The Hokies cheer team. [Mark Umansky]
Who: No. 12 Virginia Tech Hokies (4-0, 0-0 ACC) vs. No. 2 Clemson Tigers (4-0, 2-0 ACC)
When: Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 8:00 PM EDT
Where: Blacksburg, Virginia | Lane Stadium (66,233)
Watch/Listen: ABC (Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Maria Taylor) / Virginia Tech IMG
Spread: Clemson -7.5
Weather: 60 degrees and clear
Series: Clemson leads the all-time series 21-12-1. The Tigers bested the Hokies by a touchdown in last year's ACC Championship game.
Reppin' TKP: Mason Naumman is in the press box.
The Key Players Club: TKP's benefactors group is 594 strong, make a move and become No. 595.
Discuss today's game and festivities here. Avoid leaving play-by-play, we're all watching. Remember to follow the community guidelines.
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IF-YA SUHMEEEEEELLLLLLLL!!!
LET'S GOOOOOOOO
HOKIES!!!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Mood.
I think he said a bad word
Noon wedding in Wilmington NC. Check. Leave as soon as couple says i do. Check. 5.5 hour drive to game. In seats by 7 pm. Hopefull.
Wish me luck
Made it!!! Go Hokies
Skip wedding
As the self nominated worst influence here, I'll second this.
Nephew's wedding. Trying to keep family peace.
That's why the make ear buds!!
And nowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!
Bring the pain Bud.
The trash talk is strong from the Clemson fans, let's drink those tears tonight with great satisfaction!
Marty Party!
How long has Joshie Jack been a true freshman? At least since Monday, judging by the media.
/s
Random question. Can you eat at west end without a student id?
Yes! And now you can use credit/debit cards.
I think you have to use credit/debit cards - no cash.
If you weren't watching, SportsCenter cut to Herbie early and he straight up could hear the studio with how loud it is. He looks like he's loving it already.
They just cut to Marty too. He looks like he's absolutely loving being back HOME
I love Marty Smith, but don't get it twisted:
dude went to Radford.
So did Coach Beamer!
Edit: A little history courtesy of Radford University (link)
Ha, yeah. For grad school.
I find your equivocation disturbing.
Marty grew up just over the mountain in Newport and has been a lifelong Hokie fan. So, how is it NOT home for him again?
I know where he's from. I know who he pulls for. I was making a "but he went to Radford, so he'll never be one of us" joke. Sometimes we make jokes on here.
Besides, what's Marty gonna be? A Radford fan? Is that even a thing?
Gameday just said something about the Hokies wearing something special today. Anyone have any #sauces on this? I saw the official twitter posts about #allmarooneverything, but I didn't notice anything special.
I believe they meant AME to counteract Clemson being known for orange. They were leading into the uniform segment.
Clemson in all-white, regular orange lids.
Marty is the best.
I'm so hype
Let's get it today
Fuck Paul Finebaum...
Gameday with Enter Sandman to open just made my hype level jump to levels I didn't know I had....
Post a video. Watch espn is acting up for some reason
Lee Corso seems lost at times. Losing a step or two?
Well known that he had a stroke and never fully recovered from it. Good article on the situation here:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2017/08/29/corso-still-going...
Thanks. Didn't know that.
It's a bad year to be a Tiger. Lol
The feels today!
This gif (or even just a frame of it) will always get a leg from me.
How awesome was that Enter Sandman intro to the show
Question - not sure where else to put this.
Do you have to print out a physical paper ticket to get into the stadium? Or will they let me in by scanning the barcode off the PDF on my phone?
I've never done it on my phone or seen anyone do it. I would definitely print it out to be safe.
Print it. They will NOT scan phones!
Print out a bunch and bring your friends!
Fuente just led the crowd in Let's Go...Hokies. It was a beautiful thing!
"Kelly Bryant? Never heard of her."
Gameday never disappoints.
That stupid Miami chain. LPD > every damn thing.
Gameday gave the lunch pail some serious respect. They did a segment on Tennessee's new tradition of the "HTB" (Hunt the Ball) trash can and talked overall in general about some of the other "gimmicky" props being used by lots of teams. Then at the end of the segment, they said some props are "REAL" and talked about the lunch pail and what it means (including what's inside it).
And fired Skipper
Damn. I thought Skipper was doing a fine job and didn't deserve to be fired... Even though he did crash the ship on what should have been a three hour tour.
Definitely an original with some purpose behind it. Love the lunch pail and Bud! Not a gimmick in any way
FAM WISH I COULD'VE MADE THE TRIP. FREAKING IRMA RUINING THINGS.
TIGERS x2 (Clemson+Memphis) GOING DOWN TONIGHT.
EXIT LIGHT...
If I were guest picker:
So, here's what it says on paper:
(Lowers paper, looks at camera)
The Hokies?
The Hokies have stones!
Hokies for the win!
(Then I stand up to the sound of breaking glass, and do the Stone Cold Stunner on anyone who picked Clemson)
Adonis has apparently been reinstated for tonight!
http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/09/30/virginia-tech-reinst...
Wow. I haven't seen upper quad since it's been finished (at least that half). Damn it looks good with the T in V logo in the sidewalk and new dorms. That aerial shot was gorgeous
I am really shocked by the height of the buildings there. Been a long time...
Spotting quite a few hokie stone jerseys out at Gameday, fam
What does everyone think of the actual gameday setup?
I think it's strange that they put the Coca-Cola stands in the shade - you can hardly see them, lighting is weird. Also in the main stage shot, I wish you couldn't see that eyesore that is the brick backside of Squires. Wish it was all Hokie Stone. Torg looks great though!
Yeah squires does stand out, needs some renovations maybe
Dont they have plans to tear it down or was that just a rumor?
Plans are real.
It was a dump when I was there!
It was closed off for most of my time there for renovations in 1988-1991 I think. Reopened for my senior year but I don't think I ever went there. Preferred the Balcony (aka TOTS in between being called TOTS)
Total class from Hokie Nation....that wave got the feels going!
There is an electricity in the air here, fam. Tonight, Klempsin is going down. LET'S GOOOOOO
Reporting live from the Pritchard-AJ lawn, scene is calm with occasional crowds headed to see the tail end of the Game Day experience. Every few minutes raucous cheers of "Let's Go...Hokies!" ring out from Alumni Mall, echoing between the Hokiestone-clad buildings and through the trees whose leaves are starting to show the telltale maroon and orange signs that fall is here. Folks, it's game day in Blacksburg, and it doesn't get any better than this!
Bruce is taking his celebrity picking very serious, look at home pouring through his notes between picks
I got the impression he may have been stalling so Corso had less screen time with that crack addled tiger head on
Thank god, Corso picked Clemson!
Does anyone know if he did that on purpose for the Hokies or if he was legitimately picking Clemson?
But Corso is 4-0 when picking at Blacksburg. Uh oh.
Rules are made to be broken.
Might I direct you to FedEx field, Heinz Stadium, and Justin Fuente.
Haha Bruce was so quick on all his picks until ours and then he straight up stole the show.
He didn't need notes for that one.
He had so many notes! Dude was prepared!!!
Man, what a day! Sunny and 70 here in suffolk. Moved the tv outside and just cracked beer #1 for the day now that the daughter is down for her nap. Oh I wish I was in bburg!
Same here in Wilmington! Watching some Vandy upset action because E$PN is lagging for everything else!
Chili is bubbling, tea is brewed, cornbread about to go in the oven, beers are chilling.
Chesapeake is ready for this game.
I love this time of year.
In chesapeake, watching the game by myself, man I miss being in the burg for games
Well shit, the show ran over and didn't record the Corso pick.
Paging Eshiben, I hear there are going to be thunderstorms in Blacksburg tonight!
If that's true I blame Corso...
I've been trying to watch various games on espnplayer for the last few hours and I'm getting constant buffering despite a good internet connection.....am starting to loose hope and am worried I won't be able to watch the game later....can anyone help me out with a stream?
Drink lots of beer. That should help with the streaming problem.
And if the prostate is enlarged, there will be serious stream issues...it may slow down to a trickle
I had a dream that James Clark caught a game-winning 80 yard bomb from JJ with the last play of the game to go down as the greatest finish Lane has ever seen. Finally, an (ex) OSU player gets to score on Clemson.
I'll admit, it used to be when VT was heading into a game this big, I used to really feel like a W just was not going to happen.
But all week and certainly all morning today I've just had this feeling that this is a totally new era for the good guys, and I just feel like they are going to get it done in front of the most lit stadium you will see all season.
It's going to be ugly, and it's going to take everything to pull it off. But I just feel it. Time for VT to flip the script
I normally don't like ESPN game promos, but I'm digging ours!
The ass clinching begins!
Love bojack, so glad season 4 didn't end so fucking dark like every other season
90 minutes to kickoff and North is almost full. This is gonna be rowdy.
That's great to hear! I was there for the '03 Miami game and hope it's every bit as wild tonight with a similar outcome!
