That's the stentch of complancy. Good old fashioned complacency. Fancy Gap Frank style complacency.
We can't say that we're surprised, but we held out hope, kind of like Frank is basing this program's future on hope instead of having a plan to reach the heights of the college football world. It is truly a shame and we were visibly upset as we read that Frank has officially announced that no changes will be made.
How can we possibly get excited for 2009? After 7 years of this stuff, why is there any reason to believe that Stinespring is going to finally get it? There isn't any reason to believe it. It's rather disheartening.
We even kept old O'Cain and Newsome too, since they've done such a good job developing Tyrod (we think he's actually regressed under O'Cain's tutelage) and well the offensive line, well that speaks for itself, stellar once again (yet probably 3 of this year's starters will play in the NFL at some point).
We can see it now after we get lambasted by Alabama in the opener next year, the Hokie Hotline phones will be ringing off the hooks, but good old Frank will give us the same song and dance he gives us every year and maybe even call someone outta whack just for old times' sake. Then he'll compare us to the Trojans and Longhorns, because just like everyone else who watches college football would agree, that Virginia Tech is clearly on the same level...yet we still have that empty trophy case.
Frank, while the rest of us VT fans who don't know a thing about football remain "outta whack", you remain "outta touch" with today's college game. It's truly a shame.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
What now?
Congratulations to the team on a job well done. Credit to Bud and his defensive staff. Credit to the players (even on offense which have been done a disservice by the coaches) for hanging around, playing tough, and somehow winning despite the sub 100 offense. It was ugly, but we'll take another ACC championship.
As for what's next, who knows? All we know is that the offense got worse (didn't think it was possible) after hearing how great the OL was going to be this year. Alas, they gave up the most sacks in the conference, but it's also likely that 3 of that starting 5 will be drafted into the NFL in the next couple of years. So, talent is the problem we hear? Not so much...but we already knew that, right? We must have the worst luck in recruiting OL of any program in the nation...and only at that particular position because for some reason at the NFL combine, these "misses" make it along with many running backs, tight ends, and receivers from VT.
We must have misread where the defense ranked this year (after losing 8 starters), 7th in the nation. That's not possible is it? With all the talent we have on both sides of the ball? There is no other explanation after years of dominant defense and poor offense. It's official, the offensive coaches are as bad as Bud and his staff are great. So much for excuses from Bud and the defense.
The bottom line is that our offense is no better than it was 1 year ago or even 2 or 3 years ago. In fact, it's the worst it has been in 7 years. Yet, the past 5 recruiting classes have been some of our most complete and talented.
Folks, we've defied the statistical odds for a second consecutive year. We'll take it. But, the rest of the conference will catch up and sub 100 won't work anymore. Are we going to have to wait for things to bottom out to change?
This is all of course not even in the realm of where we need to be to win or compete for national championships. We've been over all the stats a million times and the past 10 BCS champs prove it out. Until Frank gets that and can start seeing the big picture instead of spending his time making excuses for his offensive coaches, we aren't going to sniff a national championship.
As for what's next, who knows? All we know is that the offense got worse (didn't think it was possible) after hearing how great the OL was going to be this year. Alas, they gave up the most sacks in the conference, but it's also likely that 3 of that starting 5 will be drafted into the NFL in the next couple of years. So, talent is the problem we hear? Not so much...but we already knew that, right? We must have the worst luck in recruiting OL of any program in the nation...and only at that particular position because for some reason at the NFL combine, these "misses" make it along with many running backs, tight ends, and receivers from VT.
We must have misread where the defense ranked this year (after losing 8 starters), 7th in the nation. That's not possible is it? With all the talent we have on both sides of the ball? There is no other explanation after years of dominant defense and poor offense. It's official, the offensive coaches are as bad as Bud and his staff are great. So much for excuses from Bud and the defense.
The bottom line is that our offense is no better than it was 1 year ago or even 2 or 3 years ago. In fact, it's the worst it has been in 7 years. Yet, the past 5 recruiting classes have been some of our most complete and talented.
Folks, we've defied the statistical odds for a second consecutive year. We'll take it. But, the rest of the conference will catch up and sub 100 won't work anymore. Are we going to have to wait for things to bottom out to change?
This is all of course not even in the realm of where we need to be to win or compete for national championships. We've been over all the stats a million times and the past 10 BCS champs prove it out. Until Frank gets that and can start seeing the big picture instead of spending his time making excuses for his offensive coaches, we aren't going to sniff a national championship.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Take the Points!!
How many games do we have to lose before we learn to take the points? It's not like our offense is good and we move the ball at will and can "just get 1 yard" when we want. In fact, we all know that is quite the opposite of our "offense". Quotation marks are appropriate in the same regard we put "coach" next to our offensive coordinator, offensive line coach, and quarterbacks coach.
And if we continue to insist on going for it on 4th down, let's learn from our past failures on what play to call. We are really starting to wonder if these guys could coach a highschool team. Who in their right mind lines up a 260 pound TE (moonlighting as our QB) in the shotgun 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage on 4th and goal from the 1 yard line? That is just so mindblowing for so many reasons. How about a QB sneak from under center? Or Tyrod with a designed run/pass option?
