Safety Kam Chancellor again came through during today's mini scrimmage in Blacksburg. He intercepted another pass and returned it for the scrimmage's only touchdown.
The defense has been getting the best of the offense throughout the spring, especially through the air. Tyrod Taylor was again sub-par, connecting on 3 of 8 passes for 36 yards. At what point should we start being concerned about this?
Linkage
Hokies
- Annette reports Josh Oglesby is doing well but also not talking to the media. (ESPN)
- Tyrod goes to the video tape to improve his mechanics. (RTD)
- Don't count out Cris Hill for the field corner spot (RTD)
Atlantic Coast Conference
- "You've gone soft on me, Jeff." Find out if this quote came from Brian or Mrs. Jeff. (BCI)
- GT is pwning UGa this year. (The Legacyx4)
- Aaron Curry appears to not be an ass hole. (Blogger So Dear)
- But did Dabo contribute to keeping Austin weird? (ACC Now)
- Buzz Blog does a horrible job of putting the sports calendar in bracket form. The Rose Bowl a No. 1 seed? Gimme a break. (Buzz Blog)
Stuff Only I Care About
- A new ECU Pirates logo for current times. (EDSBS)
- Run for your lives. They're letting bloggers on TV. (Goose's Roost)
- I thought Anne was a little kind with her grades. (Sabretooth's House)
- I'm sad to see MacT go. (Puck Daddy)
- Amalie Benjamin (who I love and would in a heartbeat give up my hard-drinking, road-tripping bachelor ways for) discusses whether or not to blame Matsuzaka's arm fatigue on the WBC. PS - I blame the WBC. (Extra Bases)
Showing posts with label i heart amalie benjamin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label i heart amalie benjamin. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Chancellor's Improvement Important for Defense
The lone interception in Tech's scrimmage Friday came from free safety Kam Chancellor. The senior has built on his momentum from the Orange Bowl and had an excellent spring so far. That's good news for the Hokie secondary, which had major communication issues last season.
Last year was Chancellor's first as a free safety after moving from rover. At rover, he was allowed to roam the field and hit opposing pass catchers and quarterbacks like a Mack truck. He excelled at doing that in 2007 and hopes were high for him going into last season.
But the move to free meant he would have to quarterback the defense and in my opinion he struggled with that early in 2008. Chancellor's job was to call out the coverages for the secondary and the Hokies were burned for big plays through the air, especially the middle part of the field, where Chancellor and whoever was playing rover at the time patrolled.
These big plays hurt Tech most in its losses to BC and Florida State. Pass plays of 48 and 41 yards helped set up touchdowns for BC in the regular season game at Chestnut Hill.
Chancellor did improve as the season progressed and he built better communication with Dorian Porch. Porch took over the rover spot after Davon Morgan was lost for the season during the Nebraska game. Chancellor saved his best performance for the Orange Bowl where he had an interception and two pass breakups.
It's good to see his progress at free hasn't stopped with the Orange Bowl. If the Hokies secondary is going to survive in 2009 without Macho Harris, it will be up to him. Without Harris, the Hokies have less room for error defending the pass and can't afford to give up as many big plays through the air as they did last season.
ACC Tennis Tourney This Week
The men's and women's tennis teams will compete in the ACC tournament this week in Cary, NC, which hosts just about every non-rev tournament these days. The men (13-6) open play at 3 p.m. Thursday against Maryland. The Hokies are ranked No. 22 in the country.
The women (13-10) face Wake Forest at 9 a.m. Thursday. The ACC has neglected to either provide a video feed or live scoring for any of these matches.
Linkage
Hokies
- Summer will be lonelier without Harry Kalas. (Roth Report)
- Angela Tincher is blogging from Japan. (Angela Tincher)
Atlantic Coast Conference
- Defense stole the show at Clemson's spring game. (Block-C)
- Comparing Ponder in 2008 to Weatherford in 2007. (Tomahawk Nation)
- Are Miami fans worried about recruits leaving Dade Co.? (All Canes)
- Get your ACC Directors Cup standings. (StateFans Nation)
- Something we can all get behind: BC-BU as part of the Winter Classic. (BCI)
Stuff Only I Care About
- Why you have to love the Stanley Cup Playoffs. (The Kurtenblog)
- Hopefully Joe won't have to shave until at least after Round 2. (Buzz Blog)
- Why Lindy Ruff shouldn't coach Buffalo next year. (Die by the Blade)
- News for those going to the Atlanta show on Thursday. (Buffett News)
- The Barnhart visits the defending champs. (Mr. College Football)
- Amalie Benjamin (who I love and would in a heartbeat give up my hard-drinking, road-tripping bachelor ways for) reports the Sox SS troubles just got worse. (Globe)
Friday, April 10, 2009
Things That Get Me to Football: "VT Cheerleader" and "Playboy Magazine" in the Same Headline
Last week I informed you via the Twitter that Playboy was going to be in Blacksburg looking for VT's entry in its Girls of the ACC issue. From Busted Coverage, via Winfield from The Legacy x4, comes news that one of the young ladies looking to expose themselves to the masses was a VT cheerleader.
