Just what French said (although I might use a four inch Gulp on the bottom and a three inch on top with a slightly lighter jig head. The way you tie a double rig is sorta up to you, it isn't exactly easy to tie it just right, but it is super effective when in schooling fish. Nothing like hooking up with two 18-20" specs in the surf. The slow drag is also a trout killer. Tendencies are to jerk the bait, but trout like it low and slow in that situation. I have done well fishing the areas on the south side of the fishing piers. Light tackle makes this a fun thing to do. There is also some good trout fishing in the sound, and Gulp Jerk Shad on a 4/0 Gamakatsu offset worm hook, no weight, can produce, as can Mirro Lures. As for the double rig, tie it so that the top bait when hanging down pre-cast is at least 8" above the bottom bait, and make double sure of your tie on the top so it is sound and won't slip.
As for which group benefits- I think the answer is neither. Both VT's O and D system is unique. While the competition is good, neither system resembles anything the opponent will use early on the schedule. Where Fuente can make a difference is to improve the depth and talent of the team, and encourage the scout O and D to provide better looks.
What's Teller got to do this year to make "the jump" from being a guy with a ton of potential to a guy that we can really tout going into his senior season next year?
He makes too big a jump and he won't be around for his senior year.
I wouldn't worry about that. Unless you're a superstar LT, linemen usually stay through their last year. Especially guards. Unless he wants to be an UDFA
"Stop Holding" would be a nice start. Improving in pass protection, especially against cross stunts would be second. I still think he could make a ton of money at tackle, but it looks like guard will be his road at VT.
Fuente has talked of changing the offense based on personnel. You wrote some great articles about what he did at Memphis, and above discussed some changes he may make with the blocking up front. If you go back to previous offenses he has been involved with, like TCU, were there significant differences in use of the H back, play design, type of throws (back shoulder down field) when there were different personnel? And as a follow-up, does he appear to be recruiting players to fill the same roles he had at Memphis, indicting that is what he most wants to run, or is it possible what he ran at Memphis is what he had to run because of who he had, and not what he would ideally run?
His wide receivers fit the receiver type he recruited at Memphis- mixed bag. He likes having a true X, and then he incorporates scat guys from the slot.
His tight end recruits have been more the big slot Y's like Hodges, Jace Amaro, etc. FYI, Drake Deiuliis (tight end VT verbal commit from Charlotte) was bumped up to a 4 star ranking by 247 Sports today.
Can this be the year that Bud and co. get a grip on defending the mobile QB? Running more zone may help that. Sure am concerned with Tennessee's abilities in week two.
Would also be interested in your take about Tech's recruiting rut. We have seen how blowing the 2010 and 2011 classes still has an impact almost six years removed.
It has been a problem for a long time, especially with the leverage zones. If you go back and watch the 2007 ACC title game, Matt Ryan was breaking long runs through the first half. I think Bud's general philosophy is everlasting. The solution is for the front four to be more reliant on power rushing and collapsing the pocket instead of turning the corner behind the pocket.
9lb Largemouth or 6lb Smallmouth?
6lb smallmouth
New question. With an offense that could possibly give us a big lead and often, how much better do you think our defense will improve?
Do you see a drop off in our special teams?
No- Shibest special teams have been great wherever he has gone.
However, they will be tested early given the lack of depth of defensive players that can cover kicks. Eric Berry's little brother is at Tennessee, and he is one of the best if not the best kick returner in the country.
do we run more jet sweeps than WR screens this year and if so, why, and if not, why?
Thanks for your contribution to this forum!
I expect lots of both. Hopefully the WRs block better on them. If so, they will be effective.
and if they don't block well, Fuente will find someone who does
The all encompassing hard-hitting question everyone (read I) wants to know:
Will I be using my ass pocket to celebrate or drown my sorrows this season?
Understand that football isn't about immediate results. I think the talent is there on offense that if the defense is a touchdown a game better and Fuente can get decent QB play out of Evans (or whomever), they could win the ACC Coastal. If they still can't take on a trap block properly, make a tackle in an alley, or playing the correct leverage... if the offensive line can't protect or the skill guys won't block well, then things could go sour real fast. It is going to take Fuente some time to get in "his guys." Until then, so much hinges on talented players who have had a different message reinforced for their entire career. It is fine that they are buying in now. Buying in when things get tough (and they will at some point) is the hard part.
This goes out to all the chicken littles we may have this season.
But while I know results with Fuente may not be immediate, I still reserve the right to drown sorrows if we underachieve.
How the ass pocket will be used, I do not know.
