VOLUME 006 ISSUE 013

TECHSUPERFANS (TM) - THE NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 006 ISSUE 013 (2005.11.23)

Also available at...
http://groups.google.com/group/techsuperfans
http://techsuperfans.blogspot.com

CONTENTS
Three Key Plays
Game Review - vs. Virginia
Game Preview - vs. North Carolina
ACC Standings
Rankings

Looking for a good place to catch the game? Visit
this site to find Hokie-friendly places and more!

http://www.cwimedia.com/forfansbyfans.html


"There is no way Miami looses this game. If they do, I'll eat my hat!"
-"EhhTee" 8:12 p.m. 11/19/05

Ladies and gentlemen, he actually did eat his hat.


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Three Key Plays
by "Mad" Jay

1) The Hokies D stops the Cavaliers on a screen pass on third down on Virginia's first offensive series. After the Hokies go 3 and out on their first possession, Nic Schmitt kicked a terrible punt and the Cavaliers had great field position and a chance to set the tone. Instead the Hokie D came out and obliterated Virginia on three straight plays getting the ball back to the Hokie offense and keeping the game scoreless.

2) Early in the 2nd quarter, ahead only 10-0, Tech is forced to punt from midfield and Schmitt redeems himself by booming a moon shot which Virginia's return man, Michael Johnson, misplays. Brandon Minor recovers for the Hokies and they punch the ball in with Humes from the one-yard line to put the score at 17-0.

3) Humes breaks off a 41-yard jaunt on Tech's first offensive series of the second half. The Cavaliers had just driven down the field (with the help of an impossibly bad pass interference call - more on that later) and scored a TD to make it 24-7. Just as Miami had done a week earlier with a Charlie Jones 29-yard run at the beginning of the 2nd half to set the tone, this time VT and Cedric Humes delivered the knockout blow with Humes' big run. The Hokies scored later in the drive, answering the Cavaliers TD, to make it 31-7 and the game was essentially over.


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Game Review - vs. Virginia
by "Mad" Jay

"Victory belongs to the most persevering. "
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 - 1821)


I didn't even play in the Miami-Virginia Tech loss and I know it left me hurting, so I imagine it had to hurt the players even more deeply. That's a lot of hurt. Hurt to the point where they would have to question themselves. For the team to have a goal of an ACC Championship and a national title on the line and play so poorly made me wonder if the 2005 edition of the Hokies had the character and the grit of the 2004 squad or whether they would call it a season like the 2001-2003 VT football teams. Sure the players were saying the right things leading up to the Virginia game, but no one knew for sure.

The most important thing to me is never giving up. I am aware of the odd looks I get in the stands when the Hokies make a mental mistake while ahead by 30 points and I lose my temper. I am also proud of the fact that the Blonde, myself, and our friends, get odd looks as we cheer for the Hokies to play hard no matter what the score is (even when getting blown out 27-0 by Miami) until the clock reads 0:00. Sometimes, when you don't give up, things work out for you.

Take this past Saturday for example. The Hokies dug deep and (this is important) without knowing the outcome of the Miami-Georgia Tech game, - they played like they could still win the ACC. They did not give up, they persevered and they obliterated a good Virginia football team on the road 52-14. Later that night, Georgia Tech, showing just as much heart and never-say-die determination beat a Miami team that played at home like the Hokies had two weeks prior in Lane Stadium. The ACC is the best football conference in college football because on any given Saturday there are at least eight legitimate ACC opponents that can beat anything but your "A" game.

And so, speaking of "A" games, let's take a closer look at how Tech beat UVA.

First of all on offense, Marcus Vick returned to his beyond-human level, throwing the ball incredibly well and making plays with his feet when he had to that only a very few QB's in the country could make. Actually his best play was an incompletion to TE Jeff King on a broken play that Vick threw perfectly as he avoided a heavy pass rush to the one spot at the back of the end zone where King could make a play. Unfortunately, King couldn't quite get his right foot down in bounds, but it was spectacular to watch anyway.

I am also going to give Cedric Humes a lot of credit because I have been hard on him, and he played like a champion on Saturday. He ran hard and played well. Of course, objectively, Branden Ore played even better, not only in the yards per carry category but also showing the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. However, if Humes plays at that level, I cannot quarrel with the coaching staff's decision to name him starter the rest of the season. The receivers were fantastic as always with only one dropped pass from Josh Hyman to keep them from perfect marks. And let's give some MAJOR credit to the offensive line. My goodness, starting in the 3rd quarter, they absolutely out-muscled and out-worked the Cavalier's defense. Vick had time to throw, the backs had gaping holes to run through, I mean this is the type of O-line footage you keep for the library.

