The Hokie Bird enjoys his evening. [Mark Umansky]
Who: Virginia Tech Hokies (3-2, 1-2 ACC) vs Rhode Island (1-4, 0-3 CAA)
When: Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 4:00 PM EDT
Where: Blacksburg, Virginia | Lane Stadium (66,233)
Watch/Listen: ACC Network / Virginia Tech IMG
Spread: Virginia Tech -25.5
Weather: 70°F, Chance of Showers
Series: The Hokies are 1-0 all-time against the Rams, with the sole victory coming by a comfortable 27 points back in 1980.
Reppin' TKP: Mark Umansky is photographing.
The Key Players Club: TKP's benefactors group is 738 strong, make a move and become No. 739.
Discuss today's game and festivities here. Avoid leaving play-by-play, we're all watching. Remember to follow the community guidelines.
Tags:
Section:
Comments
LET'S GO!!!
HOKIES!!!
HOKIES!!!
HOKIES
Need some technical help to get the game. Anyone use sling?
I do, whats up? If you just now bought the Sports Bundle for ACCN just give it a couple hours for it to actually update, it's not immediate.
I'm doing a free trial and I won't get the code until noon at least.
So ACCN is a special sports tier? What's the cost it doesn't tell me since it's a free trial.
$10. Also the subscription update should be almost immediate. You may need to force stop the app and clear its cache to force it to reload everything
Let's go Hokies!
Killllllllllllllll
I have a confession to make. Last week waa the first time I listened to Enter Sandman this season. I'm sorry. I learned from my mistake and listened to it this morning and will again right before kickoff.
Glad you got that fixed! I also found an issue that has since been corrected. My dogs haven't been wearing their jerseys. 4/4 dogs are already wearing their jerseys!
Exact opposite for me. When my dog wears his blanket or collar we struggle.
Not directly related to this game, but Miami beat uva 17-9. I know it's a bunch of kids playing these games but several streaks (wins over uva, and bowls streaks) are looking more plausible than some were predicting a couple of weeks ago. The important thing is to take care of business today. Go Hokies!
IIRC FCS opponents do not count toward bowl eligibility, so it's still gonna be tight.
One does. HOWEVER there are unlikely and rare situations where it MIGHT matter. But have to know the teams grad rate too before saying it could matter this year.
Big lost for the Wahoos from a coastal crown perspective as well.
Still early but GT is up on Duke right now. Mathematically more possible to win the Coastal (didn't think I would say that after the Duke loss).
My reserved expectations going into this game...
Well, at least there is something exciting to watch until 4:00!
Y'all in the stands look for Andy Bitter, he is trying something new and taking a game in from the fan perspective.
My wife says this ACCN crew is way too tame and boring.
Cotter sounds like he's too used to calling highlights in the studio and hasn't quite gotten into a booth groove.
The play by play guy looks like he'll put a roofie in your rail.
Lmao
Just got Sling to come on and the quality looks like I'm watching an old Napster video I downloaded in my dorm room.
Yea I can't get how people just cut the chord completely. Relying on an internet connection to watch especially live sports just isn't up to cable.
Youtube TV on a wired ethernet connection has had zero buffering or frame drops for me over the past 1.5 years.
276 Mbps
At that point bandwith does not matter. Wireless interference is going to cause buffering and frame drops. Get a streaming device with an ethernet port and you will be golden. I have 1,000Mbps internet through Google Fiber, but streaming is still shaky over wifi. It's absolutely flawless on a wired connection.
The TV is wired to router. Not sure what else will help.
Get a dedicated streaming device (Like a Roku Ultra). Streaming apps on Smart TVs are garbage and the TV's themselves don't have the horsepower to provide a consistent streaming experience.
I have no issues streaming Youtube TV to a chromecast either. Sling is terrible.
Ditto on that. Streaming straight from YouTubeTV app. Drops occasionally but disconnect and reconnect and it's humming again.
To be honest, we haven't noticed a difference this year. I haven't had any issues streaming any games so far.
Only noticeable I guess when I look online and see that my stream is behind by a minute sometimes.
Looks great on Hulu though a Firestick.
it might be worth trying the ESPN app and logging in with your Sling TV credentials. When I had Sling TV, the Sling TV app would work better on my Roku and the ESPN would work better when casting to a Chromecast.
