The Virginia Tech spring football media guide is available for download here. As always, Dave Smith and Co. did an excellent job. Here are some tidbits from the guide I thought you might find interesting:
Spring Schedule
April 1: 4:30-6:30
April 3: 4:30-6:30
April 4: 11 a.m.
April 6: 4:30-6:30
April 8: 4:30-6:30
April 10: 4:30-6:30
April 11: 11 a.m. Scrimmage
April 13: 4:30-6:30
April 15: 4:30-6:30
April 17: 4:30-6:30
April 18: 11 a.m. Scrimmage
April 20: 4:30-6:30
April 22: 4:30-6:30
April 24: 4:30-5:30
April 25: 2 p.m. Spring Game
Walking Wounded
Three returning starters (OG Sergio Render, DE Jason Worilds and LB Cam Martin) are being held out of spring practice due to injury.
Breakout Candidates
As with previous years, the spring guide lists players at each position who have the potential to step up and surprise during spring drills.
OL: Nick Becton, Vinston Painter, Michael Via
WR/TE: Dyrell Roberts
QB/RB: Ryan Williams
DL: Kwamaine Battle
LB: Jake Johnson
DS: Lorenzo Williams
K: Justin Myer
Be sure to download the spring guide. It includes everything we need to know about the team before the main media guide comes out in the fall. It also includes quotes from all the positions coaches about what they expect this spring.
Showing posts with label space fillers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label space fillers. Show all posts
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Things that get me to football: Wii
This is a quasi-regular feature on things that help me make it from the BCSCG to Labor Day weekend and the start of callllllllage footbawl season.
Nothing beats kicking the shit out of middle schoolers online at Mario Kart Wii at 3 in the morning. To date, I have never lost on Moonview Highway.
For a while, Wii Fit was also pretty addicting particularly the penguin slide. We somehow turned Wii Fit into a drinking game, which I'm pretty sure defeated the purpose of Wii Fit.
"Dude, I kicked your ass on 'tree pose'. Drink!"
But now that we finally have Rock Band, that's taken up most of our time. Our band, "Tell Your Mom I Said Thanks," is currently touring Europe performing Rush covers.
Nothing beats kicking the shit out of middle schoolers online at Mario Kart Wii at 3 in the morning. To date, I have never lost on Moonview Highway.
For a while, Wii Fit was also pretty addicting particularly the penguin slide. We somehow turned Wii Fit into a drinking game, which I'm pretty sure defeated the purpose of Wii Fit.
"Dude, I kicked your ass on 'tree pose'. Drink!"
But now that we finally have Rock Band, that's taken up most of our time. Our band, "Tell Your Mom I Said Thanks," is currently touring Europe performing Rush covers.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Happy Birthday!
On this day one year ago, I realized I needed some sort of catharsis when it came to writing about sports and the Hokies. I combined the two into this blog. The first few posts were really horrible (OK, they've all been really horrible) but thanks for sticking with me and making it worth doing this. Without all you commenters out there (all three of you) I wouldn't want to churn out posts on Tech and the ACC from a thousand miles away.
Thanks again for indulging me. Without this blog, Tech would cost me at least $100 an hour in therapy. Here's to another great year of blogging on the Hokies, the ACC and all the cobwebs I have in my brain.
Thanks again for indulging me. Without this blog, Tech would cost me at least $100 an hour in therapy. Here's to another great year of blogging on the Hokies, the ACC and all the cobwebs I have in my brain.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Hokies vs. Tar Heels Links
VT vs. UNC at 7 p.m. on ESPN
- Tar Heel Fan has a live blog.
- Tech Hoops emphasizes starting strong.
- Tech Sideline likes that UNC is last in the league in three-point defense.
- VT Fan hopes luck is on our side.
- The North End Zone is just enjoying the ride at this point.
- THF predicts a big win for UNC.
- Tar Heel Fan has a live blog.
- Tech Hoops emphasizes starting strong.
- Tech Sideline likes that UNC is last in the league in three-point defense.
- VT Fan hopes luck is on our side.
