Another Great Visit for Leal October 2, 2009 After taking an unofficial visit to Tech in July, Hokies quarterback commitment Mark Leal returned to Blacksburg this past weekend for a 3-day official visit. The Atlantic (Delray Beach, FL) arrived last Friday. By the time he left on Sunday, he had once again enjoyed a terrific experience at his future school. more
Coleman Lists Top 5, Favorite October 2, 2009 4-star wide receiver prospect Brandon Coleman managed to trim his list of schools down to six before the start of his senior season. This week, the 6-6, 200-pound senior, a Bishop McNamara (Forestville, MD) product, listed a top five and a current favorite. more
Keys to the Game and Matchups to Watch: Virginia Tech at Duke October 1, 2009 After one of the most impressive overall performances in recent memory against the resurgent Miami Hurricanes, Virginia Tech goes on the road to face an improving Duke football program. The Hokies excelled in all phases of the game last week, and the expectations of the Hokie Nation have been renewed as Tech vaulted to #6 in the nation in all polls. So, what should we expect from the Duke Blue Devils as the Hokies face their first ACC road contest of the season? more
Catching up with QB Ricardo Young October 1, 2009 A typical day for H.D. Woodson (Washington, D.C.) senior quarterback Ricardo Young includes school until noon, doing homework and studying in the early afternoon, and then practice followed by several hours of film watching. The 6-1, 170-pound Virginia Tech commitment is an avid film watcher, which he credits as a factor to his success. more
Football Game Preview: #6 Virginia Tech at Duke September 30, 2009 Presented by Kent Square Condominiums: After escaping the most challenging month in Tech football history with a 3-1 record, the Hokies will play their first true road game of the season at Duke. This is a classic trap game. After going through emotional roller coasters in their last two games against Nebraska and Miami, Tech now faces a perennial ACC cellar dweller. How the Hokies respond could tell us a lot about this team. more
Miami Game Analysis: Hokies Confuse Harris, Play Smashmouth O September 29, 2009 It was pouring. It was cold. It was perfect. The Hokies were supposed to be just another rung on the swagger ladder for the resurgent Miami Hurricanes. With a hype machine gone nuclear, the Hurricanes strolled into rainy Blacksburg to face the forgotten and media-jilted Hokies. But something happened on Miami's fast track to "Back Land" - the Hokies lined up, grunted and snorted a couple of times and physically whipped the Hurricanes at the line of scrimmage. more
Dew Discusses Commitment to Tech September 29, 2009 Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer received a boost prior to kick-off on Saturday, reeling in Tech's 18th verbal commitment of the 2010 recruiting class. First Colonial (Virginia Beach, VA) safety/linebacker Nick Dew, a longtime Tech lean, was the bearer of the good news. more
Monday Thoughts: Miami September 28, 2009 When everyone except Phil Martin is picking the Miami Hurricanes to win, it's easy to dismiss them all as bandwagoners and hypesters who are all too quick to jump on the Miami's-Back-Baby bandwagon. That's true of some people, but not everyone out there is stupid. A lot of the people who picked Miami to win were doing so on sound, fact-based analysis, yours truly included. more
Around the ACC: September 28, 2009 September 28, 2009 Yet again, the ACC performed poorly in non-conference games against other BCS programs, though NC State managed to stage a late comeback to salvage the weekend. In the weekend's biggest game, media darling Miami found out they aren't quite as "back" as they thought they were. more
Hokies Stagger Miami's Swagger September 26, 2009 Blacksburg, VA - BeamerBall was in rare form on Saturday afternoon. The offense, defense and special teams all contributed to a 31-7 pounding of #9 Miami in Lane Stadium, and the #11 Hokies look like the team to beat in the ACC yet again. Virginia Tech improved to 3-1 with the win, and they are now 1-0 in the ACC. Miami is 2-1 overall, as well as 2-1 in conference play. more
Under Armour All-American Dew Commits to VT September 26, 2009 According to ESPN.com earlier today, First Colonial (Virginia Beach, VA) safety/linebacker Nick Dew indicated that he would commit to Virginia Tech. He followed through, confirming his decision to TSL this evening. more
Checking in with VT CB Commit Kyle Fuller September 25, 2009 Kyle Fuller had never played quarterback until this season. A versatile athlete that projects initially as a cornerback at Virginia Tech, Fuller was called upon to be Mount St. Joseph's (Baltimore, MD) starting signal caller in 2009. The 6-0, 165-pound senior responded well, guiding his team to two wins to start the season. more
Keys to the Game and Matchups to Watch: Miami at Virginia Tech September 24, 2009 The resurgent Miami Hurricanes come to Blacksburg on Saturday coming off two huge ACC wins over Florida State and Georgia Tech. The Hokies are coming off a dramatic last-minute victory over a very good Nebraska squad. The #9 Hurricanes have renewed confidence -- dare I say "swagger" -- and the #11 Hokies have to be optimistic after the improbable rally last weekend. So what should we expect from these long-time rivals in this critical ACC Coastal Division contest? more
