Ohio State's Joey Bosa and Jalin Marshall out for Virginia Tech Opener

DE Joey Bosa, H-back Jalin Marshall, WR Corey Smith and H-back Dontre Wilson all benched against Hokies.

[Michael Shroyer]

Ohio State will be without the services of All-American DE Joey Bosa, freshman All-American H-Back Jalin Marshall, senior WR Corey Smith (20 receptions, 255 yards in 2014) and H-Back Dontre Wilson (21 passes, 300 yards with 3 TDs in 2014).

Tim May's original report was confirmed in a release by the Ohio State athletic department.

Four individuals from the Ohio State University football team will miss the Buckeyes' first game of the season, Sept. 7 at Virginia Tech, for violating Department of Athletics policy. The individuals involved are junior defensive end Joey Bosa, sophomore H-back Jalin Marshall, senior receiver Corey Smith and junior H-back Dontre Wilson.

Comments

Oh my goodness. Part of me is super happy about this, but I wanted to beat this team with everyone playing so 11Warriors can't have excuses to lean back on

"These people, are losing their minds! This is beautiful"

They're out a defensive playmaker, we're out a defensive playmaker. We're square.

A potential overall no. 1 draft pick vs an unproven inexperience sophomore are not quite the same. This is obviously a much bigger hit for us. But #minordetails

He's no good to me dead.

#excusestolose

They're still a damned good football team. This just adds to the drama, and gives them an excuse to lose.

If VT manages to pull off the win, I'm STILL good with it.

I think about that 2012 Sugar Bowl lose to Michagin. We dominated, but had a few really bad plays, and an incomplete in the endzone that a year later would have been ruled good. In the end, all we have is an L for that one no matter how you look at it. In this game i'll take a W regardless of how it looks.

Don't forget about the suspended kickers. We were on our 3rd string (maybe 4th) and lost by a missed FG in OT.

Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

I don't remember an incomplete in the endzone in that game.

I remember they gave the trophy to the losing team, which I still think was odd.

"Our job as coaches is to influence young people's lives for the better in terms of fundamental skills, work ethic, and doing the right thing. Every now and again, a player actually has that effect on the coaching staff." Justin Fuente on Sam Rogers

Darn right they will still be an excellent team. If we slack thinking this is a given, fault be to us. This gives the rest of their team an incentive that wasn't there before.

"The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. " Rocky B.

Then I guess he shouldn't have violated #undisclosedteamrules tough crap for him.

Not even close to being equals. This is the equivalent of Kendall Fuller not playing for us.

Honestly, it really doesn't matter.

Excellent choice of article picture, Joe.

Perfect picture for the tweet just below it...
EDIT: Hokie13 beat me to it...

That Hokie13, he'll get after ya.

Reel men fish on Wednesdays

This will get very interesting, but let's remember, it's still July. Many things can, and will, change between now and gameday. Injuries and other issues will probably arise for both teams as Fall practice picks up. This certainly helps us but we'll then hear how Bosa is this year's Braxton Miller and how they would have beaten us if they had him.

I believe this is the perfect opportunity to go back to the good old days when we suspend these guys for Hawaii and not Virginia Tech. :)

I knew it was too quiet in Columbus for too long for 120 young men to not be dumbasses.

It will be interesting to find out what the offence was. One game says it wasn't too serious, but some violation that they did together, and something they had been warned about: didn't document hours worked for pay received or took something free of low value would be my guess.

All four of those guys are players who would have played on 9/7. Ohio State has 5 weeks to get ready to do it without them. It certainly adds more intrigue to an already interesting game.

Behind an Amish buggy going up a long, curvy hill

The report is academics and marijuana. If I had to guess, they were told those were buckeye leaves... /sarcasm

Joe will update this in a bit, but it's 4 players. Bosa, Marshall, Corey Smith, and Dontre Wilson

"These people, are losing their minds! This is beautiful"

Wade Hansen is the happiest man in Blacksburg right now

He'll still have his hands full, but yes, he will likely be feeling much less like a rented mule on September 8th.

Saw him working out in McComas yesterday...that's not a small dude. At all.

"It might be dark outside, but it's LeDay in here." - Jay Bilas

Why in the world would he be using McComas?

Sometimes football players like using the commonfolk gyms. Makes them feel a lot bigger and stronger among us puny mortals.

He's no good to me dead.

That's not a reference he should be using. And I doubt he is. I bet it was for convenience relative to his workout schedule that day.

Pain is Temporary, Chicks Dig Scars
Glory is Forever, Let's Go Hokies!!

Or just change of scenery. Or maybe he was using the pool or something, not super uncommon to see athletes in McComas.

Outside it's night time, but inside it's LeDay

Or its for the LADIEEEEEES!

I was honestly thinking the exact same thing when I saw him. However a few football players also work there, so maybe that has something to do with it. I've seen Demitri Knowles, Andrew Alphabet, and Joey Slye in there working multiple times throughout the summer.

"It might be dark outside, but it's LeDay in here." - Jay Bilas

Andrew Alphabet??!? Is he a member of Jingleheimer Junction??!?!

This is one of my favorite SNL skits of all time. LEG! Umberto Unity!

Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

Man I forgot this classic.

I thought Andrew's last name was Eyechart?

"Our job as coaches is to influence young people's lives for the better in terms of fundamental skills, work ethic, and doing the right thing. Every now and again, a player actually has that effect on the coaching staff." Justin Fuente on Sam Rogers

I tend to think that title goes to Brewer but Hansen isn't far behind.

Wow. I don't feel so terrible about the Reavis loss now...

It was a catch

well they did lose two of their top playmakers but they are stacked in that position, so they should still be good

Bleeding burnt orange and chicago maroon

They aren't really stacked at H-back and WR. Kinda one of the places they are weakest at.

They might not have experience, but at WR they have plenty of talented depth

Bleeding burnt orange and chicago maroon

It's not like they are going up against an inexperienced secondary or one that isn't as talented. We have both. They couldn't get anything in the air last year, I expect more of the same this year.

I think we will be a bit better passing this year than last. Losing a starting WR and two H Backs will hurt, no doubt about it, but this year we will have an experienced starter at QB and some good players in Brown, Samuel, and Miller so I think you'll see more passing that you think. Smith was expected to be our deep guy so that adds a new wrinkle to what we need to do. I suspect more passes to the TE then we may have seen otherwise. At least we have 5 weeks to prepare and get plan B into place and we'll have to rely more heavily on players that would have been rotational guys had we not had this happen.

Bosa's loss hurts. Whoever takes his spot won't have the same impact unless something unexpected happens.

Impact? I see this as a 3 - 6 point game right now given the uncertainty. I think we still win, but it's going to be close barring a breakout performance or collapse by either team.

Knowledge is Good - Emil Faber

Calling it a 3-6 point game is really calling it a toss up that could go either way. I think that's how most Hokies fans see this. The game should be close, no doubt and I certainly hope it swings the way of the Hokies. I thank you for your rationalism that you bring to this site as an opposing fan.

He's no good to me dead.

Dually noted. It's refreshing to see rational thought brought into the discussion. I of course wear O&M glasses and am cautiously optimistic, but it's clear to me that OSU has the more talented team. I think this is a game where a turnover or two or some special teams snafus will be the difference. Just don't see either team being dominated, though if it's a massacre I don't think it will be in our favor.

They loss their players for one game. We lose Reavis forever.

I would gladly let them have Joey Bosa for the VT game, if it meant we get Reavis back.

Woah... This is big news...

By the way, the Vegas line for this game has been in a steady decline since it was announced. Last I looked, it was down to 13. With this news, expect it to fall even more.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

Even when the line was -20 or whatever, I thought it was nuts to think that either team would win by more than 10.

"Exit light..."

I thought it was nuts to think that either team would win by more than 10.

I mean, if history is any indication...

I don't expect OSU to score more than 10, so ...

"Our job as coaches is to influence young people's lives for the better in terms of fundamental skills, work ethic, and doing the right thing. Every now and again, a player actually has that effect on the coaching staff." Justin Fuente on Sam Rogers

Vegas at the moment

"These people, are losing their minds! This is beautiful"

The line has been dropping because the rumors of these suspensions have been out there for a few weeks.

I guess the Ohio State Athletic Department is a pretty reliable source.

"We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their behavior" Stephen M.R. Covey

“When life knocks you down plan to land on your back, because if you can look up, you can get up, if you fall flat on your face it can kill your spirit” David Wilson

So you're saying we have......

Yes, we have a little sauce.

It's a Marinade! DAMMIT!

“I hope that they’re not going to have big eyes and pee down their legs so to speak,” -- Bud Foster

let me get this straight, If I buy a bottle of Beamers favorite sauce/marinade for $3.99, one kid will go to camp?

