Hokie Hotline Notes, sponsored by Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech

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Bryan Stinespring

• It's been rewarding to see how the offense has progressed over the last few games. They have had to overcome a lot, and they have.
• For three weeks in a row, the Hokies have rushed for more yards against BC, Georgia Tech and Florida State than any of those teams' other opponents have managed this year. The line is healthier, and Branden Ore is healthier. Tyrod Taylor also helped quite a bit against FSU.
• Defenses have to account for Taylor, such as using a spy on him. That opens up seams in the defense for other plays.
• Justin Harper and Tyrod Taylor read the blitz perfectly on the first touchdown.
• Josh Morgan is also playing very well. He has scored four touchdowns in the last four games. He made a great play on the ball in the corner of the end zone.
• On Taylor's touchdown run, he had the option to run or throw. The middle of FSU's defense opened up, so he ran it in.
• There was some great blocking on Tyrod Taylor's run on third and 31. Duane Brown was leading him downfield.
• Ike Whitaker is doing a nice job at wide receiver. However at this point, all the attention is going to the guys who will see game action. This spring will be big for Whitaker.
• Jahre Cheeseman has come in the last two weeks and done a nice job. The staff has discussed him, and they feel like they should probably get him in the game some more. He's also doing a very good job on special teams.
• When FSU came back and took the lead, it showed the character of this team to be able to come back and get the win. Especially with the past history against the Noles.

• The NCAA peer review team is in town this week as part of the certification process. It's a busy week for the athletic department.
• The noon time slot for the UVA game is fine with Weaver. The coaching staff would rather play earlier in the day than later in the day.
• Coach Bowden noted that it was one of the three most physical games he has ever been a part of.
• There was a great deal of mutual respect from the players on both teams.
• Weaver was very pleased with the crowd for the opening games for men's and women's basketball.
• The Virginia Tech men's soccer team will get a bye in the first round of the ACC tournament. They will face Maryland in the second round. That match will take place this Wednesday at noon.
• Jim Weaver had no problem with the students rushing the field after the FSU game. They deserved it. As long as the goal posts are taken down before they get on the field, it's okay.
• Weaver said he had been around college football for 41 years, and he's never seen an athlete as young as Tyrod Taylor be as poised.
• Tyrod Taylor was ACC Rookie of the Week for football, and Jeff Allen was ACC Rookie of the Week for basketball. The Hokies have some good young players in both of their major programs.
• It appears that the Gator Bowl is leaning towards taking a Big 12 team this year. Texas might be available for the Gator to take. That would be very attractive for them.
• It will be Senior Day on Saturday. It will be a special day.

• Beamer is proud that the team kept their composure after the third quarter and dominated the fourth. They are still in the ACC Championship race, and that's the most important thing.
• The previous three games against FSU, the Hokies matched up well, but they didn't get it done. This time they did.
• Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor both have the ability to win football games, however their ability to win comes in different areas. It's a matchup thing. They'll continue to play it week by week and the opposing defense.
• It's not like the quarterbacks are auditioning. The staff is just trying to get the best out of each player. Taylor and Glennon are handling it well.
• The Hokies have been able to throw the ball well the last two games, and that has helped the running game. Getting Wang at tackle and Marshman at guard really helps as well.
• Beau Warren and Brett Warren have stepped in and done a great job. They were needed, and they stepped up.
• Chris Ellis had a terrific game against FSU. He was all over the quarterback, and he scored a touchdown.
• There was great effort from everyone on Tyrod's long run. Duane Brown and Branden Ore were throwing key blocks, and the receivers locked up the defensive backs down field.
• Beamer wanted to go for it on fourth and one from the FSU 38, but he decided to play the field position game and punt. It worked out well for the Hokies.
• The team is getting healthier. Vince Hall is back. Eddie Royal looked good on Monday, and so did Branden Ore. Ryan Shuman should be good to go as well.
• On FSU's fake punt, it was a run/kick option. The punter had the option to punt the ball or run it. The field was open, so he decided to run it. The Hokies didn't contain it well.
• Beamer has no strong feelings towards helmet to helmet hits. If the quarterback is running, he's no different than a running back, and running backs get hit helmet to helmet all the time.
• Beamer isn't worried about the team overlooking Miami for Virginia. The Tech players know what kind of athletes Miami puts on the field.
• Beamer thinks Clemson will beat Boston College on Saturday night. BC has some banged up linebackers, and the game is at Clemson. The Tigers have some great talent.
• This senior class has a chance to have four 10-win seasons. No other VT senior class has done that. That would be a great accomplishment.
• Miami has some excellent young running backs in their program. They are very athletic across the board, and they have receivers who make big plays. They also have some future NFL guys on defense like Calais Campbell.
• Miami will come in and play very hard. Their backs are against the wall.

Monday was Day 1,073 of Virginia Tech's continuous possession of the Commonwealth Cup.