BLACKSBURG, VA -- The Virginia Tech Hokies MENS basketball team beat the Duke Blue Devils.
Let me say that again, unless the words, as if in some feverish dream, blurred like the disappearing message scrawled in the sand as high tide rolls in.
The Virginia Tech Hokies beat the Duke Blue Devils in basketball.
Upon making a game-winning heave for three points, Zabian Dowdell was held aloft as the Hokie hero who helped topple Coach K and his mighty Blue Devil warriors. The Hokies won the battle on the court, again not the field, 67-65 and the win brings new light to the rookie ACC school.
Earlier, the upstart Hokies surprised the football world by winning the ACC championship outright. The Hokies now are dropping jaws as their perrenial bottom-dwelling has been replaced by a legitimate chance to make the NCAA tournament, and a not so far-fetch chance of winning the ACC championship!
Alas, yes, it is quite far-fetched. And yet, here we are in mid-February with Hokie squad that is 13-10 (6-6), and in sixth place in the ACC. Far from the teams of yesteryears, Coach Seth Greenberg has brought this team well out of the trenches.
Not since the days of Ace Custis has Virginia Tech basketball been so exciting. This current team might prove to be better than Coach Bill Fosters 1994-5 team that went to and won the National Invitational Tournament. It may be as good as, if not better than the team led by Dell Curry that went to the NCAA Tournament in 1985.
Hokie basketball is alive and well. Time will tell as the Hokies continue to make strides. Oh, and by the way, there's only one senior on the squad.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Saturday, December 25, 2004
I'm Dreaming of a Maroon & Orange Christmas
*** vs Miami ***
On Dec 4, Virginia Tech extended their winning streak one
more game against the Miami Hurricanes, 10-16. This win
makes the Hokies the undisputed champions of the ACC. What
an accomplishment they have achieved in dominating the ACC in
their inaugural season with the conference.
Late in the game, the Hokies scored a touchdown that broke a
nail biting tie score, but Miami blocked the extra point
leaving Hokie fans with the very real worry that a single
touchdown gone unanswered would end the game with a 17-16
Miami win. But with a team that has the defense of Virginia
Tech, having a 10-16 lead under these circumstances lends
better odds, and the Hokie defense came through giving
Virginia Tech fans a reason to scream "ACC Champs!" while
leaving the Orange Bowl.
The Hokie defense did what fans have become accustomed to
watching, contained one of the most potent offenses in the
country. A well composed Brock Berlin executed pass plays
successfully, but Virginia Tech's defense kept composure and
limited the Miami offense to drives that didn't produce a high
amount of scoring.
I watched The Hokie offense play some of the best football
they've played all season. Why do I think that? They played
the most well rounded game of their twelve game season. Hokie
teams of the past have relied on one or two superstars to get
the job done on offense. This offense has a broad range of
talented players spanning many positions, beginning with the
offensive line and continuing through the running backs, wide
receivers, tight ends, and of course quarterback. The offense
used all their assets without going to the same play and same
player repeatedly.
One last thing, if the announcer of of the Miami game ever
reads this, you pronounce it as "said-rick" Humes, not
"see-drick" Humes!
*** vs. Auburn ***
In the Sugar Bowl, the Hokies have more than their hands full
facing who I believe should hold the Number 1 spot in the
country. Auburn has gone undefeated in the SEC, arguably the
toughest conference in College Football. They've got a well
rounded offense, a solid defense, and have won all their
contests this year by more than one touchdown.
However, even with the odds stacked against them, the Hokies
have the ability to take this one. On offense, if Auburn tries
to shut down the Hokie running game, they can go to their wide
receivers. If they shut down the wide receivers, the Hokies
can go to their tight ends. And when holes in the Auburn
line form, quarterback Bryan Randall can rush just as well as
a running back. When it comes to defense, I expect the Hokies
to play toe to toe against Auburn.
Some think that the Hokies' loss to USC earlier in the season
doesn't bode well for Virginia Tech's performance this game.
Already pundits haven't asked if the Hokies will loose, but how
badly. However, I confidently say that if the Hokies would
win against USC if a rematch happened in the post season. They
had three major factors going against them in their first
contest against USC. First, the Hokie wide receivers played
their first collegiate level game ever. Second, the running
game suffered from a suspended Michael Imoh and Cedrik Humes
still recovering from injury. Third, let's face it; the
pass interference call drastically changed the momentum
in saving the Trojans from the Hokies having the ball set on
the ten yardline, well poised to take an even bigger lead.