Carly Hinchman probably would have been fine if she had tried out for Playboy under an alias and then not told anyone. However, she made a freshman mistake and not only gave Playboy her real name, but also WSLS in Roanoke, who interviewed her and a friend as part of a story on girls who showed up for the audition.
Someone later E-mailed Busted Coverage claiming their post was inaccurate because Carly didn't try out for Playboy. But according to her own words on the WSLS news story, she did.
Since we're still just under 150 days from glorious college football, this story and Carly's status on the team will be worth following.
Scrimmage Time
The Hokies will scrimmage at 4:30 today at Lane Stadium. It's open to the public.
Tyrod Taylor didn't get many snaps during the "mini scrimmage" earlier this week and my guess is you'll see the same today. Ju-Ju Clayton and Marcus Davis will likely get most of the snaps under center.
I'm also interested in how Ryan Williams does. He was lackluster in the mini scrimmage and most Hokie fans will want to see the moves they've heard the kid possesses.
There will be plenty to overly-dissect and put way too much stock into once the stats are posted by Dave Smith and the VT sports info department.
Spring Practice for Tailgaters
I'll be tailgating the OU spring game tomorrow. No, I'm not actually going to the Sooners' spring game. It's all about being prepared for the upcoming season.
It's also highly probable that our tailgate will just be held in our backyard since we're too lazy to drive across town to Owen Field and set up a tent.
Hoppy Easter
Easter Sunday is always a good day at my parents' house because it's the one time a year my mom makes her version of Dirt Cake, which is basically a large amount of crushed Oreos, pudding, cream cheese and Cool Whip layered in a large bowl. I'm sure there are other ingredients, but those are the only ones that matter.
I usually have it as my main course while everyone else in the family looks at me with looks or disdain, concern and/or envy. Plus, having it before anyone else means I'm free to take most of the Oreos, which make up the top layer and are the first to go.
Linkage
Hokies
- Iron Bowl moves to Friday. (College Game Balls)
- LB Bruce Taylor impresses Bud Foster. (Roanoke Times)
- Bill Roth looks at next year's Hokie hoops team. (Roth Report)
Atlantic Coast Conference
- Jeff takes time away from looking at geraniums at Home Depot to discuss BC's new no-huddle offense with Brian. (BCI)
- Wake's receivers are improving. (Blogger so Dear)
- Rosters for Clemson's spring game. (Block-C)
- Paul Johnson + Waffle House = Comedy. (The Barnhart)
- ACC talent continues to make NFL scouts salivate. (ACC Now)
- Former Wazzu PG discusses Tony Bennett (ACCSJ)
Stuff Only I Care About
- Thursday was a bad day for the Sooner State. (AP)
- Orson gets KTFO. (Sporting Blog)
- Beckett's fastball velocity is greatly improved. (Firebrand of the AL)
- Sabres get eliminated. (Muckers and Grinders)
- Amalie Benjamin (who I love and would in a heartbeat give up my hard-drinking, road-tripping bachelor ways for) discusses the impending arrival of John Smoltz to the Red Sox staff and other topics. (Globe)
Carly Hinchman probably would have been fine if she had tried out for Playboy under an alias and then not told anyone. However, she made a freshman mistake and not only gave Playboy her real name, but also WSLS in Roanoke, who interviewed her and a friend as part of a story on girls who showed up for the audition.
Someone later E-mailed Busted Coverage claiming their post was inaccurate because Carly didn't try out for Playboy. But according to her own words on the WSLS news story, she did.
Since we're still just under 150 days from glorious college football, this story and Carly's status on the team will be worth following.
Scrimmage Time
The Hokies will scrimmage at 4:30 today at Lane Stadium. It's open to the public.
Tyrod Taylor didn't get many snaps during the "mini scrimmage" earlier this week and my guess is you'll see the same today. Ju-Ju Clayton and Marcus Davis will likely get most of the snaps under center.
I'm also interested in how Ryan Williams does. He was lackluster in the mini scrimmage and most Hokie fans will want to see the moves they've heard the kid possesses.
There will be plenty to overly-dissect and put way too much stock into once the stats are posted by Dave Smith and the VT sports info department.
Spring Practice for Tailgaters
I'll be tailgating the OU spring game tomorrow. No, I'm not actually going to the Sooners' spring game. It's all about being prepared for the upcoming season.
It's also highly probable that our tailgate will just be held in our backyard since we're too lazy to drive across town to Owen Field and set up a tent.