The lack of logic and continuity never ceases to amaze us. The repetitive mistakes and not learning from the past borders on lunacy.
We are very proud of the team and Bud for winning the Coastal division. And maybe we can win the ACC championship again, but for all of those accomplishments, it does not make our offense good or any better than it was last year, according to the statistics.
We really thought Frank was a reasonable person, but the continued excuse making for the offensive coaches and pointing to the "wins are what matter" line, we really wonder if he seriously believes that. Because no matter how you slice it, our offensive coaching staff needs a major overhaul because we have just seen another year of ineptitude. At this point, Frank's "wins are what matter" answer/excuse is not an acceptable reason for NOT making changes. The fans deserve better and they should let their voice be heard.
Is Frank really waiting for the bottom to fall out and lose a bunch of games before he makes a change? No one ever said you had to get worse in order to get better or that we can't expect a decent offense to compliment our fantastic defense.
And if we continue to insist on going for it on 4th down, let's learn from our past failures on what play to call. We are really starting to wonder if these guys could coach a highschool team. Who in their right mind lines up a 260 pound TE (moonlighting as our QB) in the shotgun 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage on 4th and goal from the 1 yard line? That is just so mindblowing for so many reasons. How about a QB sneak from under center? Or Tyrod with a designed run/pass option?
The lack of logic and continuity never ceases to amaze us. The repetitive mistakes and not learning from the past borders on lunacy.
We are very proud of the team and Bud for winning the Coastal division. And maybe we can win the ACC championship again, but for all of those accomplishments, it does not make our offense good or any better than it was last year, according to the statistics.
We really thought Frank was a reasonable person, but the continued excuse making for the offensive coaches and pointing to the "wins are what matter" line, we really wonder if he seriously believes that. Because no matter how you slice it, our offensive coaching staff needs a major overhaul because we have just seen another year of ineptitude. At this point, Frank's "wins are what matter" answer/excuse is not an acceptable reason for NOT making changes. The fans deserve better and they should let their voice be heard.
Is Frank really waiting for the bottom to fall out and lose a bunch of games before he makes a change? No one ever said you had to get worse in order to get better or that we can't expect a decent offense to compliment our fantastic defense.
Monday, November 24, 2008
If A Tree Falls in the Woods and Nobody is Around...
to write about it, does it still mean your offense is ranked 109th? Well, you get what we're saying. So, now Frank has resorted to making not only his players, but coaches unavailable to the media! Wow. It must be getting hot in the Merryman Center.
We're not really going to harp on the Duke game. It was awful and just made the "change train" gain more steam. No team is going to win many games with 5 turnovers (although BC beat us with 5 or 6 giveaways).
Anyway, this is really becoming a circus. Not only are fans continuing to throw high-n-tight fastballs on Hokie Hotline, our favorite sports bloggers and writers continue to hammer away with questions about the offense each week, and of course our new favorite player Purnell Sturdivant weighing in on the offense, but now Frank has put the muzzle on his players and coaches.
We don't know how to translate what this all means. Maybe Frank is just tired of it all himself? Maybe he thinks that winning the ACC championship will silence the critics? Bottom line is, the gig is up and everyone who wears Orange or Maroon knows it. At this point, we don't see how this can continue into the offseason as it would not be good for the health of the program if Frank let this linger into the spring and next season.
We're not really going to harp on the Duke game. It was awful and just made the "change train" gain more steam. No team is going to win many games with 5 turnovers (although BC beat us with 5 or 6 giveaways).
Anyway, this is really becoming a circus. Not only are fans continuing to throw high-n-tight fastballs on Hokie Hotline, our favorite sports bloggers and writers continue to hammer away with questions about the offense each week, and of course our new favorite player Purnell Sturdivant weighing in on the offense, but now Frank has put the muzzle on his players and coaches.
We don't know how to translate what this all means. Maybe Frank is just tired of it all himself? Maybe he thinks that winning the ACC championship will silence the critics? Bottom line is, the gig is up and everyone who wears Orange or Maroon knows it. At this point, we don't see how this can continue into the offseason as it would not be good for the health of the program if Frank let this linger into the spring and next season.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Bait and Switch
We all got our hopes up last week after a breakout performance against the Terps. But, a closer look would have told us not to get so excited. Afterall, the Maryland defense ranked 70th at the time and 11th in the ACC. Everyone had been pointing to the Terp defensive line as its weakness. That certainly proved to be the case. Kudos for exposing the other team's weakness, something that is not always attacked on a regular basis as it should be by any decent coordinator.
However, if that hadn't dawned on us, what should have is that after 9 games into a season, with a coordinator who hadn't shown us anything for the better part of the past 3-7 years (however you would like to view the situation), that something was fishy about our offense being hastily labelled as dominant after the Maryland game.
Never to let us down, Frank and his offensive coaching flunkies only needed 7 days for reality to set back in. And it set in real quick and real hard.