- The North End Zone is just enjoying the ride at this point.
- THF predicts a big win for UNC.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Calm before the storm
Tomorrow's a busy day for my remote. There are things we both care about, such as the Hokies' game against the Tar Heels and their NCAA Tournament fate. But there are also things only I care about, like the NHL trade deadline, the return of Thomas Vanek and the Sabres' game against Ah Oui, Les Canadiens de Montreal. It will be an interesting day, to say the least. I'll have a full preview of Tech-UNC manana.
The roller coaster ride that is Hokie Hoops 2008-09 really needs this win. Without a victory over Duke or UNC, the Hokies essentially have the same resume for this year's Tournament as last year's. There are just too many teams with better RPIs and resumes than Tech for the Hokies to get into the field without a eye-popping win in the next two weeks.
Linkage
- TSL has its weekly Labatt Hokie Hotline notes.
- The A-Line wonders aloud if Coach Greenberg is in a New York state of mind.
- BCO has his review of the Duke game and Bulls & Bones brew house.
- I don't think the VT game is on the minds of UNC fans.
- I'm not surprised.
The roller coaster ride that is Hokie Hoops 2008-09 really needs this win. Without a victory over Duke or UNC, the Hokies essentially have the same resume for this year's Tournament as last year's. There are just too many teams with better RPIs and resumes than Tech for the Hokies to get into the field without a eye-popping win in the next two weeks.
Linkage
- TSL has its weekly Labatt Hokie Hotline notes.
- The A-Line wonders aloud if Coach Greenberg is in a New York state of mind.
- BCO has his review of the Duke game and Bulls & Bones brew house.
- I don't think the VT game is on the minds of UNC fans.
- I'm not surprised.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
OT: Things I'm Not Giving Up Because of Lent
Because I'm not Catholic, I'm not observing Lent. But, I didn't celebrate Fat Tuesday either, so I'm not a hypocrite. After all, every day in my house is Fat Tuesday.
However, I've heard from a lot of friends, both Catholic and non-Catholic about all the things they're giving up for the next 40 days. Most of it is just complaining. Anyway, here are the things I won't be doing for Lent because I already don't do them. Add your own in the comments.
1. Non-breakfast items at McDonald's
I saw Super Size Me in January 2005 and haven't had a burger or nuggets or anything from McDonald's that isn't served before 10:30 AM. Why didn't I just give up on McDonald's period? Because McGriddles are just that delicious. Get off my back.
2. The NBA
From Bird's retirement until last year's Celtics-Lakers finals, I only watched one NBA game from start to finish. That game turned out to be the Pacers-Pistons brawl. I was in Waco, Texas, to cover an OU-Baylor football game and the only thing to do in Waco was sit with the other writer in our hotel room, drink beer and watch TV. The only thing on was that game. I took as a sign I was correct in not watching the NBA. I tried to watch last year's finals. It was meh.
3. Auto-erotic Asphyxiation
(I decided not to do a Google Image search for this)
Never really saw the upside to this.
4. Sugary Pop
I've drank solely diet soda for a few years now. It started when I kept getting sick from mixing bourbon and regular coke. Once I switched to diet it fixed everything. And drinking diet helped me drop a few lbs.
5. Climbing Everest
It's not because I'm not athletic (even though I'm not athletic). It's because I don't trust sherpas.
However, I've heard from a lot of friends, both Catholic and non-Catholic about all the things they're giving up for the next 40 days. Most of it is just complaining. Anyway, here are the things I won't be doing for Lent because I already don't do them. Add your own in the comments.
1. Non-breakfast items at McDonald's
I saw Super Size Me in January 2005 and haven't had a burger or nuggets or anything from McDonald's that isn't served before 10:30 AM. Why didn't I just give up on McDonald's period? Because McGriddles are just that delicious. Get off my back.
