freefall

Wish I had something to report, but other than hearing that we're high on the SEC's wish-list for #14, I have no idea. Both the AD and the University President have made pro-ACC statements recently, but that's pretty much the only thing they can say, right? I don't know if they really mean that or if they are just biding their time while negotiations are going on behind the scenes. I can tell you that the fanbase is definitely split on the issue. Some (like me) want to move no matter what, some want to stay no matter what, and some would prefer to stay as long as the conference continues to look more or less like it does now. Unlike you guys (and aTm) we don't have a TU that's working to destroy the conference, so it's not clear what the right thing to do is. Yeah, the Carolina mafia doesn't like us and probably wouldn't be sad to see us go, but all in all the ACC has been good for us. Don't get me wrong, I'd accept an SEC invite before the ink dried on the offer letter, but that's because I'm selfish and would much rather tailgate in Baton Rouge/Tuscaloosa/Gainesville/Oxford than College Park/Chestnut Hill/Winston-Salem/etc.

Hey all just wanted to drop by and say good luck this season! Would love to see you guys win the B1G in your first year, and not just because I've got a lot of tOSU fans in my family. Based on last night's game, you guys are gonna have your hands full with Wisky, but we'll see what happens come October. Anyway, Let's Go Hokies and Go Big Red!

As someone without a dog in this fight but with a great deal of respect for both teams, all I'll say is good luck to you both, hope no one gets hurt, and may the best team win! I've enjoyed the hell out of meeting aTm and Husker fans over the last decade when we played; here's to hoping we get a chance to play each of you again soon. And I agree with WYHusk... would be nice to see aTm end up in the SEC and away from the TU/OU mafia. For just a minute last summer I thought we might end up there with you, which woulda been sweet, but maybe it's better we didn't since it would suck to have 4 losses every year.

Hey guys, been quite awhile since I dropped by, just wanted to say good luck this coming season. Enjoyed the H&H with y'all, even if we didn't really deserve the win last year, and hope we can do it again some day. We've already got a couple of your new BFFs on our future schedule (tOSU in 2014/2015 and Whisky in 2016/2017). I'm counting on you guys to avenge last year's loss in the TLCG and make it to a BCS game this year, and what the hell, if the stars align just right, there's an outside chance we might have a date with you guys in Glendale. Crazier things have happened right?! Anyway, good luck to the Huskers this season!

At least with Cody the 'bama fans can make a coherent argument. Both are great players and both will make a lot of money playing on Sundays. I've seen both play in person this year, and watched them both on TV as well, and personally I give the edge to Suh because he's more athletic. That said, if I were an NFL scout it would depend in part on the system I ran. In a 3-4 Cody might be the better pick. But for the Texas fan to say that Suh is just average is beyond ignorant. Suh would be a star on any program in D1A and anyone who thinks otherwise is either an idiot or just isn't paying attention. BTW nice win against OU last week!

"Never argue with an idiot. He'll drag you down to his level and beat you with experience."

Good luck this weekend guys!

Wow. I was all set to come give you guys a little friendly grief after that debacle of a first half but you turned it on when it mattered. Congrats on the win! That DT of yours is kinda good too. Just a little...

Howdy from Hokieland... couldn't resist jumping in here. There are two possible answers to your question: 1. Bourbon 2. <insert wrong answer here> Good luck on Thursday!

First of all, nice rebound against ULL. Doesn't matter that it was just ULL, you guys took care of business and that's what counts. Second, 300 straight sellouts is amazing. It's funny, my buddy celebrated his 100th straight VT home game this past weekend too. With any luck in 30 years we'll still be tailgating together and getting ready to celebrate his 300th! Good luck next Thursday against Mizzou! And to AngryHusker, don't worry about rankings... if your team plays to its potential you'll be in the top 10 come December when they actually mean something.

Hey husker fans, Tough loss last weekend -- I know I'm a little late but I had a wedding to go to on Sunday and didn't get back into town until late yesterday... 20+ hours in the car over the weekend between that and the game. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone here knows what happened to the Nebraska fan who was sitting just a few seats down from me in section 5. Right after the game he just sorta fell over in the stands. Luckily the EMTs were there immediately and he seemed coherent, said something about feeling real dizzy, but I moved back to give the paramedics room and didn't hear anything else. They took him out on a stretcher but he was moving and talking so I'm hoping he was okay. Anyway, like a lot of other hokies who've posted here I just wanted to say that it was a pleasure to host you guys. Our experience with the folks we met was great, especially considering the outcome. Your fans had every right to be pissed but everyone that I saw handled it with class. Would love to see another home & home with you guys! Good luck the rest of the way!