What's most troubling as we continue to stumble through season after season of the same old song, is that Frank/Stinespring don't seem to learn from past mistakes. You can look back to the '99 and '04 Sugar Bowls, any number of regular season games, etc. and you can find that not only have we failed on 4th down attempts in lieu of taking the points, we continue to run the same inept and unsuccessful play that has withstood the test of time!
It's truly becoming disheartening and we wonder if anything will change. With Bud's departure on the horizon (good luck and only the best for Bud!!), we wonder if this will add even more incentive for Frank to make a change or make him dig his heels in even harder. If the latter, then get ready for some rough years ahead for VT football.
The "what ifs" are already creeping in and it's too bad that Frank hasn't aligned his vision to win national championships with a solid plan instead of depending on Bud and HOPING that Bryan Stinespring could be something that he isn't. It could be a shame considering how far VT football has come and what we have built, but will we rise past this plateau? We have the talent and fans to do such great things at Virginia Tech football. How will Frank answer the challenge?
However, if that hadn't dawned on us, what should have is that after 9 games into a season, with a coordinator who hadn't shown us anything for the better part of the past 3-7 years (however you would like to view the situation), that something was fishy about our offense being hastily labelled as dominant after the Maryland game.
Never to let us down, Frank and his offensive coaching flunkies only needed 7 days for reality to set back in. And it set in real quick and real hard.
What's most troubling as we continue to stumble through season after season of the same old song, is that Frank/Stinespring don't seem to learn from past mistakes. You can look back to the '99 and '04 Sugar Bowls, any number of regular season games, etc. and you can find that not only have we failed on 4th down attempts in lieu of taking the points, we continue to run the same inept and unsuccessful play that has withstood the test of time!
It's truly becoming disheartening and we wonder if anything will change. With Bud's departure on the horizon (good luck and only the best for Bud!!), we wonder if this will add even more incentive for Frank to make a change or make him dig his heels in even harder. If the latter, then get ready for some rough years ahead for VT football.
The "what ifs" are already creeping in and it's too bad that Frank hasn't aligned his vision to win national championships with a solid plan instead of depending on Bud and HOPING that Bryan Stinespring could be something that he isn't. It could be a shame considering how far VT football has come and what we have built, but will we rise past this plateau? We have the talent and fans to do such great things at Virginia Tech football. How will Frank answer the challenge?
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Take a knee
We had a great time in Tallhassee. Not the prettiest of college towns, but we had a good time. Good fans and treated the Hokie fans well. Pretty cool to experience that Florida State atmosphere and tradition.
Anyway, on to the game. Our guys played so hard and we take off our hat to Cory Holt for his inspired performance. Obviously, the roughing the kicker penalty was huge and for all intents and purposes handed the win to Florida State. Not sure it was the best decision to be trying to block a punt when you have the lead and you're about to get the ball back in good field position...especially with our offense. It felt like the 2005 ACC championship game with the repeatedly deep jump balls that FSU pulled down (seemingly) every time. And the punt with a couple minutes left was embarrassing. What was that?
The coaches will blame the injuries, but it is what it is and we come in at 113th in total offense after yesterday's 240 yard performance. Somehow we still control our own destiny to win the Coastal, thanks to the overall suckiness of our conference. We still think the Coastal winner will have 3 losses. Anyway, different week, same problem...Bryan Stinespring is still our offensive coordinator. Keep the heat up and the phones ringing. We hate losing, but maybe, just maybe that means we're 1 loss closer to a new offensive coordinator in 2009.
The Florida State boosters we were tailgating with were commiserating about their similar situation with Jeff Bowden. If Bobby can fire his own son after 7 years of crappy offense, then maybe one of his good friends, Frank will get some advice on how to go about helping Stinespring find another position. The Noles fans said it took about 2 or 3 years of complaining to get a new offensive coordinator. VT fans have been grumbling since 2006, so at least this concept isn't totally foreign and as we all know this thing got much stronger legs in 2008. The players and fans deserve better.
We are starting to think that Frank's personal loyalties may be intefering with his job duties. That is, putting this stubborness AHEAD of what is best (big picture) for the Virginia Tech football PROGRAM. We shall see what happens, but as it stands with Stinespring as our offensive coordinator, Frank doesn't have VT football heading in the proper direction. He's gotta come up with a plan soon because when Bud leaves he's gonna need that offense more than he's ever needed it.
Anyway, on to the game. Our guys played so hard and we take off our hat to Cory Holt for his inspired performance. Obviously, the roughing the kicker penalty was huge and for all intents and purposes handed the win to Florida State. Not sure it was the best decision to be trying to block a punt when you have the lead and you're about to get the ball back in good field position...especially with our offense. It felt like the 2005 ACC championship game with the repeatedly deep jump balls that FSU pulled down (seemingly) every time. And the punt with a couple minutes left was embarrassing. What was that?
The coaches will blame the injuries, but it is what it is and we come in at 113th in total offense after yesterday's 240 yard performance. Somehow we still control our own destiny to win the Coastal, thanks to the overall suckiness of our conference. We still think the Coastal winner will have 3 losses. Anyway, different week, same problem...Bryan Stinespring is still our offensive coordinator. Keep the heat up and the phones ringing. We hate losing, but maybe, just maybe that means we're 1 loss closer to a new offensive coordinator in 2009.