2. The NBA
From Bird's retirement until last year's Celtics-Lakers finals, I only watched one NBA game from start to finish. That game turned out to be the Pacers-Pistons brawl. I was in Waco, Texas, to cover an OU-Baylor football game and the only thing to do in Waco was sit with the other writer in our hotel room, drink beer and watch TV. The only thing on was that game. I took as a sign I was correct in not watching the NBA. I tried to watch last year's finals. It was meh.
3. Auto-erotic Asphyxiation
(I decided not to do a Google Image search for this)
Never really saw the upside to this.
4. Sugary Pop
I've drank solely diet soda for a few years now. It started when I kept getting sick from mixing bourbon and regular coke. Once I switched to diet it fixed everything. And drinking diet helped me drop a few lbs.
5. Climbing Everest
It's not because I'm not athletic (even though I'm not athletic). It's because I don't trust sherpas.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Ditto
College Game Balls makes fun of the 'Hoos in a way I wish I had thought of first.
Read read read read.
Read read read read.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
LOI Day Survival Kit
No surprises so far for the Hokies on signing day. The key names have all faxed in their LOIs. Tech has hauled in a decent crop of players who, with minimal exception, won't see the playing field for another two years, if at all. So we can stop obsessing over them. Unless of course you're bored at work like I am. In which case you can check out these links to pass the time.
Live Video: VTPhreak4evr is nice enough to stream ESPN's round-the-clock coverage of the signing bonanza.
To Catch a Recruiting Predator: You didn't think this many old men could obsess over 18 year-olds without Chris Hansen getting involved, did you?
ESPN Recruiting Guide: At least the esteemed Heather Dinich gave us "best gameday atmosphere" in the ACC.
HokieSports.com Ticker: OMG! DW faxed in his LOI!
HokieSports Recruit Profiles: See all the stats your favorite recruit posted against inferior competition.
TechSideline Message Board: It's like alcoholics anonymous, but with more booze and less crying (that last part's probably not true).
Live Video: VTPhreak4evr is nice enough to stream ESPN's round-the-clock coverage of the signing bonanza.
To Catch a Recruiting Predator: You didn't think this many old men could obsess over 18 year-olds without Chris Hansen getting involved, did you?
ESPN Recruiting Guide: At least the esteemed Heather Dinich gave us "best gameday atmosphere" in the ACC.
HokieSports.com Ticker: OMG! DW faxed in his LOI!
HokieSports Recruit Profiles: See all the stats your favorite recruit posted against inferior competition.
TechSideline Message Board: It's like alcoholics anonymous, but with more booze and less crying (that last part's probably not true).
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Cincinnati on YouTube
As part of your crash-course on the Hokies' opponent for the 2009 FedEx Orange Bowl, here are select YouTube clips of Cincinnati's season.
2008 Stadium Entrance
Cincinnati 28, Pittsburgh 21
Cincinnati 26, West Virginia 23
Oklahoma 52, Cincinnati 26
2008 Stadium Entrance
Cincinnati 28, Pittsburgh 21
Cincinnati 26, West Virginia 23
Oklahoma 52, Cincinnati 26
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Meet the Hilltoppers
The Hokies face Western Kentucky University for the first time in football Saturday. It will be homecoming for the Hokies and we'll get a look at the new home uniforms with the orange sleeves for the first time. Judging by my replica, I think they look pretty good. We'll see how the real things look Saturday.
Here's a look at WKU:
WKU Hilltoppers
Location: Bowling Green, Ky.
Conference: Sun Belt
2007 Record: 7-5 (1-5 vs. I-A)
2008 Record: 2-3 (0-3 vs. I-A)
Head Coach: David Elson (6th season)
Stadium: Houchens Industries-LT Smith Stadium (23,000)
Why the Hilltoppers?
The area of Bowling Green where WKU is located is known as "The Hill".
Past
- Won the I-AA championship in 2002.
- Were coached by Jack Harbaugh from 1989-2002. Jack is the father of former Bears QB and current Stanford HC Jim Harbaugh and current Baltimore Ravens HC John Harbaugh.
- Former players include Rod Smart, better known as "He Hate Me" from the XFL.
Present
- I-A transitional team.