Hokie fan here, I'll give it a shot... seeing as how I don't have much need for husker gear, if I win I'll donate the gift cert to the charity of y'all's choice. I think VT wins this one 34-23. NU passes for 237 and rushes for 152. Safe travels to those of you making the trip! Hope to see you in the 'burg and will be happy to buy you a beer to cry in!

SPECIAL TEAMS Kicker: #48 Justin Myer (So, 6'0"/198): Kickoff specialist who will also compete for the placekicking job. Kicker: Matt Waldron (rSr, 5'11"/190): Takes over the #1 spot now that Dustin Keys is gone. Must beat out Myer and incoming freshman Cody Journell. Punter: #97 Brent Bowden (rSr, 6'3"/201): Entering his third year as the starter, Bowden averaged 41.6 yards per punt and has 52 punts inside the 20 over the last two years. Preseason 1st-team all-ACC selection.

OFFENSE It's no secret that VT's offense has been downright offensive the last few years. However, 2009 could be the year that all the pieces fall into place. The OL looks better than it has in years, there is depth and experience at RB, TE, and WR, and perhaps most importantly, Tyrod Taylor had an entire offseason to work as the starter without having to worry about a position battle. The only significant losses from 2008 are QB Sean Glennon, C Ryan Shuman, OG Nick Marshman, and FB Devin Perez. Here's a breakdown of the 2009 unit: OFFENSIVE LINE Left Tackle: #77 Ed Wang (rSr, 6'5"/301): Started every game in 2008 after moving over from right tackle. Finished the year strong with solid performances in ACCCG and Orange Bowl. Has had some injury issues but was healthy for the entire 2008 season. Quick, athletic player who must be solid in pass protection to give Tyrod Taylor time to develop as a passer. Left Guard: #70 Sergio Render (Sr, 6'3"/319): Powerful interior lineman with good hands and quickness. Entering his fourth year as a starter. Was a 2nd-team all-ACC selection in 2008. Moved to LG in the Orange Bowl and will start there in 2009. Had offseason shoulder surgery and missed spring practice. Preseason 2nd-team all-ACC selection. Center: #60 Beau Warren (rJr, 6'3"/277): Hardworking player who served as a backup to Ryan Shuman the last two years. Has game experience including several starts. Father Don played 14 years in the NFL for the Redskins and older brothers Brett and Blake both played for VT. Right Guard: #68 Jaymes Brooks (rSo, 6'2"/300): Strong, physical player who saw limited action early in 2008. Started in the Orange Bowl after Nick Marshman was ruled ineligible and played well. Very athletic and one of the strongest players on the OL. Right Tackle: #62 Blake DeChristopher (rSo, 6'5"/303): Returning starter is expected to have a big year this year. Missed a couple games early in 2008 due to injury and his absence had a significant impact on the unit. Started the final 10 games and played well. Must avoid injury in 2009 to maintain cohesiveness on the line. BACKFIELD Quarterback: #5 Tyrod Taylor (Jr, 6'1"/216): Was pressed into action as a true freshman in 2007, and is 13-2 as a starter since. Explosive runner who is a threat to turn any play into a highlight. Rushed for 429 yards and 6 TDs in 2007, 738 yards and 7 TDs in 2008. Despite his rushing success, Taylor has struggled in the passing game, throwing for only 1963 yards, 7 TDs, and 10 interceptions over two seasons. In order for the Hokies to be successful in 2009, Taylor must improve as a passer and must limit turnovers; in addition to throwing 7 interceptions in 2008, he fumbed 6 times, although only two were lost to the opposing team. Should improve significantly in 2009 with all the talent around him, but needs to become comfortable in the pocket and make good reads. Word from the coaches is that the game has slowed down for him and expectations are very high now that he's the unquestioned starter going into the season. Fullback: #42 Kenny Jefferson (rSr, 5'9"/220): Was the #2 FB the last