Recent Comments
I expected at least 2 losses at this point, with 7-9 regular season wins being my range of expectation. The defense is playing way better than I could have hoped for, especially the young secondary, though Tariq and the dominant DT's have been very pleasant surprises. The offense is definitely improved, mainly due to improved coaching leading to better execution and play-calling. With continued good coaching and some upgrades through recruiting, I could easily see in a couple of years the Hokies qualifying for the 4 team championship playoff after winning the ACC. A lot will depend on the QB play and finding some blue chip WR's and RB's, but I believe that multiple ACC championships and the playoffs are in our future. (Anybody wanna bet that nobody in Hooville is talking like this?)
Well, that's aggressive
I don't think we realistically could have asked for a better start to our season. I came in to this season expecting the worst but praying for the best. This is a 5-1 football program that has continued to grow each week and has some serious momentum building both on the field and on the recruiting front. However we are only half way home and must fight off complacency and inflated egos.
The one thing that gets me excited the most is you can tell that this is a TEAM and they love competing and fighting for each other something that was clearly missing last year.
Punt and kickoff returns are places of big collisions, and I don't think KJ should be back there for that reason. I think French did and article about his importance to the defense late in the offseason. Combine this with his risky fielding (lack of fair catches) and I'd be happy if they replace him back there.
I know that, but 5 new bodies coming in without nailed down offensive positions give Teller more flexibility with McLaughlin being a TR SO next year. I think he moves back, could be wrong.
I'll take that bet..
I am SO excited for the line play in the coming years! This is how you win National Titles.
The man does have 5 touchdown receptions this year, leading the receiving core. But yes, he only has 11 total catches and that number could definitely be higher.
Pleasantly surprised and becoming more optimistic each week. Going into the season, I thought the best the team could do was win the division. Still a lofty goal, (especially in this year's ACC) but it seems far more obtainable than I had predicted. The coaches, players, fans, and even media seem to be taking each game one at a time, focusing everything on the next Saturday, and only the next Saturday. Can't think of the last time this has happened.
The long term future seems bright, provided our coaching staff stays intact (not suggesting anyone's leaving, but who knows what will happen this offseason). Our offense has an identity. Our coaches and players are set on being a physical team once again. We could see a very special team in the next 5 or so years.
Off topic side note about this season:
It's nice to see the ACC perform well in football. I've always felt that the ACC is where VT belongs, and that if the other 'football' schools carry their own weight, the ACC will be the premiere conference, offering the best opportunities (athletic and academic) to the largest variety of athletes.
He looks dangerous, very dangerous. I like it. I want him on our side.
I'll take "So VT now has two 4-star commits with brothers at UVa?" for $500 please Alex.
Credit: The Saber via BilldozerVT...gotta cite the sources.
At the beginning of the year I figured London was safe as long as they won 4-5 games and were reasonably competitive. London could show improvement and point to the 5 stars coming in and that would buy him another season unless they were a disaster. They may be nearing disaster status.
I'll admit I was definitely concerned heading into ACC play. Facing GT in Atlanta on a short week after a physically and emotionally draining 3 OT win? Tough, but it'll be a nail biter if we pull it off, I thought. Nope. The Defense did an incredible job and the new offense put it together, turning it into a fairly one sided affair. The UNC game was in our hands from the start, and we didn't look back. I'm thrilled with how our offense is looking (especially after reading the breakdowns from Mason and French) and I'm ridiculously overconfident about our D matching up with anybody. If we aren't going in the right direction toward contending with Clemson and FSU in the next few years for an ACC championship, then call me Cartoons Plural.
IF both teams are highly ranked at that point. Meaning that we've beaten Pitt, Duke and BC, and Miami has beaten UNC and Wake and maybe even FSU. Which is a BIG "IF".
Beat me to it. VT was never on television in the late 80s. Now nearly every game is aired somewhere. The commonwealth of VA didn't have nearly the high school talent it does now. And VT was on probation for a stretch. It's not easy to build a program today, but it's a lot easier now than it was then.
Smith is a Guard, Teller is a Tackle. My guess is that Teller is staying put on the offensive side.
Thoughts on first 6 games...About what I thought, except I thought the Hokies might trip up at ECU or Marshall before the season started.
What has surprised me...UNC sucking so bad. That was a bad football team the Hokies played this weekend.
Heading in the right direction? 5-1. Yes. The D just needs to keep that fire burning. Two trap games - Duke, BC have me worried. I'm with you on Tariq. He's been one of my favorite Hokies, and I love watching him fly around full speed. He's a MAJOR reason why the D has looked so good this year.
Biggest disappointment...D.J. Coles. I really wanted him to be a full go this year. He's a very talented player, and I think his limited action hurts the Hokies and his NFL chances. Hopefully he recoups every week and shows everybody what he's got.
Potential. If we don't find a running game to go along with the improved passing game we will not get past Miami.
I agree. Transition or not, ACCCG is a reality right now
He looks 30 years old.
Pretty good start, and the passing game is really night and day from the start. Defense needs to just keep doing what it's doing.
And Alston Smith shooting up the depth chart. I say 90% chance he moves back to DL.
The Louisville Temple game had MUCH LESS than this.
Itd looked like a crowd for an unscheduled 7on7 pickup.
I really want one of those "Gobble Gobble Bitches" tshirts but I'm not sure if I can bring myself to wear it
in public lol
GO HOKIES!
As others have said, I expected growing pains this year. We're still seeing those on offense, but I think having a senior leader like Logan (and Coles, even if he hasn't played much) has helped that side of the ball progress week to week. Make no mistake though, we could just as easily be 2-4 if not for our defense, which I will get to shortly. As Joe said, as long as we see improvement every game, that is a step in the right direction. Loeffler & Grimes are doing the best job they can with guys that don't necessarily fit their system, but they are smart enough to coach to the strengths of this team. THAT, in and of itself, is the other positive that I have taken from the first 6 games this year. Those guys know what they're doing and once the incoming talent on offense arrives, Frank will look like a genius with these hires.
On to the D: they have exceeded expectations, with the play of Kendall & Brandon more than filling in for Exum. After last year, I was discouraged in some of the performances, especially considering the level of talent - I'm glad to see that they've returned with a fire in their belly and it doesn't seem like they're going to repeat year's mistakes. They've been playing exceptionally well and I think they have a chance to be one of the best we've had at VT.
Final thought - despite the offense's shortcomings and the need to rely on the D so much, I have been most encouraged by the heart & spirit of this team. Last year's squad wouldn't have found ways to win some of those close, ugly games, but this year we've been able to get Ws. While the results haven't been very pretty very often, this team gives more effort than any other in recent memory. For that, they've got my appreciation & support as a fan - they're also on my short list of favorite Hokie teams for that very reason.