What kind of camp is this? Is this an international camp? Does the camp produce shoes for Nike? Or, is this some kind of fasting camp where kids will learn to live with only the nourishment of flys for the duration of the camp, while helping Sally Struthers produce commercials?

I need to know if I am supporting the manufacturing trade or the entertainment industry. I want answers, damnit!

FYI, I am not interested in the Boy Scout Camp Sauce, Frank.

Only the best camp...

@hokie_rd

at least it looks like there are some potential lineman at that camp,

A picture is worth a thousand words. A gif is worth a million.

So how many people hopped on that 21 point underdog line when it was first announced? I sure wish I had...

Bud scares them so much they are suspending players to prevent injury and provide a convenient excuse for losing. That sneaky urban meyer.

"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it." - K

Hey you know what, good for Ohio state for disciplining them. If it is for like marijuana like it was said on another thread at least they're disciplining them unlike some SEC schools *cough LSU cough*

Taylor, looking desperately throws it deep..HAS A MAN OPEN DANNY COALE WITH A CATCH ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FIVE!!!!....hes still open

If it were pot, I think we would be talking 4 games+. Drug policy has a certain progression to it, and 1 game is not part of it. We are dealing with something else.

Behind an Amish buggy going up a long, curvy hill

Bosa and Marshall are significant losses. Marshall didn't have a terrific game vs VT last season, however he was the second more prolific WR (and a threat on jet sweeps) returning for the Buckeyes. He is more of a down the field threat than Michael Thomas (however Thomas has the ability to take a slants and run through tackles for touchdowns, as he did against Michigan State and the Hokies.)

Bosa speaks for himself. He was dominant on the edge in shutting down the running game, and he forced the turnover on a Michael Brewer TO that turned the game back to Ohio State momentum wise. Ohio State dominated the Hokie running game (the only big run was a botched blitz by the Buckeyes for a Marshawn Williams TD). Ohio State now only has DT Adolphus Washington as a DL starter that played significant reps against the Hokies on their defensive line.

Potential replacements for Bosa include r-freshmen Darius Wade, r-freshman Sam Hubbard, and sophomore Jayln Holmes, a former Hokie DE recruit from Norfolk's Lake Taylor High School.

Five star get after it 100 percent Juice Key-Playing. MAN

also- more touches for Braxton Miller, as Marshall played that H-back/motion back role.

Five star get after it 100 percent Juice Key-Playing. MAN

Now- loss of Corey Smith and Dontre Wilson means 3 of the top 4 WRs are out.

Five star get after it 100 percent Juice Key-Playing. MAN

I could watch French talk to himself all day.

"Nope, launch him into the sun and fart on him on the way up"
-gobble gobble chumps

"11-0, bro"
-Hunter Carpenter (probably)

there's a deliverance joke somewhere here, but I just can't put my finger on it

Warning: this post occasionally contains strong language (which may be unsuitable for children), unusual humor (which may be unsuitable for adults), and advanced mathematics (which may be unsuitable for liberal-arts majors)..

Many here have, and would likely advise you against it.

Five star get after it 100 percent Juice Key-Playing. MAN

Also former RB Curtis Samuel who they were working as a H-Back in the Spring I believe.

I have to believe the more that Braxton gets the ball as not QB, the better our chances are at winning the game.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

And I thought I was the only one who wasn't particularly worried about a guy playing his first game at a new position (albeit a very good athlete) doing entirely new things without the ball (and even some new ones with it)...

I agree with this. I'm not too familiar with their scheme and stuff, but maybe French or someone can chime in with how much their H-Back has to block. I may be wrong but that could be a tough thing to pick up on especially after a shoulder surgery.

I don't really think his shoulder will be much of an issue.

I think things like learning how to block (or maybe even learning to 'want' to block...see: Davis, Marcus), being in the correct place at the correct time away from the ball (it only takes one misplaced player to screw up a play), running routes crisply (to keep defenders more honest), or catching a ball in traffic are the types of things that could be real issues.

Many think that if you're a good athlete, you can just automatically shift positions (see: Thomas, Logan; Caleb, Joel; etc., etc.), but far more times than not it isn't successful and, more importantly, even fewer times it's successful right away.

If we hit miller every time he is on the field whether he has the ball or not, he will be ineffective.

I don't really think his shoulder will be much of an issue.

I think things like learning how to block (or maybe even learning to 'want' to block ... could be real issues

I think these are the same thing. I would guess it's almost impossible to want to block when you're rehabbing a shoulder.

"Our job as coaches is to influence young people's lives for the better in terms of fundamental skills, work ethic, and doing the right thing. Every now and again, a player actually has that effect on the coaching staff." Justin Fuente on Sam Rogers

From our friends at 11W:

http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2015/07/56698/ohio-sta...

The loss of Bosa on the defensive line will test Ohio State's depth on the unit, one that head coach Urban Meyer was not happy with during spring drills.

The Buckeyes have a wide breadth of offensive playmakers, especially in the passing game, but much of it is largely unproven due to youth or injury. It, too, will be tested against a stingy Hokie defense that held the Buckeyes to just 327 yards of offense in its 35-21 victory last September.

"Exit light..."

I wish we could get held to 327 yards of offense

I'd be perfectly happy to be held to only 324 and win 35-21 like last year...

"Take care of the little things and the big things will come."

Ahhh, old Iron Eyes Cody. Man, you guys can dig up some superior gifs. I remember the anti littering campaign he was featured in, and the truth is, it really changed the roadside culture. Not enough, mind you, but there was an immediate difference in the way people viewed tossing trash out of a car. Not sure which of the several spots this is from, but it might be from the one where the guys going by a ballfield toss glass bottles out into the outfield and this kid ballplayer is chasing a fly ball, trips and is headed for the broken glass. Graphic, and truly effective. Thanks for the memories.

Reel men fish on Wednesdays

Has 11warrior gone into meltdown yet or are they in denial?

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

Little column A, little column B... shifting towards A.

*edit* the site has crashed.

I'm waiting for "so instead of beating them by 60 it will be only 40" guy.

Edit: just found them all on Twitter. Still making excuses for last years loss. Yet think anOSU wil win by 20/30/40 plus this time.

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

There's about 4 of that guy on the 247 article alone. Sure there are plenty on 11W.

11warriors right now:

He's no good to me dead.

Leg for the Community gif. Always a winner!

"Virginia Tech: Our trees have more school spirit than your students."

I'm sure they'll think we're now complacent and still drop 60 on us.

Most are giving the standard response you'd expect. Then you have this gem

Damn. Still wipe them by 21+

I mean... are you surprised?

"These people, are losing their minds! This is beautiful"

Nope. Not at all. Still funny though.

Website is currently crashing due to volume. I just tried checking.

So short answer is yes.

"Mountains get big cause they have no natural predators." - Ken M

Went to go read the article on 11warriors about the players' suspensions and this happened...

He's no good to me dead.

Danny Coale would have caught the exception.

21st century QBs Undefeated vs UVA:
MV7, MV5, LT3, Grant Wells, Braxton Burmeister, Ryan Willis, Josh Jackson, Jerod Evans, Michael Brewer, Tyrod Taylor, Sean Glennon, and Grant Noel. That's right, UVA. You couldn't beat Grant Noel.

Danny Coale would have caught the exception.

FTFY

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

This seems as good a time as any to bring up that two days ago on a site visit for work I met an engineer in our touring group who is a VT alum. Then another guy in the group made a remark about Michigan, his alma mater. That set off me and the other Tech guy on how Coale caught it ending in the Michigan guy conceding that, yeah, he caught it.

Outside it's night time, but inside it's LeDay

It was initially ruled a touchdown and then overruled by video review.

Pain is Temporary, Chicks Dig Scars
Glory is Forever, Let's Go Hokies!!

I'm very aware of this fact

"These people, are losing their minds! This is beautiful"

But it was already a catch.

Well, duh!

Reel men fish on Wednesdays

Gotta have a visual!!

"Virginia Tech: Our trees have more school spirit than your students."

I see you Danny! And its GLORIOUS!!

Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

Looks like they crashed their site lol

"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders via Ricky Bobby

Denial Of Service!!! Foreshadowing of what our defense will be doing!!

-Semper Primus

Great, now instead of beating Va Tech by 40 it'll only be 30, that's not nearly an adequate amount of revenge!!!

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

This is crazy, they are seriously butt hurt, huh....

Pain is Temporary, Chicks Dig Scars
Glory is Forever, Let's Go Hokies!!

Two deliverance posts in one thread??!?!!? And its not even about WVU!!

Im guessing, this guy/it is from deliverance?

Losing Bosa significantly hurts that defense. This is a huge loss for them, and arguably a bigger loss than any player on any team would be, save for starting QBs. This guy is on every preseason award watch and is on the short list for Heisman consideration this year. You cannot understate how significant a loss this is for them. This hurts them... badly.