Alls I know is, the ass pocket will be used.
Damn straight.
Just take all my legs.
Thanks for the new signature, BTW.
Will Bud roll out the bear again this season after watching so many teams exploit it last season?
I am sure he will use it, but I don't think it would be prevalent.
Holey, McDougal's breath.
The writing here on TKP is better than any other sports site. Hands down.
We are BFL to have this stuff here for our Hokies.
And I'm not even drinking.....
I appreciate it. Again, this is just one ole boy's opine.
Which player, who did not play last year, do you see as a "breakout" player? Which 2 starters, if they struggle, have the "shortest leash"?
Ricky Walker- it will be difficult for fans to see his contribution, but I think Walker will make the defensive line more stout, and that protects the linebackers.
On offense it is much more difficult, but the only offensive returners who were not getting the same kind of work in the spring were McMillian and Teller. I can't imagine a scenario where Teller isn't starting, but, with Rogers, McKenzie, and McClease (and DJ Reid looked good in the spring too), Fuente has options if he doesn't like McMillian's game. I don't get it, but Fuente has made some drastic changes before (his first year at Memphis, he benched a popular QB for Lynch and struggled through Lynch's growing period. Fans be damned.)
Another question touched on it earlier, but are the systems that Fuente used at TCU and Memphis offensively more so different or similar? And if so how?
A follow up to that is, given our current roster, what do you think we will resemble more, TCU or Memphis, and why?
TCU was similar to Memphis, but not alike. While Fuente started using inverted veer with Andy Dalton, it wasn't a featured play. The Y and H backs were not utilized as much (he used a ton of 4 wide with one back, especially in the opener vs Oregon State) and he incorporated more true zone read stuff. Part of that came from Gary Patterson's influence (especially the I formation stuff.)
Here are the stone cold locks- you will see screens (which he uses as part of the run game.) The wide receivers and backs will block or he will find replacements. And the play structure will intertwine plays so it is incredibly difficult to defend.
this is what excites me the most
Me three.
Justin Fuente or Tom Herman? Tom Herman got Houston beasting quick! Less talent than VT and they ate FSU alive in the Peach Bowl. All bias aside which coach do you like better?
I wanted Tom Herman as my top guy. At the same time, I think Fuente may end up being a better fit. "Less talent" than VT may be debatable. Texas is so so so deep in terms of HS talent that the 2nd tier recruits there have been good enough to allow TCU and Houston to flourish- plus they supplement A&M, Texas, Baylor, TT, all the smaller schools, the Oklahomas, and a smattering of national powers.
My biggest worry about Fuente is recruiting- and that is tempered because he turned around Memphis with tons of walk ons (think about that, walking on AT MEMPHIS) and put two lightly recruited QBs into the NFL in Dalton and Lynch. He will get the most out of his players. The question is, will it be enough to mitigate talent gaps. The more I watch film, the more I feel like our defense especially is in dire need of a huge talent infusion. Last season-even in the games where the defense played pretty well, it looked like they needed an offensive mistake to get off the field because they couldn't dominate up front 3 plays in a row.
"He will get the most out of his players. The question is, will it be enough to mitigate talent gaps."
This has been a concern of mine for a long time. VT's coaching staff was outstanding at getting the most out of the talent they had, but having the raw talent to fall back upon (to make plays) when the first string (or second, third,...) was knocked out, or simply a long knock-down, drag out fight of a game against powerhouse in which having a good rotation (without performance dropoff) was key, has shown up through the years. That type of player development takes years (not coach 'em up for the next Saturday), but if the roster depth has sufficient talent (a.k.a. Tyrod in his 'redshirt' year) the underlying talent can may plays despite the lack of development time. Consistency, on the other hand, needs that development time, and it showed as Tyrod, Brewer, etc... had offseasons to learn and develop.
Given the talent depth issues, once the injury bug hits, the slope to gaining W's becomes much steeper.
My preference has been for Tom Herman; however, I've heard that he will wait until either the Texas or Texas A&M job comes open. Knowing that there is no way we could get Herman, I think Fuente is the best coach after Herman, so I have no complaints and feel lucky we were able to get him.
With all the news concerning the Big12 and Houston, Herman may really be able to wait for dream situations to open up while still competing in a power 5 conference.
I've always had in the back of my mind that the better coaching move may have been Fuente + making TGray the DC and backfilling the defensive staff with better recruiters. Tough to let Foster go, but the talent on defense is such that it is tough to let Foster stay and continue to underrecruit his side of the ball.
