SB Nation User Blog: furrer4heisman

In which I get spiteful again

furrer4heisman — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:46:07 -0000

In which I get spiteful again

Man, that felt good. There has been way too much happiness in my life recently and it's led to this blog being bereft of anger, pith and spite. However, it all came back today. My laundry list of grievances is over at College Game Balls' massive Festivus post.

You've all been very disappointing this year.

Blatant Self Promotion: Podcast Appearance Tuesday with Team Speed Kills

furrer4heisman — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:15:31 -0000

Blatant Self Promotion: Podcast Appearance Tuesday with Team Speed Kills

I'll be on the Team Speed Kills' bowl preview podcast at around 8:55 p.m. EST Tuesday to discuss our matchup with the Vols.

2009 Virginia Tech Football: Peach Bowl vs. Tennessee Game Guide

furrer4heisman — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 04:14:36 -0000

by Gregory Smith - AP

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Virginia Tech Hokies (9-3, 6-2) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (7-5, 4-4)
2009 Peach Bowl

Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
Date: Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009
Place: Georgia Dome (71,228), Atlanta, Ga.
TV: ESPN

Tennessee: The Vols finished their regular season with a thrilling overtime win over rival Kentucky ... after missing out on bowl season last year, Tennessee returns to the postseason under first-year head coach Lane Kiffin ... the Vols' solid finish (4-1) was sparked by the play of their often maligned quarterback, Jonathan Crompton (think Sean Glennon with a porn 'stache) ... the senior threw 12 touchdowns and two interceptions in Tennessee's last five regular season games ... legendary safety Eric Berry needs 15 interception return yards to break the NCAA record in that category ... he'll be working hard to get that record in what will likely be his last college game.

Trends: The Hokies have won four consecutive games after back-to-back losses to GT and UNC ... Tennessee has won four of its last five games ... Virginia Tech has lost four consecutive games against SEC opponents, including this year's opener against Alabama in the Chick-fil-a Kickoff Classic in the Georgia Dome ... Tennessee has not faced an ACC opponent since the 2004 Peach Bowl when it lost to Clemson ... since the start of the 2000 college football season, Virginia Tech is 5-4 in bowls and Tennessee is 3-4.

History Lesson: This is the teams' first meeting since the 1994 Gator Bowl in Gainesville, Fla., won 45-23 by Tennessee ... that was their first meeting since 1937 ... the Hokies are 2-5 all-time against the Volunteers with their last win coming in 1911 ... the Hokies are 0-2 against the Vols on neutral fields.

What to Expect:

The Vols are a very balanced team. They ran 279 run plays (w/o sacks) for and 251 pass plays (w/ sacks) in conference games.
It will be interesting to watch the Tech defensive line on passing downs in this game. The Hokies had the 2nd-most sacks in ACC play this year (26) while Tennessee gave up the fewest sacks in SEC games this year (6). Expect Jason Worilds and Co. to have to work hard to get pressure in this game.
Expect to see a good dose of Montario Hardesty. He carried the ball over 23 times per game in league games and averaged over 100 yards per game. Tennessee was 5-0 in games Hardesty ran for over 100 yards. In the Vols last two games, he had 32 carries for 171 yards against Vandy and 39 carries for 179 yards against Kentucky. Hardesty will get his yards against the Hokies. We just have to make sure he gets them in very small increments. Unfortunately we won't see much of my favorite UT running back, David Oku. He had one carry in the Vols' last three games.
Expect the Hokies to struggle if the ground game doesn't get going. The Vols finished in the Top 10 in the country in passing defense, led by the All-World Berry. The Vols have not allowed a crooked number of passing touchdowns to any team they've faced this year and two passing touchdowns in their last seven games.
Expect Tyrod Taylor to have to get key yards with his legs due to Tennessee's pass defense. The only real dual-threat QB the Vols have faced this year was The Tebow Child. Against Tennessee, Tebow ran 24 times for 76 yards (3.2) and a touchdown. Will Tyrod's agility at quarterback give Tennessee fits? I'm hoping so.
Tennessee was in the middle of the pack of the SEC at covering kickoffs, giving up over 22 yards per return and two touchdowns. The Hokies led the ACC in kick return average at over 24 yards per return. Their lone TD came in the Georgia Dome in the season opener against Alabama. Hopefully Tennessee won't be kicking off much in this game, but when they do look for Dyrell Roberts to have some success.

