Who: Virginia Tech Hokies (6-6, 4-4 ACC) vs. Cincinnati Bearcats (10-2, 6-2 AAC)
When: Monday, December 31, 2018 at 12:00 PM EDT
Where: Annapolis, Maryland | Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (34,000)
Watch/Listen: ESPN / Virginia Tech IMG
Spread: Cincinnati -5.5
Weather: 44°F, 90% chance of rain
Series: Virginia Tech holds a slim 6-5 advantage in the all-time series. The Hokies and Bearcats last met in the 2014 Military Bowl, where Shane Beamer led Tech to a 33-17 victory.
Reppin' TKP: TKP does not have a reporter or photographer at the game.
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Comments
Let's Go!
Hokies!
HOKIES!!!!!
Let's get it baby
How many TKPers are up here today? Walking around the parking lots and the official tailgates, I wouldn't be surprised if we out number Cincinnati 80-20.
There's only 100 people there? That's not a good look.
There might be that many people in the port-o-potty line near my car right now.
They should have brought more than one, with a crowd that size.
Who knew all 100 would need to go at the same time though?
It's early. It'll fill up.
LET'S GO HOKIES!! Gonna have to watch the game while I can at work. Screw working on NYE and screw noon weekday kickoffs
Hold strong!!
It is a cold (37 degrees a little while ago) rainy day here in the Winchester, VA area; maybe better there. I hope so.
Kudos to all the VT faithful at the game. Cheer lustily for those whips like myself that aren't going to be there.
Go HOKIES!
Which is just another example of the crap job Swofford has done as commissioner. The ACC bowl locations are awful for the most part.
Hummmm? 40 and rain? Not great Bob! Party on!
Hazelton and Kumah are dressed and doing fine in pregame warm-ups. No sight of Hendon Hooker...
Andy Bitter tweeted he's been sick so he didn't dress.
Thanks. There have been rumblings on the board about his status for next season. Didn't know if that had anything to do with it.
I got off work at 6am and got stuck in a mother fucking snow drift until 8. Please god let us win and verify that that you aren't just fucking with me.
Why the hell is the watch espn feed in Spanish? Doing this for anyone else?
Initially I was only seeing Spanish but it would not play so I restarted my Roku and the English feed showed up.
Yeah I just backed out and it changed to English
Nice up the gut run by Peoples for the first down.
Good start with a mix of runs and passes
We always start off good. It's just when the defense adjusts and we dont..
"More athletic than he's given credit for."
LET'S GO
Hokies!
And we overcame a penalty. This game is off to a great start.
Great playcall on 4th and 1.
WHERE THE FUCK ARE THE CHAINS?
Under the camera. They are not opposite the TV angle for some reason.
... I'm too drunk so I'mma chill
Drunk Reese is the best Reese
Loved the playcalling and what a catch.
LET'S FUCKING GO
And 1, bitch.
Great first drive!
That was a beautiful drive
Shit was a catch my g, what's to debate
Instant Replay/Review has ruined modern college football.
Colorado agrees that no calls should ever be reviewed.
Kumah is the strongest WR in the ACC don't @ me.
And the ruling on the field stands.
Funny way to pronounce is confirmed
Hell of a drive. I like it.
Great concentration by Kumah on the TD
I am liking that we have gone aggressively at their corners. I think we have an advantage there.
Me; a dad calling from anywhere in the house:
LET'S GO
the only child in my will: HOKIES
Maximize every drive before the third quarter. I like it so far.
Who's ready for some Monday
NightNoon Football?!?!?Jim Weaver is smiling somewhere.
Very good playcalling the first drive.
Don't forget we're undefeated in noon games this year!
The spirit of Weaver smiles on this team.
Come on D!
ok let's go defense.
wait, they have a dual threat qb????? thats not good for us.....
Is Caleb Farley out?
Well, I guess we'll read the review from French highlighting how Dax isn't good in coverage again.
Well shit...
Our D is just all or nothing.
Ugh
Perfect play call against the blitz there
Dax bit hard on the option route. Good play call.
Our secondary is not fighting through blocks today.
Today?
well that was too easy
Well that was a an aggressive blitz...which is exactly what they wanted..
Easy TD..maybe try to mask the Blitz a bit next time?
That TD didn't have anything to do with the blitz. Dax got beat, thats all.
Dax was the only guy within 15 yards of the RB..which was a direct result of the Blitz
We were in man free (i think) on the back end and Dax was responsible for the RB. He just got beat.
Has rivers been held out from his injury in the GT game? I know Dax has been pretty beast but has Rivers gotten much play or has Dax replaced him on the depth chart?
I think Dax has taken over, but I also think Rivers is still gimpy. He hasn't been in the rotation.
Our DBs need a long lesson in getting off blocks
Yikes. Love Dax but he is playing out of position. He doesn't have the speed to cover out in space.
Yeah, I don't know if Bud just likes Ashby more at Mike right now or what, but Dax is not a backer.
Getting out coached all ready.
Indecisiveness from Willis on that 3rd down.
Man, cant see the chains and the LOS animations don't seem to be working. First world problems
Yeah. This is frustrating and something I don't recal having to deal with over the past couple of years watching any game.
Here comes the 3 in outs for us and 88 yard bomb TD's for them
I can hear some "Let's go Hokies" cheers in the background.
LET'S GO HOKIES!
I forgot what game day football threads were like
Turnover time.
Finally a good Tackle!
Dax is ending up in coverage a lot today.
Anyone else notice when the Cinci qb is looking to the sideline, that he is squinting?
Hasn't seemed to impact his throws,
Guys who eye-black their entire face: just stop. You look dumb, you big dumbdumb.
Especially when the sun isn't shining.
Reggie Floyd playing well today so far.
Hey, which conference is the stripes crew from??
Mountain West
They said Mountain West earlier
Thx. Missed it.
Oh no! We are going to see a back up QB today.
During the last Military Bowl, the Cincinnati qb went down and it worked out pretty well for us.
Oh God, a backup. We're screwed.
How was that not grounding?
Outside the tackle box and a rb in the area
It wasn't beyond the line scrimmage so the tackle box doesn't matter. It was quite a few yards away from the rb.
It's also kinda hard to get anything on your throw when you have a 300-lb DT pulling your leg the other way.
Not wishing the guy to be hurt but the QB going done might be just what our D needs.
Backup QB? Shit we're finished now.
Or maybe not.
Nooo not a back up QB!
Folks, I believe we may have eliminated their QB!
Hope Ridder is ok. Looks like the leg that was already in a brace got twisted again
checking in from Miller's in Sterling as we get exposed to another backup QB
Love Miller's. Great prices
and beer selection
75 just shoved Jovonn Quillen in the face on the sideline after he ran the ball carrier out of bounds
Chris Fergusan and the ref right there.
Ok. So what do you expect to be done about it? Honestly??
Throw a flag.
The only thing that would be abnormal and unusual (for our case) is if they actually called it.
I wouldn't be surprised if Cincy's QB tore something there. The knee isn't supposed to twist like that. Hate to see that.
98-yard pass play here. We've waited all year for this.
Well now it'll be a 99 yard pass play.
Would have been nice...
Ridder bears facial resemblance to Kane Brown.
Wow, we're backed up after that punt.
Isn't this how a struggling VT team beat a thriving Cincy team back in the day? By knocking out the QB?
Wow, zero run blocking on that 1st down play.
That qb draw actually was a good call and terribly blocked
I disagree with the fact you cheer for injuring opponents
In actuality, I'm moreso cheering the action and effort of our defensive players paying off. If one of the opposition's key players getting his knocked out da game happens to be one of the rewards, so be it. Good for the defense. Good for our players. Great (possibly) for our team.
Ridder headed to locker room
Not great - another 3 and out.
Why do we go 3 in out but their team gets to have the ball for like 10 minutes?
Our OL is straight up soft today.