Go Hokies!!!
No way I make it through this game. I'm already so drunk
And I've already taken a drunk nap...woke up started again.
Hair o' the dog will keep you going.
In Fu we trust........
1..2..3 break!
Just stared drinking.....I have 10 packs of cigs on the deck. I will quit smoking Monday.
You may not live till Monday.
Oh well? Just win tonight!
Well ladies and gentlemen it's about to go down. Kids are in bed, potato skins are almost done being made, dogs been fed. Ready to watch what may be the first step on the road to a natty in the near future.
Glad you got the kids down. Ours is putting up a valiant fight. She must sense the excitement.
We got commemorative teeth coming in right now!
Gotta beat the best to be the best.
Heard Fowler on ESPN radio say that they were going to plug into Tech's audio so we hear Sandman loud and clear. He also said he's a huge Metallica fan and hoped to see them sing it live one day.
Fam, I've had my house broken into twice and my truck broken into in the last 8 days. Everything of value I own that was in my house is gone, and everything sucks. I could really use a win. (Sorry, not sure why I'm posting this here, I just need to vent).
Lets get a win and then move!
Hang in there.
Things will get better .... hopefully starting with this game.
Umm don't know of the news is out but appears Peoples is out, if him eating hotdogs at the in laws tailgate is any indication
You're correct. I don't like it.
Yeah he stated he had foot and ankle swelling, didn't elaborate anymore than that really
Let's get it on!! Waiting is the hard part
So says Marvin Petty.....
Please play with focus, effort, and zero quit. That's all I ask. (early penalties or lack thereof will be very telling)
Got my big ass class ring on, all set!!
I just started tearing up, watching everybody bounce to 'Enter Sandman'... missing that from 20+ years ago...
Go Hokies!
That was maybe the best coverage of Enter Sandman I've seen.
Bradburn's first bad punt? Crikey!
Three and out, bad kick.
Not the best start.
...and there goes the standard slow start.
DAFUQ?
Good coverage by Facyson, it was just perfectly thrown.
I noticed the uncalled holding on that one.
Just last last time with the early 3rd down conversions.
YES! Holding them to three on that one was a victory for the defense.
Nice job.
ABC gave Enter Sandman a good coverage. I've never seen them actually allow it to be heard. Good job ABC
Alright good hold. Let's get Jackson settled and we will be fine
That was a victory.
A good defensive stand.
Now we need the O to roll.
Shegog huge right there
Shegog and Edmunds executed very well.
Come on offense! Take what they give you and let's get some points.
They're new QB is good, Jackson show us something special !!
Ahh hate that 3rd down there. If you want to go tempo then go tempo
It was a bit too predictable.
They checked the defense, and thought they knew how to get a yard. Just didn't work.
Where is James Clark? Murphy has fielded both kickoffs.
Those guys in turkey costumes have clearly been drinking since 9 AM.
Michael Vick sighting.
Sorry, unrelated thought.
Can't keep digging a hole for ourselves like this.
I'd say we're all feeling nervous but dude, please stop already.
Who's nervous? I came into this game expecting a loss.
Maybe, but I don't want to see it given away.
Make it competitive.
Yeah I think that's pretty clear given the string of extremely negative posts since kickoff.
If we want to run we should put Bush in the game, I don't see Jackson running far against Clemson and hate the thought of him getting injured.
Terrible idea.
No it's not.
People need to read the community guidelines before down voting!!!
strange, and passive play-calling on offense. What's going on?
Setting up a trick play.
We are in trouble now. Pants shitting by the D there
OK, THAT'S a hole.
ouch
And that is what I expected......................10-0
That is what we do.... In bud we trust
We do tend to give away points in these games for some reason.
Can't do that and expect to win.
All games
What is up with the nonaggressive Bud calls this year. Our offense needs to step their game up. Another 3 and out and our defense won't last til halftime
He's brought the heat a couple of times, they haven't gotten there.
No pass rush. Dear KJ - you'll start from day 1.
He's right you know...
This ^^^^^^^^
Guys just seem a bit shaken by the big stage. Clemson is definitely playing much more composed.
And that baffles the ever-living fuck outta me. I mean we're fucking Virginia Tech. This program should be beyond used to it.
Have you watched us from 2012 on?
Yes, but the coaches and players should KNOW what to expect. The coaches DEFINITELY know what to expect and prepare the players in every fucking way possible for it.
honestly id rather have that than a 12 play drive that gets them points. our offense apparently needs the ball
As I put in my expectations, two early 3 and outs... now time to get it together.
We need a big response right now to get this crowd back in it.
That's on trem. Edmonds. He has to get his head in the game.
If they go up by 20+ before the half then that will decrease my confidence and belief that we will win.
EDIT: if they go up by 20+ and we haven't even scored a TD yet.
This isn't looking like they prepared very efficiently for the game this past week.
This game isn't over already, but it's close
Ummm.....no its not. Its 10 to 0. Frrak out if its 30 to 0.
Who let Loeffler back on the sidelines?
Man even Wyatt got tossed back on that last 3rd down.
Trevon Hill does that jump on your back tackle quite a bit...fun to watch
Defense held. Let's go offense. Do something.
I hate football, so stressed
Ok..spot them 10. Better than our usual 14-21
Great job by the defense. Now the O needs to give them a break.
North south carroll please. No time to dance against that clemson speed.
Yeah, don't think, run
2 bad punts of 3 so far
Those end-arounds need to be executed WAY faster in order to be even minimally effective against that unit. I want at least a TD and 1-2 FGs before the half.
They're going to force us to throw it down field. They're prowling the line of scrimmage until they get to 3rd and long.
Prowling, like.....
Insert a "Stop it" related gif here. (no actual gif to not slow down the page)
Yea our new guys have the nerves a bit
At least the crowd brought their A game so far. Forces 3 penalties and timeout.
Savoy looked good on that jet sweep. These guys are very good. We need to make some plays and we haven't yet.
Oops 1st TO called (potential first sign of weakness). Seeing Dabo's displeased facial expression causes me much happiness.
Would feel much better if we didn't give up that long TD; even with our lack of offense so far. We can do this.
I agree - we can hang
Outside of one breakdown the defense has looked pretty good so far. Clemson made some huge plays on the first drive to convert on 3rd but other than that I'm pretty happy with the D. The problem is that at this rate they are going to get gassed sooner than later and if that happens things may get ugly
The lack of pressure being generated by our front 4 is causing problems for our backend.
Two missed tackles there.
Mook. Pick up your jockstrap and your ACL my friend.
Really,? Weird ass commercials after one play?
End of the quarter. And yeah, that commercial doesn't make me want to buy whatever it was selling.
Mooks ankles just got broke we can't catch a break
Mook got destroyed on that play by the QB
So did Edmunds.
So whose nightmare is this?!
whose*
This level of competition is MUCH higher than we've seen all year. It shows that we aren't used to it. Mook thought he could just run in there and get that QB. Not quite. Better break down and swarm.
Team motioning like we stripped the ball from Etienne. I mean, at least five guys pointed the other way. Can we get a look? Guess not...
THAT'S how you contain a QB. Bring Tim Settle near and let nature do the rest.
Sorry Bryant, can't do that shit on us the entire game.
Stupid play adonis..
Tim Settle is a man among boys
Mental mistakes everywhere. I can handle when Clemson's just better, but we're beating ourselves too.
So we have had 2 very stupid penalties. Killed a first down and now killing are field position. Not acting ready for the big stage.
Offense needs to make a play now.
Who knew the shoulder number is on the back?
I want to upvote this 10 billion times but I don't have enough turkey legs
Meanwhile, Troy is up three scores at LSU.
3.43*
I liked this game much better when I played it on NCAA 14 this morning...
Bad side: starting at own 6
Good side: (provided the offense executes correctly) Clemon D stays on the field longer. But they gotta be methodical, patience & get the shit done.
I don't get it. We were at the ACCCG last year. We beat WVU in a primetime game this season. Why are we playing so intimidated at home.
Third and long.......again
Why didn't he try running AROUND the 2 defenders?
Personally thats what I would have done. Not run into two defenders.
Why didn't Wyatt stay on his block!!
Seriously! I just pissed my wife off because I was screaming so loud at Wyatt.
Honey, is that you?
Why are we playing like scared little children? We're a quarter and a half in, get your shit in gear!
JJ's expression looks intimidated and unsure. The team HAS to AT LEAST score one TD before the half.
I'm glad to see the taunting rule is gone. Can't wait to see Settle tea bag their qb.
Again. Our youth is showing. We are being affected by the big stage. Still taking it in. Cam dancing, TMAC thinking. 2nd half should be better.
Ugh. Just me or should Cam have cut right instead?
Mook is getting destroyed today
It makes me question whether or not Foster and his staff accounted for Bryant.
hmmm....Foster not accounting for a mobile QB...never heard of that before
"Reynolds is underestimating Bryant's ability" call of the night by Herbie.