two seasons and now assumes the starting job. Physical and experienced player who knows the system and relishes contact. Tailback: #32 Darren Evans (rSo, 6'0"/213): Had a sensational freshman season (1265 yards rushing, 11 TDs) after moving into the starting spot when Kenny Lewis Jr. was injured. Bruising, downhill runner who set a VT bowl record with 153 yards against Cincinnati and won MVP honors. Also set the VT single-game record for rushing with 253 yards against Maryland. Preseason 2nd-team all-ACC selection. TIGHT END/WIDE RECEIVERS Tight End: #8 Greg Boone (rSr, 6'3"/287): Had 22 catches for 278 yards and 2 TDs along with 21 rushes for 76 yards and 1 TD. Big, strong blocker and good receiver. Hard to bring down once he has the ball in his hands. Was initially recruited as a QB and plays that position in VT's "wild turkey" formation. Preseason 1st-team all-ACC selection. Split End: #81 Jarrett Boykin (rFr, 6'2"/213): Became a starter midway through the 2008 season. Caught 30 passes for 441 yards. Big, physical receiver with huge hands. Flanker: #19 Danny Coale (rSo, 6'0"/205): Started every game in 2008 as a redshirt freshman and had 36 receptions for 408 yards. Consistent, hardworking player who doesn't drop many balls and will do whatever it takes to make a key play. KEY BACKUPS Guard: #75 Greg Nosal (rSo, 6'6"/285): Started most of the spring while Render was out. Was the backup tackle last year. Whether he stays at guard or moves back to tackle, Nosal is expected to make a big contribution this year providing much-needed depth on the line. Tackle: #54 Nick Becton (rFr, 6'5"/292): Key backup at the all-important left tackle position. If Wang suffers an injury it will be up to Becton to protect Tyrod's blind side. Tailback: #34 Ryan Williams (rFr, 5'9"/205): Highly-rated recruit put on a show at the spring game. Great combination of speed and power. Worked hard during his redshirt year to improve pass blocking, especially blitz pickup responsibilities. Williams is a true home-run hitter who will be a very nice complement to Evans. Williams will also return punts in 2009. Tight End: #88 Andre Smith (rJr, 6'4"/267) is a dominant blocker with good hands. Missed spring practice while recovering from shoulder surgery but should be ready to go in the fall. #18 Sam Wheeler (rSr, 6'3"/258) was one best receiving TEs in the conference before suffering a torn ACL against GT in 2007. He was not at full speed in 2008 but will be back in the mix this season. Receiver: #7 Marcus Davis (rFr, 6'4"/231), #29 Xavier Boyce (rFr, 6'4"/223), #11 Dyrell Roberts (So, 6'1"/192), and #80 Brandon Dillard (rSr, 5'11"/177) provide much-needed depth at the receiver position. Dillard is a former walk-on who was a likely starter in 2008 before he suffered a torn achilles and missed the season. Before the injury he was one of the fastest players on the team with sub-4.3 speed. Boyce earned playing time as a true freshman in 2008 before hurting his knee and missing most of the season. Roberts is a potential playmaker at WR and also returns kickoffs (he averaged 24.8 yards per return in 2008). Davis is a tremendous athlete who missed the 2008 season with a shoulder injury. He nearly won the backup QB job this spring. The coaches moved to WR in order to get him on the field sooner. FRESHMAN WHO MIGHT MAKE AN IMPACT Tailback: David Wilson (Fr, 5'11"/195): One of the top RB recruits in the country. Will probably redshirt this year due to the depth ahead of him, but might already be the best back on the team. Fast and incredibly strong (600lb squat!), he might just be too good to NOT play in 2009. Tight End: Logan Thomas (Fr, 6'6"/230): Ranked #1 tight end prospect in the country by SuperPrep. Also played QB, WR, and DB in high school. Has drawn comparisons to Percy Harvin due to his versatility. Not sure where he might end up on the field (WR?), but if he doesn't redshirt he will make an impact wherever it is.