Low snap, slowed the play down
I haven't been following this week. Is Tre sitting this week too?
Where the fuck is everybody?
Are the high passes over the middle by design or nerves? I remember guys having to stretch a lot last week too.
Reminds me a lot of Logan Thomas with the high throws
Really poor play design on that 3rd and goal. The offense wasn't set up for success right there.
Powerhouse Rhode Island with the impressive goal line stand. Lol
The ACC network is fucking garbage and everyone responsible for this roll out needs to be taken out back in stadium woods and shot.
I was promised secn type carriage, and this is fucking bullshit.
(Been on a bourbon street bender since wednesday, so excuse my piss poor attitude)
Are you not able to view the game?
I've had a frustrating day. Wife picked a bar that the internet said has Hokie watch parties. Perfect, she's amazing.
Staying in a hotel in the french quarter nola. Hard Rock hotel fell down this morning and totally destroyed traffic in new orleans today. No way to get a car in or out of downtown. Walked a mile, 40 minute uber to get 1.8 miles as the crow flies.
Bar doesn't have the acc network. Don't care, put Vandy up (wife went to vanderbilt) I'll watch tech on my phone.
Oh. Right. I always forget that the accn is stuck in fucking 1994 and you can't watch games on the fucking app. I'm actually somewhat unclear what the actual point is.
It's probably been 5 years since I was unable to watch a Tech game on my phone. I live out west so blackouts didn't effect me and btwn watchespn and the fox sports app I could always find it.
Until this year.
Wait. Back up. Hotel fell?
Holy shit. Thank God no one got hurt.
1 dead
18 injured
3 unaccounted for
1 dead, 3 missing, and 18 injured
Now saying 1 dead, 18 injured, 2 missing
Look from opposite side, cars just made it out of the way.
We just are not good in the trenches..period
Well, I guess 3 is better than 0.....
plz fire Corny
Conservative playcalling in the red zone, but we have to be able to impose our will down there against this level of competition.
Very disappointing to settle for 3 right there.
Well, another week, another week of weak 0-line play on the run. ugh!
Cornelsen is Stiney come back to haunt Tech!
Why do we waste so many plays trying to run McClease up in the interior? He never hits the right gap and is too small to get any yards after contact.
It's not McClease, it's the O-line not opening holes.
The O-line have had their struggles in run blocking, but McClease has rarely shown good vision on interior runs.
Dax is pumped up!
Why...just why?
that was a bad penalty
That ref doesn't think Fuente shows enough emotion ......./s
Fuente mad. Lol
Mark Herzlich has to be the worst announcer in the history of football outside of Phil Sims
C'mon, get a turnover baby
Turnover!! is the ref are lovin' Tech... but don't hold your breathe
Not really though
Meh, he was down.
RI should have run the play, they proably would have gotten it.. Good thing they didn't
I want to see an explosive play for a TD right here.
I'd love to see a jet sweep with a reverse.... TD!
Keene is a BEAST!
Ugh game just bugged out on ESPN app
Is it just me or do we slip or loose our footing way more than other teams?
That's textbook targeting. Ball carrier was already going down and the second defender launched the crown of his helmet into the head area.
I swear they change how targeting is called every week.
Isn't that the definition of targeting right there?
Did the penalty get overturned?
For some unknown reason yes. ACC reffing at its finest, get it right on the field, and screw it up in the booth.
Busch league crew. Textbook targeting there.
Acc refs
I'd throw it up two more times here.
So Hazelton forgot how to catch during his hiatus?
He remembered
Right after I hit Post of course
Why can't I watch this game on the ESPN app?
that should have been a TD
Jet sweep in the red zone! My favorite play call ever!!!!
It's nice to see Hazelton back.
gotta love Hooker's poise there
what would last year have looked like if we went with him?
I know this OL is young, but some of these play designs are broken in a very elemental way. Head scratching really
Young is NO excuse!
I should have clarified. I'm more concerned about play design.
No arguments there!
Ace with smoke right in his face. I really like hooker
Nice throw Hendon!
That my pillow commercial is creepy as fuck
Parker Romo? Any relation to Tony?
First mention of the vomit against Miami?
Go Tisdale!