Hokies win if: They get pressure on Crompton and establish the run game.

Volunteers win if: Hardesty runs for over 100 yards and they win the turnover battle.

Dot-dot-dots: Frank Beamer is 3-6 against the SEC since coming to Virginia Tech in 1987 ... Virginia Tech is 8-14 in bowls and 7-9 under Beamer ... it is 1-2 in the Peach Bowl ... Tennessee is 25-22 in bowl, 6-5 in bowls against the ACC and 1-3 in the Peach Bowl ... Ryan Williams has 1,596 rushing yards this year ... he needs 117 rushing yards to break the Virginia Tech single-season rushing record set by Kevin Jones in 2003, including the bowl game.

Tennessee Links

Rocky Top Talk
3rd Saturday in Blogtober
Gate 21
Losers With Socks
Vols in the Fall

Poll

If you're a Virginia Tech fan, are you going to the Peach Bowl?

Tech Decade: Mr. Hokie for the Aughts

furrer4heisman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:23:52 -0000

More photos » by Don Petersen - AP

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Surprise! You get one more category to vote on as we look back at the last decade of Virginia Tech football. Today, you decide who you think should be Mr. Hokie for the Aughts.

Basically, who you vote for Mr. Hokie should be the player that best represents the spirit and work ethic of Virginia Tech football. He should be selfless, a good leader and a hard worker. On-field accomplishments aren't the first think we're looking for here, but the winner is in your hands. Here are the nominees:

Justin Hamilton (2002-2005) - Hamilton played a different position just about every year he was with the Hokies. Wherever Tech had a need, that's where he was willing to play. He saw time at running back and wide receiver his first three years at Tech before moving to free safety his senior year. He helped quarterback statistically one of the best defenses we've seen at Tech that year. While Hamilton could have transferred to a school where he would have been given the ball more often, he stayed at Tech and did all that was asked of him.

Bryan Randall (2001-2004) - Despite struggling early in his career as Tech's quarterback, Randall put it all together his senior season and led the Hokies to the 2004 ACC championship. In 2003, Randall was forced to split time at quarterback with Marcus Vick. However, Vick was suspended for the 2004 season and Randall took the team on his back and led them to the Sugar Bowl.

Vince Hall (2004-2007) - Hall was at or near the top in tackles for the Hokies in all four of his years at Tech. He may not have been as gifted an athlete as his partner in crime, Xavier Adibi, but Hall made up for it in leadership and a strong football sense. He also seemed to be there whenever the Hokies needed a big play, including an interception at the Hokies' four-yard line with just over two minutes to go in the 2007 ACCCG with Tech clinging to a 23-16 lead over BC.

Cody Grimm (2006-2009) - The Deathbacker. Grimm came to Tech as a walk-on and gradually worked his way onto the field by working hard in practice and being a wild man on special teams. Grimm shared time with Cam Martin at whip linebacker in 2008, but still tied for second on the team in sacks with 7.5. He took over for the injured Martin in 2009 and through 12 games has three sacks, five pass break-ups and seven forced fumbles.

Poll

Who is Mr. Hokie for the Aughts?

Tech Decade: Hokies' Best Team of the Aughts

furrer4heisman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:00:42 -0000

More photos » by Steve Helber - AP

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The 00s are almost over and its time to decide the best moments and players from the last 10 seasons. Every day this week you readers will decide your favorite game, win, offensive and defensive player and team from those seasons.