Ifs and buts now, but what is widely held as Fuentes biggest win (keeping Foster) may be his limiting factor in the long run.
It saddens me that in today's college football landscape, a "better" coach may not have great coaching ability, but they can sell their school and get good recruits to commit. I feel that if we could ever get over the hump and remain nationally relevant for a year or two, this will help take care of itself.
If we could revamp the way recruiting takes place and do away with non-commitable offers and let players commit early, I think it would greatly benefit the sport. I don't like the way the sport is progressing.
Firing a proven defensive coordinator in favor of a position coach to take the position just to hope he recruits better seems ridiculous.
That's why you hire d line coach and or LB coach who can recruit his nuts off.
Our d line coach seems to be ok at recruiting everything but the DL. Our LB coach seems to be good at recruiting everything but LB's.
That shouldn't be the case.
Yeah you're right, coaches should only recruit the position they coach and no other players. It should have absolutely nothing to do with location of targets.
Or you know the position coach should be able to close on a recruit they will work with every day while also working the region they've been assigned.
The idea that a coach is only worried on his region is laughable. If anything the region recruiter starts the relationship the position coach should be able to close.
For instance Dalton Keene's Primary is Wiles because that's his area but the Secondary is Shibest who is his position coach.
Hooker has Wiles as Primary but look whose Secondary oh man the QB coach Cornelson. Amazing concept damn.
I would argue that being the secondary recruiter of a player is more of an honorary title to the position coach or the coordinator than an impact gun recruiter. Worrying would be warranted if they are missing recruits that are the position they primarily coach. If Wiles is missing DLL recruits then it's concerning.
There's a way to have a productive discussion, and then there's crap like this. Step up your game. You may be interested to know that JUGS works in college athletics.Redacted following the edit. Be respectful, everyone. Intelligent discourse is what TKP is known for.
French - If you could pick any former VT player to be the H-Back in Fuente's offense, who would it be?
Tough call between Ryan Malleck, Jimmy King, and Cullen Hawkins. I'd throw Ferguson in too, but he was too good getting the ball on the trap and leading on speed options.
Who do you think will get more touches/be more productive under Fuente: Marshawn or Shai?
Much more important than the backs under Fuente are the knees under said backs.
Until I see how their knees hold up, I am not expecting touches for either. I hope they recover fully and can contribute, but I don't count on it. Multiple knee injuries are no joke.
Have you ever sat down and chatted with any of the coaches? A real X and O talk? I recall you have asked questions at the Hokie Club events but wondering about more conversation with them. Do they know who you are and what you do here? Curious as to what they think....ever get any feedback from anyone inside the building?
As always....great stuff....keep it up and thank you.
I would like to, but no, I have not. However, when you see questions for the coaches about scheme asked by the TKP reporters, in most cases they have consulted me on the questions.
I am sure my terminology varies wildly from what the coaching staff uses, but I have it on good authority that, for the purposes of our enjoyment, we hit closer to the mark on the X's and O's than anyone else. None of this is game-plan level stuff. In the rare case that I knew the team had surprises in store, I will show discretion in my reviews (see my writing before the first Ohio State game- we wrote about 0 coverage, but didn't talk about the Bear even though Bud showed in the last scrimmage before the spring game.
"In the rare case that I knew the team had surprises in store, I will show discretion in my reviews (see my writing before the first Ohio State game- we wrote about 0 coverage, but didn't talk about the Bear even though Bud showed in the last scrimmage before the spring game."
Cue in sigh of relief!
What do you think is the likelihood that Devin Wilson gets some PT this year? Does he get any meaningful snaps?
So much depends on how Divine Deablo, Eric Kumah, and Jaylen Bradshaw perform this fall. Perhaps Wilson could play some in goaline where he can go up and win 50/50 balls. But, I don't know if he has the blocking ability to be a guy who will get a ton of reps. I may be wrong, and if I am and he can be productive, it is a big added bonus.
Patterson as well.
You mentioned that having a DT fitting his gaps and then shedding blocks would help the LB's. What would be a good indicator that this is taking place? Higher tackle numbers, lower YPC, etc. or is it more of an eye test like these Jack Tyler's TFL vs Rutgers?
Also, who is your nominee for returning this glory to the Hokies?
I am not sure how to answer this, other than to say I will point out when it is or isn't happening during our reviews. That is such a game to game measurement that each week produces it's own story.
As for mullets, I'd rather see them worry about winning games than hairstyles.
Oh, I dunno. I still blame Wyatt's mom for the OL underachieving. 'Tis a shame she made him cut his glorious locks.