Not having Marshall is also a big loss for their offense. Making their receiving unit thinner will help tilt that phase of the game in our favor. Allows us to focus more on stopping the run, which should help a lot.

But yeah, getting to avoid Bosa? That's huge. Like Logan Thomas and Bucky Hodges spliced their DNA to make the ultimate player who can line up at QB, toss it deep, then literally run over every defender to make the catch for the TD kinds of huge.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

You're quick Joe! It took ESPN until 12:18 to report this.

Give them a break, it's hard keeping the world up to date on important Tom Brady and LeBron James news. /s

don't worry, guys. they broke news of all the MLB trades, including David Price to Toronto and yesterday's deal with the Mets (nevermind).

The Orange and Maroon you see, that's fighting on to victory.

If it were injury, I'd be kind of sad. Because it's suspensions, I am giddy!

Major respect to the institution for holding their athletes accountable for their actions, though.

I will be interested to hear the opinion of Osu78 and co. about all this. What do you guys think?

"These people, are losing their minds! This is beautiful"

We're good.

Well, you are talking about taking, what some draft analysts believe is the #1 overall player taken in next year's draft, off of the line. It's hard to argue that's not going to hurt. Bosa is the guy every DC goes into the game with a plan to account for. Even if he doesn't make a tackle or sack, he is occupying the attention of the offense. When you take him out of the equation, that gives an offense the luxury of moving on to the next biggest concern. That, in and of itself, gives VT a big help. Also, given that Bosa is a once-a-decade type of talent, there is not going to be a way to replace him without a drop-off. So, there's that.

Jalin Marshall was important in terms of versatility: having the ability to play wide, in the slot, wildcat, jet sweeps, etc. Braxton can fill many of those roles, but you would think that Jalin would move out wide with Braxton on the field, and no one on the roster has the kind of experience Jalin has, so his absence causes an unproven player to be used on the outside. A rFr named Paris Campbell is who I think will fill this spot behind Braxton since Marshall is out. Curtis Samuel can also play there. Campbell was awesome the last time I saw him 2 years ago - winning a HS state championship for Akron St Vincent-St Mary's (yes, Lebron's school). Enough said.

Corey Smith is important because he was one of the proven players on the outside. You will probably see Terry McClaurin and Johnny Dixon fill this role. Terry is a big receiver with speed who redshirted last year. He may be fantastic or he might not be able to do anything. Who knows? Johnny is a smaller burner out of Florida. Many people believe he is the next big thing, but who knows? Ohio State has recruited tons of talent in this area, so you would think they will find someone to put out there and be productive, but potential and having done it are two different things.

My overall take is that Bosa is the biggest loss. My gut tells me that the impact of the losses of these players will be less significant on offense. There is a month for them to figure out who they think can play, and plenty of offensive threats remain, even if there is a hole or two out wide and at RB. But if the question is if I were a VT fan, coach, or player do I want these guys suspended or playing? I want them suspended.

Behind an Amish buggy going up a long, curvy hill

Yeah I'll take them out as well. Nice write up about it though.

I think the loss of the WRs favors us because if we load up to stop the run and can limit Elliot then you improvens against one of the top secondaries in the nation and one of the best duos of facyson and fuller. They both played last year against osu and are both very experienced talented players in the secondary.

Soooo....if we can limit Elliot and play shut-down against inexperienced receivers I think it helps us tremendously. But as you say boss is probably the biggest loss as his backup isn't as vaunted as he is and allows us to not have to focus on where he is on the field.

If you don't want to recruit clowns, don't run a clown show.

"I want to punch people from UVA right in the neck." - Colin Cowherd

Did you say the Boss??!?!

I'm from NJ, born & raised, fuck the "BOSS"

I personally think Bosa is overrated (not a universal opinion, I know), but nevertheless it was still a strength on weakness (Hansen's pass blocking) for OSU that will be less so now.

I'm sure OSU will be bringing in some capable replacements -- and Hansen is still probably average at best as a pass blocker -- but they will almost certainly be a step down from Bosa -- and from what Hansen faces in practice from Nicholas and/or Ekanem.

I think the losses at receiver will be equally big because conversely this was probably a weakness (sort of) against strength for VT. However I think where it will show up is in the ability of VT to more easily commit that extra 1/2 guy to the box to slow the running attack. It will make OSU's offense even more like Georgia Tech's to defend.

So a consensus All American is overrated? Really?

Overrated consensus All-Americans are not only precedented, they're fairly common. I trust my eyes far more than the hype train and the guesses of a bunch of sportswriters who vote on these things.

The fact that he is a consensus All-American makes it more likely that he is overrated. (Stated the other way around, if no one thought he was any good, he wouldn't be overrated.)

"Our job as coaches is to influence young people's lives for the better in terms of fundamental skills, work ethic, and doing the right thing. Every now and again, a player actually has that effect on the coaching staff." Justin Fuente on Sam Rogers

I disagree. He is JJ Watt good in a college uniform.

Five star get after it 100 percent Juice Key-Playing. MAN

He is!

Even when you get skunked; fishing never lets you down. 🎣

We'll see. I think he takes plays off and isn't super explosive off the ball.

I didn't say he wasn't good. I just think he's overrated.

You're challenging the almighty French's opinion on the play of a lineman?

I know you see the worst in everyone, but really? All American... and we saw how he changes games last year. The more I read your an OSU posts the more I see you as a Michigan fan.

"What are you going to do, stab me? - Quote from Man Stabbed

Michigan fan? My father and brother went to Michigan State. M Go Blow.

And it was a catch...I was there.

I just don't think Bosa is the all-world he's cracked up to be. That's all. And I would not be shocked to see his supposed draft stock slip somewhat as the draft nears.

I actually kinda agree. I think he starts for any team in the country, but still don't think he's the unblockable game changing hyper freak that people make him out to be. People talk about him like they talked about Clowney or Suh. He's not at their level.

That being said, Tech's chances definitely improve with him not playing.

This is exactly what I think and was trying to say without starting an entirely different conversation.

Thank you.

Yep, just your run-of-the-mill, unathletic defensive end.

Hokie fans are not impressed:

🦃 🦃 🦃

every time I see this one I think "Not only can Wilson do back flips, but he hits the ground so hard, it bounces other players up like a dang backyard trampoline"

Warning: this post occasionally contains strong language (which may be unsuitable for children), unusual humor (which may be unsuitable for adults), and advanced mathematics (which may be unsuitable for liberal-arts majors)..

That's nothing, you want to see real feats of athleticism?

The Orange and Maroon you see, that's fighting on to victory.

In the gym, meh. Ont he field, 8 times, ok. Into the end zone for 6!!!!!! Giddy up.

To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
@VTnerf on insta, @BuryHokie on twitter, #ThanksFrank

Thanks LVO! Insightful at the least! I want them playing. Bring it all. Again, it will be an experience for your team coming down the tunnel.

Even when you get skunked; fishing never lets you down. 🎣

You pretty much summed it up except I don't recall Samuel being suspended, unless I missed something. If he is playing, they could move him out instead of Marshall when Miller is on the field, or if Miller makes the transition smoothly to catching the ball put him outside with Samuel as an H back. The plus is he's experience and talent running the ball as a QB makes him areal threat on sweeps, so he is, IMHO, is the wild card. He could be a game breaker if settles into the new position, especially as a special teams guy. IIRC, we lost two of our return guys which means Miller, with his ability to break big runs, may be the go to return guy. He could blow the game wide open with a key return, but he's still a big question mark as to how he will have progressed by game time. No one doubts his talent, but coming off a year of rehab and starting fresh in a new position, even one that has a lot in common with his old one, is a big challenge.

I think we ride Elliot a bit more than planned unless Dunn and or Ball step up.

As for our WR's Brown will have a chance to show his stuff.With 5 weeks to practice and plan I think we'll be OK at WR and H Back.

Bosa is a tough loss. He was the anchor of the D line and as you point out a player you always had to account for. I think VT will attack his replacement to see how good he is and stay away from Washington. Some the comments on TKP lead me to believe VT's O is their weak spot so we may just luck out on Labor Day. If their O line isn't solid it may mean their QB has some more time or Washington becomes Bosa, The Sequel.

I've always thought this is a tough game, probably the toughest after MSU and TTUN, and it just got tougher. I really doubt we see a replay at WR and Hback of what we saw last year at QB.

Knowledge is Good - Emil Faber

My bad. I don't know why I threw Samuel into the mess. My dementia must be advancing faster that I thought.

Yeah, we are good at RB and Samuel can play at H-back as well. The big unknowns are WR and the big hurt is Bosa's absence.

Seems pretty universal now that there is some element of pot involved in these suspensions. Ohio State should just come out and say exactly what it is to stop the speculation.

Behind an Amish buggy going up a long, curvy hill

Thanks again for your thoughtful contribution.

I think we ride Elliot a bit more than planned unless Dunn and or Ball step up.