Today you decide which Tech team was the best of the 00s. Here are the nominees:

2000 (11-1): The 2000 team lost its only game to No. 3 Miami with Michael Vick watching on the sideline for most of the game with an injured ankle. The Hokies capped off their season with a win over Clemson in the Gator Bowl. Tech averaged 5.9 yards per play and 426.4 yards per game while scoring 40.3 points per game. The defense gave up 4.9 yards per play, 323.6 yards per game and 22.6 points per game. They were led by Vick, Lee Suggs, Ben Taylor and Willie Pile.

2004 (10-3): In 2004 the Hokies surprised most by winning the ACC in their first season in the conference. They suffered losses to USC and Auburn, who both finished the season unbeaten and another at home to NC State. Tech's offense averaged 5.5 yards per play, 365.5 yards per game and 30.8 points per game. The Hokies allowed 4.4 yards per play, 268.0 yards per game and 12.8 points per game. They were led by Bryan Randall, Eddie Royal, Vince Hall and Darryl Tapp.

2005 (11-2): If it hadn't been for the Sunshine State, the 2005 Hokies would have been unbeaten. Their two losses came to Miami at home and Florida State in the ACCCG. The Tech offense averaged 5.5 yards per play, 380.9 yards per game and 33.8 points per game. The defense gave up 4.1 yards per play, 247.6 yards per game (Ed. Note: !) and 12.9 points per game. The Hokies were led by Marcus Vick, Cedric Humes, Vince Hall and Aaron Rouse.

2007 (11-3): The Hokies struggled early in 2007, getting blown out by eventual champion LSU in Baton Rouge. However, they came together after what could have been a soul-crushing defeat against BC to win their second ACC title. The offense averaged 4.9 yards per play, 330.5 yards per game and 28.7 points per game. The defense allowed 4.3 yards per play, 296.9 yards per game and 16.1 points per gamer. Tech was led by Sean Glennon, Branden Ore, Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi.

Bonus Question for Commenters: If the Hokies beat Tennessee in the Peach Bowl, were would the 2009 team rank? What about if they lose to Tennessee?

Poll

Which Virginia Tech team was the best of the Aughts?

Tech Decade: Hokies' Best Defensive Player of the Aughts

furrer4heisman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:28:25 -0000

More photos » by Ted S. Warren - AP

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Which Tech defensive player was the best of the 00s? You decide. Here are the nominees:

DeAngelo Hall (2001-2003) - Arguably the best athlete Bud Foster has ever had on defense. Hall had 172 tackles, eight interceptions and returned four punts for touchdowns in three seasons for the Hokies. He was also a shut-down corner who was a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award in 2003.

Darryl Tapp (2002-2005) - Was named first team All-ACC in 2004 and 2005 and finished his career with 187 tackles and 21.5 sacks. He had 18.5 sacks his junior and senior year.

Xavier Adibi (2004-2007) - Had 291 tackles, 11 sacks and seven interceptions in his four years at Tech. Was first-team All-ACC in 2007 and was voted a first-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association. Helped lead the Hokies to two ACC championships in 2004 and 2007.

Brandon Flowers (2004-2007) - Maybe the best all-around cornerback the Hokies have seen, Flowers was both an outstanding cover corner and run-stopper from the boundary side. Finished his career with 158 tackles and 10 interceptions.

Poll

Who was Virginia Tech's best defensive player of the Aughts?

Tech Decade: Hokies' Best Offensive Player of the Aughts

furrer4heisman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:39:31 -0000

More photos » by David Duprey - AP

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Which Tech offensive player was the best of the 00s? You decide. Here are the nominees:

Michael Vick (2000) - Vick only played one year in the decade, but was 9-0 as a starter in it. He ran for 617 yards and eight touchdowns and threw for 1,234 yards and eight touchdowns in his last season with the Hokies.