All in all, I think the Hokies will surprise a lot of College
Football fans this game by at the very least making it a good
game into the fourth quarter or by winning the game outright.
*** Glance at the Top-Ten ***
Last Predictions
----------------
1 USC vs. UCLA
Prediction: USC over UCLA by 33
Outcome: USC 29, UCLA 24
2 Oklahoma vs. Colorado
Prediction: Oklahoma over Colorado by 19
Outcome: Oklahoma 42, Colorado 3
3 Auburn vs. 15 Tennessee
Prediction: Auburn over Tennessee by 9
Outcome: Auburn 38, Tennessee 28
4 California vs. Southern Miss
Prediction: California over Southern Miss by 27
Outcome: California 26, Southern Miss 16
10 Louisville vs. Tulane
Prediction: Louisville over Tulane by 27
Outcome: Louisville 55, Tulane 7
Bowl Predictions
----------------
Orange Bowl: 2 Oklahoma vs. 1 USC
USC has ridden the waves of the early polls all season.
Oklahoma has gone undefeated this season with a tougher
schedule.
Prediction: Oklahoma by 17
Rose Bowl: 12 Michigan vs. 5 Texas
Both of these teams have played well with tough schedules.
I hate to make a call on this one.
Prediction: Texas by 2
Fiesta Bowl: 20 Pittsburgh vs. 6 Utah
The Big East has produced better conference champion
teams than this year.
Prediction: Utah by 31
Outback Bowl: 16 Wisconsin vs. 7 Georgia
Georgia has the better team, but I think Wisconsin will
pull this one out in the end with heart.
Wisconsin over Georgia by 6
Liberty Bowl: 10 Boise State vs. 8 Louisville
Louisville sits in a similar position that Virginia Tech
did back in the mid-90's in that it has the talent to
play with the top ten but struggles for that recognition.
This team almost beat Miami in the regular season. Boise
State has a good team, but I like Louisville better for
this one.
Prediction: Louisville by 10
Holiday Bowl: 21 Texas Tech vs. 4 California
Prediction: California by 14
On Dec 4, Virginia Tech extended their winning streak one
more game against the Miami Hurricanes, 10-16. This win
makes the Hokies the undisputed champions of the ACC. What
an accomplishment they have achieved in dominating the ACC in
their inaugural season with the conference.
Late in the game, the Hokies scored a touchdown that broke a
nail biting tie score, but Miami blocked the extra point
leaving Hokie fans with the very real worry that a single
touchdown gone unanswered would end the game with a 17-16
Miami win. But with a team that has the defense of Virginia
Tech, having a 10-16 lead under these circumstances lends
better odds, and the Hokie defense came through giving
Virginia Tech fans a reason to scream "ACC Champs!" while
leaving the Orange Bowl.
The Hokie defense did what fans have become accustomed to
watching, contained one of the most potent offenses in the
country. A well composed Brock Berlin executed pass plays
successfully, but Virginia Tech's defense kept composure and
limited the Miami offense to drives that didn't produce a high
amount of scoring.
I watched The Hokie offense play some of the best football
they've played all season. Why do I think that? They played
the most well rounded game of their twelve game season. Hokie
teams of the past have relied on one or two superstars to get
the job done on offense. This offense has a broad range of
talented players spanning many positions, beginning with the
offensive line and continuing through the running backs, wide
receivers, tight ends, and of course quarterback. The offense
used all their assets without going to the same play and same
player repeatedly.
One last thing, if the announcer of of the Miami game ever
reads this, you pronounce it as "said-rick" Humes, not
"see-drick" Humes!
*** vs. Auburn ***
In the Sugar Bowl, the Hokies have more than their hands full
facing who I believe should hold the Number 1 spot in the
country. Auburn has gone undefeated in the SEC, arguably the
toughest conference in College Football. They've got a well
rounded offense, a solid defense, and have won all their
contests this year by more than one touchdown.
However, even with the odds stacked against them, the Hokies
have the ability to take this one. On offense, if Auburn tries
to shut down the Hokie running game, they can go to their wide
receivers. If they shut down the wide receivers, the Hokies
can go to their tight ends. And when holes in the Auburn
line form, quarterback Bryan Randall can rush just as well as
a running back. When it comes to defense, I expect the Hokies
to play toe to toe against Auburn.
Some think that the Hokies' loss to USC earlier in the season
doesn't bode well for Virginia Tech's performance this game.