The more y'all rely on Elliot, the more likely VT is to win.

"Our job as coaches is to influence young people's lives for the better in terms of fundamental skills, work ethic, and doing the right thing. Every now and again, a player actually has that effect on the coaching staff." Justin Fuente on Sam Rogers

Ummm except for the guy is really, really, really good at football. The #1 goal is to take him out of the gameplan as early as possible. If OSU is still riding Elliott into the 4th quarter, we may be in trouble.

I disagree. If they are leaning on the RB, that means he is getting yards and converting. That is bad. Against OSU, we have to make their QB beat us in the air. Same goal as last year, it will just be a slightly different approach.

"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders via Ricky Bobby

Allow me to restate: the more one-dimensional OSU's offense, the more likely VT is to win. Better?

"Our job as coaches is to influence young people's lives for the better in terms of fundamental skills, work ethic, and doing the right thing. Every now and again, a player actually has that effect on the coaching staff." Justin Fuente on Sam Rogers

Much more better.

Isn't this about the time last year we found out Braxton Miller was out for the year? That was about the moment I started believing we could actually beat OSU.

He's no good to me dead.

Started?


Looks like the news brought down 11W, their site has totally crashed.

Cue the Urban Meyer Papa Johns pic...

Leonard. Duh.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

Could watch that everyday!

"GAWD I'm, like, totally sooooo depressed....but lemme fix my hair and make sure I look cute! Maybe Herbie is watching me! ZOMG!"

I dunno why, but a ditzy, valley-girl caption seems apropos.

And Eleven Warriors has crashed. Literally.

That happened last summer too when Miller got injured.

In Sam Rogers we trust.

People hate Urban, but at least he took action and did what needed to be done and showed some discipline unlike the folks down in Tallahassee.

In Sam Rogers we trust.

There's plenty of time for the suspensions to be reduced. It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if that were to occur.

"Mountains get big cause they have no natural predators." - Ken M

This was "athletic department policies" being violated, not "team rules." To me, that implies the decision was made above Urban and is pretty much set.

It would shock me - given he has never done that, even when his sanctions seemed excessive for the offence.

But Urban's disciplinary mistakes at Florida are what has created the perception you have. But when you look at what he has done at Ohio State, he has been stern, if not overly harsh. But perception is reality.

Behind an Amish buggy going up a long, curvy hill

...Which is a far cry of how he ran his program at UF.

This seems appropriate. I'm doing this at work right now.

#38-0

I don't see this as something to celebrate, but it certainly makes this game a lot more interesting.

Time to get to work.

I don't celebrate injuries, unless they happen to terrible people like A-Roid. This isn't injuries, I feel like this is celebratable.

Outside it's night time, but inside it's LeDay

You bet. We're "entitled" to celebrate a little, huh?

Reel men fish on Wednesdays

The way I see it, you celebrate wins, not missteps of our opponents. Let's see, where did I learn that...

One caveat to that theorem.....LOLUVA.

Take the shortest route to the ball and arrive in bad humor.

Ok, you've got me there.

This is always appropriate

No wonder Braxton is moving to receiver...

To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
@VTnerf on insta, @BuryHokie on twitter, #ThanksFrank

this statement from the Ohio State Athletic department vindicates the info the OSU student redditors dug up when trying to confirm/deny the rumors floating about their program. i'm happy that the Buckeyes on the College Football subreddit did everything in their power to dig up the truth despite the negative turnout for them.

it's a loss but i'm sure they'll adjust. as for us, well...

So now we are damned if we beat them since they were not full strength and damned if we do since they were not full strength. I will still take a W if you please...

I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction:
“I served in the United States Navy"

They will have 11 on the field and so will we. A win is a win is a win. They still have so many weapons that this victory will get the credit it deserves.

By morning, nobody will give a shit about the suspensions. When we win, we'll have knocked off the National Champs and given them their only 2 losses over the previous 12 months. Like last year, the hype train will build under our team, and hopefully this time we won't fuck it up the next week.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

Against Furman, I sincerely hope not.

No, I *don't* want to go to the SEC. Why do you ask?

We don't love dem Hoos.

I imagine it went like this-
Some underling: "Hey coach, I have some bad news. Bosa, Marshall, Smith, and Wilson all just got caught doing something they shouldn't have."
Urban Meyer: "No big deal, suspend them for the first quarter of the Virginia Tech game."
Underling: "Sir, you realize you're not in the SEC anymore right?"
Urban Meyer: "Umm, first half?"

Only time before the Hitler video is made to reference this..

The LOLUVA version stills warms my Hokie heart.

A decade on TKP and it's been time well spent.

The back ups are no slouches but just lack experience. The biggest opportunity now imo is we might be able to take advantage of the defense earlier for points and pound on JT earlier because they have new WRs.

I really just want to physically dominate as much as possible.

We were always going to win this game anyway, none of this matters to me.

Rip his freaking head off!

Threadwinner

21st century QBs Undefeated vs UVA:
MV7, MV5, LT3, Grant Wells, Braxton Burmeister, Ryan Willis, Josh Jackson, Jerod Evans, Michael Brewer, Tyrod Taylor, Sean Glennon, and Grant Noel. That's right, UVA. You couldn't beat Grant Noel.

Here comes the rofl copter to carry Joey Bosa and the rest away!

@VTimHokie85

Oh my stars and garters. Those are some big names. They've got depth on depth on depth, they proved as much last year. But still.

21st century QBs Undefeated vs UVA:
MV7, MV5, LT3, Grant Wells, Braxton Burmeister, Ryan Willis, Josh Jackson, Jerod Evans, Michael Brewer, Tyrod Taylor, Sean Glennon, and Grant Noel. That's right, UVA. You couldn't beat Grant Noel.

My favorite comment from this whole thing comes from ESPN:

OSU fan:

kids just need to learn a lesson the hard way sometimes, at least the first game is VT ,which still shouldnt be much of a problem

Response:

That game was not much of a problem last year either

Ah, good ole OSU fans.

"These people, are losing their minds! This is beautiful"

Now finish up them taters; I'm gonna go fondle my sweaters.

For me, that should be reserved for a team that can use this to their advantage, AFTER the win.

#gettowork

The dance was in response to the comments on last years game. But I definitely agree, moving forward and not celebrating too hard until after we win.

Now finish up them taters; I'm gonna go fondle my sweaters.

But, at the end of the day, all I see this doing is making the game go from a -19 spread to a -10 spread. Still think we win by at least 3 TD's.

but he thinks they'll win by 21 points lol.. Math It'll get after ya.

Urbs needs some comforting. Eat your pain away Urban, eat it gone!

Now finish up them taters; I'm gonna go fondle my sweaters.

But seriously, would have liked to have beaten them at full strength. Part of the game I guess, expected better from Bosa though to be honest.

"What are you going to do, stab me? - Quote from Man Stabbed

This kinda shows that Bosa:
A. Wasn't taking next season that seriously
B. He's entering the draft next year for sure.

Pain is Temporary, Chicks Dig Scars
Glory is Forever, Let's Go Hokies!!

Or C. Is a college-aged male who makes questionable decisions sometimes.

Although also B.

Logic.. pshh get outta here with that ish

To me, players being injured is a reasonable excuse. People can say "no excuses" all they like, but there is a reason not everyone is a starter.

But if guys are out due to suspension from their own actions...well that to me is not an excuse.

I don't know if this means we will win or not. I personally have had this strange good feeling about this game all offseason. But if we win, or we lose, it won't be because of these guys one way or the other. It will be because of the good guys lining up for us.

Well, here I am - first of all, things like this always really annoy me for the mere fact that the diploma on my wall, whether justified or not, has lost a little bit of its credibility. If you're going to make bad decisions don't drag the reputation of my education university down with you.

Secondly, while I'm guessing overall the reaction from OSU fans will be frustration, we definitely have a precedent for thinking that we have the talent to step up and replace players who are out. Frankly, Jalin Marshall has made some big plays but has also committed some huge turnovers, in terms of momentum, field position, and points off, so I'm not losing any sleep over that one. Michael Thomas is a capable receiver, and I'm assuming Braxton Miller can pick up some of that slack as well.

All during the postseason, because of Cardale Jones' success, we patted ourselves on the back saying "next man up" so it's time to put our money where our mouth is.

Edit: my comment about reputation and credibility is also connected to the indefensible story about the band as well. I totally understand none of actually this diminishes my education, but I don't want things like this to be at the top of this list when someone Googles Ohio State.

If it makes you feel any better, the last thing I think of when reading a story like this is that it tarnishes the reputation of the education that an institution like OSU provides. We all did "bad" things in college and our education still holds up.

Now UNC....well thats a different story.

The only diplomas that have lost credibility in recent times are the ones from UNC.

things like this always really annoy me for the mere fact that the diploma on my wall, whether justified or not, has lost a little bit of its credibility.