The Florida State boosters we were tailgating with were commiserating about their similar situation with Jeff Bowden. If Bobby can fire his own son after 7 years of crappy offense, then maybe one of his good friends, Frank will get some advice on how to go about helping Stinespring find another position. The Noles fans said it took about 2 or 3 years of complaining to get a new offensive coordinator. VT fans have been grumbling since 2006, so at least this concept isn't totally foreign and as we all know this thing got much stronger legs in 2008. The players and fans deserve better.
We are starting to think that Frank's personal loyalties may be intefering with his job duties. That is, putting this stubborness AHEAD of what is best (big picture) for the Virginia Tech football PROGRAM. We shall see what happens, but as it stands with Stinespring as our offensive coordinator, Frank doesn't have VT football heading in the proper direction. He's gotta come up with a plan soon because when Bud leaves he's gonna need that offense more than he's ever needed it.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Last Straw meet Camel's Back
Utterly disgusting.
240 yards? Are you kidding me? Plus 4 turnover margin? What's the excuse now Frank? Things got "outta whack" huh? Just like your boy Jason from Arlington. No Frank, Bryan Stinespring has been unqualified ever since the day he was promoted to offensive coordinator.
Apparently, even the most opportunistic defense cannot overcome your joke of a coach Bryan Stinespring's inept and baffling game plan. What's funny is, this offense is no different than the one that beat GT and UNC, it just happened to get exposed this week with a pitiful loss to Boston College. What more do you want or possibly ask for from a defense that allowed less than 300 yards, forced 5 turnovers, allowed 0 points in the 2nd half, and scored 17 points on its own?!!!!!!
It pains us to say this, but if Frank doesn't make a change after this season, then we have lost faith in Frank Beamer as head coach of Virginia Tech. This train is headed nowhere fast and we are in danger of seeing Frank putting his loyalties to Bryan Stinespring AHEAD of what is best for our beloved football program. It's sad and none of us want to see that happen.
This needs to stop and stop real soon. Don't look for a change before the end of the season, but we challenge all Hokie fans out there to call into Hokie Hotline, write in to Jim Weaver and Frank Beamer and Steger. Make your voice heard, it counts!! We know first hand that it does, it can make a difference, so don't leave it up to the next Hokie fan, make your opinion heard. It's not just about big donors, it's about volume. The little guy counts too, especially when a bunch get together to do so.
This is absolutely unacceptable and this is also nothing new to what has been said all along. This is embarrassing and fans can make a difference. We must look at the big picture and from that perspective VT football is not moving forward. And we all know how that saying goes. It pains us to say it, but VT football may have hit the ceiling. It's up to the fans to let Frank know that this is not acceptable and we won't stand for it and that we and the players deserve better.
GO HOKIES!!
240 yards? Are you kidding me? Plus 4 turnover margin? What's the excuse now Frank? Things got "outta whack" huh? Just like your boy Jason from Arlington. No Frank, Bryan Stinespring has been unqualified ever since the day he was promoted to offensive coordinator.
Apparently, even the most opportunistic defense cannot overcome your joke of a coach Bryan Stinespring's inept and baffling game plan. What's funny is, this offense is no different than the one that beat GT and UNC, it just happened to get exposed this week with a pitiful loss to Boston College. What more do you want or possibly ask for from a defense that allowed less than 300 yards, forced 5 turnovers, allowed 0 points in the 2nd half, and scored 17 points on its own?!!!!!!
It pains us to say this, but if Frank doesn't make a change after this season, then we have lost faith in Frank Beamer as head coach of Virginia Tech. This train is headed nowhere fast and we are in danger of seeing Frank putting his loyalties to Bryan Stinespring AHEAD of what is best for our beloved football program. It's sad and none of us want to see that happen.
This needs to stop and stop real soon. Don't look for a change before the end of the season, but we challenge all Hokie fans out there to call into Hokie Hotline, write in to Jim Weaver and Frank Beamer and Steger. Make your voice heard, it counts!! We know first hand that it does, it can make a difference, so don't leave it up to the next Hokie fan, make your opinion heard. It's not just about big donors, it's about volume. The little guy counts too, especially when a bunch get together to do so.
This is absolutely unacceptable and this is also nothing new to what has been said all along. This is embarrassing and fans can make a difference. We must look at the big picture and from that perspective VT football is not moving forward. And we all know how that saying goes. It pains us to say it, but VT football may have hit the ceiling. It's up to the fans to let Frank know that this is not acceptable and we won't stand for it and that we and the players deserve better.
GO HOKIES!!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Numbers Crunch
Below is a display of statistics that compare the past 9 BCS champions to Virginia Tech's past 9 seasons. We took total offense (yards), scoring offense (points), total defense (yards allowed), and scoring defense (points allowed).
[If you're wondering...we used the past 9 seasons because that was the data readily available by way of some quick internet searches. Also, the 2 VT averages are for 9 years and 7 years (under our current offensive coordinator's tenure).]