Atlantic QB to Make Official Visit to VT September 24, 2009 Atlantic (Delray Beach, FL) quarterback Mark Leal is taking advantage of his bye week, as he plans to make an official visit to Virginia Tech this weekend. The 6-1, 185-pound Tech commitment called his first visit to Blacksburg "perfect," so what does he expect out of this weekend's experience? more
VT Fans Impress McCray September 23, 2009 Asked what he is most excited about in terms of playing football at Virginia Tech, Brookville (Lynchburg, VA) defensive end and Tech commitment Zack McCray said, "The fans. The number one thing right there is the fans. I've never found any fans like the fans at Virginia Tech. Especially this past week." more
Football Game Preview: #11 Virginia Tech vs. #9 Miami September 23, 2009 Presented by Kent Square Condominiums: Last week's win over Nebraska was big, but it wasn't nearly as important as the upcoming game against Miami. This is for bragging rights, and whichever team wins will hold an early advantage in the Coastal Division race. Not to mention that this is the continuation of a rivalry that has been dead even since Frank Beamer took over at Tech in 1987. more
2011 Profile: Harrisonburg's Star OL Landon Turner September 22, 2009 On one play, Landon Turner's once promising sophomore season came to an abrupt end. In the first quarter of Harrisonburg varsity football's first game of the 2008 season, Turner, a starter as a freshman in 2007, suffered a fractured left ankle that sidelined him for the rest of the season. The 6-5, 310-pound junior reflects on the injury as a blessing in disguise. more
Nebraska Game Analysis: Hokies Overcome Tough Day September 22, 2009 As usual, much of this article is going to focus on detailing specific plays - what went right, what went wrong. Yes, the offense was MIA for most of the game. Yes, the defense has some holes to plug. But the one point worth noting right at the top is that Tyrod Taylor is a winner. He had an off day for much of the game, but at the end he dug deep to find that extra something that most players simply do not have. Will the memorable finish springboard him to that next level as a college QB? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - in those final two minutes, he carried the burden of a frustrating and very disappointing loss on his shoulders and somehow found a way to make two huge plays with Nebraska's monster DT breathing down his neck. And the winner pulled out an impossible win. more
Monday Thoughts: Nebraska September 21, 2009 I'm late delivering this article, because for almost 48 hours, I kept coming up dry in my attempts to figure out an angle. On the one hand, you have one of the more miraculous comebacks in Virginia Tech football history, but on the other hand, the only reason that comeback was necessary is because the offense that dominated Marshall disappeared, and the offense that has finished around #100 in the nation since 2006 returned. more
Around the ACC: September 21, 2009 September 21, 2009 This week was better for the ACC. Though Maryland was beaten by a Sun Belt team, Florida State and Virginia Tech came away with victories over two ranked non-conference teams. Miami's win over Georgia Tech is also getting the 'Canes some major play in the press, and the ACC needs teams like Miami and Florida State to get back to their old ways. more
Top Defensive End Prospect Visits VT September 21, 2009 In addition to First Colonial safety/linebacker Nick Dew, a second top uncommitted high school senior was in Blacksburg on Saturday. 6-6, 240-pound defensive end Kareem Martin, accompanied by his head coach and his father, made the trek to Blacksburg to see a Virginia Tech home game for the first time. more
Dew Has Great Visit, Will Return Next Week September 20, 2009 First Colonial (Virginia Beach, VA) safety/linebacker Nick Dew has had praise following each of the visits he has made to Virginia Tech this year. This past Saturday's trip for the Nebraska game was no different, but is the 6-2, 195-pound senior any closer to a decision? more
Taylor Leads Hokies in Late Comeback, Tech Wins 16-15 September 19, 2009 Blacksburg, VA - Tyrod Taylor hit Dyrell Roberts in the back of the endzone with 21 seconds remaining for the winning touchdown, as #13 Virginia Tech pulled off an improbable come from behind win to beat #19 Nebraska 16-15 on Saturday. The Hokies improved to 2-1 with the win, while Nebraska dropped to 2-1. more
Keys to the Game and Matchups to Watch: Nebraska September 17, 2009 In this week's only game between two ranked teams, #13 Virginia Tech will host the #19 Nebraska Cornhuskers Saturday afternoon. The Hokies won at Lincoln last year 35-30, and the Huskers will be looking for revenge in Blacksburg. Nebraska finished last season strong by winning their last four games, and six of the final seven, and started this season strong with decisive wins over two Sun Belt opponents. Bo Pelini's program is headed in the right direction, and Nebraska will be looking to make a statement against Virginia Tech. more
Leal's Five TD Passes Spark Atlantic September 17, 2009 Atlantic (Delray Beach, FL) rebounded from a season opening loss to Pahokee, pulling away from Jupiter High School for a 34-14 win last Friday night. Virginia Tech quarterback recruit Mark Leal turned in a big game for the Eagles, amassing 268 yards passing and five touchdown passes. more
After taking an unofficial visit to Tech in July, Hokies quarterback commitment Mark Leal returned to Blacksburg this past weekend for a 3-day official visit. The Atlantic (Delray Beach, FL) arrived last Friday. By the time he left on Sunday, he had once again enjoyed a terrific experience at his future school.