Already pundits haven't asked if the Hokies will loose, but how
badly. However, I confidently say that if the Hokies would
win against USC if a rematch happened in the post season. They
had three major factors going against them in their first
contest against USC. First, the Hokie wide receivers played
their first collegiate level game ever. Second, the running
game suffered from a suspended Michael Imoh and Cedrik Humes
still recovering from injury. Third, let's face it; the
pass interference call drastically changed the momentum
in saving the Trojans from the Hokies having the ball set on
the ten yardline, well poised to take an even bigger lead.
All in all, I think the Hokies will surprise a lot of College
Football fans this game by at the very least making it a good
game into the fourth quarter or by winning the game outright.
*** Glance at the Top-Ten ***
Last Predictions
----------------
1 USC vs. UCLA
Prediction: USC over UCLA by 33
Outcome: USC 29, UCLA 24
2 Oklahoma vs. Colorado
Prediction: Oklahoma over Colorado by 19
Outcome: Oklahoma 42, Colorado 3
3 Auburn vs. 15 Tennessee
Prediction: Auburn over Tennessee by 9
Outcome: Auburn 38, Tennessee 28
4 California vs. Southern Miss
Prediction: California over Southern Miss by 27
Outcome: California 26, Southern Miss 16
10 Louisville vs. Tulane
Prediction: Louisville over Tulane by 27
Outcome: Louisville 55, Tulane 7
Bowl Predictions
----------------
Orange Bowl: 2 Oklahoma vs. 1 USC
USC has ridden the waves of the early polls all season.
Oklahoma has gone undefeated this season with a tougher
schedule.
Prediction: Oklahoma by 17
Rose Bowl: 12 Michigan vs. 5 Texas
Both of these teams have played well with tough schedules.
I hate to make a call on this one.
Prediction: Texas by 2
Fiesta Bowl: 20 Pittsburgh vs. 6 Utah
The Big East has produced better conference champion
teams than this year.
Prediction: Utah by 31
Outback Bowl: 16 Wisconsin vs. 7 Georgia
Georgia has the better team, but I think Wisconsin will
pull this one out in the end with heart.
Wisconsin over Georgia by 6
Liberty Bowl: 10 Boise State vs. 8 Louisville
Louisville sits in a similar position that Virginia Tech
did back in the mid-90's in that it has the talent to
play with the top ten but struggles for that recognition.
This team almost beat Miami in the regular season. Boise
State has a good team, but I like Louisville better for
this one.
Prediction: Louisville by 10
Holiday Bowl: 21 Texas Tech vs. 4 California
Prediction: California by 14
Top 10 Rankings
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rank | "Where's the Ice" | ESPN/Coaches | AP | BCS
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1 | Auburn | USC | USC | USC
2 | Oklahoma | Oklahoma | Oklahoma | Oklahoma
3 | USC | Auburn | Auburn | Auburn
4 | Texas | California | California | Texas
5 | California | Texas | Utah | California
6 | Va. Tech | Utah | Texas | Utah
7 | Utah | Georgia | Louisville | Georgia
8 | Louisville | Louisville | Georgia | Va. Tech
9 | Georgia | Va. Tech | Va. Tech | Boise State
10 | Tennessee | Boise State | Boise State | Louisville
ACC Champions
by "Mad" Jay
I just LOVE the sound of "ACC Champion
Virginia Tech Hokies"! As I gathered with
some of my fellow alumni in the spring of
2003, we pondered the upheaval that threatened
the future of Virginia Tech football, and
yes threatened even the future of the
university as a whole. The possibility of
being forsaken and left to die on the vine
in the Big East had us all gravely concerned.
I distinctly recall saying that I would rather
cellar dwell in the ACC for a few years
rather than win a joke of a Big East conference.
Fast forward to December 4th, 2004 and the
Hokies not only made it into the ACC, but
they did something that seven of the current
schools in the ACC had never done - they
won the football championship. The Hokies are
headed to the Sugar Bowl after addressing their
most important need - getting rid of the NFL,
me-first mentality and play with heart at a
level that hearkens back to the 1999 squad and
other Hokies teams from the mid-90's.
Of course it was easy for fans and analysts alike
to diagnose the problem. It's a whole lot tougher
with the mentality that most of today's top
athletes seem to have, to solve the problem. Frank
Beamer has done a masterful job in executing this
plan. Taking the season one game at a time is
something I place almost religious fervor on, and
that's exactly what Coach Beamer was able to do.