As you could have imagined, the 1999 Virginia Tech team stats are very much in line with the BCS champion averages. Which should only support the discussion and numbers below.
Also, you can see that our total defense and scoring defense average for the past 9 and 7 years are very much in line with BCS champion averages. See "Difference" row, below.
Total scoring offense is "somewhat" in the same ballpark (average 17 spots or about 14% deficient) as BCS champion averages and it should be noted that this is an important statistic that deserves a lot of attention. As you can see, every BCS champion's scoring offense was ranked higher than its total offense (Florida was exception in 2006).
However, all of the past 9 BCS champions have averaged around 22nd in total offense. Clearly Ohio State was a statistical outlier in 2002, but most are in top 20. Even with Ohio State's 70th ranking in 2002, you can see that it took a total offense that ranked in the top 25 (approximately) for 8 of the past 9 BCS champions.
What does this tell us? That our defense is what we thought, consistently good enough to compete and win BCS championships.
Our offense? Also tells us what we thought, that it is a WORLD away...as in that over 50% of other Division 1A teams have averaged better total offense stats for the past 7 years.
It is clear that total offense does matter (coupled with scoring offense of course) in winning BCS championships. We are 50 spots away (on 7 year average) from that championship average.
We hear our offensive coaches say that "statistics don't mean much around here". As you can see by the stats, that statement has been pretty accurate for the past 7 years.
But, if we want to win BCS championships then these statistics cannot be ignored.
[If you're wondering...we used the past 9 seasons because that was the data readily available by way of some quick internet searches. Also, the 2 VT averages are for 9 years and 7 years (under our current offensive coordinator's tenure).]
As you could have imagined, the 1999 Virginia Tech team stats are very much in line with the BCS champion averages. Which should only support the discussion and numbers below.
Also, you can see that our total defense and scoring defense average for the past 9 and 7 years are very much in line with BCS champion averages. See "Difference" row, below.
Total scoring offense is "somewhat" in the same ballpark (average 17 spots or about 14% deficient) as BCS champion averages and it should be noted that this is an important statistic that deserves a lot of attention. As you can see, every BCS champion's scoring offense was ranked higher than its total offense (Florida was exception in 2006).
However, all of the past 9 BCS champions have averaged around 22nd in total offense. Clearly Ohio State was a statistical outlier in 2002, but most are in top 20. Even with Ohio State's 70th ranking in 2002, you can see that it took a total offense that ranked in the top 25 (approximately) for 8 of the past 9 BCS champions.
What does this tell us? That our defense is what we thought, consistently good enough to compete and win BCS championships.
Our offense? Also tells us what we thought, that it is a WORLD away...as in that over 50% of other Division 1A teams have averaged better total offense stats for the past 7 years.
It is clear that total offense does matter (coupled with scoring offense of course) in winning BCS championships. We are 50 spots away (on 7 year average) from that championship average.
We hear our offensive coaches say that "statistics don't mean much around here". As you can see by the stats, that statement has been pretty accurate for the past 7 years.
But, if we want to win BCS championships then these statistics cannot be ignored.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
False Alarm
Awful, awful, awful. Just when we thought the offense was "improving", here come the Hilltoppers to put an end to that rumor. What? This is getting ridiculous. 287 yards against a team that is one year removed from Division 1-AA? This game was supposed to be a scrimmage for all intents and purposes. A chance to improve on offense and get some things "straightened out". Instead we got treated to another helping of Bryan Stinespring's brilliance. And then we got to hear (in Stinespring's post-game interview) about how much the offense has "greatly improved" since the first game. We've all heard the "coachspeak" before, but now we're starting to worry Stinespring and Beamer actually believe the nonsense that is coming out of their mouths, with regard to our offense.
108th folks. No more Western Kentuckys on the schedule (by the way, their mascot is awesome), so don't look for our offense to finish any higher than 100th in total offense. Wow.
Is Frank waiting to lose a handful of games before he gets pissed and heads roll? Don't let the wins fool you, our offensive coaches are still not good.
On a related note, our hero Nick Saban got a nice shout out in an article (on another VT website) this week. If you haven't read it, please do yourself a favor and read it. Talk about on the mark, it hits the bullseye with regard to Frank's reactionary attitude and perceived complacency.
108th folks. No more Western Kentuckys on the schedule (by the way, their mascot is awesome), so don't look for our offense to finish any higher than 100th in total offense. Wow.
Is Frank waiting to lose a handful of games before he gets pissed and heads roll? Don't let the wins fool you, our offensive coaches are still not good.
On a related note, our hero Nick Saban got a nice shout out in an article (on another VT website) this week. If you haven't read it, please do yourself a favor and read it. Talk about on the mark, it hits the bullseye with regard to Frank's reactionary attitude and perceived complacency.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
We Have a Pulse!!
Wow! What a HUGE win for VT football. We could've won by 30+
The offense showed some flashes and we were impressed that our offense not only scored points in the first quarter (for the first time this season), but that we were able to consistently move the ball between the 20s. As for the redzone production, that is another story. However, almost 400 yards of total offense is a real nice step in the right direction. We moved to #108 in total offense.