I'm not trying to chastise you, but if the credibility of your diploma is determined by the success of your athletics program, or better yet young men between the ages of 18 and 23, you have the wrong mindset regarding what that diploma really means.

Right, right, I know... I'm also referring to the band debacle. It got old hearing cracks about tattoos from strangers in parking lots who'd see the OSU alumni sticker on my car, for example. I'm making the mistake of reading comments on ESPN and a Michigan blog... things like, "What do you expect from a Big Ten university" and "that's sick, even for Ohio State"... obviously I know it doesn't mean my education lost value, but you don't want something like this to be the first thing most people think of when they hear "Ohio State".

I know it doesn't mean my education lost value, but you don't want something like this to be the first thing most people think of when they hear "Ohio State".

Yeah... just be glad you don't have to specify "Ohio State football" when looking up youtube videos or doing a google search like we have to do with Virginia Tech. I swear, I wish there was a way to block that fuckers face off the YT "suggested videos" every time I do a VT search.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

That's for damn sure, I noticed that right from the beginning as I was applying here and searching for things like the registrar and graduate school. Sorry to make an insensitive comparison.

Not insensitive. It's just the reality of the situation.

A decade on TKP and it's been time well spent.

Everybody has shit stains in their underwear if you look hard enough. Doesn't mean that it's going to be held against you by anyone other than those who deny their own demons. At least you aren't dealing with academic fraud or something similar.

I don't

"What are you going to do, stab me? - Quote from Man Stabbed

R.I.P. Mr. Oxi Clean.

If anything it strengthens your degree. It shows that they actually care about athletics and are willing to punish anyone who doesn't take it seriously, including arguably the best player on the best team on campus, which happens to bring in the most money.

Contrast that to what happened at UNC or FSU, and yeah... Keep your head up, nothing to be ashamed about.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

Yeah thank God we're still no FSU - on second reading, my comment came across more on the pathetic side of things than frustrated, which what I really am.

Way off topic, but I'm seeing your Hokie name and your Buckeye avatar.

Help me understand, because I've been confused about you for weeks. lol

No, I *don't* want to go to the SEC. Why do you ask?

We don't love dem Hoos.

IIRC, VT grad student and an OSU alum.

Correct (hint: click his profile)

"Exit light..."

Where's the fun in that, though?

No, I *don't* want to go to the SEC. Why do you ask?

We don't love dem Hoos.

Some espn blowhard just said ohio state could lose 6 more players and still have an easy game over us. I don't understand how that can be the case...

Yep... we're such a pushover....

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

Nobody is 2 deep at that many positions.

"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it." - K

Ulysses S. Grant was.

Outside it's night time, but inside it's LeDay

Better duck.

Reel men fish on Wednesdays

@CraigThompsonVT

It is espn.......blow hard for the headline!

Even when you get skunked; fishing never lets you down. 🎣

You could say I'm a bit excited

This the dramatic storyline for when we meet in the rematch for the CFP! Book it!

So you're telling me you didn't believe there was a chance before this happened?

History will only care about wins and losses. The game will be played regardless of who plays or doesn't. This can only help VT's chances.

#Let's Go - Hokies

ohh straight Fire with this post!!

KU is welcome to Blacksburg anytime!!

Glorious.

Best one I saw on 11warriors..

Nikkibucksfan (13:19 7/30/15)
Well, glad that is over with. Nothing like giving VT the motivation that they CAN accomplish the updet. Too much "celebrating"

Can Accomplish? More like WILL accomplish, and would have anyways.

If we can get Hetfield, Hammett, Ulrich, & Trujullo on the field.. then we will win easy.
Wonder how that recruitment is going...

Yeah, because we were do depressed thinking there was no way we could ever even think about upsetting them before....

Funny, we already played them once when they had Bosa and Marshall on the field, and I don't recall that ending badly for us.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

So after hearing this rumble about two weeks ago I really never thought anything would ever come of it. However seeing this graphic on my lunch.

Then I was all like:

There's a gif of this debacle? It was bad enough when I thought there was only a picture.

Hey Hokie fans. First time poster and I came over here to see what the reaction was going to be to the recent news. Also, I'm not here to be a troll. I'm here for some respectful dialogue and get your perspective of things and offer my opinion on things from time to time. Having said all of that...

The loss of these 4 players is certainly huge but I'm confident Urban Meyer and staff will have their replacements ready to go in the next 5 weeks. I'm supremely confident in my team as you are in yours and I'm looking forward to the rematch on September 7th. If the Hokies win again there will be no comments from me about not being up to full strength, etc. Good luck on your season.

When does practice start again for anOSU, Urban Crier might not have 5 weeks of working with the team as a whole.

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

Urban Crier? How old are you?

I got asked this once by a substitute teacher while doing something particularly dumb. My reply was, "I'll be 17 in two weeks!"

I believe fall camp starts August 11th so it's actually about 4 weeks that they'll have to prepare.

Urban Crier. That's funny, never heard that one before.

Yeah, I'm sure no Buckeye ever made fun of his name in 2007 leading up to that title game when he was at Florida

By the way, good to see some new blood in here to pick on... I mean have fun with... I mean, welcome!

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

I always respected Meyer and never called him names, but I sure wasn't a fan after the beatdown his Gator team put on the Buckeyes in the 2006 National Championship game. Like him or not, it's hard to deny that he's an excellent coach.

I hated Urban Meyer after he humiliated us in the BCSCG.

Then Ohio State hired him, and I suddenly wanted to have his children - even though that would be biologically impossible.

But to your point, it's funny how your perspective can change - quickly. :)

Behind an Amish buggy going up a long, curvy hill

I love your tag line because I have been behind my share of Amish buggies going up long curvy hills. I almost jumped out of my own vehicle.

Welcome to my life. :)

Behind an Amish buggy going up a long, curvy hill

I feel for you buddy

Learned that name while living In Cbus going to anOSU games. OSU fans HATED Urban.

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

Welcome! We certainly like having friendly opponents around the boards. The OSU guys who have come over already have been welcome members of the TKP community.

"Exit light..."

Thanks VTGM. I'm glad to be here and look forward to the discussion.

Glad to see some good discussion. That isn't childish or "We can win by 60 40"

I am looking forward to a great game - whatever the outcome, I don't think it will be lopsided either way.
Of course I think the Hokies will win though ;)

I've never thought it was going to be a blowout, but I will confess to wanting to avenge last year's loss. That's pretty much the only unfinished business from last year.

Personally, I think it would absolutely delicious if the Buckeyes came in and won the game, then slipped off into mediocrity the rest of the year.

Meanwhile, the Hokies go on to crush every other one of their opponents.

Leonard. Duh.

I wouldn't be a fan of that scenario but I would be fine with the Buckeyes winning in Blacksburg then VT going on to win the rest of their games.

Welcome to TKP! Hope you enjoy your stay. I must say, all the OSU fans that have poked their heads in over here have been classy individuals with interesting perspectives. There are quite a few that I wish would stick around after the matchup is over.

It's definitely a blow for y'all, but we've been having some unfortunate situations with a few of our players as well. On the one hand, I'm thrilled to not have to worry about Bosa anymore. Our O-Line is one of our shakier areas. On the other hand, y'all did win the National Championship with your 3rd string QB, so I'm not expecting a steep drop-off in talent. At the end of the day, while it improves our chances, you're still the favorites to win.

Thanks, Techman. Glad to hear that the other Buckeye visitors have largely been respectful and I hope that continues. I'm obviously not very excited to lose 4 important players but if last year was any indication of the team's ability to handle adversity I think they'll be OK.

Welcome BS! I say tongue in cheek. I believe that most of us would like you at full strength but we have had a couple of set backs also. Everyone just wants to have the season begin. WE are bored with no outlet. You will love the B'burg experience. Welcome!

Even when you get skunked; fishing never lets you down. 🎣

Thanks Musky. Suspensions happen, injuries happen it's just part of the game. As I said in my intro there will be no excuses. If VT wins it will be because they were the better team that night.

This doesn't work in real life, guys...

Checking Twitter... boy it didn't take long for Buckeye fans to deflect with outright anger that Shai MacKenzie is still on our roster.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

But they glanced right over the recent Reavis news right?

Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

I may be the minority and I may sound crazy but I would rather come into this years game with a solidified OL, QB and RB missing these guys than last years game with a brand new quarterback and OL.

what? I think you missed a couple words between RB & Missing?

not being a douche canoe just confused

Can't argue that

If you don't want to recruit clowns, don't run a clown show.

"I want to punch people from UVA right in the neck." - Colin Cowherd

I see your point, and can't offer much argument.

However, Bosa was pretty much single-handedly responsible for shutting down the run game. If the Hokies can get a run game going against a relatively new d-front that doesn't include Bosa, Maybe the Hokies can keep that vaulted offense off the field.