Reggie Floyd is awful
He has regressed so much over the past two seasons. Makes me wonder what the hell is going on because I know Bud didn't forget how to coach.
I could be totally wrong on this, but is it just the fact that he's no longer surrounding by NFL talent all over the field? Feels like those guys were just covering up for him
That is definitely part of it. He had way fewer opportunities to get punked with the Edmunds bros, Stroman, Walker, and Settle dominating.
Sheesh
Damn we have a very easy weakness to exploit at a very critical position on the field
It really sucks that Reggie Floyd is our big time senior leader and therefore has almost no chance of ever being benched for performance
He is not being benched because there is no quality depth at the position ATM, not because he is a senior leader.
Who would you put in for him? Hunter?
Worth a shot
Floyd smh
That was a short kickoff
Applauding HH accuracy with a highlight of a ball thrown very high and behind to Keene. Lovely analysis Mark.....
Nice run King!
That WAS a catch!!! Great effort
His foot is clearly out of bounds.
They are saying his foot was on the line, but it is an INCREDIBLE effort!
The overall design of our Running game is mystifying at times.
McClease's foot was on the white, but what a damn catch
That may be the best incompletion of all time.
They should give it to him, I don't care where his toe is, he deserves it.
The photographer in that orange shirt just got an amazing shot of that McClease snag...
Yeah, that helmet almost showed some ball skills too.
I really hope McClease is wearing a cup.
Wow Hazelton
Hazelton is getting into form...can't wait until him and Tre can stay on the field together.
Dude is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
We're rolling now!
Damn Quincy looks big
And he's a good tackler! Need to cut those blonde locks, though.
French has pointed it out in almost every review this season, but every defensive player sits and waits for the ball carrier to get to him rather than attacking.
Could Mike Barbers tweets be any more condescending? Jesus he loves to slip cheap shots into almost every one.
I wonder what the offense would have looked like with a healthy Hazelton. He makes his own offense and was Willis' safety blanket last year.
Did you know they're roommates?
Wow this defense
Guys, we can't get off the field against Rhode Island. This defense is far from mediocre
Game recap so far: Offense good, Defense bad
Well, at least this was what we all expected when the season started. I guess there's some good news there.
Quillen needs to step it up. He's getting burned and chasing the receiver, not covering him.
Slant to 8 who has beaten our guys off the line. Rinse and repeat.
Those FG's looked like they are shanked every time he hits it.
Can we clone Tisdale and play with 11 Tisdales on D
Need to score before half time. Remind these cheap shot artists they're in the burg.
I'll trade TDs for FGs all day.
Know we're trying not to show too much on D, but we need to blitz some/create pressure. They're WRs are too good to be given this much time.
Also, #8 is killing us.
Not sure why RI is kicking it short, we have a terrible return game.
Cause he's not a good kicker?
Damn. Haze dropping the bullseye from Hooker
Damn that was a dime
Shame HH isn't a good passer and not accurate.
Hooker is looking good throwing the ball today
These WR's still not blocking well.
Come on boys protect your qb
I hate Corny's third down play calls.
Edit: of course he wouldn't have needed to find a play for 3rd and a hundred if Damon would have caught the ball.
I hateeeeeee that stupid crossing route that hasn't worked alllllll season
Underwhelming first half...
Lol. That call
2nd and 18, clock running under a minute, slightly out of field goal position, and we run it. Why?
Horrible play calling at the end of the half. Hooker needs to spot the defense and adjust. Hopefully, he will improve in this area.
Are they gonna go for the kick?
That run call after the sack screwed the drive.
Sleep waking.
In that case we've been sleep walking in every half this year minus the first half of the Miami game.
BOOOOOOOOO
TOP: URI: 14:47 VT: 15:13....I'm blaming the first half on the D, inspite of that last drive.
I had mission bbq today so i feel good no matter what happens 😃
ACC Championship commercial featuring clips of all the previous ACC championship games.
No sightings of UVA in there...
Defense needs to adjust. Letting them hang around is ridiculous. Can we get a three and out?
Why don't we run dime? They can't rush (8 yards), and we have no pass rush.
Never mind. Guess they can rush.