On defense, the Hokies were just ferocious. They shut down the Cavaliers the entire game. To put it in perspective, the Cavaliers scored their first TD only because of an incomprehensible pass-interference call against VT safety DJ Parker. They scored their second TD off an interception and the resulting short field. I wish there were words for how bad that interference call was which led to the first touchdown. Parker broke on the ball and beat the receiver to it and replays showed that it was actually interference by the UVA receiver who kept Parker from making the interception. Inconceivably ("I do not think that word means what you think it means") the referee threw the flag on Parker. The commentators, the TV replays, the fans, Parker, the receiver and the guy selling drinks in the stands all know that was a bad call. I expect an apology from ACC officials this week.

And good lord, speaking of bad calls, what in the holy HELL was Marcus Vick doing in the game up 52-7 at the beginning of the 4th quarter. Hello?? Hasn't Beamer and bunch seen the footage from Alabama star receiver Tyrone Prothro breaking his ankle at the end of the Alabama-Florida game? And with Vick in there, ahead that 52-7 score, just what space aliens kidnapped Brian Stinespring's family and held them for ransom, the conditions of their release being contingent on his calling a deep pass to Josh Morgan?!?!?!?!? It led to a pick, and subsequently the 2nd Cavalier TD. But more importantly it could have gotten Vick hurt. Hey if Cory Holt is in there doing back-up QB duty, I am ALL in favor of calling that play. Give young Holt some meaningful playing time by all means. I don't think Marcus Vick needs a lot of work on the sideline fly route. And so I keep coming back to the same conclusion that I always reach, which is that Stinespring needs to be demoted. Despite the offense's crisp execution and the first pass to a running back - a 10 yard gain to Ore - that I have seen all season, Stinespring just doesn't have a grasp of the game. He should go back to being offensive line coach (I complimented the offensive-line performance earlier). I think that the way Stinespring calls a game is an Achilles heel of this program and we need to be dipped in the river one more time if we're going to take that last step to a national title.


That being said, through perseverance and not giving up, Virginia Tech finds itself in a position to defend its ACC title. They also are positioned very well for in-state recruiting for this coming year. The win over their hated rivals combined with Miami's 14-10 loss to Georgia Tech also helps exorcise some of the demons from that debacle two weeks ago and re-affirms the team's belief in themselves.

But as we have learned, that means very little right now. Right now all that there is, is the UNC Tarheels coming to Lane Stadium for yet another nationally televised game under the lights (7:45 PM kickoff) on Saturday. If the Hokies can maintain their focus and play with the same sense of urgency that they did against Virginia then they can learn the truth in Napoleon Bonaparte's words firsthand.


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Game Preview - vs. North Carolina
by Brian "Where's the Ice?"

Besides buying the Georgia Tech football team a giant Thanksgiving Day turkey, the Hokies need to set the sights on likes of the UNC Tarheels. Put quite simply, you cannot predict how this team will play. This team has upset Boston College, nearly bested Maryland, and almost lost to Duke so far on the season. This team's schizophrenic performance this year should catch the Hokies' eye in the case that when the time comes to square off against them, Beamer's boys have themselves prepared for an opponent who wants to bust out of the gate.

The Tarheels have two things to motivate them. One, they must win this game to make themselves bowl eligible. A team needs to have six under the W column for that. Two, their program has made a name for itself this season by knocking off some opponents unexpectedly and giving favored teams they've played a run for their money when most of the ACC expected a blowout.

Talent for talent, if the Hokies show up to play their best football, UNC doesn't really stand a chance. But make no mistake, the Hokies do not want to go into the fourth quarter with a slim margin separating themselves from the 'heels.

The Hokie defense will have to contain quarterback Matt Baker. He's put up and impressive 2185 yards in passing. And Baker has strong offensive assets in Running backs Ronnie McGill and Barrington Edwards, each nearing 500 and 400 yards respectively. Receiver Jesse Holley has 621 yards in receiving. They've accomplished this with a schedule very similar to that of the Hokies.

By the stats alone, UNC doesn't look too impressive as compared to a Miami, Virginia Tech, or Boston College; however, this team has accrued some wins against some tough opponents and given some even tougher teams a run for their money.


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


ACC Standings

ATLANTIC DIVISION
Florida State   5-3     7-3
Boston College  5-3     8-3
Clemson         4-4     7-4
Maryland        3-4     5-5
Wake Forest     3-5     4-7
NC State        2-5     5-5

COASTAL DIVISION
Virginia Tech   6-1     9-1
Miami           5-2     8-2
Georgia Tech    5-3     7-3
North Carolina  4-3     5-5
Virginia        3-4     6-4
Duke            0-8     1-10