4-star wide receiver prospect Brandon Coleman managed to trim his list of schools down to six before the start of his senior season. This week, the 6-6, 200-pound senior, a Bishop McNamara (Forestville, MD) product, listed a top five and a current favorite.
A typical day for H.D. Woodson (Washington, D.C.) senior quarterback Ricardo Young includes school until noon, doing homework and studying in the early afternoon, and then practice followed by several hours of film watching. The 6-1, 170-pound Virginia Tech commitment is an avid film watcher, which he credits as a factor to his success.
It was pouring. It was cold. It was perfect. The Hokies were supposed to be just another rung on the swagger ladder for the resurgent Miami Hurricanes. With a hype machine gone nuclear, the Hurricanes strolled into rainy Blacksburg to face the forgotten and media-jilted Hokies. But something happened on Miami's fast track to "Back Land" - the Hokies lined up, grunted and snorted a couple of times and physically whipped the Hurricanes at the line of scrimmage.
When everyone except Phil Martin is picking the Miami Hurricanes to win, it's easy to dismiss them all as bandwagoners and hypesters who are all too quick to jump on the Miami's-Back-Baby bandwagon. That's true of some people, but not everyone out there is stupid. A lot of the people who picked Miami to win were doing so on sound, fact-based analysis, yours truly included.
Yet again, the ACC performed poorly in non-conference games against other BCS programs, though NC State managed to stage a late comeback to salvage the weekend. In the weekend's biggest game, media darling Miami found out they aren't quite as "back" as they thought they were.
Blacksburg, VA - BeamerBall was in rare form on Saturday afternoon. The offense, defense and special teams all contributed to a 31-7 pounding of #9 Miami in Lane Stadium, and the #11 Hokies look like the team to beat in the ACC yet again. Virginia Tech improved to 3-1 with the win, and they are now 1-0 in the ACC. Miami is 2-1 overall, as well as 2-1 in conference play.
The resurgent Miami Hurricanes come to Blacksburg on Saturday coming off two huge ACC wins over Florida State and Georgia Tech. The Hokies are coming off a dramatic last-minute victory over a very good Nebraska squad. The #9 Hurricanes have renewed confidence -- dare I say "swagger" -- and the #11 Hokies have to be optimistic after the improbable rally last weekend. So what should we expect from these long-time rivals in this critical ACC Coastal Division contest?
Asked what he is most excited about in terms of playing football at Virginia Tech, Brookville (Lynchburg, VA) defensive end and Tech commitment Zack McCray said, "The fans. The number one thing right there is the fans. I've never found any fans like the fans at Virginia Tech. Especially this past week."
As usual, much of this article is going to focus on detailing specific plays - what went right, what went wrong. Yes, the offense was MIA for most of the game. Yes, the defense has some holes to plug. But the one point worth noting right at the top is that Tyrod Taylor is a winner. He had an off day for much of the game, but at the end he dug deep to find that extra something that most players simply do not have. Will the memorable finish springboard him to that next level as a college QB? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - in those final two minutes, he carried the burden of a frustrating and very disappointing loss on his shoulders and somehow found a way to make two huge plays with Nebraska's monster DT breathing down his neck. And the winner pulled out an impossible win.
I'm late delivering this article, because for almost 48 hours, I kept coming up dry in my attempts to figure out an angle. On the one hand, you have one of the more miraculous comebacks in Virginia Tech football history, but on the other hand, the only reason that comeback was necessary is because the offense that dominated Marshall disappeared, and the offense that has finished around #100 in the nation since 2006 returned.
In addition to First Colonial safety/linebacker Nick Dew, a second top uncommitted high school senior was in Blacksburg on Saturday. 6-6, 240-pound defensive end Kareem Martin, accompanied by his head coach and his father, made the trek to Blacksburg to see a Virginia Tech home game for the first time.
Blacksburg, VA - Tyrod Taylor hit Dyrell Roberts in the back of the endzone with 21 seconds remaining for the winning touchdown, as #13 Virginia Tech pulled off an improbable come from behind win to beat #19 Nebraska 16-15 on Saturday. The Hokies improved to 2-1 with the win, while Nebraska dropped to 2-1.
In this week's only game between two ranked teams, #13 Virginia Tech will host the #19 Nebraska Cornhuskers Saturday afternoon. The Hokies won at Lincoln last year 35-30, and the Huskers will be looking for revenge in Blacksburg. Nebraska finished last season strong by winning their last four games, and six of the final seven, and started this season strong with decisive wins over two Sun Belt opponents. Bo Pelini's program is headed in the right direction, and Nebraska will be looking to make a statement against Virginia Tech.