I'm not trying to be a P word, but at some point Cincy has to get flagged for the extra stuff after a play. On almost every position they have a player pushing, dragging, shoving a facemask, etc.
Yeah - 75's block continuing out of bounds should have been flagged on their last drive.
And at some point they might actually call it. Until such time, business as usual.
It is obvious that Fuente does not trust his JR quarterback to not throw a pick. Really handicaps is at times though.
It really is the only explanation for always calling QB Draws on 3rd and long.
At some point with a RS-Jr QB who has been in the system two full years now, you've gotta take the bubble wrap off the offense and get a little more aggressive. Our number one objective is just avoid turnovers at all costs.
I'm just ready for a fake punt.
Not inside your own 10 though. Did anyone check Hokie Sports for the roster updates?
With their QB out, I would expect mostly run plays.
And then they throw a big pass.
Except for that perfect pass.
Fuente is the one that has no trust in his backup
Defense looks like shit today... in 2018 form
Today? Just saw your edit.Yeah, I realized I needed to correct myself
Hmm.. It's almost as if we had one of the worst defenses in FBS this season.
This season.
Three missed tackles on that play, should have been held for no gain.
Just turned the game on ... This looks like a typical VT offense & defense from this season.
Ladler completely whiffing on the tackle of that RB
Tyree didn't turn around the entire time. Yikes.
Well guys. This has been a tough year. Unfortunately I think the Bear may have been right.
This is about to get ugly
Will just keep rewatching the first five minutes of the game and assume the rest of the game is like that.
Our transformation into a soft Big 12 team is nearly complete.
The final part of the transformation is learning how to score more than 24 points in regulation.
Yeah regardless of their backup qb who is a starter and started for 2017 our offense isn't doing crap.
As usual their running game looks poised to pop a big run. I hope we survive this one but offense needs to get something going. Not looking good at the moment.
Its the backup QB curse.
Lets have a 10 minute review on a VERY easy call.
Our defense has a hard time with the difference between "hitting" and "tackling"
Holy crap how many people touched him and he still got that close
If guys like Tyree Rodgers and Jovonn Quillen play real snaps next year this defense is sunk. Need to find a way to replace those kind of guys with talented freshmen or transfers.
We are in the back field on every short yardage play, we just can't tackle.
Why can't we take a RB to he ground?
Thought maybe the 4 extra weeks of practice would have produced some improvement or signs of progress...nope.
Hard not to start questioning our coaching.
If the problem really is youth..shouldn't more time = better play??
No one wants to hear this, but we simply aren't a talented team defensively.
Really....
Part of the problem is that it's not our DL in the backfield. It's mostly secondary guys. Those guys are undersized and generally poor tacklers.
Zero pressure on the QB only makes things drastically more difficult for the DBs. Our secondary is bad and don't have a single pass rusher on the team. Not a great place to be.
At this point, it's not a youth thing. It's talent and coaching.
Yep this defensive staff is awful.
Yes, Mitchell and Nix are bad. Bud and Wiles haven't recruited enough talent to put a competent, competitive D out there. Also spare the 'well guys went to the NFL' schtick. Guys move on from every team in the country.
That wasn't sarcasm.
I hate to break it to you, but relative to every other team in college football our guys are as young as they were at the beginning of the season.
Their running backs keep reaching for yardage we gonna get a fumble
Fumble, but...
That was their strategy all along..
Lol
AHHHHHHH
That's the football Gods getting even with us after the loluva game.
Fumbling into the end zone should not be rewarded, but thems the breaks.
We stink
We wouldn't be here if not for a fumble into the endzone.
Wish they had the same rule as NFL does (or did), where only the ball carrier can recover for a TD.
Hopefully our offense can at least produce a decent drive. Even if we don't score let's get some yards.
Walker just went to the locker room I think.
Probably to change jersey from the holding.
With an early game, I wasn't able to watch but just listen on the feed. I didn't hear Walker's name at all, what happened to him.? We really miss him
Walker was disruptive and effective in the first half (just wasn't getting tackles due to double teams). He was out for the entire second half for unknown reasons (I assume getting banged up).
Before the gloom and doom people pile on: Cincy has been luckier than good so far. I like us down the stretch.
Ehhh....they are looking primed for a big run. Don't agree with this until our defense can get some decent pressure and tackle a running back.
D had looked pretty good in short yardage plays. Came just short of making a couple of great stops. As long as Walker is OK
If we go 3 and out again, fuck it put in HH or QP
HH is not dressed today. QP is the backup.
HH in street clothes
Okay but it's more offensive playcaller than QB play that is limiting our play so far.
I know it's early in the game but I've already had a heavy beer...time for another.
Gotta recover those loose balls. Makes a difference. I feel like the defense was kinda off during that last series (sloppy tackling, running into each other, not recovering lose balls, etc). Need to get it together. Alright Fuente (& Cornelsen). What say we open up the playbook on this next possession.
Anyone else catch Ricky Walker going to the locker room during the PAT?
Edit: Drinks
Bc of the double post or walker heading to the locker room???
Both?
WTF was that Dollar Shave Commercial I just saw???
It'd be good if we had better field awareness when the fumbles occur. Hopefully it all balances out over the course of the game.
Gotta do some thing here.
So many flags and reviews. This is sad
Willis took that like a man. Sheesh.
Jesus that was brutal
So is Tommy Tubervile the head ref?
Great shiftiness from McClease.
Pound the rock!
Good to see we got the A-team officiating crew and broadcast team
This game is painful viewing all around.
With that said,
LLEEETTTTTSSSSSS GOOOOOOOO
Hokies!
Part of The Athletic, covers Cincy.
Btw, which defensive player did it?
Get out of here with that bullshit. This kid is a student athlete who practiced and prepared hard all year and now has to miss his bowl game.
If he's not on my team, why should I care??
Fuck That... Under no circumstances should you ever be happy someone got injured.
I feel like you're kinda boxing me in here. I can be happy that he's not playing while being not happy (or nothing at all) that he was injured. It ain't all black & white.
Anyone else seeing Cincy #11 bitching to refs trying to get a call in his favor? He seems to be getting flustered
We seem to be relying on the run (and it seems to be working fairly well) in this game. That is a bit surprising considering the pre-game analysis.
Weather is really crapping for throwing the ball.
Big Play Tre sighting
BIG DIKT TRE!!!
Dalton Keene is a blocking machine!
I would love to see someone pancake #11 into next week.
You deserve more legs for this if I had them to give
Keene with a great block on the Tre jet sweep.
BPT
Great run by Willis
Whoops, his foot was out
Oh his foot was out...but I have loved the playcalling on this drive.
HAH! Even I got fooled by that one. Thought Peoples had it all the way.
Why have officials on the field if they aren't going to watch the play? Seriously people, why are you getting paid??
Somehow our OL has no pass-protection but they have done a great job on the ground.
Every TD is a review.
Time for #PowerToThePeoples to score here.
Review Bowl presented by Northrup Grumman
I'm down for just a an five behind the line to get this in but I know that isn't CJF's MO
Edit: QB dive
I don't know what game you all are watching but I'm pretty encouraged by how the game is going... they certainly aren't running on us at will like I was afraid they would and we are tackling better than I thought we would (one or two plays excluded). If not for the big pass play on their last scoring drive, which I felt like was pretty well covered I don't think they'd have scored. All in all, I'll take it, and I'm mildly optimistic for the 2nd half.
What this game really needs - and I think all the people standing in the rain at the stadium will agree with me here - is more replays, penalties, and miscellaneous stoppages of play
Nice drive and... the FINISH! But these refs really suck hind tit.
Sh*t and people's is hurt
If People's is out, it's 100% on the refs. That was an extra play he didn't need. The 1st try was clearly a TD.
FINALLY! BIG DIKT PEOPLES!!!
Fuck Peoples is hurt...
