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10 years 10 months
# | Locker Room Wrap: Hokies' Defense Befuddled by OSU Blocking Schemes, Playmakers AM was out of position the whole game... but we had a ton of db issues as well, communication wasn't pretty
On Braxton's long TD we had 2 DB'S Facyson and Stroman follow the rb out of the backfield leaving Frye to cover the 5 yard in and then Braxton deep.. he was 3 steps late getting back to Braxton and you know the rest
Guys, I found the problem:
http://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/finances/
Also, we don't seem to have those boosters who somehow make cars appear in certain recruits' driveways.
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10 years 10 months
# | Locker Room Wrap: Hokies' Defense Befuddled by OSU Blocking Schemes, Playmakers The play of the Mike linebacker was beyond poor it was embarrassing. Out of position, watching instead of reacting to plays, poor tackling. Bud has a major problem to solve. Pitt, BC, and that other ACC Tech must be chomping at the bit after watching this game.
we were close to getting McMillan into open space a few times. Also, he got slowed down by the kicker on a kick return. I think we too have some weapons, I'm sure Lefty is working on getting all his weapons onto the field.
They had a bunch there for 16, 17 and 18 but I haven't heard anything. I did however talk to yulee at halftime and he did say he was seriously considering tech, whether he was serious or not I have no clue but that is what he told me, he was with beckett and devon hunter.
We're not as close as we think we are. What Monday night showed is just how excruciatingly thin we are at talent. You don't completely abandon your gameplan and adjust your game strategy from "try to win" to "don't get injured" the second a starter gets hurt. Yes, it was the QB, but you have to be deep enough to take a hit like that and keep battling. The fact we even admitted to that in the post game makes it very clear just how close the coaches think we were to a complete disaster this season.
Yeah didn't mean to come off as comparing us to OSU. Like i said, we're never going to recruit with the likes of LSU, Bama, OSU, etc.
But what about the likes of Clemson, Louisville, TCU, Baylor.
I'd argue over the last 15 years we've been a more prolific team, but they're pulling in some pretty good talent.
It also seems like when we have gaps they're pretty big. Gaps that a team like VT shouldn't have. Then at some positions we're stacked.
But maybe that's just the way it is for teams outside the top 10 in recruiting.
We don't really dominate the Virginia Top 5 anymore like we used to about 10 years ago. There's really your problem. CFB once stated that we needed to keep the top in-state talent here (not only that but it was the top recruiting priority), but that's failed spectacularly of late.
I'm chalking it up to a combination of fatigue and playing against the best team in the nation. There was a visible depression on the defense once Brewer went down and they had to keep trotting back out there.
Won't be an overnight process
No it really is that fast. it's all about how those in charge approach the issue. Changing the Top makes changes, we don't have to change the people but the people leading need to change the way of thinking
2013 Recruiting
Tech 21st
Tennessee 24th
2014 Recruiting
Tech 27th
Tennessee 7th
I'm, in this context and comment, not saying it requires Beamer to be replaced just that the way it is approached has to
Tech Basketball
2013 63rd
2014 23rd
Basketball is currently in the 6th percentile of recruiting rank. Adjusted to the size of NCAA basketball teams down to FBS football that would be like Tech having a 7th or 8th ranked football class. the 2013 basketball class adjusted to football standards would rank 24th
Recruiting Points-wise we had 6 recruits each year but went from 30.46 to 46.1. A 66% increase in player recruited
It felt that way in 2007 as well (just relating to the season... obviously it wasn't all that important when we put that year in perspective). We had dreams of the NC game before we lost to LSU, and suddenly there was a QB controversy. Tyrod went down against Duke and with him went our hopes for the season. We then lost to BC in a heartbreaker.
We ended up getting revenge on BC and went to the Orange Bowl. The next three or four years are generally considered our most recent glory days.
We've played one game against a caliber of team that we haven't really seen in Lane since 2001. There is no way to know what this season holds. Chin up!
I think I get what you're saying about being close, but as a buckeye on the site pointed out, depth needs to be considered as part of being a national contender. Yes, our first string kept up with OSU for a half and might have been able to do so for the rest of the game, but we didn't have the depth to absorb the loss of Brewer. On the other side, OSU had the depth to move their injured star QB to HB, get adequate (not great) pressure without their star D lineman, and produce enough outside of their #1 WR even with #2-5 sidelined b/c of suspension or injury.
So yes, we are close in that we have cultivated a good enough 1st string to compete with the best. We have a ways to go in that we can't take losses in many positions without significant drop off. I think the depth issue is what separates regional powers from national ones. Related question: what injuries did we sustain in the 1999 championship game run? Was that just a result of having a great 1st team and not seeing any losses?
Another thought with regards to the need of depth. Look at games played:
Crappy teams play 12 games
Good teams play 13
Regional powers play 14
National powers play 15
THIS... just listen for a few seconds.
Durkin is a big boy 6'4 222lbs he has a huge arm.. can he be accurate?? If so this is where I think we will land. Durkin might not be the quickest but he has some shake and like we saw with Cardale its tough to bring down a big boy. Perfect for our zone reads where he will be giving out the punishment not taking the punishment.
With Durkin we could probably stretch the field even more than we do now and that would be huge for VT as we have 3-5 skill guys that could break out.
Both Durkin and Ford took their lumps against the first team defense as the second string offensive line looked overwhelmed by the pass rush. Of the two, Durkin had the slightly better day. Durkin struggled as much as Ford dropping back to pass, but had the upper hand running with the ball, managing to pick up a couple of first downs. Durkin is decisive with the ball in his hands, regardless if the play is a QB-read or a passing play. When he sees the opportunity to take off, he doesn't hesitate and his size allows him to fall forward to get positive yardage after contact.
