Recent Comments

I've always wondered how much more dominant Bud's defense would appear (statistically) if VT had a complementary offense to go along with it. Bud has consistently fielded a top notch defense for decades and he's done it with no help from the O. I've always thought that our D lost ground in the end of games because of fatigue, and if we could just keep other offenses off the field by running long methodical scoring drives on offense I can't think of any reason why our defense wouldn't rank near or at the top in every statistical category....by a long long margin.

Like I said, the only way for Tech to get any respect and acknowledgement from the ANALysts is to go out and TAKE IT. And the only way to take it is to fucking win, baby, win.

there seems to be a kind of scheme to attack Bud's defense

The best way to beat Bud's defense is to have better players.

Tech had plenty of opportunities to make game changing plays. Tyler tipping the pass on a crossing route could have been an interception, UCLA's first touchdown came when Dadi missed a one on one sack, Facysun had a chance for a pick that hit his hand and bounced to the turf right in front of JR Collins, Fuller had a chance for a pick when he jumped a route but an atrocious throw sent the ball into the turf 6 inches in front of him, countless missed tackles and missed assignments in the perimeter run game... and this is all from the first half. I haven't even rewatched the 2nd half yet.

Foster's scheme has always been high risk high reward. The reward comes from turnovers and TFL. Beamerball calls for the defense to make big, game-changing plays and Foster puts them in a position to do just that. If the players don't make those plays, he looks like an average DC. If they do make those plays, he looks like a genius.

The risk comes from asking your secondary to shut down the passing game without many two safety looks. When the other team has very good WR's and a very good QB, the likelihood that the offense converts those difficult throws improves dramatically. Add in some momentum and the playcalling freedom that a late lead brings, and the odds improve even further.

That's why Foster's defenses have been susceptible to meltdowns in big games. The defense is playing against better talent than they normally would, the defense gets very little help from it's offense (who is also playing against better talent than they normally would) which prevents the defense from resting, and the lack of Tech points also allows the opponents playcalling to become less predictable.

Let's not forget, Foster had the number 4 defense in the country heading into this game despite having zero players who are realistically projected to be 1st or 2nd (maybe even 3rd) round picks. The loss of Kyle Fuller was significant. IF recruiting continues to improve, look for Foster to field devastating units in the future. If he can get a hold of some top notch talent at the LBer position, I think we'll see another number 1 rated defense in Blacksburg.

I agree with this topic I was furious for the fact he took out a 6-6 QB standing, helmet on helmet contact So what he didn't leave the ground he still managed to hit the head of our giant of our QB on a broken play and cause a concussion. Zumwalt's play in my opinion was not good football. Logan and Coleman both took nasty shots to the head and worst of all the announcers ate it up! We are not the only ones to pay attention to Zumwalt's play though this was brought up in Oregon's chats

http://blog.oregonlive.com/ducks/2013/10/interesting_video_should_ucla.html

While I'm ranting I may have missed it but they showed so much video of UCLA's QB and team wishing happy holidays rather then talk anything about VT. I dunno the game went down hill quickly in the 4th and I will admit I was a bit bitter at the end especially after they had a big lead already then launched the ball downfield for another score I thought Jim Mora had a little more class then that

*10-3 after today. Not a bad non conference record. Just have to win 5 in the ACC and they are eligible for the WNIT which looking at the schedule, it is very doable with this roster. Having a point guard this year is what separates them from last year. They are fun to watch for the most part and is a breath of fresh air compared to the headache that is the men's team.

Bad luck after bye weeks too.

Replacing a longtime head coach does NOT mean you make the NC game the next year or two. Ask Tennessee.

This is how Zumwalt tackles:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzAnK-Ng2Ts

He launched his helmet into Logan's chin. The blow was given a 15 yard penalty by the refs. It was subsequently praised by the announcers. And then, the guy did it again against Coleman later on. The guy is known for cheap shots - he was almost thrown out against Oregon for a hit on Mariota. There's a difference between "hardnosed football" and hits which can cause brain injuries and seriously injure players. He should not be praised.

We live in a deeper youth cultured environment in college ball. Now it's play makers play. 17 or 24. Win or gtfo. We need the mentality. We can't let every college team pass us up.

Nearly all would be a better description.
The guys left standing at the end of the game were Gayle, Maddy, Edwards, Fuller#4 and Brandon F.
For impact, you think if Fuller#3 was on the field their QB would have rushed for so many yards? No way. Mark effing May would be crowing about the All American CB instead of making the error of thinking VT is in decline instead of resurgence.
There was lots of effort and flashes of things to come (I really like the big on effort guys like Rogers).

But you can't put the ball in the hands of your playmakers if your playmakers are not on the field.

I thought they did a lousy job, you could tell the announcers felt they were calling a second tier game.

I don't, however, have a problem with Zumwalt - the guy plays hardnosed football, much like many of our great players over the years.

Our house has gone ESPN silent over the past year and I must say, it makes games much more enjoyable. Over the past few years, ESPN newscasters seem to be anti-VT / ACC to the point of hilariousness and pro SEC to the point of insanity. For example, I find it interesting that 11 ACC teams get in bowls and in 9 of the games, the ACC team is the underdog and the ESPN "experts" act surprised when the ACC goes best case 5 -6 in all bowls. I am giving Clemson an upset vs OSU and FSU a win in the NC. It might be as bad as 3 - 8, although again, I think the ACC wins both BCS games.
I recommend all VT / ACC fans, just dont watch sports center and turn off the volume at halftime during the football games and come to TKP and post or read something of value instead. Go Hokies, 2014 will be a better year with the athletes we are now recruiting and the youngsters we have playing so well. I am sure that during basketball season, it will all be pro ACC now with all the schools added.