We'll be fine. Still got McClease, Wheatley & Holston.
and FOX
Speaking of Fox - he's wearing 25 today, but I haven't seen him yet.
Special teams.
What a shocker /s
Fox is listed as a receiver.
You right
Wow should have reviewed the run and now Peoples gets hurt. Suboptimal
Peoples scores but gets helped off the field. :>(
To think we complain about ACC officiating....this is TERRIBLE
Woohoo! Harder than it should have been but great answer offense. And good play calling!
Please let Peoples be okay!
BIG PLAY TRE!!!!!!
Great. I was totally gonna use this one. Now I'm gonna have to drink when I do.
Fair catch on a KR???
Any fair catch inside the 20/25 (not sure which) if caught takes ball out to 25.
Gotcha. Whelp, that explains it.
Been a rule all year. We've typically been kicking it into the endzone so no one has done it on us this year.
New this year. Counts as a touchback if taken inside the (I believe) 20.
EDIT: Pass me a bottle of something.
Get it right refs!
Officiating crew looking like a color guard with all the flags they're throwing
Much better tackling from our guys this game! I like how we're playing so far.
Ashby with a nice tackle.
Wow, this series has been going back & forth.
75 still getting away with extra-curriculars.
FFS. The all fumble offense is a new wrinkle.
The fumble is Cincinnati's best play...
Dammit! You have GOT TO RECOVER LOOSE BALLS!!!
Fumble recovery is not really a skill you can improve. It is mostly luck and usually averages out to 50/50 given a large enough sample size. We've had our fair share of fumble luck this season (UNC and UVA games were won due to recovered fumbles; also the FSU game had incredible fumble luck for the good guys),
The defense has caused 4 (maybe 5) fumbles. They have recovered a big 🍩. Unacceptable. Should've grabbed at least 2.
Joe, make damned sure you get this feedback to the staff
You need to learn the definition of the term "sample size."
The ball has to bounce our way soon
you have got to be kidding me
PICK UP THE FREAKING BALL!!!
Why does no one wrap up?
Had a lot of fumble luck before today
Khalil Ladler with the back-to-back FF. What a stat.
Didn't Cody Grimm have 3 in row against Duke? On the first 3 plays of the game?
Here's all that fumble luck in the opener coming back around
Defense is still pretty bad, was hoping for some improvement.
I must be watching the wrong game... I've been incredibly down on the defense all year and I'm loving what we're seeing today (especially in comparison to the rest of the season).
Yeah, must be. Not at all impressed with watching these guys operate when they're lining up or just their general awareness during plays. Seems like something gets lost every play whether it's proper alignment, angles to ball, or weak-ass shoulder tackles. Not going to get it done in P5 football.
I think tackling has been pretty solid. There was one play I recall with a couple missed tackles but thats it. Getting decent pressure on dropbacks. No big run plays aside from the one with missed tackles. Generating good push on short yardage plays. Forcing fumbles (would be nice to recover one or two). Even the big pass plays had good coverage, just bad results. I'll take it for the first half... we'll see how the 2nd half goes.
Edit: The 2nd drive of the 2nd half is what I was expecting.
Defense is still bad.
Looked bad on that second drive of the second half... but I maintain they were solid in the first and way better than what we saw for the majority of 2018.
Okay, well they're still really bad.
I'm not sure why you think repeating that you thought they were bad in the first half is worth anything... what exactly were they bad at in the first half? Or do you just like saying the same thing over and over again?
Finally, a 3 & out.
I get your point, but they started out on the 2 (or 3) yard line.
How many fumbles has cincy recovered?!
3
At least three.
All of them.
This was the answer I was afraid of
did Belmar push him forward?
Damn three fumbles and an almost blocked punt
Punt should've been blocked....we need to get some points before the half.....I don't think we can pound our way down the field with 2mins left....gonna need something from Willis....
Damn straight, McClease! YEAH!!!
good block by philthy phil
Nevermind....lol
Did you know Haz and Willis are roommates?
You know, those guys are roommates.
*drink
well looks like both Hazelton and Kumah are playing today
Our entire offensive line was pushed back 3 yards into our backfield on that stretch/OZ, embarrassing.
Is it sad that I almost think most of our run plays would have equal results if we just had no O-line? Just a non-factor. No physicality.
Thought McClease was about to go full David Wilson on that. Thank goodness.
Most of the time David Wilson turned such situations into positive yardage. I'd consider that a compliment.
I believe he's referring to the 2011 Sugar Bowl play in the red zone where DW4 ran for -30 yards.
Is that the main thing we as a fanbase remember him for??
I don't believe anyone here has said that.
Maybe not, but it seems to be implied & heavily emphasized.
It was pretty memorable.
I think the other stuff he did was much more memorable & prevalent.
It was definitely his biggest weakness...not taking the available yards.
Bingo.
And that's not exactly a slam on the guy...he was so insanely athletic that I think anyone would give him the benefit of the doubt on trying, but sometimes it's just better to go forward and lessen the damage.
I think you need to learn the definition of "sample size"
10-4.
Come on offense, score before the half
Well that stinks
Umm why is the sound guy at the military bowl playing music up to Tech's snap?
I hear old school Fallout Boy being blasted in the stadium right now.
I hate to be disappointed here, but dang, we sure weren't playing very aggressively there.
Edit: hindsight is 20/20
By now, I think that we conclude that Fuente's risk aversion is going to trump any aggressiveness.
Cornelson has a perpetual boner for qb draw on anything longer than 10. He like doesn't know what else to call
Cincinnati is Busch league as fuck.
What you wrote is a compliment
And Johnson hit that one. Man...
SEND THE OFFENSE OUT SINCE CINCINNATI WANTS TO PLAY GAMES
I was expecting that.
Iced the kicker and it worked...cmon man.
3 of 9 from 40+. Ridiculous.
That's actually not that bad for a college kicker. Only off by 1 made kick to be an average kicker.
Not good stats, however, this miss was in the rain, the snap was high and "late" to get down, and finally, the strings were toward the kicker's foot.
Sum bitch...
Sigh
of course he misses the second kick
Bad hold....kicker kicked the laces.
That look he gave the holder says it all.
Dammit. I'll *drink.
No one wants to listen to Fickell anyhow
Great audio there on the coach interview. ESPN functioning very well today.
Remember when special teams were our strength.
Pepperidge farm remembers.
Remember when we were a football school?
If we didn't false start before that damn kick it would have been a 36 yarder, but as soon as Johnson sees a field goal beginning with the number 4 book it it's a miss
I hate that the time out can be called just as they are kicking. That's stupid.
We need a kicker that can hit FGs
It really shouldn't matter, Johnson should be able to hit a 40 yarder.
A little late response as I am at work, but, though it shouldn't matter to a kicker who can make the kicks, it's the fact that a coach can tell the ref as the clock ticks down, "I want a time out just before they snap." and they do that. There's no pressure on the coach to wait for the last second and try to get in the TO just before, and potentially miss getting the TO.
The amount of rage I felt for that split second when they blew the whistle....
Run a slow developing play to the short side of the field on 1st and 10, run a QB draw on 2nd and 14, throw 7 yards short of the sticks on 3rd and 12, miss the 40+ yard field goal to end the half.
Not good.
And Bradburn has been holding for 2 years. Why are the laces on display for everyone and their brother to see?
playing not to lose....not playing to win
"Play calling isn't the problem. It's our players fault."
That false start on Dzansi sure didn't help matters.
Someone should have told Johnson that it was really still a 36-yard try. Likely would have made it then.
He did make it when the hold was good but Cincy called a TO.
True, but we were all pessimistic about him repeating it, sad to say.
Tied 14-14 with sorry-ass Cincinnati. Jesus we're a joke. As soon as their starting QB went down you had to know this was going to be a tough game because for some reason our defense makes backup QB's look like the second-coming of Peyton manning. Really hope we have a dramatic turnaround in the off season because we are garbage
Cincy is a 10-win team and 5.5 point favorite. We were the worst ACC team to make a bowl. They're like the 2-3 seed in their conference.