*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Rankings

    BCS            AP             USA Today  TSF
------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. USC            USC (50)       USC (49)  USC (2)
 2. Texas          Texas (14)   Texas (13)  Texas (1)
 3. Penn State     LSU            LSU            Penn State
 4. LSU            Penn State     Penn State  Virginia Tech
 5. Virginia Tech  Virginia Tech  Virginia Tech  LSU
 6. Ohio State     Notre Dame     Notre Dame  UCLA
 7. Oregon         Ohio State     Ohio State  Notre Dame
 8. Notre Dame     Oregon         Oregon  Oregon
 9. Miami          Auburn         Auburn  Miami
10. Auburn         Miami          Miami          Auburn
11. West Virginia  UCLA           UCLA           West Virginia
12. UCLA           West Virginia  West Virginia  Ohio State
13. TCU            Georgia        Georgia        Fresno State
14. Alabama        Alabama        Alabama        Georgia
15. Georgia        TCU            TCU            Alabama
16. Texas Tech     Fresno State   Fresno State   Texas Tech
17. Wisconsin      Louisville     Texas Tech     Boston College
18. Boston College Texas Tech     Louisville     TCU
19. Fresno State   Florida        Florida        Georgia Tech
20. Louisville     Georgia Tech   Boston College Florida
21. Georgia Tech   Boston College Florida State  Florida State
22. Michigan       Michigan       Wisconsin      Wisconsin
23. Florida        Florida State  Michigan       Louisville
24. Florida State  Wisconsin      Georgia Tech   Colorado
25. Northwestern   Clemson        Iowa State     Clemson

*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


---Writers:
"Mad" Jason Oakley
Anand "EhhTee" Trivedi
Brian "Where's The Ice?" Wrenn


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Disclaimer:
This news magazine is in no way affiliated with, or supported by,
Virginia Tech, the Virginia Tech Athletic Department, the NCAA, the BCS, the Big East Conference, the Atlantic Coast Conference or any other organization other than EhhTee Productions. EhhTee Productions is an institution created by the author of TechSuperFans for the further advancement of the media through electronic means.

TechSuperFans and TechSuperFans.com are trademarks of EhhTee
Productions. EhhTee Productions and its staff are in no way
responsible for any losses or actions taken by its audience.

VOLUME 006 ISSUE 012

TECHSUPERFANS (TM) - THE NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 006 ISSUE 012 (2005.11.18)

Also available at...
http://groups.google.com/group/techsuperfans
http://techsuperfans.blogspot.com

CONTENTS
Game Preview - vs. Virginia
Rants & Raves - The Bitter Taste
ACC Standings
Rankings

Looking for a good place to catch the game? Visit
this site to find Hokie-friendly places and more!

http://www.cwimedia.com/forfansbyfans.html


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Game Preview - vs. Virginia
by "Mad" Jay

Normally in the Virginia-Virginia Tech rivalry they say to throw out
the records. There have been games the Hokies should have lost but
won, and games they should have won and lost. And when I say "should
have won" I don't mean the Hokies had a better record so they should
have won. I mean they've had control of the game and then lost it and
vice versa.

But this year's game must be the biggest coin toss in the history of
coin tosses. There are so many conflicting stats, match-ups and
psychological advantages that it is impossible for me to get a read on
this game. In other words it is as 50/50 as it gets. Let's look at
some of this conflicting information. Maybe my Calm and Beloved Reader
can make more sense of it than I.

Match-up wise, the Hokies just destroy the Hoos. The Hokie strengths
of Marcus Vick and the receivers go up against Virginia's terrible
secondary. The Hokie defensive line and linebackers are going up
against a downright awful offensive line (except for D'Brickashaw
Ferguson who is amazing but just getting back to full strength and
likely pretty rusty). I also expect Virginia Tech RB Branden Ore to
get some very meaningful carries and that is great news for Hokie fans
as the Cavalier's star LB Ahmad Brooks is trying to shake off the
injury bug. The Cavaliers do have a very exciting player in QB Margues
Hagans but Tech's speed on the edge should be able to contain him.
Everywhere I look with regard to individual match-ups points heavily
toward the
Hokies.

The team stats are split down the middle. Virginia plays possessed at
home. Their offense puts up more yards than the Hokies, but their
defense is giving up more yards. Their scoring offense and scoring
defense at home is almost exactly that of Tech's offense and defense.
Virginia has very good special teams play although the Hokies have
blocked several kicks in past years. Basically the stats, just because
Virginia is at home, fall out about even.

Psychology-wise the Cavaliers have a huge advantage. They are at home,
where they've won 21 of their past 23 games. They are making a late
season push for a big bowl game and they still have one more game
against Miami after this one that they want to build towards. They
also have a chance to take their biggest rival down another rung and
do some MAJOR damage to what has the potential to be a huge recruiting
year for the Hokies. This is the highest ranked Hokie team (#7) to
ever come into Scott Stadium. Meanwhile Virginia Tech is coming off of
a devastating loss where they lost the dream of a national
championship and were knocked out of the driver's seat to defend their
ACC Championship. Thank goodness they had a bye week to work on
getting refocused, but even that week may not have been enough. All
the buzz seems to be coming from Virginia's side in the build-up to
this game.

So as you can see, the breakdown is a 50/50 split. Hell, the past 18
meetings between these two teams have been split 9-9. There is just no
way for me to see how this one will shake-out.