The offensive line gave TT all kinds of time and did a great job run blocking. TT missed on a couple throws that would've resulted in sure TDs. Whatever, we'll take the win in Lincoln and move on. BIG WIN!!
Stinespring had some very nice calls, but most of the redzone calls were putrid. Who calls a reverse on 3rd and goal from the 9 yard line? Wow, that was just crazy. Also, when are we going to learn that we can't run the ball 3 straight times inside the 10 and think we're going to put it in the endzone on a consistent basis? Plenty of heads were scratched last night. It could've been a blowout!! Instead, it was another squeaker. Good thing for Dustin Keys, he is money.
We need to be in the 450 total yard (average) range to get where we need to be as an offense. Right now, we're about 150 (average) away from that, so there is still A LOT of improvement to be made on offense.
GO HOKIES!!
The offense showed some flashes and we were impressed that our offense not only scored points in the first quarter (for the first time this season), but that we were able to consistently move the ball between the 20s. As for the redzone production, that is another story. However, almost 400 yards of total offense is a real nice step in the right direction. We moved to #108 in total offense.
The offensive line gave TT all kinds of time and did a great job run blocking. TT missed on a couple throws that would've resulted in sure TDs. Whatever, we'll take the win in Lincoln and move on. BIG WIN!!
Stinespring had some very nice calls, but most of the redzone calls were putrid. Who calls a reverse on 3rd and goal from the 9 yard line? Wow, that was just crazy. Also, when are we going to learn that we can't run the ball 3 straight times inside the 10 and think we're going to put it in the endzone on a consistent basis? Plenty of heads were scratched last night. It could've been a blowout!! Instead, it was another squeaker. Good thing for Dustin Keys, he is money.
We need to be in the 450 total yard (average) range to get where we need to be as an offense. Right now, we're about 150 (average) away from that, so there is still A LOT of improvement to be made on offense.
GO HOKIES!!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Nebraska agrees
We were emailing one of the Husker beatwriters and let him in on some data.
He then shared his view of the Virginia Tech football program AND seems to agree on what is holding VT back.
JFA BLOG: Interesting piece on VT special teams. Our ST aren’t really as good as they used to be. Now, we actually win games because our talent and depth level have increased. We do actually "reload" vs. rebuild as evidenced with 5 top 10 finishes in the past 9 seasons and our steady climb up the football program hierarchy (at least perception wise) the past 15 years.
Anyway, did you know that VT has had 47 players drafted into the NFL since 2000? I'm guessing that's probably ranks in the top 5-10 of all college football programs.
Our offense has been the main reason holding VT from national championships. The VT fan base has been voicing its displeasure with our offensive coordinator, Bryan Stinespring and a change needs to be made as our offense has held back our program as far as winning national championships. We were ranked 100th and 102nd in total offense for '06 and '07. Under Stinespring our offense has averaged in the high-70s in total offense, clearly not where a top 15-type program should be.
Husker writer: I agree that with a better offense, VT could be a major power. Seems like since the Vicks, the Hokies have been rather ordinary. I didn't realize the last two years were as bad as you pointed out, though.
He then shared his view of the Virginia Tech football program AND seems to agree on what is holding VT back.
JFA BLOG: Interesting piece on VT special teams. Our ST aren’t really as good as they used to be. Now, we actually win games because our talent and depth level have increased. We do actually "reload" vs. rebuild as evidenced with 5 top 10 finishes in the past 9 seasons and our steady climb up the football program hierarchy (at least perception wise) the past 15 years.
Anyway, did you know that VT has had 47 players drafted into the NFL since 2000? I'm guessing that's probably ranks in the top 5-10 of all college football programs.
Our offense has been the main reason holding VT from national championships. The VT fan base has been voicing its displeasure with our offensive coordinator, Bryan Stinespring and a change needs to be made as our offense has held back our program as far as winning national championships. We were ranked 100th and 102nd in total offense for '06 and '07. Under Stinespring our offense has averaged in the high-70s in total offense, clearly not where a top 15-type program should be.
Husker writer: I agree that with a better offense, VT could be a major power. Seems like since the Vicks, the Hokies have been rather ordinary. I didn't realize the last two years were as bad as you pointed out, though.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
"You really don't have to be sick to get better"
This, from one of the best college football coaches in the land. Nick Saban after Alabama's blowout of Arkansas last Saturday.
We guess that Frank didn't get that memo. Not only are we sick, Frank hasn't even taken us to the doctor yet.
Bryan Stinespring's thoughts on our offense after last week's performance...he thinks "we got better". Cites some completion percentages and 3rd down conversion percentages. How about we went from 108th to 112th in total offense? How's that for a measuring stick?
This guy is like VT's version ofTommy Bowden. That is, our offense can stink, but as long as Bud bails him out Frank will keep up the cover on this guy. Stop the insanity Frank!! We all want to win, but let's not kid ourselves about the offense or offensive coordinating.
Frank must love pigs because he keeps dressing them up and making them drink that Kool-Aid. Then a good team comes along and slaughters that fat over-hyped pig. And what do we hear? That's right, some of the same words that are so dear to all of us..."things got outta whack". No Frank, the offense was always out of whack and the truth is our offense gets exposed in every big game we lose.