Frank Beamer, would have no problem nursing a 10-7 lead with a solid run game, and a Bud Foster D.

Leonard. Duh.

** Cut to Matt Ryan Nodding sarcastically **

The Dude Abides

Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up, and shut up.

Also, shut up.

ps. Shut up.

This is my first time here at TKP seeing a terrible downvoted comment blurred out like that, cool feature.

Did he mention, "Shutup"?

Leonard. Duh.

Are we talkin bout the dude who did the nasty with the 12 year old????

WTF did that come from?

Matt Ryan, current QB of the Atlanta Falcons, once threw 2 touchdowns in the final minute of the game to come from behind and beat VT during a torrential downpour. Partially because VT's coaches decided to try to run out the clock instead of extending our lead. I was there. It was cold and wet and heartbreaking, so we don't like to talk about it.

95% sure he's trolling. Don't feed him.

@cfieldhokie, are you HIGH?! You don't just accuse someone of trolling, but since that's what you labeled me I"ll troll YOU. Your favorite hokie is Kam Chancellor? How original, you're in the same category as 60% of everybody else here. Nice major, what do you bench? I'll keep it straight. If you have a problem lets meet up. Otherwise leave me alone you bumbling CHOTCH.

Get outta here ya WaHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

"These people, are losing their minds..."

cute bio, too bad you just deleted it. How old are you, 7?

averaging a downvote every 3 minutes of your membership here. Impressive

Warning: this post occasionally contains strong language (which may be unsuitable for children), unusual humor (which may be unsuitable for adults), and advanced mathematics (which may be unsuitable for liberal-arts majors)..

The Orange and Maroon you see, that's fighting on to victory.

its coming

Nicely done. You guys took care of this moron before I even got home.

"Exit light..."

a deca DV on each comment wouldn't go amiss though...

Warning: this post occasionally contains strong language (which may be unsuitable for children), unusual humor (which may be unsuitable for adults), and advanced mathematics (which may be unsuitable for liberal-arts majors)..

Tempting, just on principle. But the fact that this guy got community banned in no time flat is a testament to self-moderation. I only need to step in infrequently, I'm happy to say.

"Exit light..."

yes, but how am I going to test my theory about downvotes if we don't work as a community (yourself included) to see if enough negative turkey legs breaks the system? I mean, it can't just go on forever can it?

Warning: this post occasionally contains strong language (which may be unsuitable for children), unusual humor (which may be unsuitable for adults), and advanced mathematics (which may be unsuitable for liberal-arts majors)..

Keep upvoting me instead, so we can see if Joe coded the site with 32- or 64-bit integers :)

"Exit light..."

I keep watching expecting to see where the hammer lands

Warning: this post occasionally contains strong language (which may be unsuitable for children), unusual humor (which may be unsuitable for adults), and advanced mathematics (which may be unsuitable for liberal-arts majors)..

Are you the 12 year old boy? Later.

"What are you going to do, stab me? - Quote from Man Stabbed

Hilarious Fud, just hilarious. Once you have kids you'll realize that's not a very funny joke. I feel bad for you :/

Well... if anyone would know about unfunny jokes....

I would wait for a reply, but a LOLUVa fan will show up to the Spring Game before this account is allowed to comment again.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

Ahem...BANHAMMER Joe. Nuf said, over and outta here with you.

VTCC '86 Delta Co., Peru Hokie, Former Naval Aviator, Former FBISA, Forever married to my VT87 girl. Go VT!

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

The Ukraine is weak!

Ukraine is game to you?!?!

"What are you going to do, stab me? - Quote from Man Stabbed

I had no idea if this was a Tech or Buckeye fan until I read the username.

Herbstriet just denied gilman and whomever else is on college football live and said that VT is one of the three toughest games on OSU's schedule and thinks we should be a 9-10 win team this year. The host agreed and then gilman and the other guy was saying how banged up osu was last year and how inexperienced they were. Still making excuses.

If you don't want to recruit clowns, don't run a clown show.

"I want to punch people from UVA right in the neck." - Colin Cowherd

did they mention how Brewer was a 3 year starter at VT and heisman front runner /S

we had a pretty new RB crew and a QB who had less time to learn a system

Not to mention both of our starting wideouts were true fr., along with a red-shirt fr. Bucky Hodges.

Leonard. Duh.

I remember the "Teach me to Bucky" being said a lot while watching the game. (not I though...)

Freshman RBs as well

Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

I'm sure you know the answer to that one

If you don't want to recruit clowns, don't run a clown show.

"I want to punch people from UVA right in the neck." - Colin Cowherd

Yeah Rod Gilmore said OSU could lose 5-6 more players and still handle this game. I feel that's just an idiotic thing to say about any game, even though OSU has much better depth than us.

Heard a lot of that confidence in Columbus last year too.

I wonder if there is crow that I can buy at whole sale prices, because there is going to be a lot of people eating it Sept 7.

The Dude Abides

Just a suggestion from an old guy who has been a fan of Ohio State and college football in general for, well, too long: the media's job is to create interest about the games. You will never see this breaking news headline: "No one suspended or arrested at Ohio State or Virginia Tech today!" You will only get headlines when there is something negative or controversial. And the sports pundit's job is to poke the bear on one side or the other, and make you happy or angry. Either way, you end up watching because you want to prove Gilmore (or whoever) right or wrong. In the meantime, Gilmore (or whoever) has done his job.

But I sense Gilmore is a guy who does know something about football. Ohio State is, in fact, LOADED. They can sustain losses and still be successful, at VT, and especially after that (because they play no one really threatening until November). But understand that you are being manipulated in how true information is being relayed to you. Resist it. The games are decided on the field, and once the ball is kicked off, what Rod Gilmore has said has zero relevance to what actually happens. He will be right or wrong. If he is right, he will smile and say, "I told you so" and if he is wrong, he will move on to the next week's games. FWIW

Behind an Amish buggy going up a long, curvy hill

I agree with everything you said, I was just adding on to the comment I replied to about Gilmore and the other analyst saying different stuff from Herbie. I'm not at all angry about what he said though, just didn't make much sense to me.

Agree with everything you said...except I don't think I've ever heard Rod Gilmore say anything particularly insightful about the game of football.

He played. That's the only thing I am basing that on. I've heard him say things I agree and disagree with. Let me put it this way, Rod (or name the pundit) is not familiar with every roster or program circumstance. They rely on what they have heard or been told, but their job is opinion - and they give opinion whether they know what they are talking about or not. Does that bring us into full agreement? :)

Behind an Amish buggy going up a long, curvy hill

Wait - Herbie is giving us love again?

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

Herby is pro Hokie. He just holds us to a high Standard. He was following the "if you can't say something nice..." rule.

Tweedy can run like a dadgum antelope or whatever. I like to use scalded dog. Do antelopes lumber? Cheetah, OK. He runs like a cheetah. He's fast. - Bud Foster

He wasn't very pro-Hokie prior to the Sugar Bowl selection in 2012.

🦃 🦃 🦃

Yeah, I'm always reminded of what prompted me to write this blog post after the game.

Kirk Herbstreit can eat it.

But thinking back, maybe he was more upset about Michigan?

Looks like Vegas and others are dropping the line real fast. -13 and the lowest is -11

It didn't take Vegas long to readjust their lines for the Buckeyes-Hokies showdown. Station Casinos has knocked the line from -18 OSU to -13. Five points is a huge change. But Ceasers/Hilton went a bit farther and dropped the line to -11 OSU.

PS--> Monday's hype video will be orgasmic I can't wait!

PS--> Monday's hype video will be orgasmic I can't wait!

I just got handed a pile of busywork to get through today. Thanks for making that immeasurably more difficult.

Soon.

Hyping up Hokie Nation one video at a time.

Ok, just stop it already. The anticipation is too much. Drop it already!!!!!! Today is the Day, let that puppy free.

The Dude Abides

This is my first comment here at "The Key Play", but I've been lurking for a while. By the way, I'm not one of those Kool-aid drinking Buckeyes who believes this game will necessarily be a blow-out - in spite of how well our team played in the post-season. I'm fully aware that Virginia Tech is a solid program. If you guys are interested in some input from an old Buckeye - here goes.

There's no way any team can lose a player of Bosa's caliber and not feel it. Sure, the coaches are very high on Tyquan Lewis, Sam Hubbard, and Jalyn Holmes - but they're all inexperienced and they all lack Bosa's power. Each of them may be a touch quicker, however - so it's not like it's an enormous step down in every aspect.

When Ohio State played Virginia Tech last season, Jalin Marshall (as a redshirt freshman) was splitting reps with Dontre Wilson. Marshall didn't have the opportunity to really take over at H-back until after Wilson was lost to injury during the Michigan State game.