Slant again surprise we can't stop
Getting destroyed by the quick slants
They must've watched the Duke game
I'm prepping myself for the Sluggo. Probably why we're content to keep everting in front
I guess someone will start a thread after this game asking "if we all overreacted after the Miami win"
Rhode Island has found something that works and they are sticking to it! Hokies look absolutely helpless out there against that offense...
WTH is Quillen doing
Keeping them from scoring long.
Quillen has not been very good in coverage today.
Quillen was a problem in the Miami comeback. Miami picked on him consistently.
How can we get zero pressure on RI? A 1 and 4 RI?
BOOO!!! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
This ACC team is looking really good against this 1 win FCS team.
Lmao at all y'all that said we overreacted before the Miami game.
I saw that busted coverage before the ball was snapped... such elementary things here.
Edit: My JV football squad is more disciplined than many parts of this defense.
They can't cover anyone. Defense is sad again. Oh I mean young.
The defense is playing like absolute shit
Pathetic play on D
When a catch is made, there will be a Quillen nearby watching.
I feel like im taking crazy pills.
Put Nadir in
We need to pull a DL. Go 3-2-6. Stop this dunk and dunk shit. Play press-man with safety covering zone.
...and a another great return
oh. my. god. what in the world was that Wheatley?
Shibest needs to go with Corny at seasons end.
Reports of our bakness appear to be optimistic and premature
Its a fluid situation. And what I mean by that is our backness, or lack thereof, changes from quarter to quarter.
Peeked in for a look at the score. Figured it might at least be a comfortable lead, if not what it ought to be considering the competition.
Painfully reminded that we are not a good team this year, and suspect that there are many many FCS teams that wish they had us on the schedule for a solid chance at knocking off an FBS opponent.
Shibest has to go when we clean house. No excuse for our return team to consistently put us inside the 20 on kickoffs. Should be gaunteed to be at the 25 with a fair catch.
We look like we are playing checkers on defense while RI is playing chess!
This game means absolutely nothing. ...Really!
We need to play loose and aggressive.
Jesus the ACC network with these ads is going to pay Tech like a $1.50.
So....no one on the second and third strings are getting reps in the second half versus Rhode Island?
Totally normal Power 5 football program we have right now. Nothing to see here.
I just don't get it. I mean I know we are nowhere near where we want to be and probably won't win the coastal but we should still drum teams like RI. There is no reason at all not to. The only way they should be moving the ball like this is in the 4th qtr when we have our 2s and 3s in and are up by like 40.
Ten years ago some of the guys playing now probably would have been second or third string players. Shrugs.
Is HG6 hurt? What about Mitchell? Both haven't been seen much (at all).
...right on queue Mitchell with the catch.
He's playing
Seriously-Herzlich can go f**k himself. This guy
This was me while he was a linebacker for the Giants.
Hooker took a shot and delivered a dime
Phrasing
Dime bag?
Who wants a back shoulder throw?
Mcclease hesitated, think he could've ran for a bit more there
He needs to run full speed, fall forward and at least get an extra yard if he cant get the edge. Instead he just stops and falls backward. Drives me crazy!
Yeah he looked like he was avoiding contact on that. He drives forward he gets a few more yards.
I screamed "don't stop" at the TV!
If you stop, burst straight ahead. Don't stop and give them time to catch you.
If only the defense could stop these clowns for a series or two
I think the RI offense are making a good argument for the clown shoes being worn on the other side.
I dunno if I feel so bad because of my strep throat, or watching this D try to get a 3 and out.
That was a good drive. Liked what I saw.
I hate that call (d lined up neutral zone). If the center picks up the ball, it should reset the LOS.
The person working the graphics for the tv broadcast must be drunk.
At least three times when they were putting a player's name above the score box (usually for a penalty), they had the wrong player listed. Once they used URI's 45 instead of ours. Then, they listed Phil Patterson instead of Belmar for #8. I can't remember the other one.
And then at least twice when we got the ball after a turnover on downs, our down and distance showed 4th and whatever. Not to mention that the graphics on the field didn't match the actual down and distance on half our plays.
This poor outing rest squarely on the shoulders of the defense... Allowing RI to grind out long drives. I'm definitely nog bullish on Fuente, but maybe he needs time to hire his DC to really try and establish whatever it is he wants do.
Who are the prospects?
For DC, I really like the guy at ODU. I think his scheme would be able to utilize the current personnel quite well.