What Mason said above is some good stuff about Durk. Put him behind our improved O line and he has the arm strength to make all the throw.. accuracy would be a worry but who knows.
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10 years 10 months
# | Locker Room Wrap: Hokies' Defense Befuddled by OSU Blocking Schemes, Playmakers Everyone needs to tap the brakes a bit on the defensive issues. Nothing happens in a vacuum and momentum is a huge thing to consider in these types of situations. When Brewer went down, it became apparent that we may not be able to score again in the game. This puts tremendous pressure on the defense, and likewise eases the pressure on the anOSU offense....both from a play-calling perspective and from an execution standpoint.
If Brewer stays healthy, the threat of scoring alone could have drastically changed the outcome. We likely would have been able to keep the game close, therefore putting much more pressure on the anOSU offense. If that happens, maybe there is a dropped pass or fumble, a poor read/pass leading to an interception, or different situational (maybe more conservative) play-calling from the coaching staff. Momentum and the pressure associated with the scoreline (and the threat of scoring) matter!
Something tells me our defense will be fine (actually pretty damn good).....In Bud We Trust!
From the stands Moto looked like he had a terrible game. I feel like I constantly saw him near the ball carrier, but never touching him
This is great news, it means that the best QB will play. In 1998 when we went through this, Vick wasn't even on the table. So you had Sorensen starting four games (and coming in in the 4th QTR of the UVA game with us down 4 points).
Now, if Lawson is better than Motley, he'll play. That's all you can ask for.
The thing that sticks out to me, we won't see another team on our schedule with half the talent osu had, 2nd, as bad as mo played and as much as the d was on the field in the 2nd half, I think it says alot about the d to hold a offense with that much talent to 42, I'd be willing to bet they hang atleast 60 on most of the teams left on their schedule, that team was unanimous #1 for a reason and we played right with them in the 1st , losing Brewer sucks but he is 1 guy, we still have a great d-line, solid db's, an improving o-line etc etc, motley just needs to step up and I think he has the potential.
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10 years 10 months
# | Locker Room Wrap: Hokies' Defense Befuddled by OSU Blocking Schemes, Playmakers particularly in the Miami and Boston College games
the similiarity in those games.....AM....I'm concerned about him and that position.
The best. Winner.
Glennon phrased it well at the Spring Game. Motley doesn't do a good job of taking was the defense gives him. I know he hasn't started yet, but it has now been 3 years of that. Lawson might not be as good as Motley right now, but his upside is so much better I think it is smart to get him ready. This all makes Brewer going down such a shame though. He was playing great.
Unless things REALLY go south now, I believe the plan is still for next season to be the farewell tour. Frank will get to see his Bristol baby come to fruition, and play at ND. Then his successor will be named. Obviously nothing is guaranteed, but I think Frank has earned that and unless some really bad caca happens that's what's going to happen.
This is kinda off topic but I heard about a ton of prospects that were attending the Ohio State game but have heard nothing about how the visits went. Does anyone have an update on any of them or is their an article being developed that will address that? Just curious.
[edit: just found a thread by PHudVT16] Thanks.
I have committed to not judging Motley based on his second half performance, especially after hearing Lefty's comments about being worried about him turning an ankle. Motley was both wide-eyed and handcuffed, an unwinnable combination.
The question now becomes, will Lefty allow Motley to play his game as the starter? Was the fear of a twisted ankle merely a survival instinct to get us out of a non-conference game with hopes that our roster will suffice to win the ACC? Because the one thing I am certain of is, if we attempt to turn Brenden Motley into Michael Brewer, this offense will fail. Brenden can't make all the throws, but he has the mobility to make up for it with his legs. He wasn't allowed to do that against OSU, but he must be allowed to against whichever other opponents he faces as the starter.
IllinoisHokie - Thank you for saying that. I see these other programs popping up and think that is their mindset. So the the OP's comment around context, yeah we're kind of on pace to be 9-10 win ACC team, which is fine, but there is another level. And I, like you, don't see the barrier. And to be clear its the Clemson, Baylor, TCU, level not the Bama level. It seems like that is achievable and puts us much closer to playoff caliber football. Just like any successful idea or company once it exists it was obvious. But the work to get there is often both genius and tough.
That said, Is it safe to deduce from your comment that you believe CFB is a 10 win coach and not a playoff contender? Personally, I'm OK with that for now and helps frames expectations, but puts the onus on Whit to find someone who can make that jump as his successor.
JMHO but I don't think we get a bump up in recruiting until 2 things happen:
1. Beamer retires and is replaced by an ace recruiter head coach. Blacksburg isn't exactly a big draw locaton wise on a national scene. We're gonna need a head coach with a Ph.D in Psychology to convince these kids to come here. Btw - Saban keeps a Psychologist on staff for dealing with the kids and their parents, HS coaches, etc. (I think - I know I read it somewhere).
Basically, very few top recruits will risk coming here and having Beamer retire, the assistants all move on, and not know what the situation here will be before he graduates. Beamer has earned the right to bow out when he wants, so we're just kinda stuck until he does.
2. As much as I love Bud, I do think running a defense that is closer scheme wise to the NFL would be a bigger draw to top recruits. Copy the Seahawks. I know Bud's a great coach. I'm pretty sure he could run that scheme and have it humming pretty good.