- Count toward the 120 I-A football teams, but are ineligible to win the Sun Belt or play in a bowl until 2009.
- Had to move up to I-A football because they were not in compliance with Title IX. They actually had too few scholarships for men.
- After going 1-5 vs. I-A opponents in 2006, the Hilltoppers face 10 I-A opponents this season.
Western Kentucky on YouTube
It ain't exactly Enter Sandman:
Highlights from the Kentucky game:
Here's a look at WKU:
WKU Hilltoppers
Location: Bowling Green, Ky.
Conference: Sun Belt
2007 Record: 7-5 (1-5 vs. I-A)
2008 Record: 2-3 (0-3 vs. I-A)
Head Coach: David Elson (6th season)
Stadium: Houchens Industries-LT Smith Stadium (23,000)
Why the Hilltoppers?
The area of Bowling Green where WKU is located is known as "The Hill".
Past
- Won the I-AA championship in 2002.
- Were coached by Jack Harbaugh from 1989-2002. Jack is the father of former Bears QB and current Stanford HC Jim Harbaugh and current Baltimore Ravens HC John Harbaugh.
- Former players include Rod Smart, better known as "He Hate Me" from the XFL.
Present
- I-A transitional team.
- Count toward the 120 I-A football teams, but are ineligible to win the Sun Belt or play in a bowl until 2009.
- Had to move up to I-A football because they were not in compliance with Title IX. They actually had too few scholarships for men.
- After going 1-5 vs. I-A opponents in 2006, the Hilltoppers face 10 I-A opponents this season.
Western Kentucky on YouTube
It ain't exactly Enter Sandman:
Highlights from the Kentucky game:
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Meet Furman
The Hokies host the Furman Purple Paladins this weekend in Blacksburg. And you'll get to see them in all their purple glory because it's White Out weekend for Tech. They'll wear white throwback jerseys, so Furman will be wearing purple. Just like the team that Tech played last week.
And we all know how well that turned out.
Tech fans will be real sick of the color of royalty by the end of this one. But hopefully the outcome will be in the Hokies' favor this time around.
What is a Paladin?
I won't throw out the true to form, Webster's definition of Paladin. Basically, it's a knight, only more French.
Who is Furman?
Furman is named for Dr. Jason Furman, who started a private trust to fund the school in its early days. It was founded by Richard Furman, whos great, great, great, great, great grandson, Rick Furman, is a freshman rover for the Paladins.
The Paladins play in the Southern Conference along with Appalachian State and arch rival Wofford. The Paladins have made the I-AA playoffs three of the last four years, were 6-5 last year and were picked by the coaches to finish 5th in the SoCon this year.
Who have I heard of from Furman?
On the current team? No one. However, former Furman (and Florida transfer) QB Ingle Martin is currently on the Tennessee Titans roster. PGA golfer Brad Faxon and current Team USA and Fulham FC midfielder Clint Dempsey also went to Furman.
Do they have any good players?
Not really. And they're all kinda small. We should destroy them. Their strength appears to be their O-line, so they're probably going to try and run a lot. Hopefully our D-line isn't so terrible it gets worked by Furman. If that happens, I wouldn't want to be a lamp or remote control in my general vicinity.
Furman on YouTube
2007 Highlights
2006 ending vs. Jax State
And we all know how well that turned out.
Tech fans will be real sick of the color of royalty by the end of this one. But hopefully the outcome will be in the Hokies' favor this time around.
What is a Paladin?
I won't throw out the true to form, Webster's definition of Paladin. Basically, it's a knight, only more French.
Who is Furman?
Furman is named for Dr. Jason Furman, who started a private trust to fund the school in its early days. It was founded by Richard Furman, whos great, great, great, great, great grandson, Rick Furman, is a freshman rover for the Paladins.
The Paladins play in the Southern Conference along with Appalachian State and arch rival Wofford. The Paladins have made the I-AA playoffs three of the last four years, were 6-5 last year and were picked by the coaches to finish 5th in the SoCon this year.
Who have I heard of from Furman?