Isnt sorry ass Cinci favored?
Kinda out of touch to call Cincinnati sorry when we're in a bowl by the skin of our teeth...
I wish we would just play loose, have some fun. This tight ass crap doesn't work (same on D as well).
That's the Fu program. What really erks the fuck outta me was hearing him say after the ODU game that "we're non-negotiable on having a disciplined football team". Fast forward 3 months and ain't shit changed.
Sidenote: there's quite a bit of reference to fecal matter here.
Well, new game and new half. Good thing we come out like fire in the 3rd quarter.
/s?
Although we did get a FG against both LOLUVA and Marshall.
All the legs to Jim Mora on that halftime segment.
wow Jim Mora advocating for player rights, I like it
Did that AAC commercial just say "Power-6"?
Lol. Ok. Sure.
I gotcha
Yeah they've been trying to make that a thing all year.
Reminds me of when the Pac-12 (or 10, can't remember) bought a huge billboard in Times Square that said "The Big Apple is Pac-12 Country." Just because you say it doesn't make it true
Been doing it at least a couple years, they had the "P6" logo on the sideline markers at a game I went to in 2017.
You have a beautiful glass house.
Just heard Laze and Burnop say Walker looks like he isn't wearing pads coming out for the second half!
Damn that sucks if true. Gotta feel bad for Walker not being able to finish his final game at Tech out.
First half stats (from https://scores.nbcsports.com/cfb/ats.asp?gamecode=201812310016&home=16&v...)
First downs (Cincinnati - VT)
10 13
Rushing
5 5
Passing
5 5
Penalty
0 3
3rd Down Efficiency
3-6, 50% 4-8, 50%
4th down efficiency
1-1, 100% 1-1, 100%
Rushes-Yards
19-81 24-125
Passing Yards
133 86
Return Yards
4 70
Completions-Attempts-Int
7-12-0 7-10-0
Sacks-Yards Lost
0-0 1-1
Punts
2 2
Fumbles Lost
3-0 0-0
Penalties - Yards
7-53 4-30
Starting off the third quarter strong!
/s
Reeeaaally winning the kicking game today👌
Did Dax just kill someone?
Dax is gone...if he had played the ball it would've been a pick
That's a baby shit soft call
No way is that targeting. Geezus that's awful. That's a football play and a tough hit right there.
That's a football play.
QB throws super shitty pass and it results in Dax gets targeting. This game fucking sucks
Dax crushed that dude. Hope he's ok.
That's not really targeting though. But then again, nobody really knows anymore.
He barely hit him...the guy was up in the air.
It looked harder in real time.
Clean hit there. Head up, lead with his hands.
What a pathetic call. I hate officials, just on principle. The fact they get paid any money to do this is a travesty.
wait he just pushed him, how is that targeting?
Cmon Dax. Not targeting. Hopefully pick up the flag completely.
Great way to start the half.. mental mistakes drive me crazy. And now the officials gufting them a targeting penalty where dax did nothing wrong. Led with his arms to the chest.
5 seconds after the goddamn play was over.
Flag wasnt thrown until dax was 10 yards away and the running back stayed on ground
Targeting is the worst rule ever created. Such bullshit.
Maybe it's just me, but seems like 3 out of 4 times the player gets ejected for shit that isn't their fault.
Awful call. Clean, well-timed hit. Whenever someone gets their clock cleaned nowadays playing an inherently violent sport, the flags will fly. Ridiculous.
Let's play:
IS.... IT..... TARGETING!!!!
No way targeting! Pussy call
That's a clean play in two hand touch. C'mon man.
If the refs had upheld that targeting call, I would have turned off my TV.
Praise the gods lol
The old and the new!
Is it targeting if there is any contact with the helmets because Dax absolutely led with the hands.
Edit: apparently my steam is running behind.
Wow they got it right
At least they got it right in the end. Late flag, I think the official threw it just to make sure but still, he's gotta pay closer attention, that flag came 10 seconds after the play.
Good call refs
I spy a pancake on that McClease run!
CLEAZY
I like this.
OL doing some work in the run game right now
I hope McClease breaks 💯 yds today.
8 yards to go.
Diminutive running backs from Chesapeake seem to do pretty well in Annapolis. I think we predicted this a few weeks back.
Did we get an update on Peoples?
Run game is gaining traction which is nice in this weather. Let's punch it in.
And then the "run blocking"
These officials love to be on TV
I remember someone from another thread predicting McClease was gonna have a big day like JC Coleman(same HS) did 4 years ago, kudos to that prediction
LECIIIIIITUS
big boy is looking 👌tsk really good today
Boooo
and ESPN botches covering the explanation comes back mid punt just pathetic and now a shitty spot on that play leads to fourth down
Give me a QB sneak!
Dammit Fuente. Just get under center and get the dang yard. >sigh<
Under center? What's that mean? The only way to run the ball is a delayed handoff from shotgun. /s
He almost missed a 28 yarder...
Points are points, but why not keep pounding the rock on the fourth down?
Should've gone for it... but I'll take the points
would rather we had gone for it there. Put McClease behind the road graders on the left side
We seriously kick a FG on 4th & inches from the 10 yard line? This coaching staff is SOFT.
Guys, 3rd quarter points? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?!!!!
Edit: it means nothing.
I feel like we should've gone for that
Should have gone for it! 1/2 yd? Really and the FG barely made it in
QP up the middle on 4th and 1
Willis is 6'4, just let him fall forward...
Agreed. No need for trickery
It's funny...we go for it and don't make it, people would be "WHY DIDN'T WE TAKE THE 3 POINTS?"
Nah I'd probably be more like "why didn't we line up under center instead of trying to get 6 inches off a delayed handoff" with my experience with corn
Ahahaha out of bounds again
Find a new fing kicker
Isn't this the kicker who's put it through the end zone more than any other kicker this year?
2 second half kickoffs, both OB. I am very confused.
2 kickoffs out of bounds, missed a 40 yarder and BARELY squeaked a 28 yarder in. Good God.
I feel like I'm reliving the Insight Bowl from '03 with Warley & Pace.
Oh Lord, don't remind us...
The only bad thing about those 3 forced fumbles are that our guys are now trying to force a fumble which takes away from an already rough tackling ability.
Can we let ANYONE ELSE kick off
Ladled always tackles high
These refs are trigger happy
Whew...
Quillen down. F*ck
There's the defense we are all used to seeing.
Missed a gap there.
Good thing we kicked that field goal
Ah yes, haven't missed that.
And THERE IT IS!!! Alright Fuente & Cornelsen. Your move.
Either Dax blew that in a major way or someone else was just nowhere near where they were supposed to be.
And there you have it. Yay 5!
I swear I've seen that identical play about 10 times this year.
NO linebackers within 5 yards. 🤷♂️
And there it is
All Watts does is talk.
Looked like Dax just guessed.
and right over where Quillen would have been on that play untouched to the end zone
40 yards untouched.
This team sucks.
Fuente playing like a pussy
Hmmm we're winning now so Idk about this comment
Dax makes some great plays, but he makes some major gaffes....life of playing a true freshmen I guess
So much for our gap defense lol. Reggie Floyd standing in the wrong gap watching the RB run past him & gets blindsided by a WR but of course it doesn't get called
Worst VT defense I've ever seen.
Is Bud making the wrong defensive calls or do the players not know their assignments?
That was a missed assignment.
There is no defensive call that leaves an A gap that unaccounted for.
zero push by our right side but we continue to bash our heads against that wall
And all of the sudden people expect our defense of the entire year to magically disappear and change
'Youth' has been the excuse all year. This isn't September anymore.
I've seen this story before.
3rd quarter curse continues. Troubling trend from Fuente and company.