Kevin Jones (2001-2003) - Jones set the Tech single-season rushing record in his junior year with 1,494 yards and 20 touchdowns. He finished his brilliant college career with 3,475 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Bryan Randall (2002-2004) - Randall led the Hokies to the ACC title his senior year and was named the ACC's offensive player of the year. He finished his Tech career with school records for passing yards (6,508) and passing touchdowns (48).

Eddie Royal (2004-2007) - Royal had his best receiving year as a freshman, catching 28 passes for 470 yards. He finished his career fourth on Tech's all-time list with 119 catches for 1,778 yards and 12 touchdowns. Royal is also No. 1 in school history in punt return yards (1,296) and No. 2 in kick return yards (1,376).

Poll

Who was the Hokies' best offensive player of the Aughts?

"The real reason why Bud Foster, VPI DC, isn’t leaving is because he is overrated. A veritable w...

furrer4heisman — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:51:39 -0000

"The real reason why Bud Foster, VPI DC, isn’t leaving is because he is overrated. A veritable white cracker version of Charley Strong, just less successful."

Losers With Socks on Bud Foster. Looks like boys at LWS have just as much have for VT as I hate for Tennessee. Though I'm not quite sure what a fuck javelin is. Sounds painful enough.

Tech Decade: Hokies' Biggest Win of the Aughts

furrer4heisman — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 05:49:52 -0000

Today you decide what the Hokies' biggest win of the 00s was. Here are the nominees:

2003: Virginia Tech 31, Miami 7 - The Hokies took down No. 2 Miami in Blacksburg, making the Canes the highest ranked team the Hokies have ever taken down. I'll always remember the sign a fan held up on the field after the game: "We're not going to the Sugar Bowl, and neither are U."

2005: Virginia Tech 34, West Virginia 17 - This win looks much better in retrospect. The Hokies beat their rival in Morgantown. It would be the only loss West Virginia suffered in the 2005 season.

2007: Virginia Tech 40, Florida State 21 - Tech scored 20 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to give Frank Beamer his first win over Bobby Bowden and exercise a lot of demons against the team with the spear on its helmets.

2008: Virginia Tech 20, Cincinnati 7 - The Hokies won their first BCS game and gave the ACC its first BCS win since 2000.

Poll

What was the Hokies' biggest win of the Aughts?

Virginia Tech Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster Isn't Going Anywhere

furrer4heisman — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:40:48 -0000

More photos » by Don Petersen - AP

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We can all stop speculating about Bud Foster's possible departure from Virginia Tech. Today, the Hokies made Foster a very rich defensive coordinator. At least they will make him a very rich defensive coordinator provided he stays with the Hokies for five years.

Should Foster stick around for the next five years, he'll receive an annuity from Virginia Tech the amount of which will be announced at a later date. Supposedly it's a pretty good sum of cash. It's enough to get Foster to say that another school would have to come up with "a lot of money" to get him to leave the Hokies even if it's for a head coaching job.

CGB from College Game Balls and I are in agreement that this might as well be a "Head Coach in Waiting" deal. Even though it's not worked into the contract, I think the goal of it is to keep Foster in Blacksburg long enough to make him Frank Beamer's replacement.

Five years is a long time in coaching years and Foster has to realize that his window to parlay his success as a coordinator into a head coaching gig is closing. I think the only way he'd agree to stay at Tech this long was if it was understood that he's going to be the one to take over for Beamer.

Foster will be 55 when his annuity would kick in and college football coaching is a young man's game. His age will make him less desirable to top programs even if his defenses continue to have the same success they've enjoyed the last few years.

In five years Frank Beamer will be 68. Whether or not he'll be ready to retire and hand over the keys to the program he built from nothing remains to be seen, but if he is ready to do that in five years, he'll likely hand those keys to Foster.

Even if the rumors that there's a rift between Beamer and Foster are true (and there's no way in hell that they are), it looks like Frank and Bud are staying together for the kids.