Another Chance

After the thrashing of UVA on Saturday and the loss by Miami, Virginia Tech is back in the drivers seat for the ACC championship game. Unless they slip up against UNC, which they certainly could, they will be heading to Jacksonville on December 3rd to Meet Florida State.

Up Next UVA

Although UVA will be brining a damaged squad to the game at Scott Stadium next week, this is still rivalry week and anything can happen. Also Tech will never forget the slide they had two years ago after losing to West Virginia. In order to salvage some sort of meaningful season and a chance at something BIG, Tech must win out. Then we must root for the Hoos to beat Miami the following week.

BCS Arithmetic

Alright, so the odds are slim to none that Virginia Tech will end up in the Rose Bowl, but lets look at what it would take to make this happen.

First off there are going to be probably five teams ahead of them in the BSC standings when the polls come out later today; USC, Texas, Miami, Penn State and I assume LSU after their defeat of Alabama on Saturday. The one scenario that would give Tech an opportunity to participate in Pasadena would be for all or all but one of these teams to lose between now and the end of the season. Let's look at where that could happen.

1. USC - Chance of this occurring (slim to none)
USC's one tough remaining game will come from a UCLA team which has overachieved all season long. Most odds makers don't give the Bruins a chance, but if USC is to loose it would happen here.

2. Texas - Chance of this occurring (none)
They play a lackluster Texas A&M team which is not nearly as intimidating as it was in the past, then will probably roll over Colorado in their league championship game.

3. Miami - Chance of this occurring (likely)
Miami, in my opinion, is not nearly as good as they seemed against Virginia Tech. Any offense looks productive when the other team gives them six turnovers to work with. The Hurricanes still have a Virginia team which knocked off Florida State and the same Florida State team which beat them in the opener to face if they make it to the ACC championship game.

4. Penn State - Chance of this occurring (possible but not likely)
Penn State still has one tough challenge in facing Michigan State, but it looks like the Nittney Lions will prevail.

5. LSU - Chance of this occurring (possible)
LSU will still have to face a formidable opponent in the SEC championship game which they very well may lose.

If all of these scenario's happen, there is a slim chance Tech COULD be considered for Pasadena. But then again, I am really just dreaming.

One more year

I think with Vick's performance on Saturday we can conclude he will return for his senior year. All of that was in doubt with the massive press he was receiving, but I think his six turnover, eight completion performance put one more year of Virginia Tech on his resume.

Thinking about it, this does give Tech another great opportunity for a national championship next year, with almost the entire team in tact. One more year under this talented receiving core will only make us stronger. And ironically loosing Humes and Imoh may be the best thing for this team, with the likes of Ore and Bell waiting in the wings.

Now there is still a chance if Miami loses to play for the ACC title game, but at this point we just need to focus on winning out, how ever many games that turns out to be.

Rewind

Let's just forget Saturday ever happened. Isn't there such a thing as a do-over in college football, because Virginia Tech sure needs one now. Maybe we could all get together tomorrow night in Miami and just play the game there. Really I don't mind traveling.

I really feel that if both teams played to their potential, Tech would have won. This is one of the few years Tech had the edge talent wise, but then failed to show up for the game.

Beware of the BCS

A lot of talk has started recently in the media about Virginia Tech getting left out of the BCS Championship game. The problem here is Tech still has to go undefeated before that can come to fruition. To do so they must defeat a strong Miami team Saturday night.

While Tech is more talented than Miami this season, this is definitely one of those games where the hype can be too much. If Tech starts looking ahead, they may just get defeated. It will be important for them to keep their heads straight and look at the challenge at hand.

Miami Predictions

Predictions for Saturday Nights Game
Virginia Tech 26
Miami 16

Virginia Tech will be leading 13 to 7 at the half, and Miami only managing three field goals in the second half. Tech will score another touchdown and two more field goals in the second half.

Marcus Vick will be the offensive player of the game with two touchdowns and zero interceptions. His completion percentage will be a little lower than his average (69%) due to the Miami defense.

Daryll Tapp will have another big game, as will Branden Ore with limited playing time. Humes and Imoh (limited due to ankle injuries) will struggle on the ground, providing Ore with added playing time in the second half.