We are demonstrating an inability to make good 2nd half adjustments.
And here it comes......
And back to 3 & out conservative playcalling. Oh well, at least McClease is over 💯 for the day.
Think we should've gone for it on fourth when we kicked the fg. Perhaps if we had made the fg before the half we would've.
It's those last 3 play calls that make me hate Corny. Have to read the game better than that.
Super happy we went for that FG from the 10 yard line. Really glad we're only down 4 now instead of probably being tied. Great fucking job Fuente
It is cold and raining. .take points
3 points was never going to win this game. Kicking from the 10 with a half yard to go in a meaningless bowl game is soft.
Currently up 3
It's literally posts like this, littered through this entire thread that are somehow garnering upvotes, that push me away from online message boards.
Dealt with.
The scary thing to think about is our defense is going to get worse next year...
Ummm how so?
Did we leave the special teams back in Blacksburg?!
Dax just got Daxed
There's that famous VT 3rd quarter offense I've come to know and loathe this year
How the FUCK do you not call offensive pass interference on the WR there. He just ran and blew up Dax
Where was the offensive pass interference on that call? Their tight end straight blocked to free the running back regardless that he dropped the catch
Funny enough, the crew commends the defender for turning his head but I'm honestly not sure what the hell they were talking about. Brutal.
Is it just me or was that 4th down spot very generous?
Ashby is now limping
Holston hit that hole pretty explosively. I like to see that.
Corner never turns for ball amd continues to run through our receiver but no call. Give me a break.
I guess if you can't beat them then beat them up.
If McClease and Holston can keep getting loose like this, I'm all for it.
Think Holston takes the role of the big back next year.
Agree.
Holston out there trying out for his next team
Hazelton... damn
Cmon Damon
just throw to Kumah all day
Kumah strong with the jump ball.
Kumah is becoming quite the match-up nightmare for some of these smaller secondaries.
Never forget...
KU-MAH!
Terrible ass play
Kumah deserves more targets.
THROW IT AWAY
That's why Willis won't start for us next year. Throw it away
Unless it's QP, Willis can learn to throw it away. JJ doesn't have the physical tools to make half the plays Willis has today to keep us in (and now winning) this game.
JJ would have thrown it away
That play is what willis just can't get out of his system! Throw it away!
Finally a flag.
Throw it away Willis shit
willis made the wrong read there
They got that one right.
HOW
IN
THE
FUUUUUUCK
IS
THAT
THE PLAY CALL
ON 2&G
Wait your not happy with the wide open TE play?
No the Willis rush for -5 yards
That was a pass he didn't throw away.
Read the whole thing, HF
The TD was 2nd and goal.
...after the PI made it a new set of downs
Correct.
So I'm supposed to just know which 2nd and goal play he is talking about? Because both of them were fine play calls Willis just didn't throw it away.
It was a great playcall. Fake the run, which often works on the goaline, roll the QB out and if it's not there, you're outside the pocket and you can throw it away.
Except it wasn't a designed rollout.
It was a designed run. The "rollout" was improv.
Curious how you know that.
Only a great playcall IF it works (which it didn't).
This is the point in game threads where the assholes just start downvoting everyone else. What did Rocket say that was worth a downvote? Come out into the light with that weak shit.
Isn't calling people assholes against community guidelines?
that was a blatant PI
Yay!
Is that a....third quarter touchdown?
Cunningham TD play!!
Cunningham reappears!
They always forget about Cunningham!
FUCK YEAH, BIG DIKT CUNNINGHAM!!!
Touchdowns only Chris
wow that mud hill looked amazing after the Touchdown
Haha that is literally the Chris Cunningham play.
I just picture him showing up to practice to run that play a few times and then going home.
Chris "Secret Weapon" Cunningham
Chris "Mike Vrabel" Cunningham
Alright alright alright good response
wait we scored a TD in the 3rd quarter ?
Yep. In fact, we did it in the 3rd vs Marshall, so we're kinda on a streak.
Great playcall by Cornelson there. Sure would be nice to have a 7 point lead here though
Hell of a drive right there.
I want a defensive score.
Yes. Me, too (or two).
TD!!
great play great play long third down shit the bed
Another coverage mix up which keeps the drive alive...I need alcohol
I do too, but I have friends coming over later and can't be drunk when they get here.
Sounds like you need new friends..../s
I didn't say I wouldn't be drunk when they leave. . .
Farley with a blown coverage on a huge 3rd down
How do we know that was Farley? Looked like a perfect play call against cover 2, which Floyd was a bit slow getting to.
I'll take one of those fumbles from earlier now.
Only if we recover it.
Feel awful that Walker gets hurt and misses most of his last game as a Hokie.
It seems like that happens to our seniors in bowl games way too much
Well we survived the third. Now what.....
We are leading at the end of 3. Finish strong Hokies. Finish Strong!
We survived the 3rd for once.
4's Up!!!!
Took a peek over at the sabre...someone called Dax a "fat dirty redneck" lolol
He's not fat!
He's just big bonned!
Fuck. It just hit me that we only have 15:00 until the long, stupid offseason.
We need a VT Beamer Ball moment.
DAMMIT DAX!!!
Five yard penalty to prevent a big play is smart.
#11 on Cincy's defense needs his teeth knocked in. He runs his mouth constantly, even at his own teammates.
This d just is bad
Anyone got a report on Rick?
Clearly he's out, but with what?
Floyd has zero chance of getting to the edge in cover 2.
Dax is just took big and slow to keep up on a wheel route.
I wish we'd stop giving them yards.
We are playing 10 yards off their WR's and then wondering why they are picking up 3rd and 7's.
three times in a row we just give the receiver the sticks
Been doing it all game. 3rd and long and we play 8+ off the LOS
WHY THE FUCK ARE WE PLAYING SO FAR OFF
...and yet there's no one back to prevent the long play.
how many 3rd downs have we given up?
All of them.
Again. They just suck
Great job accounting for that pesky QB rush.
That was on Ashby.
Add Hayden Moore to the list of backups that have torched us.
When their starter went down I literally turned to my wife and said "that's not good, we've gotten torched by backups this year....and this backup has a lot of experience."
It seemed almost impossible that nobody tackled him before he scored
Yes it does, it's 2018
Not for long mercifully
That was embarrassing top to bottom on that play
Gettin tard of this "young" team shit. They've played a whole season. If youth is the issue on this team then that lies somewhere between Fuente and Beamer.
How do you let that happen
God we fucking suck. That dude looked like he was walking in quicksand and outran our entire defense
Ashby must have money on Cincy
he might still be hurt
Tackling.
Is.
ATROCIOUS.
Either missed assignments and a big play or they just methodically drive down the field. I have very little confidence in this defense, especially since Cincy's offense is supposed to be their weakness.
Another backup QB owning Foster
He was the starter last year. But sure.
WTF does that have to do with anything? The dude was literally the backup quarterback. OP didn't say "spring chicken, never seen a snap quarterback".
Foster doesn't miss assignments or tackle....but it's clear these player didn't get better over the season
Dude, what defensive call works when your whole defense can't run down a dude running a 5.2 that was just ridiculous
WTF are our LBs doing they are just straight guessing and hamnering a hole. No reading.
Bud needs to hire a LB coach and just be the DC.
I will say it seems to be a similar problem to the early Motuapuaka years and he turned out alright.
Hayden Moore makes Josh Jackson look like Usain Bolt. And yet he just went past all of our guys.
We have the most tentative tacklers, pass rush, coverage....
Feels like we have a Jimmys-and-Joes problem on defense. That's not going to get solved in the offseason. Prepare for end-of-Beamer-era hell for the next couple of years
Gonna have to score 30 to win.
Good call. Them having 28 and all
Maybe more than that
we got 31
We couldn't tackle a 90 year old with a walker.
Wheatley with a great return
Thanks Wheatley. Alright offense.