Assuming his MCL is good to go, are you more concerned with Conner or Hood this year?
Hood. Conner is good, but Hood was tragically underutilized last year.
You will hear me say that about Jaylen Hurd too. Both he and Hood are excellent players who are used poorly in their offensive systems and they still put up great numbers.
Going Rockfishing this weekend with a bunch of buddies, any suggestions for the proper beverage?
As hot as it has been, Pedialyte.
Besides the receivers, do you see any true freshmen getting significant minutes?
With our offense possibly being not garbage in the coming years, do you think Bud transitions to a bend don't break defense? Or do you think he amplifies his high negative play / high yards per completion defense by playing with a lead?
laddler if healthy at CB?
Outside of receiver, I would be very surprised. However, usually a kid comes out of nowhere and makes the coaches make tough choices. Brandon Facyson's emergence is an example. Ladler had the ability before his injury to come in and play a passing down nickel right away. We will see how he is post-injury. He didn't work in a game situation that was visible to the public in the spring.
I've got 3, hope that's not too many
1) What sites/sources/etc. do you read for this level of X/O coverage, for whatever team. Any other place I can see detailed film review like you do for other teams?
2) You touched on this slightly earlier, but let's assume Fuente andh is staff are as good tactically as they seem but we continue to be mediocre in recruiting. Can his and Bud's schemes be good enough to win championships with top ~20 recruiting classes or do we have to solve that puzzle eventually to ever get over the hump?
3) I've been fishing twice in my life, once at 5 years old and again at 22, and each time ended with me in the emergency room. Is fishing cursed for me, or should I keep trying?
Addressing point 2, I doubt we ever win a national championship. The amount of talent top to bottom needed for that is staggering. There is a pretty short list of schools that have the resources to put that together with excellent coaching as well, and even those schools are a level below Alabama.
However, if we can get our average classes back around 25ish, like we typically have been, I think Fuente can bring us to the last decade of Oregon type success. That is a string of top 10 finishes and a few "BCS" bowl wins. With a possible championship game appearance. We should be able to feast on talent-less teams and talented teams with poor coaching.
So basically you're saying our ceiling is the Vick through Tyrod years. Any chance a better run athletic department could take those same kind of consistent results and use them to bump us into that elite group at the top?
Maybe a little higher, like Oregon's ceiling was. They got over the top with multiple BCS wins and two natty appearances in 5 years. Not a 1-5 record with our only win being Cincy. But the hope is that unlike our previous run, it won't be centered around having an insanely talented QB drag us to the top. It should be a more well maintained machine that can run year to year.
Maybe a notch, but the gap between the traditional powers and the medium ones is hard to bridge. I mean MSU has been so much better than UM recently, but UM still has the power to go get a Harbaugh and immediately be nationally relevant. Power and resources ultimately boil down to how large the fan base is, and even with great maneuvering by the athletic department, it would take a lot to become a school that sells out 85k, like all national title winners have been the last 25 years, with the strange Miami being the exception. Even a top 5 all time program like Nebraska is struggling with the current landscape.
Miami, ND, Clemson, USCw, MSU, FSU and Stanford among others all average less than 84 thousand fans a game.
When did MSU, Stanford, Clemson and ND win a national championship?
Look at who has won, and tell me if we fit that profile.
Ok USCw, FSU, Miami the difference isn't attendance it's donor base.
Seeing as we don't sit on the hottest talent beds in the country like those three, it makes a difference for us. FSU and USC are national powers with decades of history and championships to propel them, with larger fan bases too. In what way do we compare to them?
Again, look at who has won and tell me if we fit the profile.
Stop moving the goalposts.
Attendance has almost nothing to do with ability of a team to make and maybe win the NC.
Fair. FSU and USC won despite not hitting that goal. They just have a ton of other advantages we could never dream of.
But answer my question about actually winning. Look at the teams that have won. Do we fit that profile?
No, because the donor base isn't big enough.
You keep repeating this like it's some sort of grand revelation. It's not. It's just survivorship bias. Just because an outcome occurred doesn't mean it was the only possible outcome. We lineup closely in many areas with teams like Oregon, TCU, Stanford, Clemson, and Baylor who all could have easily won it all in the last 10 years. Florida in the 90's and Miami in the early 2000's lacked much of the profile you're looking for, but because they won they get lumped in with the successful outcomes. No one's saying we're going to become a blue blood or yearly contender (it would probably take another 20-30 years with aggressive growth from the school), but to say it's impossible because we don't match certain traits of recent winners is unfounded. Unlikely, but certainly possible.