What I CAN tell you is that it will depend on the play early-on in the
game of team leaders like Darryl Tapp, Marcus Vick, Cedric Humes and
Jimmy Williams. If these leaders can play inspired football and show
the young players that this team can help break the national viewpoint
that the Hokies fold at the end of the season, then the game could be
a blow-out in the Hokies' favor. But if the team can't overcome the
mental hurdle of that loss to the Hurricanes, well fans, it could be
ugly. Hokie fans, the Hokie players and the rest of the country are
really going to learn a great deal about the Virginia Tech football
program this Saturday. If you have any insight as to how the game will
turn-out, please, chime in and let us know.

In the meantime, GO HOKIES!!!!!!


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Rants & Raves - The Sour Taste
by Brian "Where's the Ice?"

"Mad" Jay's account and review of last week's loss really should have
hit home for most Hokie fans. They certainly did for me. The statement
that Marcus Vick and the Hokies just plain had a bad day holds quite a
bit of truth to it.

But it does confirm the thing that we at TSF have feared most of this
season. Virginia Tech historically has not played well the part of
hunted. Teams like USC really show that they have something special by
doing what they do. Very few programs can achieve that level of
success with that level of consistency. The Hokie football program, as
potent a force as it has displayed, hasn't reached the ranks of
multiple showings for a national championship.

And as newcomers to consistent members of the top ten in rankings
season after season, Virginia Tech still has to learn about the sour
taste of defeat when the smell of victory fills the air from just
around the corner. Losses like this make a program better, and while
the national title game and most likely the conference championship
now fall outside of a self-controlled Hokie destiny, Hokie fans and
players must regroup and remember games still lie on the path ahead to
win. (On a related side note I believe had the Hokies gone undefeated,
they would have passed Texas in the rankings with a stronger strength
of schedule).

But let's not get ourselves too hooked on the gloom and doom. Virginia
Tech has one loss. Over this season and last they've far
passed proving that they will not serve as a doormat to the ACC. Miami
could still lose to Georgia Tech or Virginia possibly propelling the
Hokies back into first place for the Coastal Division. We, as Hokie
fans, can still watch our team finish a strong season and even make an
at-large appearance in a BCS bowl.

Moving onto my ranting, I really want to know why Jimmy Williams said
what he said. His comment served the Hokies in no way, shape, or form
and it didn't carry the Bryan Randall level of class to which I had
become accustomed from last season. He only revealed a chip on the
burning fire of Miami Hurricane football players.

But I wouldn't live up to my normal self if I didn't bash the ACC to
some extent, and given the current circumstances from the Hokie Fan
perspective, now makes for a perfect opportunity. If the ACC title
game happened today, Miami (5-1/8-1) would square off against Florida
State (5-3/7-3), not the Hokies (5-1/8-1). The so called Big Least of
the late 90's and early 00's has produced three of the top four teams
of today's ACC. And I'll happily recant or modify that statement with
a large helping of humble pie if Georgia Tech beats Miami.

But this leads to issue of fairness; shouldn't we want that? So
really, why do we need divisions? Do we need them just so that the ACC
can act like the SEC or the Big 12? Why not take first and second
place and let them duke it out for a win. Or better yet, get rid of
the conference championships all together to make room for a BCS
tournament instead of a series of games where the media strongly
influences and almost chooses who plays who.

All in all, the Hokies have tasted defeat, but this season still has
all the potential to end with a voracious appetite for victory.


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


ACC Standings

ATLANTIC DIVISION
Florida State  5-3 7-3 
Boston College 4-3 7-3 
Clemson        4-4 6-4 
Maryland       3-3 5-4 
Wake Forest    3-5 4-7 
NC State       2-5 4-5 

COASTAL DIVISION
Miami          5-1 8-1 
Virginia Tech  5-1 8-1 
Georgia Tech   4-3 6-3 
Virginia       3-3 6-3 
North Carolina 3-3 4-5 
Duke           0-7 1-9 

*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Rankings

This week, we decided to show you our individual rankings rather than
the usual unified poll. The TSF poll will return next week.

Where's the Ice?  Mad Jay     BCS
-------------------------------------------------------
 1 USC             1 USC      1. USC 
 2 Texas           2 Texas           2. Texas 
 3 Notre Dame      3 Penn State      3. Alabama 
 4 Miami           4 Miami           4. Miami 
 5 Penn State      5 LSU             5. Penn State 
 6 Virginia Tech  6 Notre Dame      6. Virginia Tech 
 7 UCLA            7 Auburn          7. LSU
 8 Oregon          8 Virginia Tech  8. Ohio State 
 9 Alabama         9 West Virginia   9. Georgia 
10 LSU            10 Ohio State     10. Oregon 
11 West Virginia  11 UCLA           11. Notre Dame 
12 Fresno State   12 TCU            12. Texas Tech 
13 Auburn         13 Oregon         13. Florida 
14 Georgia        14 Alabama        14. West Virginia 
15 Texas Tech     15 Fresno State   15. UCLA 
16 Ohio State     16 Georgia        16. Wisconsin 
17 Florida State  17 Louisville     17. TCU 
18 Wisconsin      18 Minnesota      18. Colorado 
19 Boston College 19 South Carolina 19. Florida State 
20 Minnesota      20 Michigan       20. Auburn 
21 Georgia Tech   21 Boston College 21. Michigan 
22 Michigan       22 UTEP           22. Fresno State 
23 South Florida  23 Florida        23. Georgia Tech 
24 Louisville     24 Florida State  24. Minnesota 
25 Florida        25 Texas Tech     25. Louisville 

