2008 VT Preview - Kickers

For the first time in a long time, we may have issues with the kicking game this season. The Hokies lost their starting snapper, holder and kicker from 2007. And unlike 2007, this year's starter will have no game experience.

Jud Dunlevy did a fantastic job kicking for Tech last season, but had seen time on kickoffs prior to winning the kicking job. However, this year's expected start, senior Dustin Keys, has no game experience.

I'd hate to see what will happen if Tech needs a big kick in an early game this year. I suspect the Hokies will go for it or punt when facing longer field goals in early games. The coaches will want to build Keys' confidence before getting into the teeth of the ACC schedule.

However, in games that aren't so close (read: Furman), they may elect to send Keys out for a 50+ yard field goal.

At punter, everything is A-OK. Brent Bowden could be the All-ACC punter by the end of the season. He not only has a cannon for a leg, but has shown the ability to pull out the wedge and pin opponents deep.

All-Beamer Team: Special Teams

The concept for the All-Beamer Team was blatantly stolen from MGoBlog.com. It is the best players at each position since Beamer took over in 1987. Three weeks ago, we announced the nominees for the All-Beamer Team on special teams. Now, here are our picks:

K: Shayne Graham
Other Nominees: Brandon Pace, Mickey Thomas, Chris Kinzer
- Would probably win because of the Miracle in Morgantown alone. However, that kick in 1999 was just the icing on top of a great career.

P: Nic Schmitt
Other Nominees: Vinnie Burns, Jimmy Kibble, Robbie Colley
- Just once I wish Schmitt had the chance to deck a punt returner. He was a big dude. The Hokies have had a history of good punters and the current one, Brent Bowden, may end up being the best.

PR: Andre Davis
Other Nominees: Eddie Royal, DeAngelo Hall, Antonio Freeman
- Hall was probably better, but I like Davis more and felt he was more reliable. Hall scored more touchdowns, but your were more likely to get good field position from Davis.

KR: Eddie Royal
KR: Jon Jeffries
Other Nominees: Mike Imoh, Bryan Still
- Royal and Jeffries both led the Hokies in kick return yards in three separate seasons. Both were naturals at returning kickoffs.

Great Moments in Beamerball: 2006 Gator Bowl

About this play:

Jan. 2, 2006 | Hokies vs. Louisville
Alltel Stadium | Jacksonville, Fla.

The Hokies scored the final 22 points in a 35-24 come-from-behind victory over Louisville. The game-sealing touchdown came on this 39-yard interception return by James Anderson. It was the third interception of the day thrown by Cards quarterback Hunter Cantwell. Cantwell was bruised and battered all day by the Hokie defense as he suffered a bloody nose during the game. It was a rare four-quarter comeback for the Hokies, aided by Beamerball at its finest.

All-Beamer Team: Special Teams Nominees

The idea for the All-Beamer Team was blatantly stolen from MGoBlog.com. Simply, it's the best players at Tech since Frank Beamer became head coach in 1987. Here are the nominees on special teams. If you have an opinion on who should be named to the All-Beamer Team, fire away in the comments or E-mail me.

Kicker (1)
The two most clutch kickers in Hokie history (Kinzer and Graham) lead this group of nominees.
- Brandon Pace
- Shayne Graham
- Mickey Thomas
- Chris Kinzer

Punter (1)
For almost a decade, the Hokies featured a left-footed punter as Kibble beget
Burns, who beget Schmitt.
- Nic Schmitt
- Vinnie Burns
- Jimmy Kibble
- Robbie Colley

Punt Return (1)
Beamerball has produced some spectacular and game-changing punt returns. This will be a tough call.
- Eddie Royal
- DeAngelo Hall
- Andre Davis
- Antonio Freeman

Kickoff Return (2)
Some often over-looked players on this list. Imoh was a solid running back who was an excellent kickoff return man. Bryan Still is better known for his punt return for touchdown against Texas in the 1995 Sugar Bowl, but was better returning kickoffs.
- Eddie Royal
- Mike Imoh
- Bryan Still
- Jon Jeffries

Great Moments in Beamerball: Wayne Ward

About this play:

Oct. 12, 2000 | Hokies vs. West Virginia
Lane Stadium | Blacksburg, Va.

Andre Davis scored three touchdowns on three touches in the third quarter as the Hokies rolled the Couch Burners, 48-20. Davis scored on a 30-yard run, a 64-yard reception and this 76-yard punt return. The key to the play was the devastating block Wayne Ward laid on an unsuspecting Couch Burner at the 28 yard line.

Great Moments in Beamerball: Give it to me, Roscoe

About this play:

Nov. 1, 2003 | Hokies vs. Miami
Lane Stadium | Blacksburg, Va.

The Hokies used two defensive touchdowns by DeAngelo Hall and Eric Green to build a 31-0 lead on their way to a 31-7 win over No. 2 Miami. It was the highest ranked opponent the Hokies had ever beaten. Hall's touchdown opened the scoring early in the second quarter. He stripped the ball from Miami receiver Roscoe Parrish and galloped 28 yards for the touchdown.

The play is made famous by Bill Roth's call. "He said, 'Give it to me, Roscoe, give it to me!' And down the sidelines Hall went!"

This is the one Virginia Tech game the last few years I didn't attend that I wish I had. The atmosphere for that game was unlike any seen at Lane Stadium. It was one of those special nights where the opposition just had no chance.

Great Moments in Beamerball: 1993 Independence Bowl

I was at this game. A few memories:

1. Tech's uniforms were great in this one. I like the orange pants.
2. Hokie fans had a great chant during the game: "Hey Hoosiers, There's Always Basketball".
3. My dad flew us to Shreveport the day of the game in what I think was a Cessna. After the game, we were taxiing to the runway when one of the tires got punctured by a nail. Good thing we noticed BEFORE taking off.
4. With the departure of the Orange Bowl, the Cotton Bowl and Independence Stadium are in a tight race for title of "Worst Stadium Used for College Football".

About the play:

Dec. 31, 1993 | Hokies vs. Indiana
Independence Bowl | Shreveport, La.

The Hokies led, 14-13 before scoring two non-offensive touchdowns in the final 35 seconds of the half. Tech returned a fumble with 23 seconds left to make the score 21-13. Indiana then got into field goal range and called a timeout with one second left in the half for a 51-yard attempt. The field goal was blocked and taken in for a touchdown by Antonio Banks and the rout was on. Tech went on to win, 45-20.