Hoppy Easter
Easter Sunday is always a good day at my parents' house because it's the one time a year my mom makes her version of Dirt Cake, which is basically a large amount of crushed Oreos, pudding, cream cheese and Cool Whip layered in a large bowl. I'm sure there are other ingredients, but those are the only ones that matter.
I usually have it as my main course while everyone else in the family looks at me with looks or disdain, concern and/or envy. Plus, having it before anyone else means I'm free to take most of the Oreos, which make up the top layer and are the first to go.
Linkage
Hokies
- Iron Bowl moves to Friday. (College Game Balls)
- LB Bruce Taylor impresses Bud Foster. (Roanoke Times)
- Bill Roth looks at next year's Hokie hoops team. (Roth Report)
Atlantic Coast Conference
- Jeff takes time away from looking at geraniums at Home Depot to discuss BC's new no-huddle offense with Brian. (BCI)
- Wake's receivers are improving. (Blogger so Dear)
- Rosters for Clemson's spring game. (Block-C)
- Paul Johnson + Waffle House = Comedy. (The Barnhart)
- ACC talent continues to make NFL scouts salivate. (ACC Now)
- Former Wazzu PG discusses Tony Bennett (ACCSJ)
Stuff Only I Care About
- Thursday was a bad day for the Sooner State. (AP)
- Orson gets KTFO. (Sporting Blog)
- Beckett's fastball velocity is greatly improved. (Firebrand of the AL)
- Sabres get eliminated. (Muckers and Grinders)
- Amalie Benjamin (who I love and would in a heartbeat give up my hard-drinking, road-tripping bachelor ways for) discusses the impending arrival of John Smoltz to the Red Sox staff and other topics. (Globe)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
You Say So Much With So Little
The Hokies have been dissected by a national blogger for the second consecutive day. Tuesday, the good Dr. Saturday prematurely assessed the 2009 edition of Virginia Tech football. Today, Orson Swindle gave a one-paragraph take on the VT-Bama game.
And like he always does, Orson got right to the point and was neither wrong nor pedestrian.
"You're not wrong, Walter, you're just an ass hole."
The Doc and Orson were both on target with their analysis of the Hokies and do it in their own ways. The Doc with near over-analysis and Orson with biting, pithy commentary.
However, they differ on how Virginia Tech's season will go. To me, it seems Doc thinks we'll lose to Bama and then contend for or win a weak ACC. Orson seems to believe we'll beat Bama and then have an average season in a mediocre ACC.
I wonder which season Hokie fans would prefer? Getting the marquee win and then fading down the stretch or getting slaughtered by the Tide but winding up 10-4 with another ACC title?
I'll take the strong finish and building toward 2010 if going 14-0 and raising the crystal isn't an option this year (which it probably isn't).
Linkage
Hokie Bloggers
- Another look at the backup QB race. (Blogsburg)
- I have a feeling we'll want to keep an eye on Coach Stew's Twitter feed. (College Game Balls)
- A discussion on Bemidji's run to this weekend's Frozen Four. (The North End Zone)
Atlantic Coast Conference
- Are GT and Miami a rivalry? (The Legacy x4)
- A look at Wake's defense. (Blogger So Dear)
- A look at Maryland's offense. (Annette)
- Wolfpack Club members get surveyed. (Yet Another...)
- A breakdown of UVa baseball's bullpen woes. (From Old Virginia)
Stuff Only I Care About
- Some sexy possible first round matchups in the NHL Playoffs. I'm particularly excited about Caps-Habs and 'Nucks-'Hawks. (Y!)
- Everyone's favorite cougar, Kristen Chenoweth, is in the Elite Eight of Ogle Madness. (The Lost Ogle)
- Did you see my boy Beckett yesterday? He was fackin' awesome. Amalie Benjamin (who I love and would in a heartbeat give up my hard-drinking, road-tripping bachelor ways for) and a couple of other less talented writers from the Globe break down Boston's Opening Day win. (Extra Bases)
And like he always does, Orson got right to the point and was neither wrong nor pedestrian.
Why just in week one: Alabama and Virginia Tech have their Skoal-off in the Georgia Dome again, meaning tasty free chicken sandwiches for your correspondent, and perhaps a misleading win for Virginia Tech early. This will prime the Hokie bandwagon for a hefty pile-on until everyone remembers Brian (sic) Stinespring can’t call plays, Tyrod Taylor can’t pass, and that Alabama will improve three thousand times from game one to game six after breaking in a new qb, and will likely look at their worst in game one.
"You're not wrong, Walter, you're just an ass hole."
The Doc and Orson were both on target with their analysis of the Hokies and do it in their own ways. The Doc with near over-analysis and Orson with biting, pithy commentary.
However, they differ on how Virginia Tech's season will go. To me, it seems Doc thinks we'll lose to Bama and then contend for or win a weak ACC. Orson seems to believe we'll beat Bama and then have an average season in a mediocre ACC.