That's why we haven't fair caught a kickoff all year. To set this one up.
Last team to have the ball wins. This is about to be a shoot-out.
So...they can holding.
Great kick return. Holding the next play. God we are so undisciplined
Big return, immediately hold
BPT!!! Hope he is okay
Fuck, Turner's down.
What a catch but Tre. Holding on to the ball thorugh what is most likely a concussion.
#2 is gone.
They hurt Tre....fuck these mother fuckers
Question for the group if a helmet to helmet targeting hit causes a fumble the fumble gets overturned correct?
I had the same question because I was amazed that he held onto it.
That's a good question. Everyone just stood around and did not pounce on the loose ball. I wonder if the play is automatically dead. I think there is a similar rule if the ball carriers helmet comes off.
Yup. Happened vs. Duke with either Terrell/Tremaine a few years ago.
Yes it happened to us against Duke 2016 with Terrell forcing a fumble, then he got ejected for targeting and they gave duke the ball back and the 15 yards.
Pretty sure the play is dead as soon as they call it targeting
Not certain, but I would think so.
Hell of a catch!!! Targeting to boot
Now THAT is targeting.
damn nice play but hope Tre is ok
And that's textbook targeting, leading with the crown of your helmet.
Get outta here #2
Tossed!
100% targeting. Hope Tre is okay. He was out cold for a few seconds there.
lol that's targeting
He was out for a second. He may be done for the day.
Throw hiz azz outta there!
Go at #11 and shut his ass up!
And this fucking idiot with his own mouthpiece stuck in the back of his helmet.
I have never understood why players are not penalized for not having a mouthpiece in. If we're worried about player safety, that is.
This is a penalty in high school football.
If you recall earlier this season, QP got in for a series (maybe his first ever) and played all three downs with his mouthpiece stuck in his face mask.
Too bad #11 isn't taking an early shower.
Looked like Tre's arm lost sensation as he ran off the field . Looks like a stinger although he got hit in head .
Faker, faker touchdown maker!
Alright, back in the lead.
Great run by Willis
Willis made the right read that time!
Great blocking from our receivers on that touchdown!
Man Willis is fast
He's a better athlete than most give him credit for.
Nice Willis
Great outside block, Hazelton
Willis faked out the crowd, cameraman, and probably even Holston thought he had the ball.
good block by haz on the willis td
Willis made the right read!
Wow. The receivers blocked, the QB made the right read and points were scored. Good stuff.
Say what you will...but at least the offense showed up today!!!
Our offense in spite of flaws is playing pretty damn well against a Top 25 defense
nm
Make a stand D!
All day to throw.
Time for a turnover.
Buy a lottery ticket dude.
you got it
Yeah baby!
Beamer Ball
RIVERS!!!
Crazy because I just happened to be watching that route after the snap too.
YES!!!!!
blatant holding there
edit: my stream is late, saw people posting about the Rivers INT before it happened!
Rivers!!!!!
RIVERS
Feels like it's been since the FSU game that we have picked a QB off
We did it against Marshall.
ALMOST a pick 6!
Rivers is back? Well okay then.
Hell yeah!
Speaking of Rivers...
Excellent route by Rivers. He has great timing and rhythm with the QB.
I think we need more than 3. Punch this in
Idk why Rivers hasn't been playing more lately since he's been healthy again . Dax should be splitting time with Ashby where Rivers is more of a true backer than Dax.
Does Dax have the Mike position defensive alignment calls down?
Hence why I said split time .
Go fer it.
Man a td would be yuuuge.
You gotta go for it here on 4th down.
go for it
OL dig down deep here.
....wtf was that
And hindsight says take the points uh.
Hindsight is don't call such a stupid play
UGLY
I think Willis tripped over the feet of one of our lineman or the running back
One of the worst plays I've ever seen in my life
I don't think that could have gone any worse.
You all want to know why Fuente kicks FGs?
This.
Beamer used to do this all the time - try to 'gain momentum' by going for it when points were available.
Just take the f#cking points, dammit. We could have been up by six, so even if Cincy scored another TD, we'd only need another FG.
Take the f#cking points, dammit!
I love the play call! If Keene had just chipped the guy on his way out, its a TD
And.....that's why we dont go for it on 4th down..
Keene was wide open for a touchdown...ugh.
I can only laugh on the sheer comedy of errors that VT football has been this season
WTF?
well thats about the worst thing that could have happened
Pretty sure that wasn't the play...
Wth?? We line up in a strong offset I formation for probably the first time in the Fuente era on such a crucial drive?
Agreed. I only like that formation if we're going for a QB sneak. After having the mesh point be out of shotgun for 99% of the season, that play has a decent chance of failure.
Exactly. People underestimate the footwork and timing that goes into taking a snap undercenter and then executing a handoff or play fake. Why do that on a crucial play when you practice literally the opposite of that 99% of the time?
Ummmmm......well, then.
Our inability to execute when we only need 1 yard is mind boggling.
Wow...can't just play it straight...
Oh my
Most 2018 Virginia Tech Football play of all time
That QB run just earned my vote....
FG makes sense there to force them to need a TD to win and unable to tie with a FG, but I'm okay with going for it, but don't like that play call. We've run the ball well, why not line up and let Holston smash.
Oh ma. Wtf was that. Don't disagree with going for it. But that was an abortion.
Can we just go for it once without talking about it? Wonder what that would be like?
WTF is that play call?
Bullshit
If Willis doesn't trip over his own feet it's a touchdown.
No s hit. You needed 1 (one) yard!
Unrelated to recent events:
Why is Holston the lead back recently? He's been alright but he hasn't been the hot hand.
He has today
I thought that was McClease?
Well he got over 100 yards so obviously Fuente had to take him out. Don't want one RB getting too hot.
Kinda /s
Sometimes you just have to laugh at the complete ineptitude of this team.
That play probably won't have any impact on the game
WTF, I hate when they call timeouts just before big time plays. Seems like it hurts us more than it helps. I agree with going for it, but they super fucked up the process.
Cincy recovering the fumble fits this game.
Said the same. Get the D on their heels and then give them a chance to regroup. Our coaches play cutsie football.
Fuck this coaching staff. We get a turnover at the 12 yard line & cant even score a TD because we call a passing play on 4th & 1 instead of running it down their throats like we've been doing all day. Bunch of pansies on our staff
Counterpoint...that's what defenses are supposed to do.
Counterpoint, it was a pass all the way, Keene was legit uncovered on the play, and if Willis doesn't trip over his own feet Keene walks in for six.
Shoulda kicked the FG /s
QP for the dive. Cmon.
Man. I want them to just let Willis play, cause the dude is definitely a baller but then he does things like that.
The LBs were standing on the line. Just quick pitch it to the edge. Reason Sean Payton and Sean McVay are getting paid like gods. They seem to be the only two that can do then obvious on offense to succeed. It's funny bc the Rams offense is like 20 plays total.
Based on the last few weeks, teams have finally figured out the secret to slowing down the Rams offense. Bring the house at Goff every play and he will fuck up more times than not.
Cincinnati has recovered all three of their fumbles and one of ours!
That was one of the keys to the game.. Come on HOKIES!
I'm sending a copy of this to America's Funniest Videos and win some money.
We line up under center and then don't sneak it - WTF? If you're going to run that, stay in the shotgun.
I didn't know what to do there.
Need a stop now
Hahaha, we look like a monkey fuckin a football on that shit.
Omg the mad man did it again. What the fuck?
Holy shit that is embarrassing. Fucking tackle.
Can we do tackling drills the ENTIRE offseason?
tackle...please.
FUCK DAMMIT! TACKLE THE FUCK DAMN QB!!!
Are you serious!????
you have to be fucking kidding me, how does that happen?????::??:?????
We appear to have problems tackling. /s
Holy crap how many missed tackles just happened there on that QB run
Every single defender needs to spend the entire offseason at tackling camp.