*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


---Writers:
"Mad" Jason Oakley
Anand "EhhTee" Trivedi
Brian "Where's The Ice?" Wrenn


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Disclaimer:
This news magazine is in no way affiliated with, or supported by,
Virginia Tech, the Virginia Tech Athletic Department, the NCAA, the
BCS, the Big East Conference, the Atlantic Coast Conference or any
other organization other than EhhTee Productions. EhhTee Productions
is an institution created by the author of TechSuperFans for the
further advancement of the media through electronic means.

TechSuperFans and TechSuperFans.com are trademarks of EhhTee
Productions. EhhTee Productions and its staff are in no way
responsible for any losses or actions taken by its audience.

VOLUME 006 ISSUE 011

TECHSUPERFANS (TM) - THE NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 006 ISSUE 011 (2005.11.11)

Eleventh issue of the eleventh day of the eleventh month!

Also available at...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/techsuperfans
http://techsuperfans.blogspot.com

CONTENTS
Three Key Plays
Game Review - vs. Miami
ACC Standings
Rankings

Looking for a good place to catch the game? Visit
this site to find Hokie-friendly places and more!

http://www.cwimedia.com/forfansbyfans.html


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Three Key Plays
by "Mad" Jay

1) Trailing 3-0 to the Canes in the first quarter, Vick led the Hokies on a drive and had 1st and 10 on the the Miami 35. From there, the Hokies went nowhere and the key play was a Miami tackle for a 4-yard loss on a Vick roll-out on 2nd down. This play was an exact replica of one that Vick had made a miracle move on the Miami linebacker just to gain positive yards earlier in the drive. Obviously the Canes had game-planned for this play. And yet Brian Stinespring called it again on the same drive and this time the linebacker made the tackle. Completely oblivious to Miami's preparedness for this play, Stinespring put the Hokies in a 3rd and long, where Vick got sacked and the scoring threat ended. Drives where you answer an opponent's score are key to the
momentum of a football game and this was a hallmark of the Hokies all year. Failing to do so on this drive and coming away with nothing was disastrous and it led to the 2nd key play.

2) On the ensuing drive after the Hokies' punt, the Canes makes it down to the Hokie 1-yard line facing a 4th and goal. They go for it. With their starting running back out of the game and a lead on the road, it was a bad call for Larry Coker to go for it in this situation. The Hokies had the chance to turn the momentum back around with a stop. But despite a very solid effort by the Tech defense for most of the game, on
this play, the Canes wanted it more. They got it, and put up a 10-0 lead.

3) Coming out for the second half, Tech only trails by 10 and has the opportunity to stop Miami who has received the 2nd half kickoff. On the very first play of the second half the Miami backup RB (Charlie Jones) busts a 29-yard run right down the defense's throat. A total breakdown in concentration by the Tech linebackers on this play resulted in Miami getting great field position and they turned it into a FG. This 29-yard run by, again their BACKUP running back, basically set the tone for the
rest of the game.


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Game Review - vs. Miami
by "Mad" Jay

After the Miami loss, I am sure you are all expecting a violent burst of outrage and edited out expletives. I know I was. But I never felt it and after a few days to gain perspective I know why, and maybe it's why some of you didn't feel that way either. The answer for me was because I was so stunned. I began attending Virginia Tech at the beginning of the 1993 season. The program was coming off a 2-8-1 season but it has been to a bowl game every season since (I am certain that my arrival and the
football program's success are no mere coincidence). The point, however, is that not one time had I ever seen Virginia Tech lose by 20 points at home. Never. Not in the twelve and a half seasons of Hokie football since 1993 had it happened.

As I rode back home on Sunday recovering from being physically ill over the game (and I am not kidding about that as The Blonde can attest to since she was driving), I also started thinking that the team had played hard. That was such a hard conclusion to reach that I forced myself to watch the game footage (Skycam view on ESPNU - pretty neat). Anyway, in reviewing the game footage, I confirmed that the Hokies did play hard. Think about this - Miami played a quarter without their starting QB. They lost their starting running back for the game and their all-everything playmaker Devin Hester for the game and both injuries occurred in the first half. So even with the loss of Eddie Royal on the opening kickoff (at their deepest position - WR) how could Tech possibly lose?