For HC, I'll continue to beat the drum of Mike Houston.
I am actually WAAYYYY on board with hiring Mike Houston even though I don't know much about him outside of he coached JMU to the 2016 national championship and currently has a better recruiting class than us at ECU.
Slant coming !
How have we not figured out how to cover #8?
Put him on his ass at the snap!
We are getting NO pass rush.
How do we go from four picks on Miami to a secondary that looks like this?
Cause Miami bak!
Miami didnt watch tape from duke until halftime and threw outside.
Why isn't Tisdale in
Is it still OK to blame Nix for our poor Safety play?
Asking for a friend......
Well, at least the offense looks decent so far. It's amazing how far this defense has fallen. The one good thing is the defense has been great tackling the last two games.
How was that not a hold? LDE got tackled! By 2 guys. His jersey got pulled down to his knees.
This defense is... Not good
Our kick return team....just looks lost. It's like we don't even practice.
Makes me sad that a giant like Bud Forster is going to probably go out this year with this mess still not fixed.
Wow, the NEZ is just depressing.
Kind of like the state of our Defense
Hazelton should have caught that IMO
A correct read on a jet sweep. Thank God.
Two hands, Hazelton!
Everybody hated it when Bucky would catch it and fall, but at least he'd catch a pass like that
It's killing me that the offense has played a mostly complete game and if the defense played half as well this would be a blowout
Slow methodical drives may not satisfy some of the fans but I'll take it.
I don't think the slow methodical drives by our offense are the ones that we are worrying about
You may or may not be referring to our defense, but slow methodical drives have the benefit of keeping our D on the bench, giving the staff more time to coach them up / make adjustments while keeping the defense fresh. Wearing down their defense at the same time (in case there is a need for a late score for the good guys) is another benefit. [Captain Obvious, I know, but it was what I was thinking when I posted my original comment.]
Hazelton has had some good catches today and I'm glad he's back, but he's dropped 2 or 3 very catchable passes.
Our offense is suffering another TFL, NO o-line for a run game.
It only works when there is a delayed run.
Seriously who shit in Mike Barbers cereal. That guy takes a dig at us every chance he can.
Glad we didn't try anything cute there and just punched it in.
I like it when we execute. But if we would have gotten stopped we would have been complaining about conservative playcalls
What is with McClease. He's a different back the last two weeks. I know HH has helped the RO game. But he's suddenly making tacklers miss and falling forward.
Don't get me wrong...I like it.
Let's see what Bud dials up here. Stop here would close the game.
Another game of dink and dunk our linebackers coming up..............
Damn. Their WRs don't miss or drop any balls.
LOL, he still found someone.
Where's the student section?
That play where McClease was stuffed before his big run was comical. 2 O-lineman in great position leading the way and they forget to even touch the defenders, let alone block them.
McClease has some extra pop the last few weeks though which is great to see
He usually looks like he's moving slow, but has looked great today.
YAH!!!! we forced a punt!!!
A punt. What's that? Sounds neato.
Finally, a defensive stop
Did he just say "you're putting the ball back in Hookers hands"?
First forced punt of the half with 12 mins left in the 4th.
Note: offense has scored on 5 of 6 possessions today.
Bud may have to retire mid season. /s
And the single possession that didn't result in points was the one that ended the first half
Wake Forest might score 60 on us.
C/ATT YDS AVG TD INT
Vito Priore 20/33 224 6.8 1 0
That sloppy sound you hear is Sam Howell salivating
I'm glad he's pushing the ball down field, but seriously throw it to someone else.
Yet another drop by Hazelton
He is good at getting hit in the hands.
It looks like he mailing it in out there or something is seriously wrong. Why cant we get someone else out wide?
Smh
Mannnnn, we're falling into "Hazelton is the only receiver on the field" mode again. Willis did the same thing last year and it eventually started to hurt us.
Why is Quillen so damn far off the ball!
Because he's a liability to get beat deep
we're rushing three?????? Seriously?????
You would think after we have been beat my the slant 12-15 times, we would adjust.
Hazelton is taking on a Marcus Davis status. Lazy in running blocking, drops too many balls, and only occasionally makes a great play.
If the one on us earlier wasn't targeting, this one shouldn't be either.