Feel like I'm watching remember the Titans right now.
Farley fucked up again.
So embarrassing the tackling
The whole team missed the QB there. Pathetic
Can we get any pressure on the QB?? And a holding call to boot?? Fuck
How the hell do you call that?
These referees are absolute fucking dumbasses
That ball was uncatchable. Holding should have been the call.
It's not two hand touch boys!
We're gonna need another turnover to get a break here.
LMAO the ball wasn't in the frame of the replay
I'll take it. Looks like Rivers is in for Dax.
Whew!
Thanks Cincy for that touchback
Bum bum bum bum bummmmm
This didn't age well.
That needs to be giftory with a Mario Kart banana peel added in for full effect
Dodged a huge bullet on that gaffe. Leon Lettesque.
Are we capable of sustaining a six minute touchdown drive to wrap up this victory?
D is great bumping into people.
I say this now. No free passes next year from here.
They've pretty well today. I want a win today but can't argue too much with how the boys have played for the most part.
Which boys? This defense is absolutely awful
I guess you can bash a bunch of freshman expecting them to play like seniors. They are who they are at this moment.
Lol, cute. If you think they are not bad, you're kidding yourself.
Someone on twitter at the game game says McClease got some attention from trainers on sideline after his last series.
This game is ridiculous
That's a blow job call
Welp
Bull. Shit.
Um.... no.
That's the correct call. Though it would be nice if these refs could get one right the first time.
Since when does it matter when he had it if he kept fucking running?
If you put this officiating crew in a barrel full of nipples, they'd come out sucking their thumbs.
Many flags but all in all I'm good with this MW ref crew
A 98 yard VT drive to end the game would be nice.
It was not to be.
Penalties have killed us.
EDIT: fuck it, whatever
Looked much more like Keene was being held
It's literally the same ref throwing flags against us
Keene was being held there...
So Keene gets held coming off the line and it's offensive pass interference?
WTF with that QB DRAW
QB draw. What a fucking surprise?
It's getting a little ridiculous. There is so little faith in our QB to make a crucial throw on 3rd and long without risking a TO.
And Hooker is sick today.
Who gets the feeling we can blow this one too
And jjuslike that Moore busts it
[Raises hand]
This is the worst officiated game I've ever watched
They've made some bad calls, but it's not the worst I've seen.
I thought most of the calls they made were credible (the call on Keene a glaring exception), but it's the ones they missed that suck.
What a horseshit call on the offensive PI. Defender comes up and grabs him and it's on Keene?
Cmon defense. Need you to step up more than ever now.
Amen
Again playing not to lose...not playing to win. Even the radio guys knew it should have been an attempt to Kumah to either catch or get the interference call
Let them score quickly so we can get the ball back.
Refs. Fuck this. We could have done better but no.
Or mot
This game is some fucking horse shit
Yeah, I feel like there are some fucky calls going against us at the end of the game.
No doubt it all comes to a head on this final defensive series.
Can we please fit a gap!
Nope. Sorey
Swiss cheese defense.
We are in a bad spot
Worst tackling defense I've ever seen
Keene gets wrapped up and it's OPI
That's fucking bullshit
I called for Beamer Ball earlier
We had the opportunity to put this one away and didn't. Hopefully we get one more chance.
painful to listen to at this point
Best case there. We have a minute and a half left.
This defense is terrible
Not fair.
It's accurate
Well now we at least know what we have to do. Our defense couldn't keep a G5 team from scoring 35, maybe our offense is capable of scoring 38 on a G5 team.
The Big 12 transformation continues. Let the softness flow through you.
Hey that's a P6 team I'll have you know
Well now we got time to do something I guess.
Four missed tackles on that Cincinnati TD.
I'm playing the stock market Wednesday.
Too many ducking reviews. NSS!
The calls have been bad, but we're not really playing to win in any sense of the term. Defense has been as soft as we've seen all season, and the offensive coaches aren't being aggressive.
This ^^^
How would you characterize the 4th and 1 call exactly? Conservative?
Our coaches have also clearly spent zero time teaching fundamentals.
I have seen middle school teams with better tackling technique
Yes. I bet the didn't even practice anything. Just let them have time off.
Fire them all we could do better hence we are getting paid to do so currently......smh
That's not what he said.
So going for it on 4th wasn't aggressive? Having those 3 points right now would be a world of difference. Maybe and I'm just going out on a limb that don't have personal to run something more aggressive. Willis isn't lighting things up out here.
What do you want him to when his OC is calling a qb draw on 3rd and 13? Or a slow developing play action bootleg pass on 4th and 1 near the goal line? We are handicapped at a fundamental level before the ball is even snapped with these decisions
My, how far we've fallen in recent years.
Surprised? We still have time. Jeeze
Zero Dline penetration
worst tackling I've seen in 32 years of watching VT football.
on the bright side that atleast leaves us some time with 2 time outs
We have 1:29 to score. It is not over yet (even if it doesn't look good).
Can we just fire this defense into the sun and just recruit half a roster of new defensive players this offseason?
Every last one of them is useless
Fuck off
Our D hasn't been good today, but they haven't been good all season. What is disappointing is that the offense had opportunities and didn't cash in on them.
The offense has played pretty well but our play calls have been ultra-scared at critical moments
The 4th and 1 was "ultra scared"? Give me a break. Some of our fans are beyond insane.
Scared to just line up and exert our will upon a team of less talented athletes. We cry and cry about clemson having better players than us and we can't beat them... then we turn and play trickeration against a team of players we wouldn't even recruit. Big boy football is pulling it out and laying it on the table and knowing youll win the measuring contest. You can point to running a play on 4th and 1 as being aggressive, but it's still that small ball mentality in the back of these coaches minds that is always going to prevent us from being the big dog
Whatever you want to tell yourself to feel better. We lost to Cincinnati in 1995. We lost to Cincinnati in 2012. It's not the first time and it's not the end of the world.
Defense playing terrible but come on Fuente, give Ryan Willis and your receivers a chance to win the game on 3rd down.
We gave him a chance. Locked on to Hazleton in double coverage and lobbed an INT. He got bailed out with a weak pass interference call and then did it again two plays later.
But yeah that's probably Fuente and Cornelson's fault too.
I posted this on the drive before our final drive. The one where they called a QB draw on 3rd and 16 so we could punt to the 50 and set Cincy up for a game winning drive.
The water analogy is the stupidest shit I've ever heard. You could use any material or none at all and it would still get the point across exactly the same.
Well we've won the TOP so where is the giftory post?
If we had taken care of business, we would have 41 points right now.
I have more faith in our offense to score 7 than our defense to prevent 7 today
Just over 70 yards to go
What will Cornelsen pull out of his hat here on this drive????
Why didn't they put three seconds back on clock after that TD?????
Nobody seemed to notice that several seconds ticked off after the TD, but before the clock stopped.
That's what I was wondering as well. At least two seconds burned after the player was clearly in. I guess it didn't end up mattering though.
Dodged a HUGE dagger there.
Willis needs to be smart here. No more second chances in this game.
Oh man my heart.
Willis is the guy who knocked him out there.
True to form.
The rain would come back right now
We could be down by only a point right now.
When Haz can't even lift his arms. That's PI.
AND THERE'S THE DAGGER!!!
As Fuente said.... "damnit Ryan"
This is our future
No, it's our past.
How you feeling about Willis now?
Fine. Both of those throws were five. He threw to where the WR would be if he wasn't inteferred. Otherwise kid can gane. We just have the worst playcalling ever. No rhythm or flow. A 3 yr old can tell what at is coming. I don't blame Willis at all.
If HH was our QB we don't even make a bowl game.
Lmao.
The mental gymnastics to blame the offensive coaches no matter what would be hysterical if it wasn't so sad.
Felt like we totally quit after the pick play call
Can I get these 4 hours of my life back?