It was a total lack of focus, not lack of effort, on offense, defense and special teams combined with a Miami team that seemed to have prepared to down to the very last detail that resulted in the outcome of the football game. And then I realized that this has happened to countless Tech opponents during its rise to join the college football elite. I now know how Syracuse felt the year they got beat 62-0. Or two years ago when Miami got beat 31-7. Or how Georgia Tech felt when we beat them 51-7 earlier this season. As Marcus Vick said "We couldn't get it turned around". That's usually what Tech does to its opponents.

I could get into specific failures in focus and decision-making from throughout the game (the coaches waiting too long to put in Branden Ore, Josh Morgan's muff of a possibly HUGE punt return, Marcus Vick's lack of ball security), but I won't. From a big picture point of view I began analyzing what would make the Hokies play the way their opponents normally do when they come into Lane Stadium.

Two major points I have been harping on all season - first, Tech is the "hunted" this season and how would they handle that. Second, how on earth can Marcus Vick perform under such intense scrutiny? Both points came to a head last Saturday.

The national media was ready to use Virginia Tech as this year's Auburn - poster child for BCS failure. The Hokie fans were ready to anoint this team as the one ready to fill the national championship trophy case and build on last season's ACC title. The players and coaches knew that they had a better combination of talent and team chemistry than any previous Hokie squad and this, their toughest remaining test was in the friendly confines of Lane Stadium. The build-up was incredible and the team had handled being the "hunted" all season long. Expecting to win is a good thing. Thinking you've already won is a disaster. The Canes were able to play with the chip on their shoulder and with no pressure. Everyone had written them off again this VT team. The roles were completely reversed from how they have historically been.

The "hunted" role is one that the very top programs handle because it is an expectation of the program. It comes as part of the deal at schools like USC, Texas, Oklahoma, Miami, Ohio State, etc. Virginia Tech has only recently (past 5 years) joined this elite group of schools almost always ranked in the top 10 and the program has been built on hard-working players looking to prove they belong. Now that Tech does belong, the coaches have to make the adjustment and build up the standards so that becoming the "hunted" year in and year out is part of the program. They did a very good job all season, but there are a few "games of the season" every year in college football and this game against Miami was one of them. It's games like last Saturday's against the Canes that must become more normal in the mind of the football team.


As far as Vick goes, well, it turns out he is a human being. He had an awful game. Consider what he has done this season, and I think you'll agree it was nearly inhuman to perform week in and week out with that level of expectation and that last name on his jersey. ESPN Sportscenter segments, Sports Illustrated magazine articles, countless interviews and the adoration of a crazy fan base - college football history is absolutely packed with players who couldn't live up to that kind of hype (can you say Ron Powlus?). I can imagine the intense disappointment Vick feels about how he played, but what do you bet DEEEEEEPPPP down inside, he feels incredible relief to know that his worst game is behind him and the fans and team still accept him as their leader. He can take this football team back on his shoulders and lead it to a great record with a chance at a BCS bowl as long as he is able to put this game behind him. It starts with Virginia after this bye week, and we'll learn more about Marcus Vick in that game then we did in this loss to Miami. Is this the game that he uses to fuel the rest of his college career? Or do he and the rest of the team sink into the traditional November funk? I bet it's the former. Time will tell.

GO HOKIES!


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*

ACC Standings

ATLANTIC DIVISION
Florida State   5-2     7-2
Boston College  3-3     6-3
Clemson         3-4     5-4
Wake Forest     3-4     4-6
Maryland        2-3     4-4
NC State        2-4     4-4

COASTAL DIVISION
Virginia Tech  5-1     8-1
Miami           4-1     7-1
Georgia Tech    4-2     6-2
North Carolina  3-2     4-4
Virginia        2-3     5-3
Duke            0-7     1-9

*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Rankings

--+-------------+--------------+-------------+-------------
  |AP           |ESPN/USA Today|TSF          |BCS
--+-------------+--------------+-------------+-------------
 1|USC (57)     |USC (56)      |USC (2)      |USC 
 2|Texas (8)    |Texas (6)     |Texas (1)    |Texas 
 3|Miami        |Alabama       |Miami        |Alabama 
 4|Alabama      |Miami         |Alabama      |Miami 
 5|LSU          |LSU           |Penn State   |Penn State 
 6|Penn State   |Penn State    |Notre Dame   |Virginia Tech 
 7|Notre Dame   |Notre Dame    |Virginia Tech|LSU 
 8|Virginia Tech|Virginia Tech |UCLA         |Ohio State 
 9|Georgia      |Georgia       |LSU          |Georgia
10|Ohio State   |Ohio State    |West Virginia|Oregon 
11|Oregon       |Oregon        |Georgia      |Notre Dame 
12|Florida      |Florida       |Texas Tech   |Texas Tech 
13|Texas Tech   |Texas Tech    |Ohio State   |Florida 
14|UCLA         |UCLA          |Oregon       |West Virginia
15|Auburn       |West Virginia |Auburn       |UCLA 
16|West Virginia|Florida State |Florida      |Wisconsin 
17|Florida State|Auburn        |Florida State|TCU 
18|TCU          |TCU           |Georgia Tech |Colorado 
19|Wisconsin    |Wisconsin     |Colorado     |Florida State 
20|Fresno State |Fresno State  |TCU          |Auburn 
21|Michigan     |Colorado      |Wisconsin    |Michigan 
22|Colorado     |Michigan      |Fresno State |Fresno State 
23|Louisville   |Louisville    |Northwestern |Georgia Tech 
24|Georgia Tech |Georgia Tech  |Michigan     |Minnesota 
25|Northwestern |Boston College|UTEP         |Louisville 