Marshall was one of many young Buckeyes who did not have the same kind of impact against the Hokies he might have had if the game had been played later in the season. You can call it an excuse if you like - but it happens to be true

In any case, OSU is absolutely jammed with talent at H-back this year. During Spring practice, the coaches experimented with Marshall at wide receiver to make room for a couple of up-and-coming playmakers at H. This was before Braxton Miller's shoulder forced him to switch from QB.

The Buckeyes might not have improved at H-back - but they just got a little quicker with this announcement. Believe it or not - Braxton Miller, Curtis Samuel and Paris Campbell are each a step faster than Jalin Marshall.

Wide receiver, Corey Smith has a ton of potential, but he was a little disappointing last season. He was probably going to be losing snaps to one or more of the younger receivers, anyway.

Again - I am in no way suggesting these suspensions won't hurt - especially, Bosa. But forunately for the Buckeyes, every player in question, plays a position where they are particularly deep this year. If a defensive tackle, a corner or a tight end had been involved, it would be a completely different story.

To boil this match-up down to it's simplest parts - I look at it this way. Virginia Tech has a great defense (one thing I'm sure we can all agree on at this site). Ohio State has a great offense - and - a great defense. Special teams look like they're about a wash. (Although, I must add - I've always been curious to see what Miller might be capable of as a punt returner)

As much as I admire Bud Foster, I'm not sold on VT's offensive coordinator so much. So while many of my fellow Buckeyes will be focusing on our offense - I believe the game will be won by our defense. Even without Joey Bosa -

Welcome! And you're quite right, OSU has no shortage of talent at H-back, but their productivity is going to be nearly impossible to predict for the first game of the season. They could be good, great, or non-factors as far as we know.
I wholeheartedly agree that the game will likely be decided by OSU's defense vs. VT's offense. Last year, Loeffler had a great gameplan (you'll find we're quite divided on his abilities here ourselves), but still "only" managed 373 yards and 4 offensive touchdowns. This is the year we're all expecting more from the O, but I rather doubt we'll see as talented a defense as OSU's the rest of the way. French has had some good stuff on how matchups might favor Tech/OSU, but from a talent perspective, OSU has a definite edge.

The loss of Bosa will hurt, no doubt. No one else on that defense (or the country for that matter) has the ability to shut down half the field for the offense and force a coordinator to overhaul his gameplan for one guy. It's a huge break for VT, but we're still left with an uphill battle to score points on that defense.

Thanks for the welcome, Techhokie13. The situation at H-back will be unique for the opener. First of all - there have been rumors that Wilson suffered a setback in his rehab after his second surgery for the injury he suffered at MSU last year - so he may not have been available week one anyway.

Secondly, the players who will be stepping in to that role are not really 'inexperienced' - they're just inexperienced at H-back. Samuel was Elliott's primary back-up last season and Miller - - - well, you know about Miller. It's not like we're asking a couple of freshmen to step in. I suppose we'll find out soon enough if experience in other roles makes their transition a bit smoother.

I'm expecting a great game. Probably a little low-scoring by our standards. It's highly unlikely we'll reach our 44-plus points and 510-plus yards per game averages of the past two seasons. But I also don't expect our defense to give up more to the Hokies than we yielded to the Ducks in our last game -

That's a good point about experience. Game reps are game reps, and we know for sure that the moment won't be too big for a guy like Miller. I'm with you on the low-scoring bit. Unless someone busts a coverage or a gap fit, or someone (like Zeke) does something crazy to bust a big play, I don't see either team having a whole lot of success moving the ball consistently.

And no, VT's offense isn't Oregon's, but then again, VT's offense isn't Oregon's. A huge knock on Loeffler has been that his system is too complex and he gets a little "too cute" for his own good sometimes. The upside is that if his players know what's going on and execute (we're thinking/hoping that'll happen a bit more in year 3), he has a ton of flexibility to move pieces around and get favorable matchups, as opposed to a relatively simple system like Oregon's that relies on making a quick read or two and getting superior athletes out in space. Should be a whole lot of fun.

Welcome, I believe we had a nice back and forth over on 11W awhile back. I think all your points are solid and make a lot of sense. The one thing that I wonder is how fast those back-ups can get up to speed since they are going to be splitting reps. If all the guys we are talking about were injured then obviously the back-ups would get all the 1st team reps, but in this situation its nowhere near that simple. Meyer still has to give all the suspended guys reps since they will be needed to win a B1G championship and possibly more (which is more important to him than beating VT). How much time is Meyer going to dedicate to guys that aren't going to be starting (or at least will see less playing time) after the first game? I think that's a big part of this too of which no one is talking about.

"We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their behavior" Stephen M.R. Covey

“When life knocks you down plan to land on your back, because if you can look up, you can get up, if you fall flat on your face it can kill your spirit” David Wilson

Thanks for the welcome, Vtfly. It's entirely possible we had a back and forth on 11W. I've been known to inhabit those parts.

How practice time will be shared is an excellent question indeed. I'm going to guess it will be very heavily skewed to the week-one starters. Our second game is at home against Hawaii - followed by two MAC teams (two of the tougher MAC programs, incidentally. But MAC, nonetheless). There should be time for the suspended players to catch up. The two biggest concerns, Bosa and Marshall, will probably barely skip a beat.

The thing is, because of how the schedule lines up, this could end up being a very good thing for OSU's DE and H-back depth long-term. A full camp/game week of practice reps plus all the extra game reps won't hurt the young guys who are getting their shot now.

Excellent point, TH13. With any luck at all, the Buckeyes will be looking at another fifteen game season. They're probably going to need all the depth they can get.

And I know it's way too early to think of such things - but this team is probably going to be decimated by the NFL next year. Besides the ten seniors who'll be leaving, we're likely to lose at least five juniors. Vonn Bell, Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott, Cardale Jones, Pat Elflein and Michael Thomas are all virtually certain to go early in the draft.

We could lose three redshirt sophomores after this season as well. Eli Apple, Darron Lee and Jalin Marshall are all possibilities.

It's doubtful we're going to lose all of those guys - but it's likely we'll lose most of them. Getting a lot of back-ups some meaningful snaps this season could be of critical importance down the road.

Don't disagree but I think where the h-back issue is is in their experience v our very experienced secondary. Talented no doubt, but as in last years game experience plays a part.

If you don't want to recruit clowns, don't run a clown show.

"I want to punch people from UVA right in the neck." - Colin Cowherd

Losing Bosa hurts but the inexperienced WR's vs. VT's secondary is the bigger concern to me. It was going to be a tough matchup for the experienced receivers but now it's monumental.

It's well known your secondary is tremendous - especially at corner. But if Foster crowds the box again to stop Zeke and JT on the ground, two of your best players will be locked up in man coverage with our wide-outs - their backs to the line of scrimmage a good part of the time.

I read an article a while ago in which Foster said he knew last year he was taking a great risk that our redshirt freshman quarterback and raw offensive line would not be able to capitalize on the situation. He mentioned being susceptible to a big play from the tight end, in particular.

I know you guys have two exceptional tight ends - but our guy, Nick Vannett, is also quite good - and a very experienced senior. Our inexperienced o-line was so overwhelmed last year, that our tight ends were forced to help with pass protection. That shouldn't be the case as much this time around.

Besides, depending on what Foster does with Chuck Clark following Reavis' suspension, one safety or the other will not be all that experienced.

Great analysis from Buckeye Phi..I think you should stick around these parts

Exit Light, Enter Night....Go Hokies

Don't forget, Ezekiel Elliott's wrist was broken when VT held him to a season low for total rushing yards.

Elliott scares the crap outta me. I'm hoping that our D-line will be able to get some penetration and slow him down before he really gets going, but I don't think there's another player in the country to whom I don't want to give even a sliver of daylight. What he did against Bama and Oregon turning the tiniest creases into footraces was equally terrifying and impressive.

Don't think for a second that losing Devin Smith (and now 3 receivers) won't make those creases a little smaller though.

My biggest VT worry is still at the Mike position. And you can bet that the OSU coaching staff will be targeting that from the get go.

Weren't both of VTs corners injured when they shut down the passing game?

John C Mckendree

So I guess this explains their helmet stickers.

Marshall University graduate.
Virginia Tech fanatic.
Formerly known as JWillHokieAlum.

From time to time there are stories of people mistaking Buckeye leaves for weed and I believe one even involved a couple getting pulled over by the cops.

I used to mistake small buckeye sprouts for ginseng as a youngster. I grew up in a small town....

My Grandpa used to take me digging up ginseng root. He taught me the difference between ginseng and poison ivy, and we would go to this little house to sell it. He bought me GI Joes with the money.

Hmm, I'm drunk.

"That kid you're talking to right there, I think he played his nuts off! And you can quote me on that shit!" -Bud Foster

I am now oddly terrified that we're gonna be over confident for this game as a fan base and end up disappointed.