Foster getting BF'd by a running QB again
I just want to see Settle knock the shit out of Bryant soon.
Edmunds is not having his best game.
I guess we're lucky Bryant can't throw
And Spence can't kick
hear hear!
I said it. I've said it MULTIPLE times. If the guys want to defeat a team of THIS caliber, they've got to come out equaling (if not excelling) the intensity of the crowd. They needed to have been preparing HARDER this week in practice than the way they are going to play tonight.
Not a re run
New opposing kicker in Lane, ya say? :D
Clemson kicker mis-fires.
Got bailed out big time that drive
Lord, please let us sustain a drive........
More beer incoming.
That's my strategy. We always look and play better when I'm drunk
Should be 3-0 right now. We really need a TD to turn the momentum now and make Clemson start doubting.
Probably just preaching to the choir here, but I despise Larry Culpepper.
Bryant is not hitting all those passes. Our Defense is doing its job. The offense is underperforming and not even playing with fire. They're getting pushed around. TMAC is all slow twitch and CAM is dancing. Get upfield and just get the first down. We can get back in this game.
Well, MOSTLY. There was a 2nd down passing play had both the DBs beat for coverage (thankfully Bryant overthrew yet again). But if that pass were shorter, 7 more pts for Clemson.
Cmon offense
Alright, Cornelson and crew. Quit fucking around and acquire a TD on THIS possession IF ITS NOT UNREASONABLE TO EXPECT PLEASE.
Go to the playmakers. Get Cam in rhythm. Quick passes to get Jackson comfortable. C'mon Cornelson, we got this
On the bright side if it's not for one busted play it's only 3-0 right now.
Kinda off topic, but it's fun being sober and reasonable while reading all the crazy asinine comments on here rather than my normal level of participation in the same.
Carry on Hokies...
I suppose sometimes its fun to be the sober one. I always look back and go, why was I so upset? Damn alcohol playing with my emotions.
Setting up the pop pass. Calling it here first
It's easier to set up when the QB run is working.
You still have to run the qb to set it up though - regardless of the qb run effectiveness
The hesitation to get upfield is frustrating.
Wow, save for STs, Clemson is absolutely NOT accounting for Murphy. Why & WTF with the TO??? Certainly stalls MY momentum.
Looked like there was some confusion. Good drive going, need to make sure to come away with something to show for it
#ThatsWhatSheSaid
C'mon guys we need something here
Fuck
Way to go McMillin
YES! VENABLE IS GETTING (& LOOKING) ANGRY.
We NEED 7 here. I do not trust Slye to kick one at this point.
edit: THANK GOD
Why the fuck does Cornelson keep going to that play (what is that, the 3rd time)?
Needed to get on the board. I'll take it.
Drilled that kick, and kept the 27-year shutout-free streak alive. :)
A field goal by Slye!
I want that busted play back. Should be 3-3. We need a pick-6 or something special to even it up.
Huge kick. How about a sack D or a turnover!
Fucking WatchESPN has stopped showing the game, just a moving ESPN logo. FUCK ESPN.
Same for me. Broke down when Travon broke through the line for his 19 yard gain. Fuck ESPN; I am actually paying for this
It messed up for me too. Listening to it on the radio now.
Pulled up the radio broadcast on my phone. I'm hot fucking pissed
just as McMillan busted that run
WatchESPN is effin up
ROYALLY
Turnover please!!!
Well we know that the offense can move on them.
Hermagerd you guys, did you know how fucking amazing and perfect the espn app is? Die. In. A. Fire.
MUST stop them now.
Whelp, they got it. Or even IF they didn't get it on this one you might as well give it to them. The ENTIRE defensive unit has been absent on this series.
Welp, game over. Fucking D sucked there
No, not yet. There's still another half. We're right back in it with a TD.
Really? Game over at 17 to 3?. I personally think theres a lot of game to play and lots of things can happen 17 to 3 is fuckin nothing to overcome.
I believe.
Tackling is abysmal tonight.
WTF tackle!!
We are more outmanned than I thought. At basically EVERY position they are much faster and quicker. It's very obvious
And stronger. Every block when we're on offense looks like a wet paper bag
They're a level above us in every way
We've just no answers so far.
I am done. Good night! Always 2nd place. Too many years.
Oh we always talk about our D line? You are seeing what a real D line is tonight.
Bye
Damn it's only 14 pts bro.
Clemson just looks slow in moving the ball and we are just tripping all over ourselves
Defense really had a let down there.
Brain farts, lack of effort, and rust don't help when you're this outclasssed.
I doubt we score again until garbage time.
I've seen this game play out too many times before.
Stream is back up
I'm not mailing it in yet. If we score (TD) before the half or on our VERY 1st possession starting the 2nd half, we still got a chance.
I'm sorry but fuck Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler. They're so biased towards Clemson it isn't funny. They act like it's the fucking Patriots versus St. Mary Sisters of the Poor.
ESPN asshats.
Are you watching the same game as they? Its been pretty one-sided...not too many plays to highlight any Hokies.
No I'm watching the fucking Alabama game...
Yeah I get that we haven't shown much for them to get excited about. But I stand by my comment that they seem exuberant that Clemson is doing well and we're struggling. You can have a lopsided game and still call it from an unbiased perspective.
Great blocking for that one!
Holy crap. Guys we have a R fr QB, a true freshmen 2nd WR Clemson is defending NC champs they have more depth and more stars so to speak were people expecting Tech to just come in and blow them away?
We expect to compete. That's not too much to ask for.
Only down 14 could be better but also could be worse. anOSU didn't score a point on them last year.
Not blow them away, but scoring at least 1 TD this side of the half is absolutely a MORE than reasonable expectation for the coaching staff and talent we have. #ZEROEXCUSES
so off the mark
No, this is about what I expected. I think this team was ranked a little too high, and this game shows they're not at the level of a national championship contender. That's not an indictment of anybody, just means there's still more building to do.
great offensive drive.
When it comes to offense, we need to do to Clemson, what Cuse did to us last year.
FUCK
I am in the camp now... In bud we don't trust because we don't have the horses to do the deal.
I disagree. Our secondary's open field tackling has been disappointing, but they've only scored 17 points in the 1st half. So far, this is on the offense's inability to do anything. Basically normal VT football against top 5 teams
I agree this is on the offense, but I have one correction to make:
gonna need joey to get his game together
I love Slye, but he's been arguably the biggest disappointment this season.
Let me add that I'm rooting for him to get back to last year's form. We'll need him at some point this year.
The offense has started to move the ball.
Slye missed but the problem may have been the hold.
Tough half there...
We were moving the ball during that two-minute drill. It'd be nice to have been that aggressive over more of the half... but I guess the coaches have their plan.
I just hope their plan isn't to have us lose 34-6, but they're right on schedule if it is,
Unless their plan results in points and a win, fuck their plan.
Slye looked like his body was aimed where he kicked it.
watchespn users, try YouTube TV it works much better!
Ugh my 2 week trial from the Deleware game ran out yesterday.
I just renewed
Lol I'm tempted but my wife would kill me if I spent $40 just to get this game clearly.
Actually use another email account for a free trial
Sly is so poor. What happened to him?
I find myself nervous when we go out for a field goal because it seems like we don't get it half the time.
Well, this year it is truly only about 50% of the time. Disappointing.
I would sit Adonis in the 2nd half, he looks very rusty.
Hopefully we can make some amazing halftime adjustments.
Clemson gets the ball to start 3rd qtr; we must get a stop or better yet, force a turnover.
Fayscon hasn't looked much better though
Two words: Belk Bowl
Heck I'll even take a Notre Dame right now!
God, I hope so.
Three words and an abbrev: Syracuse, Georgia Tech, ACCCG. Three examples where the come from behind DID NOT work. Stats and wins favor those with the lead 90+% of the time. Moral: don't rest on your laurels.
I was just trying to create some positive energy. I understand that one comeback game does not mean that we will always come back to win big games.
If it was 10-6, like it should be, I would put our chances at 50/50. Being down 14 means our team needs to show up in the second half with a whole new attitude. We need a break and we need touchdowns.
I think we need to create a break, force a turnover or have special teams score.
Our team right now looks like Rocky in Rocky III when Mickey had been scheduling all those cupcakes so he could keep the title. We are obviously not used to seeing this talent level - that QB and several of their receivers are making our players look like they're in slow motion. We will see if there are any adjustments that can be made second half. I just would like to keep it respectable and not turn it into a turnover fest.
So you're saying it's time to get the eye of the Tiger....?
You can tell we are basically outclassed in talent. This first possession for Clemson out of the half has huge implications. They score, it's over. But the ball movement was nice at the end there. Maybe we can build on that.
I wouldn't say it's over, but it does cause a significant, drastic statistical dive.