*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


---Writers:
"Mad" Jason Oakley
Anand "EhhTee" Trivedi
Brian "Where's The Ice?" Wrenn


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Disclaimer:
This news magazine is in no way affiliated with, or supported by,
Virginia Tech, the Virginia Tech Athletic Department, the NCAA, the
BCS, the Big East Conference, the Atlantic Coast Conference or any
other organization other than EhhTee Productions. EhhTee Productions
is an institution created by the author of TechSuperFans for the
further advancement of the media through electronic means.

TechSuperFans and TechSuperFans.com are trademarks of EhhTee
Productions. EhhTee Productions and its staff are in no way
responsible for any losses or actions taken by its audience.

VOLUME 006 ISSUE 010

TECHSUPERFANS (TM) - THE NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 006 ISSUE 010 (2005.11.04)

Also available at...
http://groups.google.com/group/techsuperfans
http://groups.yahoo.com/techsuperfans

CONTENTS
Three Key Plays
Game Preview - vs. Miami
ACC Standings
Rankings
Hokie Trivia

Looking for a good place to catch the game? Visit
this site to find Hokie-friendly places and more!

http://www.cwimedia.com/forfansbyfans.html


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Three Key Plays
by "Mad" Jay

(1) Eddie Royal scores on a 15 yard reverse to give the Hokies the lead 13-7. This play capped a drive where the Hokies answered the Eagles' only touchdown with one of their own. A brilliant, calm Marcus Vick led the drive, acting as if the Hokies weren't even behind in a game for the first time since the first game of the season. The actual TD play was a great play in itself where Vick called a "dummy" audible - that's when he makes the opposing team think he's changing the play but he really isn't - and then he made a very deceptive ball-fake to running back Mike Imoh that totally fooled BC defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka, who took himself out of the play. Josh Hyman (who also had a whale of a game catching the ball) blocked beautifully for his fellow receiver and Royal did the rest with some fancy footwork on the sideline.

(2) Hokies hold BC to three and out with three minutes left in the third quarter and Eddie Royal returns the ensuing punt to the BC 46 yard line. This defensive stand was incredible. First of all, BC had cut the lead to 20-10 earlier in the quarter. Secondly, they had just recovered Branden Ore's fumble into the end zone and had all the momentum going their way. On three straight plays the Eagles gained only 5 yards and the Hokies read the screen pass on third down so well that the BC quarterback Quinton Porter threw it to an offensive lineman which is a penalty. The Eagles had to punt, Royal got the big return and the Hokies turned it into a field goal. This defense off of a turnover and subsequent punt return recaptured the momentum from Boston College and you could feel the game change in the stadium.

(3) Vince Hall returns an interception for a touchdown to ice the game for the Hokies making it 30-10. Credit is due to Darryl Tapp who had a monster second half with two sacks and three more QB hurries, including on this play where he was dragging down the BC quarterback which forced the interception. The Hokie defense was fantastic the entire game and it was fitting that they get the credit for putting the game away at the end.


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Game Preview - vs. Miami
by Brian "Where's the Ice?"

Saturday night, the 6-1 Hurricanes of Miami will visit the 8-0 Hokies of Virgnia Tech. By the rankings, this will make for the most significant contest for the Hokies to date and quite possibly for the entire regular season. It serves as a chance for Virginia Tech to get a decent bump in its BCS score due to strength of schedule, or it looms as a late season loss to a formidable opponent.

Miami began their season with a great deal of inexperience in Kyle Wright, but he has quickly molded into a talented quarterback that shows a promising career ahead of him with the Hurricanes. The 6'5", 208lbs. Sophomore has thrown for 1383 yards this year, passed for ten touchdowns, and completed 103 passes out of 176 attempts. His
completion percentage has increased through the season averaging out to 58.5%, and he as grown in his ability to lead the Hurricane offense.

Miami's offense over the years has had no shortage of players named Moss, like receivers named Santana. The Hurricanes posses another deadly offensive weapon in running back Tyrone Moss. He has totalled a whopping 675 yards in rushing. Tyrone Moss compares to Virginia Tech's Michael Imoh in his size and ability to run with speed standing at 5'10" and 221 lbs. Wide receiver Sinorice Moss [Yes, another Moss]
has caught for 399 yards this season with tight end Greg Olsen caching for 348 yards, quite a number for a tight end. Hokie tight end, one of the best to ever come through Virginia Tech, Jeff King, has only caught for 223 yards in comparison, just to give you an idea.