DEFENSE VT was ranked #7 nationally in total defense in 2008 and returns 7 starters from last year's team. Gone are DE Orion Martin, ILBs Brett Warren and Purnell Sturdivant, and CB Victor "Macho" Harris, who was drafted by the Eagles. Here's a breakdown of the 2009 squad: DEFENSIVE LINE End: #6 Jason Worilds (rJr, 6'2"/240): Very quick off the line (sub-4.5 speed), great pass rusher and solid against the run. Played most of the year with an injured shoulder and still posted impressive totals (62 tackles, 18.5 TFL, 8 sacks). Did not play in the Orange Bowl and missed spring practice due to offseason shoulder surgery but is expected to be ready to go in the fall. One of the best defensive players in the conference, Worilds is expected to be a leader on the field and in the locker room. Pre-season 1st-team all-ACC selection. Tackle: #95 Cordarrow Thompson (rSr, 6'2"/308): Started every game last year after dropping some weight. Solid presence in the middle. Had 27 tackles (6.5 TFL) and 3 sacks. Tackle: #91 John Graves (rJr, 6'3"/275): Started every game last year at DT. Worked at DE this spring to allow some younger guys to get snaps at tackle but will move back inside for the season. Had 26 tackles (4 TFL). Can be a disruptive force on the line. Blocked kicks in three consecutive games in 2008. End: #47 Nekos Brown (Sr, 6'2"/252): Will replace Orion Martin as the starter opposite Worilds. Physical and dependable although not quite the playmaker that Worilds is. LINEBACKERS Mike (ILB): #52 Barquell Rivers (rSo, 6'0"/230): Tough, physical player who backed up this position last year. Started in the Orange Bowl in place of injured Brett Warren and played well. Had a key stop on the Cinci QB on 4th and goal in the 4th quarter that pretty much sealed the win -- exactly what you expect from your middle linebacker. Backer (ILB): #36 Jake Johnson (So, 6'1"/229): Special teamer/backup last year. High-motor guy who made significant strides this offseason in the weight room. Had a good spring game and was singled out by Coach Foster as someone expected to make a big contribution this year. Whip (OLB): There are two guys who will split time here. #41 Cam Martin (rSr, 6'1"/215) started all but one game last year but is recovering from knee surgery and missed the spring. #26 Cody Grimm (rSr, 5'11"/202) might not be the biggest or fastest guy around, but has a nose for the ball and a knack for making big plays. Had 45 tackles (14 TFL) and 7 sacks last year while splitting time with Martin. Son of former Redskin great Russ Grimm. SECONDARY Rover: #24 Dorian Porch (rSr, 5'11"/224): Stepped in when Davon Morgan was injured against Nebraska and played well the rest of the year. Heads into the fall listed as #1 on the depth chart but will be challenged for the starting spot by Morgan. Free Safety: #17 Kam Chancellor (Sr, 6'4"/226): Was expected by some to have a breakout season last year and leave early for the draft, but due to playing his third position in three years (CB in '06, Rover in '07, FS in '08) it didn't quite materialize. Improved throughout the season and finished with a great game in the Orange Bowl. Decent in coverage and loves to make the big hit. Will be looked to as a leader of the defense. Preseason 1st-team all-ACC selection. Boundary Corner: #22 Stephan Virgil (Sr, 5'11"/189): Moves over from the Field Corner position where he started every game last year. Had 6 picks and 31 tackles, and came up with a critical interception in the end zone against Cinci in the Orange Bowl. For those not familiar with VT's defensive system, the boundary corner plays the short side of the field and has less help in coverage, and must also provide more run support. VT has put several good CBs in the NFL over the last few years and expectations are high for Virgil now that he's getting his shot at it. Preseason 2nd-team all-ACC selection. Field Corner: #21 Rashad Carmichael (rJr, 5'10"/192): Played in all 14 games last year with one start when Harris was hurt. Great speed (sub-4.3 forty) and has experience at both corner positions. Had a good spring and heads into the fall as the leading contender for this position. Will be challenged by sophomore Cris Hill for the starting spot. KEY BACKUPS Tackle: #56 Demetrius Taylor (rSr, 6'0"/262): Small for a DT but plays with good leverage and is extremely strong (360lb power clean, 600lb squat). Will be in the rotation at tackle and if Graves ends up playing at DE for any reason, Taylor will likely start at tackle next to Thompson. End: #82 Stephen Friday (rJr, 6'4"/229): Converted linebacker has had some trouble putting on enough weight to play on the line, but runs a 4.6 forty. Recovering from a shoulder injury suffered during a spring scrimmage. Also in the mix is #33 Chris Drager (rSo, 6'3"/239), a converted TE who was impressive this spring. Rover: #2 Davon Morgan (Jr, 6'0"/196): Won the starting job in 2008 but suffered an ACL injury against Nebraska and missed the rest of the year. Recovered more quickly than expected and was able to participate fully in spring practice. Will push Porch for the starting job in the fall. Corner: #9 Cris Hill (rSo, 5'11"/185), #15 Eddie Whitley (So, 6'0"/187): Both players saw action in every game in 2008 and were impressive this spring. Hill will compete with Carmichael for the starting field corner position this fall.