Time to drink so much bourbon that my only memory of this game is enter sandman
I just want it to be a close game, Clemson is on the same level as Alabama and we clearly are not. Granted we did beat Ohio State a few years back but we just do not have the depth with this squad this year. Experience is the best teacher. Coaches have us headed in the right direction but depth and talent matter.
Time to get angry!
On a positive note, we have allowed ZERO sacks and JJ has protected the ball. That is very important.
This is huge. I know we're all disappointed right now, but in the long run this is the kind of thing that ensures you win the games you're supposed to. If we can just execute and actually put some man behind our blocks, we might be able to put up a fight
But how's our TOP?
Dude. We will likely lose - but there's a good way to lose and a bad way - I'm hoping for the former.
Hey guys
Hey....
I think we maybe get 10 more points. I think Clemson gets 14.
That sure is the way it looks. Hopefully they'll surprise us.
Nah, we will get hundreds more points ... I just hope we get more in this game and don't have to wait for future games.
Is it just me or is Facyson playing like hot garbage this year? He had one great season and has regressed ever since.
Was thinking the same thing. He has never returned to his freshman year form. Guess he is destined to be a heart surgeon.
You say that like it's a bad thing.
thought the last sentence was an obvious /s
Yup. Looked like he gave zero effort or had no idea where his man was on one of their 30-yard gains and Te. Edmunds had to come over and clean up his mess
It's not over until it's over. Offense was looking better at the end of the half, time to get settled in and move the ball. I love Bud's D (feel free to quote that) but our offense has to keep moving the ball.
Did I mention that I love Bud's D? #wejustsackedyou #weknowyoulikedit
Bryant has been very impressive as a runner. Carving is up...unsurprisingly...
Indeed. His running is more impressive than his throwing - he has some stellar targets out there to throw to. Missed some easy ones.
If you're Bud Foster (or Brent Venable) or any of the top NFL defensive coordinators, how do you take that away (it's NOT impossible, they did it to McNabb and Vick)?
Time for a Kelly Bryant turnover on the opening drive.
No matter what happens in the second half, I want both teams to keep winning until December 2nd.
Agreed. This feels like A BC '07 situation (Except way less heartbreaking) where we get them back in the ACCCG and (hope to God) get sweet revenge.
this is about what I expected score wise. They have more talent and more depth across the board, and their very well coached. I am disappointed a bit in our D's tackling. Could have got off the field a bit quicker with some better tackling. And Edmunds breakdown on the long RB TD is exactly what you can't afford when you are undermanned. I do think there are cracks though. Force Bryant to make plays down field on D, and stretch the field with more passing on O. On offense it seems we are doing everything within five yards of the line of scrimmage, which I think has led to Clemson creeping up and crowding that five yard area. Make their secondary make plays because their front seven on D is the best in the business. Want to see the boys come out and let it fly in the second half, and whatever happens...happens. Nothing to lose at this point.
No use sulking over this one. We just aren't there yet.
The crazy part is that we are one defensive breakdown from this being a 7 point game.
Good opening statement Mook!
Alright stro!!
YES SAW THAT LAST SECOND SHIFT BY THE LINE!!! FUCKING GOT IM
Excellent start for the defense!
That's the Defense we know and love!
CORNER BLITZ UP YO ASSSSSS
Alright offense, lets Syracuse the fuck out of them!
Good D. Now need points.
That is game.
F
God damn it.
Lost ball and field possession. That will lose the game for us.
Can't just tee it up for Clemson.
Fuck #34, are you kidding me!?
We keep making mistakes, that will be the end of it
The offense squandering a big defensive play? What year is it?
Where is Shane with the boxing glove?
Bud, learn how to play running qbs
Because it's not like every team but Tech struggles with them.
BC did better against Bryant.
This is what is so disappointing to me. I didn't watch the game so maybe Clemson was trying to be super vanilla with BC, but I was hoping we'd at least keep it close with Clemson like BC did for most of the game.
He threw a lot more against them, not great at passing as we have seen.
Do we just not account for mobile QBs?
3rd and short . . . killing us. Need to stop them on 1st down.
Alright, I'm getting tired of this shit. It will GREATLY aide us if Bryant gets injured somehow.
Damn that hurts
Very disappointing to see the QB run all over us. Stopping the run is supposed to be our goal.
HOW? We can't stop him when he is running the wrong way?!?!?
Man, should we just practice tackling or something next week?
FUCK DAMMIT FOSTER THE QB IS NOT GONNA JUST SIT BACK THEIR AND PASS OR FUCKING WAIT FOR YOU TO TACKLE HIM!!
Jesus fucking tap dancing Christ
Motu.
This teams tackling is embarrassing tonight.
Bud Foster is shitting his pants again with this guy
Game over
WHY.ARE.WE.SO.SHIT.AT.TACKLING
Freaking stupid turnover.
Well LSU lost to Troy at least.
FUCK.
Lol I wait all year for this
11-1 isn't bad
I hope. Right now, I am too confused after that last series. We looked pathetic there. Amazing that just a few minutes ago we had momentum and were in *their* territory.
Running QB picks up another 1st down.
That's it. I hold Foster and the LB coach 1k% responsible for the completely shit tackling by this defensive unit every season.
We are gonna get worked by GT....
? GT isn't the #2 team in the country. We just don't have the athletes to match up against these guys
I meant by the way we can't stop the running QB. GTs offense is the best it has been since 2014 and they beat us last year with a worse team.
Well at least LSU lost
Hokie Club donation is going to buy some more rum now
Well my beloved hokies, have once again proved to be themselves. Offense can't get it going in a big game, D gets tired and cant stop a running QB. Its unfortunate, hope it doesnt get too ugly.
This team is why I'm gonna have future blood pressure issues and also need therapy.
This is gonna make for a hell of a comeback!
Statistical likelihood and probability drastically reduced.
I'm gonna need more liquor
The only thing I wanted was to avoid a blowout.
Gonna have to learn a lot from this game.
Hell even a Beamer coached team could get us 3 points.
One time it took overtime though =)
Oh i just got down voted for In Bud we Don't trust
Good thing all those important recruits are there to witness this in person!
They see opportunity! Think this atmosphere is much more convincine than a W against #2. Granted it would be great to get that W but they can see POTENTIAL of this program a lot better than you can right now.
Will we see TMAC again in this game?
Yea, with peoples (or mclease, a little deep for accuracy) put. One of them in he's out for the game.
I'd be surprised.
I hope not. Fumble the ball, you sit.
The crazy thing is that we're 2 bonehead mistakes (the Feaster pass and the fumble) from this being a 7 point game.
Is it irrational for me to want to bench McMillian for the rest of the game? Am I crazy? Is anyone else absolutely furious at him? Guys? .....guys?
so, the Patriots were down 28-3 late in the 3rd quarter in the Super Bowl, but came back and won...just saying
Belichik, Fuente is NOT.
The fact of the matter is that the ACC is all across the board better now than 10-15 years ago when VT thrived.
Beamer and co. got complacent, our recruiting slipped and our playcalling didn't evolve while teams like Clemson and FSU reloaded and took advantage of VT and Miami's complacency.
Merely getting back to the level we were at 10 years ago isn't enough, we need to surpass it and that's not going to be easy. We're nowhere there yet.
I agree with most of this statement save for the "nowhere near". Last year proved we're closer than most people had us pegged.
And what is this game showing? Just asking the Q....
Bud has to figure out how to gameplan for mobile QBs. Designate two guys to spy each play. Play zone in the secondary and watch the backfield. If he runs toward the LOS, fucking EVERYONE in the secondary should fly to the QB and meet him with FORCE. He is 220 pounds. Hit him and wrap God damn it. There's no reason he should run on us without getting a couple bruises.
Jackson is passing well. Glad to just remember that he has a few more years with us.
They (the entire team from bottom to top, coaches players and all) have only themselves to blame for failures.
Argh
must get 1st downs when it is 3rd and short
Glad to see us going for it. However, not sure I'll enjoy the outcome. Crossing fingers.
remember in 2013 Clemson had FSU in their house and got goofed big time. This kind of stuff happens, just have to keep learning from it. Granted I'd like to see us learn from it right now and turn this into a game
Is it me or did the commercial breaks triple in length this quarter?
How was that not roughing passer?
Who called that?!?!?
It was a good game:/
Looks like grown men playing against little children.
Top 15 recruiting classes every year versus not.
that wasn't going to work
A lot of blame has to be put on the playcalling at this point.
That 4th and 3? Fucking seriously?
Not sure what Fuente and Corn are trying to accomplish at this point but they have done poorly
Play calling tonight has been poop!
A screen? Really?
did we just have a negative 5 yard pass play on 4th and 3? how is that even possible?
WOOOOOW. DEFENSIVE FACEMASK MUCH??
Fuck it already, it's not gonna get called. We can't get pissed at that shit when we're not handling our own business.
I get it. I'm more pissed at fucking Herbie having a god damn orgasm about the great defensive play when it was made illegally.
Horizontal passes and jet sweeps don't work, if they do work it's not going to be against Clemson or anybody that has a halfway decent team.