I wonder which season Hokie fans would prefer? Getting the marquee win and then fading down the stretch or getting slaughtered by the Tide but winding up 10-4 with another ACC title?
I'll take the strong finish and building toward 2010 if going 14-0 and raising the crystal isn't an option this year (which it probably isn't).
Linkage
Hokie Bloggers
- Another look at the backup QB race. (Blogsburg)
- I have a feeling we'll want to keep an eye on Coach Stew's Twitter feed. (College Game Balls)
- A discussion on Bemidji's run to this weekend's Frozen Four. (The North End Zone)
Atlantic Coast Conference
- Are GT and Miami a rivalry? (The Legacy x4)
- A look at Wake's defense. (Blogger So Dear)
- A look at Maryland's offense. (Annette)
- Wolfpack Club members get surveyed. (Yet Another...)
- A breakdown of UVa baseball's bullpen woes. (From Old Virginia)
Stuff Only I Care About
- Some sexy possible first round matchups in the NHL Playoffs. I'm particularly excited about Caps-Habs and 'Nucks-'Hawks. (Y!)
- Everyone's favorite cougar, Kristen Chenoweth, is in the Elite Eight of Ogle Madness. (The Lost Ogle)
- Did you see my boy Beckett yesterday? He was fackin' awesome. Amalie Benjamin (who I love and would in a heartbeat give up my hard-drinking, road-tripping bachelor ways for) and a couple of other less talented writers from the Globe break down Boston's Opening Day win. (Extra Bases)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
VT Starts Spring Drills
Today was the first of 15 spring practices for the Hokies. And like most schools most years, Coach Beamer wasn't happy after the first practice. At least that what it says on the front page of Beamerball.com. The team drilled without pads today and aren't allowed contact until practice No. 4 of the spring.
As a fan, it feels good to enter a spring practice session without worrying about who the starting quarterback is going to be in the fall. This year's spring workout are about building depth. There aren't a lot of significant position battles going on.
The most important position battle on offense may be for the BACKUP QB job. Marcus Davis, JuJu Clayton and Greg Boone will all get snaps under center during the spring. Backup battle will be a topic of discussion during out spring roundtable, which is currently going on around the various Hokie blogs. My answers to our questions will be posted Friday. Look for the round up on Monday.
Linkage
Hokies
-Coach Beamer's site has photos and video from day one. Some of it is free. (Beamerball)
- Good to see KT back in the 'Burg. (Virginian Pilot)
- A look at the backup QB race. (Roanoke Times)
- An April Fool's joke from Tech Hoops. (Tech Hoops)
- And another one from The A-Line. (A-Line)
- ACCSJ keeps pushing this "basketball" thing. WTF? (ACC Sports Journal)
Atlantic Coast Conference
- Annette interviews her Frankie. (ESPN)
- The Pack are getting better and deeper on defense. (ACC Now)
- ATL Eagle looks at Chip Kelly's influence on BC. (Eagle in Atlanta)
Stuff Only I Care About
- Amalie Benjamin (who I love and would in a heartbeat give up my hard-drinking, road-tripping bachelor ways for) has a story on a former Red Sox top draft pick that his teammates won't let him live down. (Boston Globe)
- OK, now the season's over. (Die by the Blade)
- Joe Paterno is senile. (Awful Announcing)
As a fan, it feels good to enter a spring practice session without worrying about who the starting quarterback is going to be in the fall. This year's spring workout are about building depth. There aren't a lot of significant position battles going on.
The most important position battle on offense may be for the BACKUP QB job. Marcus Davis, JuJu Clayton and Greg Boone will all get snaps under center during the spring. Backup battle will be a topic of discussion during out spring roundtable, which is currently going on around the various Hokie blogs. My answers to our questions will be posted Friday. Look for the round up on Monday.
Linkage
Hokies
-Coach Beamer's site has photos and video from day one. Some of it is free. (Beamerball)
- Good to see KT back in the 'Burg. (Virginian Pilot)
- A look at the backup QB race. (Roanoke Times)
- An April Fool's joke from Tech Hoops. (Tech Hoops)
- And another one from The A-Line. (A-Line)
- ACCSJ keeps pushing this "basketball" thing. WTF? (ACC Sports Journal)
Atlantic Coast Conference
- Annette interviews her Frankie. (ESPN)
- The Pack are getting better and deeper on defense. (ACC Now)
- ATL Eagle looks at Chip Kelly's influence on BC. (Eagle in Atlanta)
Stuff Only I Care About
- Amalie Benjamin (who I love and would in a heartbeat give up my hard-drinking, road-tripping bachelor ways for) has a story on a former Red Sox top draft pick that his teammates won't let him live down. (Boston Globe)
- OK, now the season's over. (Die by the Blade)
- Joe Paterno is senile. (Awful Announcing)
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