HOKIE Football

VATechshop.com

2006-09-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

I have now started a new website at www.vatechshop.com also viewable as www.fighting gobbler.com to sell Virginia Tech merchandise including: Virginia Tech Watches, Virginia Tech christmas ornamenets, virginia tech billiards and games.

The Offense Has a Long Way to GO

2006-09-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

Virginia Tech's offense has a long way to go and a short time to get there. With one of the top defenses in the country, Tech should be able to pull out at least an eight win season against opponents such as Duke and Kent state. Whether they go beyond eight wins will be totally up to the offense.

Branden Ore once again has shown he is a stud. But the passing game has a lot left to learn. Plus, who is backing up Ore these days anyways. Tech went from a very deep backfield last year to a one man show.

The Duke game this week should be a cake walk but can the offense show us anything that will be necessary further along in the season.

Youth Baseball Bats

2006-08-25T04:56:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for youth baseball bats for you kids or wood baseball bats, or even baseball gloves, check out these fine sites.

Youth Baseball Bats

Wood Baseball Bats

Baseball Gloves

No Quarterback in Sight

2006-04-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

Two things stood out at the Virginia Tech Spring game this past Saturday. First we have no idea who will play quarterback this year, nor how good they can or will be and secondly we have a good group of talented tailbacks, but almost all of them are injured currently.

Second Chance Squandered

2005-12-07T07:30:00.000-08:00

Miami gave Tech a second chance at a BCS bowl and they blew it. The third quarter by Florida State sent Virginia Tech packing for the gator bowl. After this preformance I question our chances at a title next season.

The o-line play once again was horrible and half of those guys graduate. What will that leave us with next year. Probably an injured Marcus Vick.

Another Chance

2005-11-21T08:52:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-15T05:13:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-07T13:00:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-04T05:36:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-04T05:32:00.000-08:00

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.

Toughest test of the year upcoming

2005-10-31T11:50:00.000-08:00

With the Miami game upcoming on Saturday night and a nation watching, you can't help but wonder which team will bring their A game. In general this is one of the few years that Tech brings more talent to the table than Miami, but every Tech, Miami game seems to be up for grabs. That's a rivalry for you.

Red Zone Troubles Continue

2005-10-28T05:28:00.000-07:00

The Hokies continue to have trouble getting scoring touchdowns inside the ten yard line. First and goal has become one of the most challenging situational spots the Hokies seem to face this season. This could wind up becoming their Achilles heel if they don't fix it before it is too late.

Freshman Mistake

2005-10-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

Averaging five yards a carry in limited playing time Thursday night, freshman Brandon Ore proved why he is still a freshman. With second down and seven on the Boston College nine yard line, Ore fumbled the ball into the end zone, loosing Tech's opportunity to put the nail in the coffin for BC.

While the freshman has looked great at times, this red zone mistake seemed to limit his playing time Thursday night. Ore is definitely a player to watch as he ventures to move up the depth chart from week to week.

Tapp Continues to Excel

2005-10-28T05:10:00.000-07:00

Darryl Tapp, Virginia Tech's superstar defensive end played another stellar performance on Thursday night against Boston College. Although the stat report will show two sacks on the night for Tapp, that only tells part of the story. Tapp was also responsible for contributing to an interception, in which Boston College quarterback, Quinton Porter decide to try to throw the ball away while he was being pulled down by Tapp.

Then there was the fourth potential sack that was called back because of a Boston College false start. This game will definitely go down as one of the best games of Tapps career.

Does Humes Return Affect Ore

2005-10-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

Will Cedric Humes returning to action tomorrow night, what kind of affect will that have on freshman Branden Ore and the time he will see on the field.

Ore has been trying to move up the line all season at running back but has a tough job ahead of him moving in front of seniors Mike Imoh and Cedric Humes.

Running backs coach Billy Hite and head coach Frank Beamer are very loyal to their senior leaders and tend to go conservative with giving Ore the opportunity to pass them.

Ore has proven in the last two games that he is poised to move up the depth chart. Which could cause even more confusion trying to play all three running backs effectively.

Virginia Tech Prepares For Boston College

2005-10-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

Virginia Tech, once again is preparing to play a tough Thursday night ESPN game. This weeks game against Boston College is stacking up to be one of the toughest games on the schedule so far.

Boston College has always been one of those teams that Tech, can loose to and sometimes will. More and more we begin to hear how Virginia Tech could be out of the BSC championship game altogether, but more importantly is, can they go undefeated. If so, then and only then can we talk about the BCS.

Another Great Week for Branden Ore

2005-10-21T05:56:00.000-07:00

Branden Ore showed once again why he will be getting more and more playing time as the season progresses. Ore was 9 for 48 on the night with most of his carries coming later in the game.

Mike Imoh once again showed his weakness to be his red zone productivity, especially inside the five yard line. Imoh, who fumbled trying to go over the pile toward the endzone, has had continued difficulty this year as Tech seems intent on using a small back in these goal line situations. Where is Lee Suggs when we need him?

Virginia Tech wins despite major mistakes

2005-10-21T05:30:00.000-07:00

Virginia Tech's win on Thursday night came despite some major mistakes by the offense. It seems like every year Tech will play "one of those games" where, despite how good of a team they are, they will save up a years worth of mistakes and penalties and use them all in one game.

Last year it was the N.C. State game, the year before it was at West Virginia. The difference this time, they were still able to dominate the game. Marcus Vick through three interceptions in the third quarter in a span of only six minutes and twenty four seconds. Even with the interceptions, Vick still was able to post a moderate performance, combining for 344 total yards of offense.

Including the three interceptions, Virginia Tech turned the ball over five times Thursday night and was still able to cruise to a 28-9 victory against the same team that was able to dismantle, then number 19 Virginia 45 to 33.

With "one of those games" now out of the way, Virginia Tech can now put their attention on Boston College next Thursday. If they play this way next week, their national title hopes will go out the window.