Right on the money. Just because it may be improbable doesn't make it impossible. Clemson has only one national championship and was average at best under Bowden, yet now they were only a few points away from winning it all last year and now are top in the polls. Baylor football was a joke until Briles came in, same with TCU. I think with a well coached team and skill players at offense, and a strong defense we could perhaps upset someone to win the trophy. Now with a playoff it's easier for us to be in contention for the title.
Agreed with everything except the last part about the playoff. The playoff makes it harder to win as one of those outsider teams. You have to beat 2 really, legit powers instead of one. See Oregon. I think it is much easier with a favorable matchup to out coach or matchup well in a one game scenario than to win a 4 game playoff I think it is much more favorable towards the talented powerhouses
You're right about that. What I meant was that now if you play a competitive schedule and you win the conference championship then you're most likely going to the playoffs and in the hunt for the title. No longer must you be in the top two to become eligible for the national championship. If Tech plays a competitive schedule and wins the ACC then we will likely be in the playoffs.
Clemson 1981- one of our volunteer coaches at EHC (Danny Triplett) was a linebacker on that team.
Notre Dame won in 1988 championship (Tony Banks was the QB.)
Michigan State won several in the 50's and 60's under Duffy Daugherty, in large part because they recruited southern African American players that SEC and SWAC schools would not recruit due to segregation (Bubba Smith is a great example.)
Right and my point is in the last 25 years. College football is not the same it was in the 80s. Even ND in 88', like USC, is an incredibly historic program that we have zero comparison to
just answered if/when they had won. i wasn't making any other assertion.
Looking at results isn't always the best method. Who actually wins the championship is an extremely small sample size. I think you have to look at who had a chance to do it, and Stanford and Clemson (and Oregon and TCU) absolutely could have had a ball bounced a bit differently a couple times. Those teams were all good enough, it just didn't happen. Very well could next time.
I wouldn't say impossible, we almost did it once and schools like Oregon and TCU have come within a game or two of doing it as well. Even Florida was a perennial afterthought until Spurrier. I'm not saying we'd be at the level of Alabama or Ohio State, but I think it's possible to be very good and lucky and make it happen.
you have to build a brand, get lucky to have a handful of generational players all at once, and get lucky with scheduling and injuries. It can happen, but it will always be a long shot.
Having a few good enough seasons to start the year ranked highly, then going undefeated, and we're in the playoff. It's so simple, what could go wrong?
I still occasionally buy lottery tickets, so I can't argue with that logic.
The hardest would be the first one. But winning breeds better recruiting/brand recognition and hopefully repeated success. But avoiding the injury bug is huge for that initial success.
Talent wins National Championships. To emphasize this... the last 20 national champions have averaged 2.9 top 10 recruiting classes in the four years prior to their national title. Oklahoma in 2000 is the only program without a top 10 recruiting class to ever win a national title. SOURCE.
A team can make an NY6 Bowl Game, or even the playoff with top 25 classes. No way in hell you win a NC with that kind of recruiting though.
Talent AND coaching. The coaching part is hard to quantify like a recruiting class. But it makes Saban all the more impressive for what he's done.
And makes Miami all the more pathetic for being the only team to have a number 1 class since 2000 to not appear in a title game with those players. Think I read that on 247 or ESPN.
I actually think there's more good coaches than talent to go around. If you could somehow take recruiting out of the game, and limit the coaches job to running a football team, I think Saban would have a lot more competition.
Saban didn't fare too well in the NFL and think a lot of that had to do with him not having the talent to dominate the other teams.
that's probably true. He probably also struggled to get buy-in for his "process". I get the sense that Saban runs a little bit of an authoritarian dictatorship and college athletes kind of have to submit to him but paid professionals are less likely to do so. That is all complete conjecture, though. You're probably more right.
Same thing is said about Harbaugh. Apparently working/playing for these guys is doable for 4-5 year period. After that it's too much.
i thought harbaugh and the management just pretty much hated each other?
harbaugh was at least successful in his time in the NFL, saban wasn't
Harbaugh certainly had more success. He may be a goof, but he is one hell of a coach and proved that traditional power football could still win in NCAA with the proper attention to detail.
Carroll had the same problem in NE. Seemed he has done pretty well in SEA
While Alabama never lacked for talent, Saban did coach up that first batch. I think I lost some steam for him when I watched the Alabama Ohio State film where Bama stayed in that soft 4-2-5 the whole game and let Ohio State's running game get down hill.
Say what you want about Bud's approach on D the last few years- it was a scheme nightmare for the Buckeyes.
