Recent Comments
This cant be real
oh shit! I lined up across from Jay Whitmire (in both football and lacrosse) when he was at TC, and I at West Potomac. He had size, but as a player i was never impressed with his athleticism or the fact that he was a complete mope.
For what it's worth, defensive scores are "non-predictive".
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/info/FO-basics
I hate to use the word "luck", but pick-sixes are to some degree a function of luck. I think their research has shown that the only NFL defensive back that has shown any sort of ability to take INTs to the house beyond what you'd normally expect is DeAngelo Hall. VT was 18th this year in INTs and everyone else above them in the rankings had at least 1 defensive TD. IMO, if they repeat that number of INTs next year it would be shocking if they didn't get at least one defensive score. They were 95th in fumbles recovered which is ugly, but even worse is they only forced 15. In 2010 (which I think we all would agree VT was worse on defense) they forced 24 fumbles.
Also, they technically had two punts blocked this year, but the refs didn't see that Hopper got the ball in the ACC title game. Grumble. Otherwise you're spot on. The special teams have to get better.
Great point
It sounds like he's our for the picking too:
-Christopher explained what was running through his head as he prepped for the big kick. “(I thought) I have to make this, because I told Curt Newsome after the game against Bethel that I would make a 60 yard field goal before I graduate.”
-“I most definitely want to go to Virginia Tech. I have always wanted to go there even before I started football,” said Dillon.
I only watch half of the game and I said the same thing! My wife just smiled and nodded of course, but seriously same freaking thing!!
Love this stuff. I haven't heard much about Logan Thomas off the field, so it's great to hear that he's a stand up guy.
Oh and the kid throwing the cross-eyes in the grey and red shirt is classic.
We always hear about Beamerball being such an asset, but in big games it seems to be more a liability. Thinking back to many big games since the 1999 National Championship, a special teams gaffe cost us points that led to a loss.
What I don't understand is where has the scheme gone? I feel like "back" in its heyday, Beamerball would return punts for TDs BECAUSE we brought so many guys. Not to mention all the blocked kicks we had.
I think it's become a changed philosophy. Earlier this year I wrote a quick post about Eric Green, a defensive starter who regularly messed with opponents kicking games. When was the last time you saw a starter really get after a punt (not recover/return)? I believe the PAT/field goal team is still generally composed of starters, but over the past few years, I can't remember the last time I saw a play-maker on the field coming around the edge. No offense to the Jacob Sykes' of the world, but I want to see the big boys bearing down on these kickers. Forcing a team to leave 9 guys on the line still puts the punt returner in a make-one-guy-miss situation, which is where he should be. Also, more shanks.
However, these kids have got to be coached better on how to block a kick. How many times over the past two years, when coming after a kick, have the Hokies been flagged for a roughing the kicker penalty? While a blocked punt is a HUGE momentum changer, a roughing the kicker penalty after the D has made a nice stand, can really take the wind out of the sails. We saw that in the Sugar Bowl. (Which was one of the few calls that the officials actually got right.)
IF they can get their scheme down, I say they need to bring the house on most every punt.
This makes me sad.
Dillon Christopher -- Guess where he wants to go ?? They'd be crazy not to offer this kid a scholly because someone will
http://recruit757.com/2011/11/07/60-yard-boot-sets-record-for-christopher/
Looking back this year there were a few head scratchers that emerged through our wins. Duke being the biggest of all. 14-10 was by far too close for comfort. However, when you look at our kicking game it is not too surprising. We applauded our defense for holding up among the slew of injuries. Even more impressive is the fact that they often had to do so in the face of short field situations. With football being a game of inches it is discerning to start a defensive series near midfield versus deep toward the endzone. I've heard a while back that when teams start a drive inside the 20's the chance for a run toward the endzone diminishes to below 10%. A bit of a no brainer but something remiss this year. The playbook is vastly limited within Touchback territory. I think this was one of our biggest issues this year.
Over the past few years it seems as though we've taken these positions for granted. More often than not a senior was able to replace the previous stud and fill in adequately. If im not mistaken, Bowden was a walk on. This year we were left with a vastly inconsistent corps of kickers. Journell did OK yet any chance to see him come back is almost nonexistent.
In terms of blocked FG's and Punts, I am completely stumped as to why this has gone to the way side. Possibly teams account for this in more max protect schemes. Nonetheless, I hardly see the aggressiveness we used to show here. If you don't have an "it" guys return the ball I see no point in providing MORE coverage. Instead, send the freaking house. Take any chance to even disrupt the kicker or shorten his timing. I hope to hell we see a vast improvement going forward. It almost felt shameful to wear any attire with "BeamerBall" donned up on it this last year.
will be in the Shrine game on Saturday. Having a big game there will really help him, as well as the combine. Really, getting that TD overturned might have been a good thing for him, because it put him in the national spotlight for a little while.
I would be surprised if Brooks and Whitley don't end up getting an invitation.
Did anyone watch the Casino del Sol game last night to see how Greg did?
edit: actually looks like Danny Coale's name has been taken off the roster for the shrine game.
Love these graphs. But not what it means.
sad panda is sad
I was pretty surprised that BDC didn't get an invite. He had a pretty solid season, albeit maybe not as polished as could have been. And I agree I think he projects much better to the NFL as a guard. With that said, I think he'll be on the final list.
Nosal and Lanier might be able to catch on as second tight ends. They're both big and athletic.
I believe we only have two linemen that start/play in the NFL. Will Montgomery has been a pleasant surprise for the Redskins. Duane Brown has been a stud for the Texans at left tackle. His transition from TE as a freshman and sophomore at Tech, to a RT for his junior and senior seasons, then to the league as LT says something about how good of a player he is. I think he's going to be the exception, rather than the rule, of how our more athletic lineman transition to the NFL.
Wonder if the Pac-12 refs saw it...
LURKING SINCE 2011
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14 years 5 months
# | Coale, Boykin only Hokies seniors invited to the NFL Combine I coulda sworn I already saw him playing on the Pats...
Only that time, after the review the play stood.
mfrs
And I am going to be very angry.
I think this speaks volumes about what the NFL thinks about how the Hokies develop offensive linemen. Even DeChristopher (who may not be mobile enough to be a tackle, but could possibly be a guard) didn't get an invitation.
Brooks, Nosal, and Lainer are excited about a future of CAN flag football action!
not feelin good bout this one
would be surprised if Whitley didnt get an invite
Danny will get drafted but I'd have to think after Boykin
Should have a shot and be picked up in later rounds. The kid has great hands. I just hope he has enough athletic prowess to impress at the combine.
How can it be a "Countdown to Victory" when that's not a guarantee?