Between that philosophy and deeply rooting the team
concept in the 2004 Hokies, Beamer deserves coach
of the year in the ACC and consideration for
national coach of the year awards.
The defensive performances against Miami and
Virginia just about brought tears to my eyes.
Apparently some of the top recruits in the nation
welled up with a little emotion as well,
considering the verbal commitments from recruits
that Tech has been receiving lately. Bud Foster
will be a head coach in the next five years. I
just hope that the Hokies are able to bring a
national title to Blacksburg by then.
The injury situation will hopefully have sorted
itself out by the Auburn game. The single most
important player the Hokies need to have healthy
is Jimmy Martin at left tackle. Protecting Bryan
Randall and giving Mike Imoh room to run are
absolutely critical against a defense just as
tough as Tech's. With a healthy team, Virginia
Tech will give Auburn all it can handle. I've said
all season that this team can play with anybody
when they've got their heads on straight and we
will certainly see if that's true since I believe
that Auburn should be playing for the national title.
Just so that you don't feel let down, Calm and Beloved
Reader, I am still infuriated with offensive coordinator
Brian Stinespring. The playcalling towards
the end of games has been pretty good, but the early
gameplan has been terrible and it will take a full 60
minutes of execution for Tech to beat Auburn. I can
honestly say, after an overachieving season, that
while I fully expect the Hokies to win, they really
can't lose in the Sugar Bowl. Already, the national
media isn't giving them a chance. Of course, this is
the same media that picked Tech to finish anywhere
from 6th to 8th in the ACC. Stay tuned for my Post-Bowl
Season report where I can channel all my pent-up
frustration at the BCS system. In the meantime,
GO HOKIES!!!!!!!
I just LOVE the sound of "ACC Champion
Virginia Tech Hokies"! As I gathered with
some of my fellow alumni in the spring of
2003, we pondered the upheaval that threatened
the future of Virginia Tech football, and
yes threatened even the future of the
university as a whole. The possibility of
being forsaken and left to die on the vine
in the Big East had us all gravely concerned.
I distinctly recall saying that I would rather
cellar dwell in the ACC for a few years
rather than win a joke of a Big East conference.
Fast forward to December 4th, 2004 and the
Hokies not only made it into the ACC, but
they did something that seven of the current
schools in the ACC had never done - they
won the football championship. The Hokies are
headed to the Sugar Bowl after addressing their
most important need - getting rid of the NFL,
me-first mentality and play with heart at a
level that hearkens back to the 1999 squad and
other Hokies teams from the mid-90's.
Of course it was easy for fans and analysts alike
to diagnose the problem. It's a whole lot tougher
with the mentality that most of today's top
athletes seem to have, to solve the problem. Frank
Beamer has done a masterful job in executing this
plan. Taking the season one game at a time is
something I place almost religious fervor on, and
that's exactly what Coach Beamer was able to do.
Between that philosophy and deeply rooting the team
concept in the 2004 Hokies, Beamer deserves coach
of the year in the ACC and consideration for
national coach of the year awards.
The defensive performances against Miami and
Virginia just about brought tears to my eyes.
Apparently some of the top recruits in the nation
welled up with a little emotion as well,
considering the verbal commitments from recruits
that Tech has been receiving lately. Bud Foster
will be a head coach in the next five years. I
just hope that the Hokies are able to bring a
national title to Blacksburg by then.
The injury situation will hopefully have sorted
itself out by the Auburn game. The single most
important player the Hokies need to have healthy
is Jimmy Martin at left tackle. Protecting Bryan
Randall and giving Mike Imoh room to run are
absolutely critical against a defense just as
tough as Tech's. With a healthy team, Virginia
Tech will give Auburn all it can handle. I've said
all season that this team can play with anybody
when they've got their heads on straight and we
will certainly see if that's true since I believe
that Auburn should be playing for the national title.
Just so that you don't feel let down, Calm and Beloved
Reader, I am still infuriated with offensive coordinator
Brian Stinespring. The playcalling towards
the end of games has been pretty good, but the early
gameplan has been terrible and it will take a full 60
minutes of execution for Tech to beat Auburn. I can
honestly say, after an overachieving season, that
while I fully expect the Hokies to win, they really
can't lose in the Sugar Bowl. Already, the national
media isn't giving them a chance. Of course, this is
the same media that picked Tech to finish anywhere
from 6th to 8th in the ACC. Stay tuned for my Post-Bowl
Season report where I can channel all my pent-up
frustration at the BCS system. In the meantime,
GO HOKIES!!!!!!!
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