Its hard to believe that we don't have a P5 QB on this roster.
this might be the worst take in TKP history
Especially QP. He hasn't even completed a pass this season. Should have his scholarship revoked.
The problem is our O-line. A strong O-line makes average QBs and RBs looks like Heisman candidates. Clemson's QB would not fare so well with our "n"O-line.
Yes, the line looked good at times, but not consistent.
Well, fellow Hokies, it was a good run.
Not a good run by any stretch of the imagination
I was referring to the winning season run of 26 years, not this game or year.
Ah, yes. That was indeed a good run. It's history now.
Unfortunately, our Win-Loss record in bowl games is not impressive, especially with so many bowl games.
I hate everyone in this bar.
...wait, I'm at work.
Save myself. I'm upset. Listening at work. So many opportunities to put this game away squandered.
bye bye 26 straight winning season streak
Nobody cares about 26 straight winning seasons.
At first I was going to disagree, but after thinking about it, you're 100% right. Alabama isn't on that list and I think they're doing just fine.
I respectfully disagree. Bragging rights count and I think being on a winning team appeals to recruits.
Good job Willis
How was that not pass interference
I think it was kind of a legal way to do it. Just be between the receiver and the ball.
I think it could have been called.
Except he bear hugged him
Yeah, should have been called.
I thought so at the time, anyway.
There we go. First losing season since George Bush was president. George HW Bush.
And that's all she wrote, folks! First losing season in 26 fucking years. In Fu we trust.
Why do you throw into double coverage!?!!?! Cause he's your roommate?!??!
it was single coverage with a safety in zone coverage coming over. He needs to learn to look off the safety though.
Things I learned from this game: not what pass interference is
Somehow it's fitting that some dude named Coby Bryant would end our 25 year winning season streak.
Losing season. I think I got 5 points in the pool so that good.
No passes.
Remember the good old days and pass the bottle.
Remember the good old days when we used to have winning seasons? Pepperidge Farm remembers.
After this, we need an END OF SEASON VENT THREAD, not a postgame vent thread. 1st losing season since '92? '94?
If anyone has the energy for that, more power to them. I'm done. Fuck this mess. On to 2019.
Okay now that the season is done, we'll see how serious Whit and Fuente are about winning. This staff needs some significant changes.
Cornelson should be selling Auto Insurance this time next year.
As bad as FSU was this year, Walt Bell got a HC job.
What rumors you hear around Cornelson?....crickets
Even at Houston "winning isn't 8-4, it's 10-2"
We'll take a losing season and it's just fine 'because we're young'
Yeah if Willis is our QB next year I'm quitting VT football for a while
Bye
So edgy
So UVA-like
Ok cool.
I won't quit, but I understand the sentiment. Honestly, I think we have a worse season next year if he's our QB and the defense doesn't at least improve some the bowl and UVA streaks, at a minimum, are going to end.
Agreed. I think Willis is only playing cuz daddy is BFF with Shibest. Wasted year to get Hooker some valuable experience. I just don't think Fuente's offense is a threat unless we have a true running threat at QB. If Willis sees the field next year, I'm turning the TV off. Yeah yeah, whatever. Not interested in watching a dumpster fire.
Consider the possibility that Willis is likely the best we have. If QP was truly the real deal, he should have been able to take some significant snaps this game. Also consider the possibility that Fu isn't exactly what he was hyped up to be, that he's not a QB whisperer and might not be capable of bringing VT back to its past glory. It's going to be a very long and bitter offseason.
With Hooker out QP was the backup, backups don't play unless the starter is hurt or pulled.
Oh come on - that's an obvious and egregious PI. The DB bear hugged him before the ball arrived to prevent him from making a play.
We lost to Cincinnati with their 2nd string QB playing most of the game.
Fuente better make a lot of improvement next season or the seat is gonna be hot.
It only gets worse next year. 3-9
Do you have a crystal ball or something? How do you know? What do you have to go on?
The defense this season has been hot garbage. I really don't think it takes a huge step forward next season. Unless the offense improves, it will be another rough season.
This 100%
Who was a senior and started last year.....
In all fairness, that 2nd stringer was a senior with over 6000 yards passing in his career and the starter until the second game this year.
Who was so good he had a Freshman playing over him.
And ran for 40+ yds. with his 5.2 forty yr dash time.
If QP wins the starting job next year, and he gets injured in the bowl game and JJ or RW finishes the game, would expect much drop off in QB production?
That's nearly the scenario Cincy had.
look on the bright side, maybe we see coaching staff changes next year
Shitty play calls again
Shitty play execution again
What a season for VT football ....
Well. Congrats to Cincy. This is literally their ceiling and we were as low as we could be. I'll still sleep ok tonight
Don't knock Cincy. They are better than us. Better coach, better defense, better backup apparently
You'd rather have their coach than Fuente???
I'd rather have their OC...and who ever teaches them tackling.
Agree with you. What I'm saying is in the grand scheme of things, this is the one of the best seasons Cincy will ever have, and they still struggled to beat one of our worst teams to date
EDIT: this all while being in the Military Bowl
I won't
We are garbage and I'm afraid we will remain garbage unless Fuente gets his head out of his ass and fires Cornelson
But who dictates that we go ultra-scared at critical moments? Fuente or Cornelson?
Does corny play on defense?! Puzzled look!
How the fuck was that last play not pass interference? Way more blatant than the previous one! What a shitty way to end the game and the season.
Ballgame was over if we don't call some cheeky BS on a 4th and 1 on Cincy 2. Yes, execution was obviously a problem but the play call was too much.
I said this as soon as we lined up under center. Gashing them up the middle for 4/5 every time. Why the fuck do you line up under center with a QB who is not comfortable under center, roll out into the blitz, and look to the back of the endzone when you need 1 yard?
Exactly this! I thought the play calling was pretty good today (with a few glaring exceptions), but that play tried to get too cute.
You have a thread full of people whining about ultra conservative play calling. So what was it? Ultra conservative or cheeky BS?
For what it's worth I didn't love the 4th down call but this just goes to my point that people don't even know what they are complaining about. VT fans are just conditioned to freak out about the offensive coaching no matter what.
Personally I thought the play calling as a whole was good. But the risk/reward in the situation falls to heavily against us. For a guy like Fuente who's big on minimizing risk and taking what's certain I think that play call is too cute for that down and situation. I have no idea if we get it playing smash mouth, but for a team that's struggled with execution all year giving them a play that requires greater execution seems like a poor choice. Get the 1st then make that call.
I don't give a shit about conservative play calling when it's working. Today, it worked and we gashed them for 200+ on the ground. So logically, we abandoned it when we needed to pick up 3 FEET to win the game.
I'm upset that this offensive staff can't recognize when something is working (like the run game today) and when it isn't. They lack the adaptability that would enable them to fully utilize all of our offensive weapons. I know what I'm bitching about when I start bitching.
I don't disagree with you on the 4th down call and wasn't calling out you specifically but more of a comment toward the entire thread as a whole.
All good I didn't think you were. Probably unnecessary but I felt like expanding on my original post.
Tech's defense didn't improve much if at all all season. Youth is an unacceptable excuse at this point in the season. Changes have to happen.
We were not a P5 team, at all, this year.
I predicted 7-5 before the season and everybody thought that was too pessimistic. Turns out I overestimated this team
Well, at least you didn't come back and brag about it.
Touché
Just felt like the personnel on D was too big a dropoff. I guess I didn't realize just how bad that dropoff was going to be. I've never seen a VT defense this soft. And so much for CJF's innovative offense being able to cover for it.
Seriously, though, imagine how bad our record would have been with O'Cainspring running our offense. I don't think we even have Marshall considered before the UVA game if they had the helm.
This is going to be an excruciatingly long offseason.
There is no way it can be as long as the season we just went through.
Pretty brutal.
That's saying something after last offseason.
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