Cornelson, WTF!?!?
Gotta love the same national championship game 3 yearns in a row...
Call it like it is - that was great defense.
Ya
Oh definitely, but I don't understand the screen in that situation.
Seriously. Instead of just jerking off Clemson.
We need a quick few touchdowns.
The defense is still making some plays but I'm worried they are going to get gassed here soon.
And WTF IS WRONG WITH OUR CLEATS!?!? I swear EVERY FUCKING GAME I see players slipping and falling all over the damn fucking field EVERY FUCKING YEAR!
first down without the stumble.
Dude tried to tackle with his head.
Pulled a Jason Street.
I hope he's okay though.
Thats why you dont put your head down when tackling! Hope he's alright.
I love CAM but many folks are misled about his possibilities at the next level - he is quite slow for a WR. Nice big target, with good moves after the catch, but definitely slow. Playing this team is making that evident.
64 yards against the best (Or at worst 2nd best) D in the country and you think Cam is disappointing? There's still a quarter to play too. Plus the NFL needs possession receivers as well.
Cam>Ford
Cam may be a bit better than Ford, but it will be tough for either to have a career in the pros.
Who is calling these stupid plays? We got down the field without it. We don't need it.
Fucking Cornelson.
God I thought cam was hurt
This sounds ruthless and mean, but if an injury to one of their opposing players increases our chances of winning, I'll take it.
Come on man, we are all pissed about the game so far, but that is a little too far.
I'm literally at that point now.
Agree. The post above is tasteless and not in the spirit of what it means to be a Hokie. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt due to his history of regrettable drunk comments.
seriously! What are we thinking?
Man there was nobody open for CJ anyway.
Wow...just fucking go for it if a fg isn't what you want.
We've crossed over into desperation and looking pathetic.
That fake wouldn't have worked against anyone.
Why do we get cute with our playcalling in the redzone
You had 12 yards to go. WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT.
Holy fucking shit! Really? That while sequence. i just don't know.
Jeebus
And now my 1 yr old is awake. FML
Every good thing the Hokies have built from a perception standpoint is getting blown up before our eyes.
Pants shitting in a big game, conservative and BAD play calling
With a bunch of recruits in attendance.
How about they kick our ass at every position?
The odds are much better to have your QB make a throw on 4th and long vs. having someone who is not your QB make a play.
No! You take the points when you get them, I hate dabo's face smiling like that holy moly
Fuente's smirk of disgust made me die a little inside.
I wish we had kicked to help the final score impression and to give Sly more opportunities.
Also with the way the D is playing, if the offense can get anything going, being down by 18 and getting 3 scores put us in the lead not tied.
Why do OCs always try to outsmart the opponent. Why abandon something that was working for us to waste 2 plays trying to be cute.
Stop getting in our own way ffs
I wish we just went for it
I love Fuente, but that was some bad coaching on that drive. He needs to get in Corn's ass for the Carroll play, and whoever thought it was a good idea to run a fake FG on 4th and 12, wow...just...wow.
Just let JJ drop back and pass the ball. Even with them knowing it's coming, he's actually had a decent pocket for most of the second half. And throw the ball downfield, not east-west!
Stroman wow.
ut oh. redzone offense again now. Love the effort there.
YESSSS COME THE FUCK ON. STICK IT IN COME ON HOKIES
Thought for sure we were just going to set up for another field goal and fake it. /s
Yessssss lets go
God bless you, Stroman.
Two more TDs. Make that shit happen.
Stroman the spark!
Observation: Savoy is much more effective on the jet sweep than Carroll. And that's not just based on that touchdown run.
We are one touchdown away from a 7 point game!
I thought we would go for the block but that was so much better
They are going to keep running their QB now; low risk plays (which also have worked well for them tonight). We need to shut them down and create a turnover.
I have to say despite the score we actually got pretty good pass protection this half. Especially impressed then the tailback had Hback blitz pickup
Man that took balls of steel to not call for the fair catch right there. I love it.
Stroman had no business catching that punt but heeeeyyyyyy!!!!!
If he didn't at least fair catch it we would have lost a lot of hidden yards there.
There's a reason why he's my favorite player. He just has no fear when it comes to punt returns. Doesn't hurt his coverage skills have drastically improved to the point where he may be our best CB.
We think that we are so much more than we are.
Sigh. Musky go sober up.
Not really messed uup. We got used.
Wooo I can give out legs now! Feel like Oprah
there's hope, only a fool's hope, but just a sliver
if only we'd kicked the FG on 4th & 12
Now I am more mad about the stupid fake field goal. (. . . and everything else bad that has happened tonight.)
This is the first game I can remember where the #25 has been a let-down.
THAT'S the tackling I've been wanting all game.
Tremaine meet Ms. Kelly!
That is a NASTY tackle. In a good way.
FUCCCCKKKK HIM UPPPPPPP
Tremaine should definitely NOT go pro after this year - he is not ready. Now that was an EPIC tackle in space - EPIC - but he clearly has some things to learn. Just IMO - hard to turn down $$$$ if its in your face.
#TRUTH
I believe this COMPLETELY nullifies the "men among boys" sentiment. More talent and depth. Sure ok. But we can beat them.
yes! down by 14 with 11 mins to play, and the defense playing much better
Has Clemson made many mistakes? None really except for a few penalties --> it's hard to beat a loaded team when they play basically perfectly.
Are you fucking kidding me!
THAT is why we are not ready. WE are not Ready guys. Sorry.
Well, we had chance
Are you FREAKING kidding me?
2 Turnovers. Can't win that way.
No PI call and then that?
Welp.
make that 3 scores, yuk
News flash -
God is not a Hokie. There is no God.
Offense is basically -4 points this game. That's awful.
Deja vu (circa 2012) on that play...
14 points off of turnovers. Clemson is a better team. Giving them an easy extra 14 points makes winning almost impossible.
"14 points off of turnovers. Clemson is a better team. Giving them an easy extra 14 points makes winning
almostimpossible." You sir, are correct.Fuckfuckfuck.
Get ready for losses to Miami and GT at least
There. Now THAT'S the game.
Well, it's nice to share. Clemson hardly needed a gimme though.
Why can't we have nice things?
Just not ready yet .
Alright I'll say it again but add on. We are 3 bonehead mistakes (the Feaster pass, the fumble, and that rediculous interception) from this game being tied. Man that's frusturating.
Edit: And add in the missed field goal and the fake and we would be winning right now.
Unfortunately, if we are going to be the great team that we expect to be, we have to execute all of those plays the exact opposite way.
Bingo. Great teams don't make those mistakes in the big game.
And add in that we are lightyears behind Clemson, and will be for awhile
I'm not saying we're on their level yet but the numbers are the numbers.
Especially when people refuse to help the program move up.
That kicker just lost his job as the backup kicker.
Downvote for that? Sarcasm is lost on people I guess. I guess it's just the FOOTBALL God that isn't a Hokie
Dude, this is TKP, you (we all) gotta be careful with that stuff. I'll bail you out this time. Believe I get you I understand.
Thanks I appreciate it. Just a comment on a fateful bounce. I didn't think it would stir anybody up.
Speaking from personal experience a RHINOCEROS DUMPLOAD of stuff can stir shit up around here.
So what happened to James Clark? Did he get injured last week?
I second this question!
Challenge the middle of the field! Their too damn fast for this east-west crap!
Well, at least they didn't win without getting a few injuries. If you can't take it out of the. On the scoreboard, take it out of their ass.
MacGruber staaahp.
Realistic scenario: we run the table and get a 2nd chance at them in the ACC Championship.
And lose worse? The offensive playcalling has been atrocious this game. How many times do you throw behind the LoS against a defense that fast and expect it to work .
I would bet my actual house they can't beat Clemson if we see them again.
Some asshole down voted you but I got your back with a leg.
Downvote away. This team is no where close to competitive at this point in time.
They are 4-1, Clemson is defending NC, has never had worse than 13th recruiting class on the field. Seriously back away from the ledge. With the proper support from fans and time Fuente can do great things.
I think he'll be fine.
I feel like you do right now, but I'm not sure I'll feel that way if they truly improve and run the damn table.
If the team believes in themselves and we attempt no more fake field goals, then I agree.
The game stats are teling. Cant run the ball > cant convert on third down, not gonna win.
No #34. But we get a #16.
Okay, I'll rephrase again.
That was unlucky!
Coleman Fox getting meaningful snaps. Sure, why not.
Has #34 played since the fumble?
Nope.
Well, it did kill us at the moment.
Yup.
Should he though? He runs tentative and doesnt have very good vision when he does fond space.
LOL. Of course that would happen.
...and that's a freshman QB play.
I mean he was falling backwards with somebody in his lap on a screen pass and the defender made a good play. Think that happens to seniors and NFL qbs too.