Also, watch out because Frank has already started making excuses before we even play the next 2 games...saying it'll be nice to play out-of-conference games to "try some things out" on offense.
Anyone else notice that Frank went out of his way to "commend" Stinespring on his "play calling" for the 2nd half of the UNC game? Don't think we've ever heard him say such things about Foster. Oh that's right, there's no need, we all know he's great. But, then again, us fans "don't know anything about football" and we should leave it to the experts.
GO HOKIES!!
We guess that Frank didn't get that memo. Not only are we sick, Frank hasn't even taken us to the doctor yet.
Bryan Stinespring's thoughts on our offense after last week's performance...he thinks "we got better". Cites some completion percentages and 3rd down conversion percentages. How about we went from 108th to 112th in total offense? How's that for a measuring stick?
This guy is like VT's version ofTommy Bowden. That is, our offense can stink, but as long as Bud bails him out Frank will keep up the cover on this guy. Stop the insanity Frank!! We all want to win, but let's not kid ourselves about the offense or offensive coordinating.
Frank must love pigs because he keeps dressing them up and making them drink that Kool-Aid. Then a good team comes along and slaughters that fat over-hyped pig. And what do we hear? That's right, some of the same words that are so dear to all of us..."things got outta whack". No Frank, the offense was always out of whack and the truth is our offense gets exposed in every big game we lose.
Also, watch out because Frank has already started making excuses before we even play the next 2 games...saying it'll be nice to play out-of-conference games to "try some things out" on offense.
Anyone else notice that Frank went out of his way to "commend" Stinespring on his "play calling" for the 2nd half of the UNC game? Don't think we've ever heard him say such things about Foster. Oh that's right, there's no need, we all know he's great. But, then again, us fans "don't know anything about football" and we should leave it to the experts.
GO HOKIES!!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Weekly Offensive Roundup
Another stellar performance by the VT offense. We moved from 108 to 112 this week in the total offense team stat rankings.
Total Yards this season- 1087 (Average of all teams- 1350)
Average Yards per game- 271.75 (Average- 382.8)
Touchdowns- 10 (Average 12.9)
Yards per play- 4.45 (Average 5.61)
Nothing new here, another smoke and mirrors win, but we'll take it. Just don't accept it as a legitimate excuse. Our offensive coaches continue to drive this program in a poor direction. We need a change and let your voice be heard!!
Total Yards this season- 1087 (Average of all teams- 1350)
Average Yards per game- 271.75 (Average- 382.8)
Touchdowns- 10 (Average 12.9)
Yards per play- 4.45 (Average 5.61)
Nothing new here, another smoke and mirrors win, but we'll take it. Just don't accept it as a legitimate excuse. Our offensive coaches continue to drive this program in a poor direction. We need a change and let your voice be heard!!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
U-G-L-Y
...But we'll take it! This season is going to be rough to watch...offensive speaking, but what else is new?
243 yards against Georgia Tech, wow. How did we win that game? Thank you Tyrod for not running the actual play our offensive "experts" called on that touchdown before halftime! And thank you Darren Evans for running hard against what looked to be an improvement on the offensive line! You guys only run the plays that are called. Alas, we emerge with another win with more smoke and mirrors!
Where does that put us in total offense through 3 games of the season? 107. That's right, only 13 teams in the nation are worse than us in total offense. Can you imagine what our program could do with a "decent" offense? Don't let anyone tell you that we don't have the talent, we all know the story here, it's been discussed at length. So, Hokies Fans, buckle up because no changes will be made during the season, as they shouldn't, but this is getting rough to watch...even for Hokie fans.
UNC is gonna be another struggle on offense, but then again why wouldn't it be? Every year we seem to hear about all these "plans" the offensive coaches have up their collective sleeve, but that crazy option screen and WR reverse just doesn't seem to fool anyone...weird. How about this week, we at least try not to totally give away the play simply by looking at the personnel on the field. It has been documented on other websites how many times we threw the ball when our RB was KLJ and how many times we ran when Darren Evans was in the game. That's right, you don't have to be a football coach (contrary to what our "expert" offensive guru coaches say)to see how bad and predictable we are on offense...for years and years now!
Keep it up with the support and voicing your opinion. The fans pour in hours and hours of time and emotion and a lot of cash supporting VT football, so don't think that your voice shouldn't be heard...it should...and it counts!!
GO HOKIES!!
243 yards against Georgia Tech, wow. How did we win that game? Thank you Tyrod for not running the actual play our offensive "experts" called on that touchdown before halftime! And thank you Darren Evans for running hard against what looked to be an improvement on the offensive line! You guys only run the plays that are called. Alas, we emerge with another win with more smoke and mirrors!
Where does that put us in total offense through 3 games of the season? 107. That's right, only 13 teams in the nation are worse than us in total offense. Can you imagine what our program could do with a "decent" offense? Don't let anyone tell you that we don't have the talent, we all know the story here, it's been discussed at length. So, Hokies Fans, buckle up because no changes will be made during the season, as they shouldn't, but this is getting rough to watch...even for Hokie fans.
