Tech Talk Live from Communist China

Bill Roth, "Jane in Wilmington says, 'Bill your show is censored like Communist China.'"

I'm not going to provide these notes every week, but after a disappointing start to the season I felt last night's show served as a Hokie State of the Union address. We all want to know, where do we go from here? And everyone who wanted to know what the coaches were saying and ought to have a chance to find out. These notes are of relevant football topics, not covered are new replay boards, flyovers, Hokies Respect, etc... I've also tried to cut out as much "coach speak" as possible.

Jim Weaver

  • The Boise State game was moved to Labor Day because ESPN and the ACC asked us to play then.
  • There was either going to be a short week later in the season or after the Boise game. The consensus was we had the best chance to win against JMU.
  • Top tier ACC "power" teams will continue to play on Labor Day because it's a part of the new contract (12 years).
  • Kansas State series in 2013-14 is canceled. It was mutually discontinued because the Big XII conference realignment will force 9 conference games and K-State didn't want to play five road conference games and travel to Blacksburg. We're looking to replace K-State with home games against MAC schools.
  • There's a possibility the Chick-fil-A kickoff will add an additional game. It will be a Thursday/Monday, Saturday night model. Weaver prefers a Thursday and Saturday night model.

Bryan Stinespring

  • 34/82 (44%) of our running plays have gained two yards or less. Teams are doing a good job defending the run, and we're doing things wrong.
  • There's not just one thing wrong with the offensive line. We need to adjust better during the game to blocking defenses not seen on film.
  • Left 22 points in the red zone against JMU.
  • Spoke with Boise coaches and James Madison coach J.C. Price (former Tech graduate assistant and player) about whether we're telegraphing our plays or being predictable.
  • The offensive line is using some man-to-man blocking at times.
  • Ryan Williams' vision being limited running behind a fullback versus an open two tight end set is a small part of the problem with the running game.
  • Bottom line, we need to play better, get in a better rhythm, have positive plays and no self inflicted mistakes.
  • "Are we doing too much on offense?" "Yes."
  • We're just inches away.
  • More depth on the offensive line breeds more competition and challenge in the weight room and on the field.
  • "Coach Beamer gave me a little incentive in our talk Sunday."
  • Coale hasn't been completely healthy this year.

Chris Hazley

  • Tuesdays and Wednesdays are kicking competition days in Lane Stadium.
  • Most comfortable kicking from the center of the field, with a maximum range of 47-52 yards.
  • The locker room after the loss Saturday was very quiet, almost dreary.
  • Practice started slow Monday and then picked up momentum.
  • Tyrod is the leader of the team and blamed the loss on himself.

Frank Beamer

  • Credits James Madison for playing a good game. The ball bounced their way. They had to get a big play, and did.
  • Does not want to play on another short week, if asked by the ACC to play on Labor Day we'll need to schedule an open date the following Saturday.
  • Doesn't blame lack of effort, rather lack of concentration and attention to detail.
  • Sixteen errors on defense where there was a missed gap, assignment, etc...
  • Wants to play more backups, especially on the offensive line.
  • Inexperience is a big reason why we aren't playing well right now.
  • Spoke with Mack Brown about ECU (Texas Tech) air raid.
  • Logan will get his time on the field at quarterback.
  • Believes these guys have the same character as the '95 team who started 0-2.
  • Defenses are getting eight guys in the box, but doesn't think they're doing anything new, need more success going over the top.
  • Even though we're winning the time of possession, guys are tired because we're not playing a lot of people. We want to play more people.
  • Tackling is a focus this week.
  • Davon Morgan will continue to practice at Whip, but GW will remain the starter.
  • Hopkins brothers need to "go man go".
  • Chris Drager practiced in the blue non-contract jersey.
  • Had no idea JMU was going to run the Pistol. This is the third different offense the Tech defense will face in three weeks.

The coaches are used to having their backs up against a wall. To their credit they've been able to turn things around and because of their past success I believe if any group can do it they can. However, over and over the Frankinator mentioned our lack of experience and fundamentals. In my opinion, they're harder to fix than any scheme issues. We'll all see what happens come Saturday.

DISCLAIMER: Blog posts may not have been written or edited by The Key Play staff.

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