Well yeah, but the better play there is to throw it at the receiver's feet. Not that big a deal, he'll learn from that.
that was an impressive int
Bud Fister Defense: ZERO TURNOVERS THIS EVENING.
I'm gonna hope that's a typo...otherwise I don't really want to know what's going on in your other browser tabs.
Which part??
Outmatched. Lets move on. We can still run the rest of the ACC and see them again in the championship game.
Do they still have the 1s in on D? Cause if so, Fox is making a case for himself
Clemson's 3s are still anyone else's 1s.
Exactly and if they still have the 1s out there....
Twos and threes were out there for clemson unfortunately.
Just atrocious play calling all night
Agreed. Its like fuente knew his OL had no chance against this DL and just avoided them all game long.
Really embarrassing performance today nothing's going on offense at all
Defense has acquitted themselves well.
So am I the only one who thinks that Bud's crew has actually looked pretty good out there overall?
Nope, holding Clemson to 24 is pretty damn good.
I agree with you. It is unfortunate that we didn't assist our D with 20-30 points.
one busted play, and a short field on a turnover gave up 14 quick points. I think they did pretty well.
Sorry. Zero turnovers does not get my seal of approval. I'd say they performed moderate to average for only 1 full half. Too many mistakes from the staff to the players.
I'd say you are wrong but that's just an opinion...
24 points is way below the Clemson average. And there really weren't too many chances for INTs since they rarely threw it. I'd say they played good, not great.
I know we all wanted the big upset but a close loss is the best outcome for our team. If we are honest with ourselves we know that right now we are not on the same level with the top 3. If we win Fuente may get plucked by 1 of the many SEC schools that will be in need of a new coach next year. A close loss lets our top targets know that we are close but doesn't allow our fanbase to be fooled into believing we are on the next level. Remember Clemson got blown out by The Cousin in a New Years bowl game a few years back. Now they are clearly one of the top teams. We are making progress.....
That was NOT a close loss, we were dominated in every facet of the game. We never had a chance thanks to our ultra conservative 1st half.
I agree that Clemson was never really worried but it doesn't look horrible when you see the outcome on the ESPN ticker. I don't think it will run Dax or any other recruit away....
This wasn't a close loss dude, we got thoroughly spanked lol. Clemson is on a whole other level than us.
Also wtf? Don't start talking about how losing is preferable lmao, If Fuente is gonna leave he will leave, we aren't gonna trick other schools into thinking he isn't good lol.
I think Cornelson is going to be kicking himself after film review. I think he is going to find the OL played better than anyone expected, and he hamstrung the O with his ultra-conservative play calling that went east-west all night rather than challenge the weakest part of this D, which is the secondary. We played right in to their hands tonight.
Yeah, JJ's had a lot more time to throw than I expected.
I was screaming to go north-south all night. This looked like Leoffler all night.
Defense still getting aftering it. Love it. Offense let them down.
Played scared on offense. Can't win if you play scared.
Get Fox some non garbage time carries
Will Fox be our leading rusher again?
Love seeing our defense still fighting
Would love to see the total results on all our screen plays tonight
That and the designed keepers. Terrible.
Fuente said that Klempson has an "EMBARASSMENT of talent"...and credit that they do
However
FOSTER > venables
FUENTE > dabo
Let's see them again at the end of the year... BET!
But we cant play scared. And they did tonight. The coaches allowed that with the play calling.
Honestly, sorry but I think Venable > Foster. Does a MORE efficient job of accounting for mobile QBs. Better execution in (mostly) taking that away.
Hey! We are going to win the total yards and possibly the TOP game. Just wish we had the points to complement.
Coleman Fox may have the best visiion of any RB on this team.
Some of of y'all making excuses like were on thesaber or something
Well, we are going undefeated after this with a "GOOD" win over LOLUVA!
Coleman Fox made some good catches too.. He needs to be on the field more.
Why didn't our OC call that play earlier to try loosening their d up...
Rum to vodka, calling papa Johns for late night rally
It's all going to depend on how the team responds now. This could still be an awesome year.
Tonight sucked and wasnt what any of us were hoping for but this team can still play. We were very close to breaking a lot of playing at the end of the first half and it didn't happen. Bad read on a block or just a hair more speed from clemson. Our defense played well, but was put in a hole a lot by the offense. We sill be fine in the rest of the ACC. We don't have a team as good as Clemson and I am confident we will see them again.
I've been happy with our second half D. But we are still making dumb mistakes and lacking at WR and RB, except for Cam.
Gonna say something, mostly out of drunkeness but has anyone else noticed we only play offense after the second half to win the game? Regardless of who we play its ultra conservative in the first half then bam, 25 yard bombs after the half? I've only got to watch a few games this year because of work but shit. Seems like they only try in the second half.
I think that hesitation is to see what the opposing defense is giving and their tendencies. This is where the embarrassment of skill talent comes into play. It's by far harder to exploit the opposing defense when you have no margin for error.
For once, we were tested on offense by a very good Klempson defense. We deserved every lesson of this battle and what we learn from it will bear fruit!
As fun as it is to win, it sucks losing. The tables will turn at some point. It always does.
BET!
Happy with the effort even though it was way out of hand. This time has some grit and you have to love it.
Freakin pick six.... we woulda been in it. Sad face.
What a great day overall. Unbelievable crowd at Gameday and all night at the game. Bud came ready to play. A few big plays given up, but he kept us in the game all night. Offense was a pretty massive disappointment. Play calling and gameplan were ultra conservative. We played timid, like we were scared to make a mistake, and it showed. Where was James Clark all night? I also thought we would see AJ Bush in for a few packages in special situations. Nothing. Very head scratching.
Josh Jackson is a very heady QB with great poise, but he is not athletic enough to bail us out when we need it like Evans last year. Bryant on the other side can win with his feet when they need it. This lack of dimension will cost us this year I'm afraid.
Great atmosphere and Hokie Nation showed out tonight. But we aren't quite where we need to be yet.
DABO: "the biggest thing is we're battle tested..." That speaks volumes. The Hokies took one step towards being battle tested tonight. We were not accustomed to this level of competition and it showed. One to learn from. A lot more football to be played.
I don't think we can let the questions go unanswered as long as we did in the Beamer era. Fans were continuously silenced about concerns with the "10 wins" justification. We have no offense. Call it scheme. Call it play calling. Cal it whatever you want. I was completely floored by the absolutely clownish play where CJ Carrol was supposed to throw the ball. That resulted in a loss of 8 yards. As if that wasn't enough we then had the moronic fake field goal. There was no question after the first quarter this game was over but I have a hard time swallowing the clowning around. I like Fuente, I have always been suspect of Cornelson and this performance does not help.
I get it. The play calling tonight sucked, but what about the playing calling the Fuente era makes you think you we havent progressed over the beamer era on offense?
The incredibly slow starts against no competition. If you take care of business and look good against Delaware and ODU then you can turn around and say the issues with our game vs. Clemson is a lack of talent and, yes, blame it on the kids. But we didn't look good. If Delaware and ODU have equivalent talent to VT what's the point of being a big school in the ACC? Our slow starts against bad teams is clearly in an indication of the problem.
Jesus...here come the fans calling for the coaches already...we lost to the defending champs buddy. Were you expecting a win tonight? This was the most likely outcome and everyone knew besides people blinded by homerism. Sometimes it doesn't matter how you call a game, the better team most of the time just wins.
No. I was completely expecting a loss tonight. But I am no longer convinced our performances against Delaware and ODU had anything to do with keeping our play calling off of film. The offense we saw in those games is the offense we got in this game. Playing offense for only half a football game seems to be a trend that started last year. That's undeniable. The simplest explanation is that Fuente is really the OC and that means adjustments have to be made at half time, not throughout the game. Coaching is a tough business. Some coaches can transition from lower levels of competition to higher levels, others can't. I think Fuente can transition but the idea that his entire cadre can is unrealistic. Coaches have to make hard decisions all the time and the failure to make those decisions can cost them their jobs. That's just the nature of being in charge. You get blamed for the outcomes. If we destroyed Delaware and ODU and then came out with this performance against Clemson I'd probably shrug it off and chalk it up to Clemson being a great team. I have no doubt we will go on to win most of our games this year probably by a lot of points but I also have no doubt that will happen in the second half as has been the case since last year. If our goal is to be the perennial ACC Coastal Champion only playing offense for half a football game might cut it until the U is back. If we have other goals we'll have to play offense for 4 quarters.
Holy hot take Batman.
Edit: That was meant to be a response to the above comment.
It's funny reading these comments and then comparing it to French's on Twitter.
Papa Johns with the late night rally! Bacon chicken ranch pizza for the win!
Welp, it's BC week now. Giddy up.
Fuente / Cornelson had some WEAK ASS calls in this game. The screen pass 3 yards behind the LOS on 4th and 5 was an absolute soul crusher and pretty much ended the game.
Lots of folks are going to be unhappy with me. I will get called some things. Any criticism of the defensive scheme is I think unfair. QB was accounted for. Kids didn't put him on the ground because he is a big elusive kid.