Chris Brown's Smart Football does a great job, but isn't team specific. If I preview another team, it is the result of getting film from Billdozer and breaking it down myself. Same for VT. I know Oregon has a guy named Fishduck who breaks down their film on Youtube.
Clemson had a great site for awhile before their guy retired, and Auburn's War Eagle site does a great job. Otherwise, I don't know any.
Something like smart football might be exactly what I was looking for, thanks!
FIshduck is great - started watching his stuff a few years ago and really learned the ins and outs of outside and inside zone, etc.
would you rather eat Cheese for a year at every meal, or never eat pie again?
follow-up question: would you rather eat banana cream pie at any time you want or only be able to eat your favorite pie once a year?
follow-up to the follow-up: would you rather live in a world where everyone but you regards Top Gun as the singularly greatest cinematic experience and cannot stop imitating/talking about it or live in a world with no pie?
Playing hardball are we. Ok, bringing out the big guns:
Would you rather never eat pie again or never go fishing again?
You must not fish.
My powers are far beyond comprehension. I can assure you, both will happen.
No bananas.
All the pie.
All the fishing.
With extra cheese.
Win-loss prediction this year?
8-4 or 7-5... with Miami and Pitt being the swing games.
Which team are we going to blowout (outside of...potentially...Liberty)?
Which team is going to blow us out?
all of them
none of them
French, do you think CJ Carroll could have a break out year?
How many PPG do you expect from this team, and do you expect the offense to produce more consistently this year?
VT averaged 31 last year but that drops to 29 without the bowl game, and Memphis averaged 40.2 or 42.7 without their bowl game (both teams had uncharacteristic offensive outputs in their bowl games). Putting that into consideration I think 35 ppg seems like a reasonable goal for this team, but obviously I'm curious about what everyone else expects. So, obviously this question is open everyone, not just French.
I don't think higher scores per game and "consistency" can be measured on a uniform basis. Teams with leads will manage the clock differently than teams trailing and vice versa. For me, my measuring stick is much more situational that regular statistics. Red zone efficiency, 3rd down efficiency (especially performance in key situations), and most importantly, the scoreboard indicating a W versus an L matter way more to me than the offense just scoring more points.
I think it is PARAMOUNT that the offense, while sped up, sustains drives and keeps the defense off the field, especially given the depth issues at linebacker and the secondary.
Why isn't first down average as important. Too me it's critical. Incomplete (read inefficient) pass or less than 3 run on first down and options for next 2 downs are limited substantially. Gain 5-6 on first down and all kinds of options to attain first down and sustain drive are greatly increased. This seems even more relevant on first possession after a change of possession as going 3 and out greatly changes field position.
I think the logic here is that if you're doing well on 3rd down that probably means you're at least staying on schedule. Its hard for lots of teams (yes, even oregon, osu, clemson) to convert 3rd and long, which is what you can get into if you falter on 1st and/or 2nd downs. But if you stay on schedule (i.e. get 3+ yards per play on 1st and 2nd) then you open up your options and make converting that 3rd down much less difficult which then leads to a higher 3rd down efficiency.
All that, plus, I don't think 1st down efficiency is really tracked as a statistic the way 3rd down efficiency is. I've heard commentators talk about 3rd down efficiency for teams but I don't think I've ever heard them discuss 1st down efficiency.
So let's say you're going on an overnight fishing trip out of Oregon Inlet, and you could only choose between two live bait options, do you choose:
A)
via GIPHY
or
B)
via GIPHY
Because you only get to choose one, that's why. Besides, who could handle both???
*SCOFF* Clearly you haven't asked all my lady-friends.
....they say I can't even handle one.
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via GIPHY
I.... what was the question?
left, without comment
via GIPHY
Hey now, no changing the rules on my hypothetical fantasy scenario! Choice A or B only! (Because now I'm confused as well...)
Who is she?
....for science.
Right click > Search Google for image suggests this is grace andrews the hitcher
I thought it was Sophia Bush. Oops.
and now I feel sillier because it is Sophia Bush, playing Andrews. Peachy.
Why not both...?
Are you suggesting one gets to stay in the boat and the other one gets thrown over the side?
what should Fuente do to improve our overtime record?
Win in regulation.
That certainly would solve the problem...
Striper or Redfish?
redfish...c'mon man!
I'm all about those reds but I have seen French with some nice stripers in hand so wanted to get his thoughts as well!
*double-take*
Red drum fight harder than the rockfish on comparable tackles, so red drum will always get my vote.
