Bitter blog - Five thoughts after the Hokies’ win against East Carolina

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2) the freshman cornerbacks havent been overwhelmed.

Understatement of the year.

Kicking can be a head game. And while coaches trying to ice the kicker by calling timeouts in a big spot is usually ineffective (and a waste of time), ...

Some coaches even try to ice the kicker twice.

I really like your point, Andy, about ECU trying to force Logan to beat them through the air. I didn't like our run production, but it became pretty clear that ECU was selling out to stop the run since our passing offense didn't appear to be a strength. A few more teams do that and I think Logan will be on track, then Mangus and Edmunds can run wild. I'm also happy to hear that Benedict wasn't happy with the performance, but, again, I think it has a lot to do with ECU's defensive strategy.

With Exum coming back, we're essentially going to have four 1st-string CBs.

I doubt he'll do it, but imagine if Foster decided to design a dime package...

No, I *don't* want to go to the SEC. Why do you ask?

We don't love dem Hoos.

I hope the coaching staff is able to dial up an approach that keeps our defense playing at a high level, and provides a springboard for our upper class men to be drafted to the pros. Obviously, this will entail protecting those returning from injuries.

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Do we think that Exum will be getting that much playing time when he comes back? I mean, Facyson and the Fullers have played lights out for us. I feel like Bud might use Exum as a sub for at least his first game back until he gets used to game speed again, and then maybe start him. But I think Exum is going to have to compete for a spot. He's not just going to be anointed a starter as soon as he comes back from an injury as bad as that one.

I think, in terms of integrity and in terms of recruiting, you want to try to put Exum in a position to be drafted.

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That's going to be interesting to watch and see what the coaches do.
Our current secondary looks very comfortable in their roles and are playing, IMHO, with great chemistry.
When you add back a fan-beloved, but injured former starter what does it do to the chemistry?

I'm thinking that with the other spread teams we have coming up -- particularly Marshall and UNC -- more capable cover players might not be a bad idea from time to time.

Kyle and Facyson on the outside, Kendall and Exum at the nickel and dime.

No, I *don't* want to go to the SEC. Why do you ask?

We don't love dem Hoos.

Makes sense to me

VT '10--US Citizen; (804) Virginian By Birth; (979) Texan By the Grace of God.

Rick Monday... You Made a Great Play...

I also root for: The Keydets, Army, TexAggies, NY Giants, NY Rangers, ATL Braves, and SA Brahmas

I'd be very surprised if Exum's return is greeted by anything but positive feelings in the secondary. He was a very good player before the injury (and after the first half of last season) and he's undoubtedly been a big part of coaching up the younger guys and being involved in the defense. That said, and has been said before, I could see Foster sort of easing him back in to the starting role, although having him full-go against GT would be huge. As talented as the young guys are, they've never seen anything like that GT offense. I'd feel better with a healthy Exum there.

Not saying it would be anything but positive but I'll be curious to watch how all of the pieces fit together.
I'm worried about the dreaded GT cut blocks on the secondary by the receivers and Exum's knees.

Foster will design a defense where no player exceeds 230 lbs. Note: Sam Rogers is listed at 220 lbs on hokiesports.com. The first opponent will register the first negative point game in NCAA history.

I'm just worried about what will happen when we face a competent defense that takes up ECU's strategy

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We hope that the offense has progressed enough to beat them. And I'd expect to see a little more flashy play-calling from Loeffler too. Didn't see many, if any, counters or bootlegs on Saturday, and I think that was intentional. If ACC teams play us like ECU did (crashing hard to stop the run), Loeffler will make them pay, similar to the Coles TD.

That and I think Lefty is still experimenting with what he has to work with. We put together some nice drives yesterday, as evidenced by our 37minute TOP. Just need to finish all the opportunities we have with points. But the defense obviously won yesterday, and likely will have to again.

VT '10--US Citizen; (804) Virginian By Birth; (979) Texan By the Grace of God.

Rick Monday... You Made a Great Play...

I also root for: The Keydets, Army, TexAggies, NY Giants, NY Rangers, ATL Braves, and SA Brahmas

A gamebreaker at the WR position would help tremendously. I don't think he's on this team.

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How about Sam Rogers? He's fights for the ball, runs over defenders, and storms for the endzone.

"The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. " Rocky B.

I'm sure most of you have considered that the Exum who returns may not be equal ever to the Exum we saw at the end of last year - physically and mentally. Don't think the docs will let him play if they do not at least believe he is 100% healthy. Thinking back to that video some months ago of him on the treadmill, don't think he'll have headgame probs ala Coles. Having him back cannot be anything but a big bonus and certainly Bud and Co. have been pondering his role.

Exum - is that a name from Roman gladiator days?

"The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. " Rocky B.

Yes, short for Exumtaur

What's Important Now
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The Hammer.
BeamerBall.