Exactly. I think it's important not to read too much into this. It helps, but Ohio State is a machine.

Luckily we don't play in the games. The boys will be ready, I think optimistic is a better word for what I'm feeling.

"What are you going to do, stab me? - Quote from Man Stabbed

Yeah. I'm still staying cautiously optimistic. Nothing for me has changed so far, losing Bosa hurts as does losing 2 H-Backs but I'm still not sold on our offense. The fate of this game is completely controlled by the VT offense more than anything, and this news changes things a bit but not a huge amount.

I still expect a loss by a touchdown or so.

I think a lot of the fan base might get over confident, but I trust that the coaches will keep our guys level and they will be just as prepared as they would have without the suspensions.

Personally, I was probably already over confident prior to the suspensions, lol

Now finish up them taters; I'm gonna go fondle my sweaters.

The team needs to react like sharks smelling blood in the water and keep working their tail feathers off!

Mixed Metaphor Guy makes an appearance!

I would have liked to have seen both teams at full strength for the game. Games are just better when your best players are out there making plays. Bosa for them, and I'll go with wanting to have Reavis for us. Would have been nice.

You cannot replace a Joey Bosa. You can't. But let's not forget that this isn't Meyer's first year in Columbus, and with the talent he stockpiles and the annual talent haul that OSU would pull in even without him, you can bet the next man up is going to be just as good, if not better, than most of the starting defensive ends around the country. The storyline at the beginning of the game may be the loss of Bosa. But the storyline at the end may be about the new guy who stepped in and showed his talents to the whole country. Lord knows it's happened before, with this team, last year...in the big ten championship game...at quarterback.

Let's not start counting out chickens. They're the champs for a reason, and it isn't because they were reliant on any one guy or any subset of their guys. As our esteemed visitors from 11W point out, the cupboard is stocked, and we'll have our hands quite full come Labor Day. Thanks, Buckeyes, for coming around. Your insights are valued.

Having said all that, the PSU folks up here are loving that Bosa got suspended. All around the office today there were smiles.

The PSU fans have to smile about the Bosa news because nothing about their own team makes them happy.

heheheh. At the moment, Franklin is still their darling.

Don't let anybody kid you. Ohio State is loaded with top-tier talent.

Last year they were down two quarterbacks and STILL won the national championship.

Yes, they have some good QBs on their roster. That being said, I think people may be overestimating the roles that those QBs played throughout the year. Talented, yes. Do they have the three best QBs in the country? No. Are all three All-American talent? I'm not sure. The great thing about football is that a good team will make a good QB look great, but only an incredible talent at QB will make a bad team look good. That whole team was loaded.

There's always a lighthouse. There's always a man. There's always a city.

That was my point.

Didn't want to start a new thread for this, but Urban just said they won't announce the QB before Sep. 7th; will have to wait for him to run out the tunnel.

@hokie_rd

As far as our preparation is concerned, I think it's totally irrelevant.

"Exit light..."

FTFY

As far as our preparation is concerned, I think it's totally irrelevant.

I disagree - respectfully. Jones and Barrett are two entirely different QB's, with two entirely different skill sets, and the offense changes significantly depending on which one is in there. JT is a spread distributor which will stress the defense w/ option reads, short to intermediate passing, and QB run/scramble. Jones will run an offense that stresses the defense with power handoff zone runs, power QB run/scrambles, and deep passing. VT will (and should) prepare for both of them. If Bud calls me, I'm telling him that Barrett will start and play most of the snaps because he can run every concept in the playbook, but that he needs to have a plan to change things when Jones comes in (I would guess at least 1x/qtr). But Bud won't be calling me because he already knows all of that. :)

Behind an Amish buggy going up a long, curvy hill

Sure, they've clearly got different skill sets, but that's not the point. I find it funny that Meyer is playing coy about who will start/be 1st string/whatever, when in reality it's just a token designation. You guys are blessed with two very talented QBs who can run the show. But Bud's basic concepts will not change - take away the run first (be it Elliott, Miller at HB, or Jones on zone reads) and test your WRs (and I believe you just lost a couple of these guys with today's news, leaving talented but untested backups) against our strength (though the relative strength of the DL vs. the DBs at this point is debatable; our backers are the biggest concern in my mind).

"Exit light..."

Was just posting because I thought it was interesting, I don't know Bud's prep well enough to comment if it matters.

What it no doubt signals as mentioned above (maybe below) is that he is taking this game extremely seriously. The uber confident move is, F it, you can't do it two years in a row even if I tell you which Heisman contender we are starting. Try to bleed total confidence and drive fear.

@hokie_rd

That certainly indicates that Urban Meyer is taking this game pretty seriously.

I don't think it's going to affect Bud all that much.

Meyers might use both.

ESPN Cleveland is reporting the suspension involves "academic habits" - whatever that means.

Behind an Amish buggy going up a long, curvy hill

I think it means skipping class cause you're too high to go.

"We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their behavior" Stephen M.R. Covey

“When life knocks you down plan to land on your back, because if you can look up, you can get up, if you fall flat on your face it can kill your spirit” David Wilson

Could be!

Behind an Amish buggy going up a long, curvy hill

there's an ESPN Cleveland??

VT CEE Class of 2016/2017

5 years, 2 degrees, 33 football games as a student, and 2 Cassell court stormings later, I bleed Maroon and Orange

I thought those buckeye leaves looked familiar...

"Eat, Drink and Be Merry, for Tomorrow We Die!" "Geaux Hokies is pronounced GUUH-X" - Andrew Jackson, 1815

But if you smoke buckeye leaves all that happens is a lot of coughing.

Behind an Amish buggy going up a long, curvy hill

sounds like you're speaking from personal experience

Warning: this post occasionally contains strong language (which may be unsuitable for children), unusual humor (which may be unsuitable for adults), and advanced mathematics (which may be unsuitable for liberal-arts majors)..

Actually... this one time... but I didn't inhale... my friend coughed a lot. :)

Behind an Amish buggy going up a long, curvy hill

God I hope we get Game Day.... The signs will be hilariously awesome

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

Can we get Game Day on a Monday?

If ESPN held Gameday on that Saturday the turnout in Blacksburg would still be epic.

I think they will be pretty good one way or the other.

I don't think we will get gameday, but I do think this game will get far and away more viewership than any other that weekend. Kinda of weird, but what would they cover up until kickoff, the games the previous Saturday? How would Katy Perry present her stellar Wikipedia one liners handed to her by her agent during the limo ride over the the grove? Wait, that has nothing to do with it. So many questions.

@hokie_rd

I helps, but I don't think it dramatically tips the scales in our favor. This is like when we used to play Miami back when they were Miami. They got depth.

"That kid you're talking to right there, I think he played his nuts off! And you can quote me on that shit!" -Bud Foster

Oh dey Bak!

VT '10--US Citizen; (804) Virginian By Birth; (979) Texan By the Grace of God.

Rick Monday... You Made a Great Play...

I also root for: The Keydets, Army, TexAggies, NY Giants, NY Rangers, ATL Braves, and SA Brahmas

Ah, the days of the annual preseason FL "backness" sweepstakes...

Please just get to the game!

Even when you get skunked; fishing never lets you down. 🎣

Wow, this is big especially when you consider the loss of Bosa. I'm hoping between that, the loss of two other OSU D-lineman, and an improved O-Line on our part; we can really play a grind it out, run the ball down there throats kind of game. Also, I hope the defense as a whole doesn't get complacent with OSU's receiver depth taking a hit. I'm sure Meyer will utilize Braxton Miller in the H-Back roll occupied by Marshall. They also have Elliot at RB and more experienced O-line than the one we played last year. This is good news for our guys no doubt about it, but it by no means makes it an automatic win (I don't think anyone implied that, I'm just saying.)

That being said, I'm going to be in Blacksburg for the NC State game and it would be awesome to be undefeated going into that night.

Let's cut to the chase. Can the guy who does the awesome graphics work over at 11w post the game poster now so I can correct his work again? I am going to have a super busy August so now would be a great time. One of you anOSU fans make this happen please.

now I'm curious what the original was. You don't have to post it, but I'd appreciate a link.

Warning: this post occasionally contains strong language (which may be unsuitable for children), unusual humor (which may be unsuitable for adults), and advanced mathematics (which may be unsuitable for liberal-arts majors)..

It was the same picture minus the Brutus head and Hokie tracks.

I like that guys work. Very subtle jokes. I don't do subtle. Or high quality.

Warning: this post occasionally contains strong language (which may be unsuitable for children), unusual humor (which may be unsuitable for adults), and advanced mathematics (which may be unsuitable for liberal-arts majors)..

oh I already fixed this one pre-game last year. (see above) I need this year's poster now so I can fix it as well. Again super busy August.

thanks!

(seriously, he does do great work)

The posters don't come out until the week of each game so it won't be available until early September.