If this is targeting, Floyd can't play the first half next week which would be good for us.
Yeah. Seemed like a BS call. He was making attempt to pull his head out of the way and hit with his shoulder. Receiver dipped down.
Maybe the secondary play will improve with Floyd out
His head was 6" off the field.
Our defense makes us no fun to watch. Second half last week into this week, along with most of the season so far.
So would we possibly have lost to a bottom feeder FCS program today if Willis started?
Targeting rules need to be reworked, how do you get called for targeting when going low?
That was an easy call. The WR was already almost on the ground when Floyd lead with his hemet to hit him. Textbook.
It shouldn't matter if a receiver is almost on the ground, until they're on the ground they're live.
What happens next time when a defensive player pulls up from making a tackle, but the receiver plants his hand, regains his balance, and runs for a touchdown?
You missed the point... There was zero reason for Floyd to do anything there. Combine that with the fact that he lead with the crown of his helmet. It was both parts stupid and illegal.
Why don't they call holding. CC22 got horse collared on the outside.
Embarrassing
WTF??!! Ashby covering slot receiver 30 yards downfield?
That's defensive play calling
It needs to be take out of the playbook.
...and like clockwork Ashby makes a big play deep in the 4th and goal (19). In the best at opposite predicting.
In a dogfight here folks.
You know how bad the last two years have been? I literally laughed when they completed that 4th and 10 play for 20 yards.
These guys suck.
I'm not watching this game (thanks ACCN and ESPN app) but I don't believe it's a coincidence that Bud has declined at the same time Fuente has been head coach.
There are some rumors floating around....
It the rumor is we suck...it's common knowledge.
Bud did this all on his own.
This decline On defense didn't start when Fuente got here.
Game over if we can stop a 4th and 19.......bets anyone?
They haven't been perfect, but the defense has held up in some critical stops this half.
Against Rhode Island.
Understand, but Rhode Island is who is lined up against us and we have to take care of them before we can play the next guys.
Now the offense goes conservative...
Seriously. Why can't our OL block a 1-4 FCS d-line. There are always 2-3 unblocked guys in our backfield.
Vice is a helluva recruiter.
That actually made me laugh.
Chances of success on this drive dropping rapidly
I guess we can expect a Meh Thread after this one?
McClease is suddenly a beast!
But...need to work on that stuff arm. Funny.
Man, they might have called that punching if he hadn't whiffed.
Tahj Gary sighting
Gary? Me likey!!!
Does seem a little odd to burn one of his 4 redshirt games at this point in a meaningless game..........
Gary!!
Tahj is looking thicc.
People have been calling for a bruiser to replace Peoples.
I liked Gary coming out of HS. He may add some much needed beef to the run game.
Has the first down "H-O-K-I-E-S" always sounded so terrible on the broadcast and I've just been too drunk to notice? Or is this game so depressing that I am too drunk now and it sounds normal?
Yes
The red zone follies show
Nah, Hooker botched that.
Better get those mistakes out now and not next week against unc
The first serious mistake will happen at some point. Hopefully Hooker will be able to shake it when it does. He's looked pretty good so far, so there is no reason to think he won't handle the mental aspect of it fine.
Please, yes! I would be so good to have the team play a mistake free game for my (and Beamer's) 50 year reunion game and come away with a big win.
I wish we would stop running HH at this point. Not worth the risk
How about Tahj Gary looking like a bowling ball.
HH does realize he has other receivers, right?
That was play design all coach
How did we score 10 points on that drive? /s
sucks Gary couldn't get his first TD there.
How can you simultaneously be glad to have a receiver back and already be tired of him?
Odds right now that we win by more than 10?
Very High odds, I'ld say
ACCN trolling the Hoos. Classic.
Can't help but think ECU would've beat us today...
QP4 with a couple huge handoffs.
...should be wait to see if they put 0:01 back on the clock for a final play?
Saving my next comment for the "Meh" thread.
so we won.
1-0 ??? I guess?
485 total yards on offense...maybe I'm coming off as spoiled, but if this defense could've stopped half of those quick slants this would've been a complete ass whoopin.
Bud needs to figure out this 3rd and long D. The zone is getting killed every time without a pass rush. I think waller and Farley could hold up in man. Bring the heat Bud!