UNC is gonna be another struggle on offense, but then again why wouldn't it be? Every year we seem to hear about all these "plans" the offensive coaches have up their collective sleeve, but that crazy option screen and WR reverse just doesn't seem to fool anyone...weird. How about this week, we at least try not to totally give away the play simply by looking at the personnel on the field. It has been documented on other websites how many times we threw the ball when our RB was KLJ and how many times we ran when Darren Evans was in the game. That's right, you don't have to be a football coach (contrary to what our "expert" offensive guru coaches say)to see how bad and predictable we are on offense...for years and years now!
Keep it up with the support and voicing your opinion. The fans pour in hours and hours of time and emotion and a lot of cash supporting VT football, so don't think that your voice shouldn't be heard...it should...and it counts!!
GO HOKIES!!
Friday, September 12, 2008
BLOG interviews BLOG?
Well, we just arrived in Blacksburg and things are already off to an unusual start. Got a text from Kyle Tucker and we discussed some Hokie football....
We've hit the big time now. ESPN? Nope. Washington Post? Nope. Kyle Tucker? Now your cookin'. So we won't steal Kyle's story, but Kyle seems to be a pretty cool guy.
Thank you to all the thousands of emails, blog posts, techsideline.com posts, etc. that we've received in support of OUR (Hokie Nation's) position. Let us say, first and foremost we know that many of you have been screaming about this for years and we are glad that at least someone could be heard. By the way, for all of you out there who don't agree, that is fine too. You are welcome to your opinion. So you know, we all only want the best for this Virginia Tech Hokies football program!
GO HOKIES!!
We've hit the big time now. ESPN? Nope. Washington Post? Nope. Kyle Tucker? Now your cookin'. So we won't steal Kyle's story, but Kyle seems to be a pretty cool guy.
Thank you to all the thousands of emails, blog posts, techsideline.com posts, etc. that we've received in support of OUR (Hokie Nation's) position. Let us say, first and foremost we know that many of you have been screaming about this for years and we are glad that at least someone could be heard. By the way, for all of you out there who don't agree, that is fine too. You are welcome to your opinion. So you know, we all only want the best for this Virginia Tech Hokies football program!
GO HOKIES!!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
College Athletics = Corporate America
(Contributed by Tod)
With the amount of money surrounding college athletics these days college programs are getting compared to big business in corporate America. Companies that strive to be in the top percentile of their industry make difficult decision each year on what leadership should stay and what leadership needs to be let go. Lets take a look at the numbers. Since Bryan Stinespring took over as offensive coordinator in 2003:
Nation Offensive Rankings
National Defense Rankings
I can put together a nice graph for everyone as well, since some people seem to be a little slow and might not get the picture. Remember we want to be closer to 1 then 100!
If you ran a multimillion dollar company where do you think change needs to occur?
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
"You're out of whack"
Hello fellow Hokies!!
I cannot believe my phone call from last night has gotten so much play in the media today (the replay definitely sounded like I had just come straight from the tailgate, but let me assure you that was not the case...last night). But, I'm glad it has! I know many of you share the same love and passion for Virginia Tech football as I do and want only the best for VT!! I know many of you also share the same opinion. 7 years of offensive ineptitude is way too much for a program like VT (or what we aspire to be). A change is needed and the fans should not be afraid to voice their opinion.
Some of my friends have encouraged me to start a blog myself. I'm not sure if I have the time to keep up with this thing, but I'll give it a shot depending on how much feedback (positive or negative) it gets.
And let me tell you something else, I encourage everyone to send or fax a resume of your local or favorite offensive coordinator candidate to Frank Beamer personally (or show up on Friday in person to his office), as apparently he thinks this is a joke. What's a joke, is that he may actually believe Bryan Stinespring is actually a good coach. Well, I've got some stats that Frank must have left off his notecards today at the press conference. And apparently, he's never seen USC play football before, because they don't look anything like our Hokies when it comes to running an offense.
I cannot believe my phone call from last night has gotten so much play in the media today (the replay definitely sounded like I had just come straight from the tailgate, but let me assure you that was not the case...last night). But, I'm glad it has! I know many of you share the same love and passion for Virginia Tech football as I do and want only the best for VT!! I know many of you also share the same opinion. 7 years of offensive ineptitude is way too much for a program like VT (or what we aspire to be). A change is needed and the fans should not be afraid to voice their opinion.
Some of my friends have encouraged me to start a blog myself. I'm not sure if I have the time to keep up with this thing, but I'll give it a shot depending on how much feedback (positive or negative) it gets.
And let me tell you something else, I encourage everyone to send or fax a resume of your local or favorite offensive coordinator candidate to Frank Beamer personally (or show up on Friday in person to his office), as apparently he thinks this is a joke. What's a joke, is that he may actually believe Bryan Stinespring is actually a good coach. Well, I've got some stats that Frank must have left off his notecards today at the press conference. And apparently, he's never seen USC play football before, because they don't look anything like our Hokies when it comes to running an offense.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