Favorite species to catch
1) Cobia
2) Amberjack
3) Bluefin tuna
4) False Albacore
4a) Mahi
5) Red Drum
6) Rockfish
7) Wahoo (food value)
Not a bad list. I've hooked one Cobia on spin in the Keys and lost him. Never hooked an AJ but it is on the list. Albacore are nuts, especially on fly rod. I think if I've got one day left on this planet to saltwater fly fish I put myself down at Cape Lookout on the last weekend of September when I can catch False Albacore and Redfish and get some serious line burn on my hands.
my last amberjack trip, your fly rod would have gotten worn out and not far from cape lookout
Now that looks tempting
You've mentioned 2006 frequently. Joe says there's an article on zone blitzing in the works, but any similarities between Bud's top-5 seasons and the defenses the new guy has been involved with? (something we've seen before at Tech, or a 180?)
ok, I've got to ask it, Your detailed analyses of VT's O and D is so amazing...do you (or does anyone at TKP) ever think you might be helping the enemy...I know all coaches and our opponents will do their own video analysis of VT's O&D (and yes they'll probably review Tulsa and TCU teams to gauge what CJF will do) but your recent article where you pointed out all running plays followed the HB for what 8 games really made me think that you just might be potentially helping the enemy by pointing out so many VT tendencies, etc...so the question is...do you ever think about this? and if so, do you hold some stuff back?
Already answered.
If it did, I would be stunned. Any average HS coach would catch the same tendencies. If a DI P5 school coach was using what I was writing as a game planning tool, they likely wouldn't have a job down the road.
The fundamentals I talk about for Foster's defense have been documented through his presentations at numerous clinics and pay sites. I just try to simplify it and look at the bread and butter stuff. Offensively, I evaluate more individual performance and bread and butter plays (mainly because the offense has been such a hodge podge.)
My one venture into a really deep dive type review was after Wake Forest two years ago- that was something that, had I written before the game- would have given the Deacons a big weapon. Unfortunately, they have a damn good defensive staff and figured the tendency on their own. I noticed the tendency during the game and the film confirmed my worst fears. I, like many of us, was so frustrated that I decided to go with it, and here it was:
http://www.thekeyplay.com/virginia-tech-football/2014/11/8081/demon-deac...
I read that article when you wrote it but for some reason, re-reading it now just seems that much more damning of Loeffler and Co. I am fairly confident Cornelsen and his staff will be much better in-game technicians and will have a savvy answer to that type of exploitation. At least, I sure as hell hope so.
*cough* Mike London *cough*
Bet that made you a big hit with certain VT coaches, huh?
I was told that after I introduced myself to Coach Searels at a NOVA Hokie Club event, I got the death stare the whole time I walked back to my table.
Coach Foster and Coach Gray have been very polite and gracious with me. Those are the only ones I have engaged with for more than a few seconds.
Make him 6'6 300, and you nailed it.
I mean what the hell... So our offense was so damn predictable that a fan was able to put together a playbook on how to fundamentally beat our pass protection, and somehow that's the fan's fault for figuring it out?
Homie don't play that. You shouldn't be employed by a major football program if your scheme is that easy to figure out and dissect.
I wouldn't say French is just a fan, but rest of the post is spot on.
True, he's also a client
We all know French isn't a coach, he just plays one on TKP, and he stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night.
Reading your articles, my perception is that Fuente focuses on more on creating subtle advantages over the defense rather than trying to fool them into catastrophic collapse. That is, turning 1 yard gains into 3 yard gains, 3 into 5; 5 into 8, etc. because the defender is initially at a disadvantage, not absent from the play entirely. This in contrast to some of the super quick strike, home run offenses.
Thoughts?
I think deception is the key for big and little plays. Instead of using misdirection, it uses repetition to condition the mind and muscle response of the defenders. Once they have been conditioned to seeing something one way, they will react and are vulnerable to a different play using the same set up. Once they have been fooled, they will be indecisive.
Loeffler was much more keen on using formation, and never really established play structure working together to fool the defense except against Ohio State, UVA, and a couple of other teams where he put together really good game plans. Unfortunately, for every Ohio State 2014, there was a Pitt 2015, and that is why he is scraping together field goals at Boston College.
I would expect Loeffler's offense at BC to have a bit more consistency, ONLY because it will be directly overseen by Addazio himself. He will likely make sure Lefty focuses on the run game so he can't get too wild and crazy with his formations. I don't think they will be explosive by any means at all, but having an emphasis on running the ball will probably help him out somewhat. Lefty just got too cute with plays for his own good most of the time.