On the current team? No one. However, former Furman (and Florida transfer) QB Ingle Martin is currently on the Tennessee Titans roster. PGA golfer Brad Faxon and current Team USA and Fulham FC midfielder Clint Dempsey also went to Furman.
Do they have any good players?
Not really. And they're all kinda small. We should destroy them. Their strength appears to be their O-line, so they're probably going to try and run a lot. Hopefully our D-line isn't so terrible it gets worked by Furman. If that happens, I wouldn't want to be a lamp or remote control in my general vicinity.
Furman on YouTube
2007 Highlights
2006 ending vs. Jax State
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Less than 2 months away...
Today is July 1. Meaning we're about a month away from the start of fall practice and less than two months away from real, actual, sweaty, pants-pleasing football. FOOTBAWL!!! CALLLLLLLAGGGE FOOTBAWL! Hang on, let me calm down...
That ain't gonna get it done. Give me some more time...
/breathes into paper bag
OK, back to CALLLAGE FOOTBAWL. This is going to be the greatest CALLLAGE FOOTBAWL season of all time. Here's why: Unlike previous years where you had maybe one great team and a bunch of really good teams, this year there are a bunch of great teams. You could name 10 teams and still miss this year's national champion.
You've got the front-runners like Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC and Florida who have loads of talent tons of tradition. You have upstarts like West Virginia, Texas Tech and Arizona State who have narrowed one large chasms of talent and depth and are on the cusp of breaking through with a national championship.
You have teams like BYU and Utah, who have legitimate shots at going unbeaten and maybe having an argument to play for a national title.
And the list continues: Clemson, Mizzou, Auburn and Texas all of shots at running the table for a national championship. I think this year there will be a glut of teams with legitimate claims to a spot in the BCS title game.
I don't know if a playoff would solve college football's ills. It's ridiculous that the sport with the best regular season has the most ludicrous postseason. But it might be a Catch-22. That playoff might ruin the regular season. We may never know.
But instead, we keep arguing about it to get us through to August 30 when the season begins for most teams. It's what makes our sport the best around. The Red Sox may get me through to August 30, but after that they won't get a whole lot of attention from me until the postseason.
It's because baseball's regular season is like Groundhog Day. Everyday is the same, especially for those involved in it. In CALLLAGE FOOTBAWL, every game is a must-win. If Jon Lester has a bad outing, oh well, he goes again in five days. If Sean Glennon has a bad day, we should bench his ass and put in Tyrod. Unless Tyrod has a bad day in which case we should bench his ass and put in Glennon.
Because every game your national title hopes are on the line.
And by the way: Tampa Bay, you nouveau riches pigs, today is July 1. Not September 1. Not October 1. July 1. When (if?) everyone gets healthy, you'll be back where you belong. Looking up at the word "BOSTON" in the standings.
Go Sox and go Hokies.
AL EAST STANDINGS
Tampa Bay 51-32 --
Boston 50-36 -2.5
That ain't gonna get it done. Give me some more time...
/breathes into paper bag
OK, back to CALLLAGE FOOTBAWL. This is going to be the greatest CALLLAGE FOOTBAWL season of all time. Here's why: Unlike previous years where you had maybe one great team and a bunch of really good teams, this year there are a bunch of great teams. You could name 10 teams and still miss this year's national champion.You've got the front-runners like Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC and Florida who have loads of talent tons of tradition. You have upstarts like West Virginia, Texas Tech and Arizona State who have narrowed one large chasms of talent and depth and are on the cusp of breaking through with a national championship.
You have teams like BYU and Utah, who have legitimate shots at going unbeaten and maybe having an argument to play for a national title.And the list continues: Clemson, Mizzou, Auburn and Texas all of shots at running the table for a national championship. I think this year there will be a glut of teams with legitimate claims to a spot in the BCS title game.
I don't know if a playoff would solve college football's ills. It's ridiculous that the sport with the best regular season has the most ludicrous postseason. But it might be a Catch-22. That playoff might ruin the regular season. We may never know.