There were some things that frustrated me on offense. But, a bunch of those things were the same things that helped beat West Virginia. Clemson was much more gap sound, especially at the second level, and so much better tackle to tackle. When VT started attacking the corners and safeties a little more, some stuff opened up. I know it is easy to ask why they didn't do that all game. Well, we have talked at length for two years that Fuente protects his quarterback. I think you saw him try to ease Jackson in and stretch Clemson horizontally to tire them out. It didn't work.
I said time and again, this offensive unit is a work in progress, and there isn't a vertical threat. Jackson, for all his ability, is a redshirt freshman who isn't an elite runner, which limits a couple of things in the running game. When you added in Clemson's absurd DL (Bryant was much better than he had looked in prior weeks) and one or two blitzes perfectly designed against the protection that was called, this group was outmatched. The skill position guys will get better (Savoy may be the only guy back in the top 4 with Hazelton, Farley, and Turner coming in, at least in terms of pure talent)- the challenge is to upgrade the offensive line. Those guys were not murdered tonight (they were better than anyone will give them credit for against this defense)- but to win these games, they have to dominate more against top tier defenses.
I know people are disappointed. Let's re-visit in week 11 and measure how they perform against the Coastal. Take a breath. This was Icarus flying a bit too high. Have to reset and play a Boston College team which isn't good on offense, but their defense is almost every bit as good as this group.
This! This by far French!! And you are our guru here on TKP! The things you just posted are correct. Thanks for keeping it real.
I'm unhappy with your first paragraph. It doesn't make sense to me
I have my share of critics, many of whom say when they fall short, I stooge for the staff. Well, even I think the fake FG was a shit call. I have some thoughts on the 4th down screen, but until I go back and see something in the alignment, I am not sure if I am going to be upset with Cornelsen, or a freshman QB just missed a check.
Yeeees. Thank you for this.
I agree with most of what you said except for Foster accounting for QB escapability. He's had over 2 decades to crack the code. I have to give him a grade of C for average at best when containing mobile QBs. Venable gets a B+ from me. Nothing you can say or show me will convince me otherwise. I have to see it in actual on field results.
And I am not thrilled. My teeth are gritted. Little things like the bad snap on the field goal and the odd decision to fake (especially with no receiving threat) took 6 possible points off the board. Drives not being sustained (the slant to Phillips jumps to mind without the benefit of replay where it looked like Jackson sailed the throw.) I think the game should have been more competitive.
Some kids played balls out tonight- Tim Settle, Trevon Hill, Ricky Walker, Vinny Mihota, Greg Stroman, and Deon Newsome immediately stood out to me. Offense seemed like there were some good things. I want to see the tape to get a better feel for the offense. Clemson's defense is ELITE. Understand that. Nobody else in the country has their front 7. Bryant, Ferrell, O'Daniel, Lawrence, Wilkins. My god, Tre Lamar (their mike) wasn't a returning starter and the guy looked 6'4/6'5 250ish. Physics wins sometimes folks, and when you at those monsters plus their offense not turning the ball over, that made things damn tough.
Fox
I agree but I still can't shake the slow starts against Delaware and ODU. I would feel completely better if we looked sharp against those teams and then chalked this up to Clemson's talent. We seem to have a trend of starting to play offense in the second half and I can only assume that is because Fuente is making the adjustments himself. I'm not against screen passes but if you asked me to bet on whether we would succeed on a screen vs. a more vertical pass I would bet on the vertical pass. I think this team will win a lot of games but I an really concerned about the lack of offense early.
Good Lord some of you guys need to step away from the keyboard...
Personally I am totally okay with how the team and crowd performed tonight. Lane still showed that it is LOUD even when going down a few scores. The defense did a great job of mostly containing a great offense. The offense could have used a little bit more of an aggressive game plan but showed a fire that can explode at anytime. Overall, this game was a win for the Tech program as a whole.
I'd agree with all of that but the last sentence, I think. A blowout on a national stage isn't good, no matter how you slice it.
There are blowouts and then there are Blowouts I think what we showed is that we can at least put up a fight. It's not as if we did what Vandy did against Alabama or UT did against Georgia. We showed we can compete and if not for a few costly turnovers things may have been different
Honestly, this was as I expected and predicted numerous times. A 10-14 point loss. They dominated a bit more than I anticipated but I think we saw what having truly elite players does for you. Seemed like players never missed a tackle for Clemson. Overall defense played 6/10. No turnovers unfortunately and they would have been needed for a win.
Offense was really outmatched. We really saw the power of the Clemson DLine tonight. They are just better than us, but that was expected by most people.
Lots of positive to build on tonight. I thought JJ played well. His first INT was the receiver's fault. Played admirably against better players. The lack of RB is sad. I know Fuente likes a committee, but when you look around the league there are teams with workhorse backs that are able to make plays. We don't have that right now.
I hear ya on the backs, but when the wanted featured back keep putting it on the deck in key moments, it is hard to stick with one. Fox looked decisive and attacked the hole. He has some Cam shiftiness to him and was a nice breath of fresh air on a pretty poopy performance from our O.
I don't think anyone getting snaps is an elite back. McMillian doesn't seem to have the ability to make people miss and lacks vision. He is fast and strong, but he needs more to be a playmaker.
I'm not gonna take too much from Fox yet. He was playing the 2nd/3rd string defense in garbage time. I have doubts he is feature back material.
I agree with you on all fronts, but at least Fox was taking advantage of the opportunity he was given. Hopefully, Mr. Ford can come in and give us a big spark from the running back spot.
It was encouraging listening to Bud in the post game as he was saying that we have the right man leading this team and that they were going to get the guys they need to get up to Clemson's level. It took Dabo 9 years to get to their level. I think we'll get there, but need a few more years.
Yeah but here's the question: are we even at the level Clemson was back in '11 when they emasculated us BOTH times that season? Also, in response to what Bud said: Prove it. Don't talk about it. BE about it.
Played too scared of them. When we finally started attacking them we had momentum, and then shot ourselves in the foot. Pick 6 is def not on JJ. That was in his hands, he just got thought ahead and didn't focus on the catch. McMillian's fumble was a total killer. Showed some flashes of promise, but gotta keep momentum going when we have it.
Defense played pretty well I think. Not great, but well enough to keep us in it if it weren't for turnovers.
It's one loss, against easily the best team we'll see all year. It's definitely going to be a good film to learn from..
Just my thoughts so far. Gotta rewatch without the emotions of it.
I don't know if scared is how I'd describe it as much as we looked noticeably more inexperienced on offense. Either way we made way too many mistakes and you named out some of the most critical ones. We forgot how to tackle against Bryant and dove at him for the entire first half. Allowing the Clemson TD before halftime and missing the FG was a big swing but I thought the whole team showed a lot of fight. Many of the mistakes seem correctable to me but Murphy has struggled with securing catches and McMillian has struggled with fumbles so I don't know what it would take to fix those. We have to improve quite a bit to beat Clemson but I feel much better after that game than I did against Clemson in 2011.
I say scared because we really didn't play aggressive. The 3 (maybe 4) times we really pushed it and went up tempo and started throwing the ball around a bit we actually had some pretty good drives. Yes, we shot ourselves in the foot but hey, if it worked then why get away from it? Their DBs were the supposed weakness of their team and we barely tried to expose them even more.
I absolutely still feel good about this season. BC has a decent defense, and Duke maybe causes some headaches. But I don't feel threatened by Miami until they show they can throw the ball. GT, who knows.
I'm still betting on 10 wins and an ACCCG rematch with the Tigers.
We're 0-1 with that new logo. Time to scrap that bitch and get back to winning!
Coleman Fox:
I liked him in high school and I like him now. Get the boy some touches when they count. He's shifty, he runs hard, and he protects the football. What more do you want?
I wonder how long it'll be before McMillan sees the field again?
Also, Coleman Fox! Coleman fucking Fox!! Why isn't this kid getting worked in BEFORE garbage time?? I understand it was against Clemson's backups, but I'd argue with how loaded Clemson is on D that their backups would start on just about any ACC team. And Foxy looked good
About 40 more pounds!
But agree he plays hard!
The biggest issue with this team tonight is exactly what we all expected before we played our first game this year. They are very young in the skill positions on O. I think French is spot on. The play calling tonight was all about protecting the QB. He doesn't have the weapons around him to challenge a good defense right now. This may have been a case of thinking long-term. Protecting the psyche of your QB in order to reap benefits down the road. Give the kids time to mature. Hopefully it works to plan. Tonight I think was the first time we really saw the effects of not having ford and Bucky around to really challenge a D. Not sure we'll find the filler for that void this year, but outside of Miami, I'm not sure we'll need to with anyone else on our schedule. If we continue to improve, I think we have a very good shot of having a second go-round with these guys in December. Keep improving, keep working hard. Still very much on-board with what Fuente is building. Go Hokies!
and no over the top threat. All those fades that bailed out Evans last year are not there for this squad. The loss of Farley was so big.