Many of us have been reading about Justin Fuente's offensive genius, his ability to make a defense cover the entire field, and how he exploits mismatches, etc. all offseason. Pairing a top ranked offense with a top ranked defense has us excited about the possibility of Virginia Tech finally finding its yin to its yang.
If you were a VT opponent's defensive coordinator and based on what you know about Fuente's offense so far, what would be your defensive gameplan to stop the VT offense?
They will struggle if they have to pass on 3rd and long. Paxton Lynch's arm and escapability covered up many flaws in the pass pro game.
Otherwise, defensively you keep everything in front of you and try to force the offense into execution flaws. Temple and Navy did the best jobs against Memphis (the Tigers had some injury issues those games) but both teams were incredibly gap sound and won battles at the point of attack. Memphis couldn't get the running game going, and that exposed their dropback passing game.
think of this offense as a mixture of Urban Meyer with Paul Johnson. This isn't a drop back heavy offense.
I think I can see the Meyer reference but to my untrained eye, the passing looks like it has dashes of air-raid or run and shoot. How is it akin to PJ's offense?
I think what he's saying about this offense is that it has aspects of PJ and UM. Not just the passing game. If you look at what Fuente does schematically it is very similar to PJ's option attack. They use the same formation and backfield action but hand the ball to different players running in different directions to stretch the defense. Memphis did it. GT does it. He's not referring specifically to just the passing game.
makes sense
Yin and yang, you say?
A fishing question here. On the Clinch/Holston rivers, do you know of any good spots that you could share? I'm looking for specifically smallmouth. Spots can be either on foot or via kayak.
I like the Holston better for size. The float from the Waldo gap bridge to Yuma has been good at times, but it sees a lot of boats. Above there from hiltons to mendota is good but access is difficult. Clinch is pretty accessible from clinch port ramp down to the state line. Focus on areas with a lot of gradient, particularly the beginning and ending of shoals. Be safe and wear a life jacket.
I have not been down there to fish for a long time. My spot didn't produce huge fish, but there is a hole about a half mile north of the Hayers Gap bridge on the North Fork that I used to catch lots of 10-14 inch smallmouth, redeyes, and pumpkin seeds on little jitterbugs and tiny torpedoes.
Near the end of the first half of Tulsa, they had a big run on us and it was mentioned that VT had "a hat on a hat", so everyone was blocked and the RB was able to get through.
Even if all the backers and secondary are pulled, should one of those 5 linemen have been able to escape and stop the runner? Or was this the risk of selling out for the deep threat?
Not having watched Memphis play much personally, what can we expect scheme wise from Shibest and the Special Teams groups? I believe I read he uses the shield formation for punts but can we expect more trickery and fakes from his units than in previous years?
To piggyback on this question, for punt return, do you also see more of a tendency to the block the punt or fall back to block for a better return?
returns- they play a very heavily focused field position game
Do you expect any of our current WR recruits to transition to CB?
You misspelled QB, OG,RB and TE.
well, apparently Deon Newsome is already a DB. Given that the guys behind our Big 3 are all freshmen, walk ons, or Jaylen Bradshaw, I doubt we see any more movement.
Fuente has made a major push at WR depth. Deablo, Kumah, Patterson, Denmark in house, and Pimpleton, Savoy, Grimsley committed (and Capeheart still out there)- suddenly there is a ton of young WR depth.
who in your opinion should be our kick return guy and do we have anyone who has the potential to be a game changer back there? I like Greer but seems like he has some really big return games and then poof hes gone and someone else is in. is it just lack of consistency for him? who and why?
do you think stroman is the best option at punt return? some of us have the opinion that he spends more time running backwards than forward as a punt returner. is there anyone who you think should take that job and that can be more productive? and why?
edit
My first thought was that this could be a Freudian slip. Then I realized I'm not sure what that would mean.
Not everyone, I think he does a fine job returning punts.
Greene would be one of my kickoff return guys. I will never understand why he hasn't been the guy for the last two years.
Punt return is harder to call because the most important part is something you can't anticipate until you see them do it live- fielding the punt. So much potential field position is lost when guys can't field the punt. With teams doing more directional punting focused on hang time instead of distance, just catching the ball is huge. Stroman will probably be the guy, but my favorite punt returners are the guys who get up field quickly. If Fuente can find a Ricky Hall on the roster, I'd replace Stroman tomorrow. It isn't a knock on Greg- corner depth is more valuable and while Stroman can be explosive in the return game, he is hit or miss on impacting field position because of some of his more high risk adventures.
You have to give Stroman some credit. He doesn't muff punts.