But instead, we keep arguing about it to get us through to August 30 when the season begins for most teams. It's what makes our sport the best around. The Red Sox may get me through to August 30, but after that they won't get a whole lot of attention from me until the postseason.
It's because baseball's regular season is like Groundhog Day. Everyday is the same, especially for those involved in it. In CALLLAGE FOOTBAWL, every game is a must-win. If Jon Lester has a bad outing, oh well, he goes again in five days. If Sean Glennon has a bad day, we should bench his ass and put in Tyrod. Unless Tyrod has a bad day in which case we should bench his ass and put in Glennon.
Because every game your national title hopes are on the line.
And by the way: Tampa Bay, you nouveau riches pigs, today is July 1. Not September 1. Not October 1. July 1. When (if?) everyone gets healthy, you'll be back where you belong. Looking up at the word "BOSTON" in the standings.
Go Sox and go Hokies.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
This weekend at Tech
Here's what's going on around Hokie sports for the weekend of April 24-25:
Softball vs. North Carolina
The No. 18 Hokies (39-12, 15-3) close out ACC play by hosting the No. 14 Tar Heels (47-8, 16-1). The two teams play a doubleheader starting at noon Saturday and play the third game of the series at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
UNC has a two game lead on the Hokies in the loss column of the ACC standings. Tech would have to sweep the Tar Heels to be regular season ACC champs and get the top seed in the ACC Tournament.
The Hokies were 3-0 against the Tar Heels in 2007, beating them twice in Chapel Hill and once at the ACC Tournament. Tech is 5-1 at home against the ACC this season.
UNC has a pair of capable pitchers. Danielle Spalding is 14-2, 0.92 in 18 appearances (16 starts) and Lisa Norris is 17-3, 0.98 in 24 appearances (21 starts). Spalding is also one of the Tar Heels' top hitters. She is tied for the team lead in home runs with 10 while batting .326 with 32 RBIs.
Baseball at Clemson
Tech (18-23, 4-17) travels to Clemson for a three-game series with the Tigers (21-20-1, 7-13-1). The two teams play at 7:15 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. The Hokies are 2-10 on the road in ACC play this season. Both wins came against Wake Forest.
By Clemson standards, it's been a sub-par year for the Tigers. They are third in the Atlantic division and are battling for a spot in the ACC Tournament. Tiger pitchers are a bit gopherball-prone. They've allowed 43 this season in 369.1 IP. Tech batters have hit 31 home runs this season. Clemson is led offensively by Ben Paulsen, who is hittting .314 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs.
Softball vs. North Carolina
The No. 18 Hokies (39-12, 15-3) close out ACC play by hosting the No. 14 Tar Heels (47-8, 16-1). The two teams play a doubleheader starting at noon Saturday and play the third game of the series at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
UNC has a two game lead on the Hokies in the loss column of the ACC standings. Tech would have to sweep the Tar Heels to be regular season ACC champs and get the top seed in the ACC Tournament.
The Hokies were 3-0 against the Tar Heels in 2007, beating them twice in Chapel Hill and once at the ACC Tournament. Tech is 5-1 at home against the ACC this season.
UNC has a pair of capable pitchers. Danielle Spalding is 14-2, 0.92 in 18 appearances (16 starts) and Lisa Norris is 17-3, 0.98 in 24 appearances (21 starts). Spalding is also one of the Tar Heels' top hitters. She is tied for the team lead in home runs with 10 while batting .326 with 32 RBIs.
Baseball at Clemson
Tech (18-23, 4-17) travels to Clemson for a three-game series with the Tigers (21-20-1, 7-13-1). The two teams play at 7:15 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. The Hokies are 2-10 on the road in ACC play this season. Both wins came against Wake Forest.
By Clemson standards, it's been a sub-par year for the Tigers. They are third in the Atlantic division and are battling for a spot in the ACC Tournament. Tiger pitchers are a bit gopherball-prone. They've allowed 43 this season in 369.1 IP. Tech batters have hit 31 home runs this season. Clemson is led offensively by Ben Paulsen, who is hittting .314 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs.
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