What happened to Phil Patterson? I thought he would provide some size and speed on the outside....
Has a knee injury and had some minor surgery. Will be back at some point.
We just lost to the #2 team in the country who is the defending national champions with the difference being one busted coverage and afluke pick six.
BURN IT ALL DOWN!!! FIRE FUENTE, FIRE CORN, FIRE BUD!!!! (/s caus esomeone will take this seriously).
We aren't on Clemson's level yet and we still played fairly well. Defense played a lot better than I could expect and you take a way a busted coverage and not a bad game from them at all.
O play calling is a little questionable at times but Fuente has the balls to say we aren't going to win by punting the ball back to them and defense is doing well. Disagree with the fake fg but other than that we just don't have the horses on offense to keep up.
We have Cam and CJ as veteran receivers. Everyone else is new and our QB is new. Theirs couldn't throw but they have good receivers. Ours can but isn't nearly as effective in running. I'll take the better passer any day.
I don't know why people are getting so upset. A little frustrated sure, mainly cause anytime we got something going we gave it up which gave them 14 pts. But I wasn't expecting a win.
The game never really felt like we had a chance to me but I didn't feel like we were getting blown out either. Just enough to keep the game out of reach.
I'm with you!
This was one game against better talent and we all knew this was the likely outcome if we did not play our A game.
Let's not let one loss turn into two. Beat BC, take a bye, come back and finish the second half of the season strong.
It's not the end of the world!
I don't think peoples negative reactions to the coaching staff are predicated solely on this loss. I think it's based on the first loss causing the skepticism of our previous performances to come out more. I could see people not complaining much at all if we did not struggle with Delaware and ODU. I think the concern is coming from the fact that against even inferior competition we are not playing offense until the second half.
I'm bummed. That was NOT a 14 point loss. The last 7 came in garbage time. It was a really a 21 point loss and possibly worse if it really soul search into the actual of the offense.
I'm not on the "fire Fuente" bandwagon, but let's call it what it is
Didn't one of their scores come in "garbage time"?
I don't see the point in nit picking this, but it was a 14 point loss, and felt like a 14 point loss.
Also surprised we didn't see more mcclease. I thought he was the most effective RB in the game save for fox who was playing against the backups.
Well Shit that's all I have to say
Quick observations...
Outside of the broken coverage on the first TD and the short field on the McMillian fumble, I thought the defense played pretty good... 10 points.
Play calling was VERY vanilla.... need to go to chocolate if thats possible.
That one 4th down call on 4th and 3 might go down as one of the worst 4th down plays in history.... no /s
The fake field goal was weird too. Fuente said in the post game he didn't want to kick the FG, he didn't want to run a play to gain 10 yards, and was left with the fake. He sounded like a man that doesn't like what he is seeing from his kicker. I hope Joey gets this figured out. We still need him and have a long ways to go.
I don't blame him for the miss. Awful snap and while Bradburn got it down, he didn't get it lined up.
I mean, it had nothing to do with Joey. A FG was meaningless at that point in the game. It would go from 21 to 18 points...lol. That's why Clemson knew to watch out for it since they realized a FG was pointless. We probably such have just ran a play on 4th down.
One positive I'll say is that we pretty much kept Etienne in check (basically took him out of the game). I think Fox got more yds than Etienne.
Speaks to how much Clemson respected Walker and Settle. They basically abandoned the inside zone game that was the key to their offense against Louisville.
I forget, did we score more on them than L'ville??
No
Did we give up as many points as the Ville?
Not even close.
Flat out just aren't talented enough right now to beat a well coached Clemson. Need to start recruiting better because we have some damn good coaches for them. GG
Except for Tech's own snafus Clemson's defensive line and (as usual) a good running QB were the biggest deference in the game.
I'm starting to get frustrated watching Bama,FSU, Clemson, and others winning big games with stud D linemen from Virginia. Tech has got to do a better job recruiting these players if they expect to win at a championship level.
I think the biggest issue for me is despite the Hokies being in the game on the scoreboard, I don't know that the ebb and flow of the game showed that they belonged (see Auburn vs VT in the Sugar Bowl, outgunned but right there with an elite better team) and we needed that to sell the program to all those big time recruits. And, for the Hokies to take that next step, they have to control the line of scrimmage more. I like some of the young VT OL, but those young kids aren't talents like a Wyatt Teller. Being better up front is the rubicon right now.
Yeah, I'm seeing a lot of comments on multiple media platform mentioning how we outgained them...that meant nothing. They dominated our offense and it was clear they outmatched us on defense as well. Just not at that level, but they did just win a Natty so really it is expected.
So you're saying it's a Jeep thing?
I think sometimes we as Hokie fans are conditioned to the notion of "good defense, terrible offense". Some of that is because of recent history and is justified. However, I do not understand this sentiment after watching this game. From my perspective there were two questionable calls (4th and 3 play and the fake field goal). Otherwise, players were put in a position to succeed but were not able to execute.
I know some of the yardage was in "garbage time" but i will remind everyone that we had more yards and first downs than Clemson. That in of itself is an amazing accomplishment. Imagine what our offensive output would have been with the O'Cainspring abomination. I am thinking something akin to LSU 2007.
I am still very hopeful for this team. Outside of turnovers and one horrendously blown assignment I think we played them well. Freshmen WRs and QBs will get better. I honestly would welcome seeing Clemson in the title game should we make it. LETS GOOOO....
No...the yards and first downs stat is not an achievement. It is an empty stat. They simply did not need more yards. We were outmatched tonight on offense and defense. Yes, there are positive here to move forward from, but tonight was just an elite team pushing around another team without really letting them in it. Sucks, but true.
I don't know what to say to this but you think essentially starting in the second half they just stopped trying to gain yards? They called aggressive play calls until the drive that started with 7:11 left in the 4th. Before that we held them to three 3 and outs, a 4 and out, and a TD drive after McMillian's fumble. If you think they didn't want to run it up on us, watch how pissed off Wilkins was on the sideline after our last TD.
Nothing to do with if they were trying or not, they just didn't need them. They got turnovers for short fields and became less aggressive when they had a comfortable lead, which was basically all game. We were playing catch they is why we were able to accumulate yards. They were ahead and didnt need to travel far to get points.
I agree that VT gaining more first downs and yards is essentially meaningless on its own. I don't think that limiting Clemson to 332 yards is. Regardless of field position their offense didn't go anywhere aside from the drive after McMillian's fumble. They didn't have to press but they hadn't shut the playbook either.
Venables sure wasn't giving an inch, even in the 4th quarter.
I am bummed. I really wanted to believe that the offense was closer than I thought. Knowledge really sucks the fun out of being a fan sometimes.
Best thing is to regroup and continue to build the foundation. The Coastal is very wide open, with Georgia Tech looking like the best matchup. I think Miami is a good matchup for VT is the passing game gets better. Come out and get a lead on BC and build from there.
Good news is we won't see a defense anywhere in the realm of Clemson's from now on.
BC might be the best D still on the schedule. Duke can cause some headaches- their O crapping the bed vs Miami was the driver behind the margin. Miami is talented, but I think that is a good match up for this system.
My worry- Fuente said in the postgame that Clemson was much less aggressive. That is how you stop this system- stay in your lane and let the ball come to you. VT doesn't have the athletes yet to beat opponents one on one consistently when they defend soundly. We had them in Ford and Hodges's last year. When the defense isn't chasing, it is going to be a slog. Clemson basically let the two DTs control the middle and flooded the outside. That is why all the stuff that beat WVU wasn't going. The passing game was much more pass pro than we have seen in some time. The RPOs weren't working because Clemson didn't need the safeties and OLBs flying up on inside runs.
Is it possible that they need to be pushed more? I can understand coaches are hesitant to try things that don't look really good in practice but some of these players really come out and take it to the next level during games. Is the coaching staff being too cautious? Maybe the offense is exactly where you thought it was.
Oh I agree with this 1k%. They absolutely need to be pushed further.
It will be interesting to see what Deon Newsome's role will be down the stretch. Eye test looked good for him tonight.
Yall crack me up. Makes feel like some parts of this thread belong on the 2011 era FireBryanStinespring blog.
Calm the fuck down. Read some of the more level headed posts which shed light on the facts that we're extremely young with a relatively empty cupboard (at least with experienced talent) and only 42% into a new coach's second year.
The sky isn't falling. In fact, I'd find some solace in the fact that people are pissed we didn't beat the #2 team in the country who are the defending national champions. We feel that we belong more so than in the last 5 years or more. Momentum is building around this program. We have great coaches, facilities, and fans. We are on an upward trajectory. Time after time we've read that recruits don't base their decisions on the outcome of one game. Hokie Nation showed out yesterday, and in my opinion we played a hell of a lot better than I expected.
We'll get there. For now, join the Hokie Club and TKPC.