While Miami has strength in their offense, they lack something that the Hokies have: depth. Examining the Hurricane offense shows the team leaders can play toe to toe with the Hokies' team leaders; however, the Hokies have multiple players that can play at that same level for every offensive scoring position on the squad. An injury or even a bad day could greatly compromise this Miami offense. Virginia
Tech, on the other hand, has one of the most dynamic offenses in College Football this year. They have multiple players that excel in every ball-carrying position.

Another thing to note, Miami's schedule strength has steadily declined since their loss to Florida State. Virgnia Tech stands as their most formidable opponent since then and quite possibly of all the regular season. The Hokies on the other hand, stared adversity in the face last week squaring off against Boston College.

With all the talk of the numbers and stats, we also have to consider the Miami players' mindsets entering this game. They haven't gone to BCS bowl in five straight seasons. The Hurricanes have have lost two straight games to the Hokies, but worst of all, the typical roles of each school have reversed. The Hokies lead in the polls, and must win to keep their hopes alive for a national title appearance, but the Hurricanes sit a little bit lower in the BCS rankings, so a win here
could move them up a couple of spots. Seeking the exoneration from last year's loss to Virginia Tech in the game deemed as the ACC conference championship, the Hurricanes have so much more to gain than to loose, and that often produces a morale that can make up for the lack of numbers put up on the team stats.

So far we've only talked offense, but more than likely, the defense of each team will play the most influential factor in who wins. The Hurricanes boast the number one stat in total defense only allowing 221.6 yards per game. The Hokie total defense trails that by only a small amount of 231.3. And to not such a surprise, the Hokie defense ranks as the number one defense in scoring, just one of the side
affects of Beamer Ball.

Lastly, I don't want to leave out the uniform factor. Against Boston College Virginia Tech sported an orange sleeved jersey that burned the eyes of many Hokie fans. Maybe it earned the Hokies a few extra points by the sheer distraction in ugliness to the Eagles' players, but Miami on the other hand has plenty of familiarity with this topic. Normally, Miami tries to stun their opponents by sporting some of the most tacky uniforms in college football. I wouldn't say this holds for all of time passed, but for this season the Hokies have outdone the Hurricanes in this respect. Can we please go back to the plain maroon jerseys from two years ago?...please!?

Game Time: Miami at Virginia Tech, ESPN, 7:45 pm

Other games to watch:
NC State at Florida State, ABC, 3:30 pm
Stanford at USC, TBS, 10:00 pm


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


ACC Standings

ATLANTIC DIVISION 
Florida State   5-1     7-1
Boston College  3-2     6-2
Wake Forest     3-3     4-5
Maryland        2-3     4-4
Clemson         2-4     4-4
NC State        1-4     3-4

COASTAL DIVISION
Virginia Tech   5-0     8-0
Miami           3-1     6-1
Georgia Tech    3-2     5-2
North Carolina  2-2     3-4
Virginia        2-3     4-3
Duke            0-6     1-8

*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Rankings

    BCS            TSF
----------------------------------------------
 1. Texas          USC (2)
 2. USC            Texas (1)
 3. Virginia Tech  Virginia Tech
 4. Georgia        Alabama
 5. Alabama        Miami
 6. UCLA           UCLA
 7. Miami          Notre Dame
 8. LSU            Penn State
 9. Penn State     LSU
10. Florida State  Florida State
11. Oregon         Wisconsin
12. Wisconsin      West Virginia
13. Ohio State     Georgia
14. Boston College Ohio State
15. Notre Dame     Auburn
16. Texas Tech     Texas Tech
17. West Virginia  Florida
18. TCU            Boston College
19. Florida        Oregon
20. Minnesota      California
21. Northwestern   Northwestern
22. Auburn         Georgia Tech
23. California     Michigan
24. Colorado       TCU
25. Michigan       Fresno State

*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Hokie Trivia

(1) ESPN Gameday will make thier sixth trip to Blacksburg on Saturday.
(2) Saturday's game will showcase the top two defenses in the country.
(3) The Virginia Tech defense has scored five touchdowns this season.
(4) The Hokie defense has only allowed seven points scored in the first quarter of play so far this season.
(5) The Hokies have a 4-4 record against the Hurricanes at Lane Stadium.


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


---Writers:
"Mad" Jason Oakley
Anand "EhhTee" Trivedi
Brian "Where's The Ice?" Wrenn


*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*HN*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*-*VT*-*TSF*


Disclaimer:
This news magazine is in no way affiliated with, or supported by,
Virginia Tech, the Virginia Tech Athletic Department, the NCAA, the
BCS, the Big East Conference, the Atlantic Coast Conference or any
other organization other than EhhTee Productions. EhhTee Productions
is an institution created by the author of TechSuperFans for the
further advancement of the media through electronic means.

TechSuperFans and TechSuperFans.com are trademarks of EhhTee
Productions. EhhTee Productions and its staff are in no way
responsible for any losses or actions taken by its audience.