BCS Gets It "Right"; Hokies Go To Sugar Bowl!!!

I never thought I’d say this, but thank goodness for the BCS system.

I’m not talking about the massively flawed computer metric that spits out the top two teams and then leaves everyone guessing about the method.

I’m referring to the system that rewards a team fresh off an embarrassing loss but with excellent fans to back into my favorite bowl game, the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, LA.

Fresh off a vomit-inducing 38-10 thumping at the hands of Clemson in the ACC Championship game, the 11-2 Hokies find themselves with an unbelievable date January 3 with No. 13 Michigan in the Superdome.

Plenty of folks are saying the Hokies don’t deserve this, perhaps not, but it does make up for past injustices. I can now almost forgive the 2001 Fiesta Bowl for stupidly picking No. 11 Notre Dame over a No. 5 one-loss Hokie squad led by Michael Vick.

This must be what it feels like to be ND actually, getting favorable bowl bids based purely on past reputation. Virginia Tech has clearly arrived as a program.

ESPN can suck it!

It’s comical to watch Kirk Herbstreit pontificating about how mad he is that the Sugar Bowl chose teams simply to put meat in the seats and make money. That’s what it’s all about Kirk!

The entire BCS is a wild money grab run by greedheads and fools. It’s designed only to pick the top two teams (it can barely accomplish that) after that the rankings barely matter.

This is the system we’re always told works best, so I don’t need to hear the talking heads at ESPN cry foul when the BCS selections upset them.

The Hokies defeated six teams selected to bowl games this season and another eligible team not going to the postseason, Miami.

Assuming that bowls represent some level of accomplishment as we’ve been told they do—despite the fact that there are 35 bowl games this season featuring 70 teams—the Hokies must have been pretty good to knock off all those capable squads.

There are many illustrious bowl games such as the Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s St. Petersburg Bowl or the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, but there’s no question that for a Hokie the Sugar Bowl is as good as it gets.

Tech’s best moments have come in New Orleans. In 1995 an upstart Hokie team rebounded from an 0-2 start to stun Texas 28-10 in the Sugar Bowl. The Hokies finished in the top ten for the first time with a 10-2 record and loads of excitement.

Tech returned with much more at stake for the 2000 BCS national championship game against Florida State. Redshirt freshman Michael Vick dazzled the nation and elevated the program to a new level despite losing 46-29.

Michael Vick had the Hokies on top 29-28 at the start of the 4th quarter

In 2005 the Hokies won the ACC in their first season and earned a match up with an undefeated Auburn team left out of the BCS national championship game. Tech mounted a furious comeback behind ACC player of the year Bryan Randall, but lost 16-13.

This season, the stakes are high again. This is a de facto “must win” for Tech. If the Hokies falter, the national perception of not being a big game program will continue to fester and frankly, there will be plenty of truth to it.

If Tech wins, idiot brain morons like Herbstreit and Pat Forde will continue to say the Hokies didn’t belong while simultaneously saying the BCS got it right with a national championship rematch no one wants to see.

But I just don’t care. Right or wrong the Hokies are in the Sugar Bowl and few things could be better.

So as Frank Beamer once eloquently stated, “I want to know how many of you are coming to New Orleans?!”

ESPN's Three For The Show: Tyrod Taylor PART 2

I've heard people say in the past that Michael Vick isn't a very smart quarterback. I've heard people say that Tyrod Taylor isn't an NFL quarterback at all. As Part 2 of ESPN's behind the scenes look at Tyrod's draft preparations shows, both guys know their stuff.

Michael's proven it on the field, but you can really tell here how much he's matured in football terms. You wouldn't expect it but there he is in the second of the videos below tutoring a young quarterback in the nuances of the west coast offense. A very proud moment for Hokie football.

The show also follows Auburn standout and Heisman Trophy winner (for now) Cam Newton along with Washington QB Jake Locker. Locker also represents himself well on the show when discussing X's and O's along with the physical aspects of things.

Cam Newton just doesn't seem very smart. Whenever he attempts to dissect a play, you can almost hear him thinking, "This guy should be here...or...wait...ummm...RUN!!!"

Anyway, this is quality television and good publicity for Mr. Taylor.

Michael Vick

Michael Vick just erupted on the first play from scrimmage connecting with DeSean Jackson on an 88-yard touchdown pass.

This is just the first of many such plays that will occur tonight in such fashion. Watch the Eagles take down the Redskins.

More to follow...

Vick Still Owns Atlanta

So, I haven't posted anything recently. I've been in a motivational rut and while I still haven't gotten out of it, I felt compelled to post something.

I have been wanting to give some props to Michael Vick who played his most significant game since his return to the NFL last Sunday.

Vick returned to Atlanta, a city he once owned where he was loved by all and exulted as the greatest athlete and biggest celebrity in a city filled with both.

He was greeted with a fairly even mix of boos and cheers. I expected it, but still found people booing the only man that ever really made the Falcons matter pretty comical.

I understand the feelings of betrayal and the broken trust. It's just heartwarming to see how quickly people turn on one another when someone screws up. Just ask Tiger Woods.

Anyway, Vick played great, completing two of two passes for 48 yards and a touchdown and rushing four times for 17 yards and a touchdown.

It was the 11th time in his NFL career that Vick scored at least one rushing and passing touchdown in the same game.

It was a lot of fun to watch, and it was nice to see the Eagles actually use Vick in a smart way for once.

Vick had been made pretty much just a wildcat runner, which essentially set him up for failure. The defense stopped respecting his passing ability completely because he never did it.

Maybe now defenders will have a reason to think twice.

I'm a Real Boy Now Geppetto!

I know this post will stir the pot a bit, especially with my associate Justin, but I have to get this off of my chest and beg the question...

If Michael Vick finally became a person two weekends ago what exactly was he while he was in prison? Surely not a 'symbol' as the above caption suggests. 'Outcast' would be more fitting.

Moreover, if he wasn't a person in prison how was he one outside of it before he was sentenced to hard time?

I find it hard to believe that pre-prison dog-killing Vick was any different from in-prison dog-killing Vick. Maybe Michael Vick the person only existed during his college days or early pro years?

Regardless, the caption on the above picture made me laugh and frown at the same time when I read it.

Why does playing a professional football game make someone any more of a person than someone who has not? In times like this I find myself agreeing with the line of thinking that Americans place too much emphasis on athletics (especially professional), but I digress.

My feelings for Vick have been made clear before but don't get me wrong - I think it is great he is trying to move on with his life and put his past behind him.

As long as we don't have to hear him cry about it you won't hear me complain.

Michael Vick Back With Nike

In a rather surprising development, Nike has once again signed an endorsement deal with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick. The move comes two years after Nike severed ties with Vick amidst his legal troubles revolving around his bankrolling a dog fighting ring.

Vick has come full circle following his incarceration. After finally setting foot on an NFL field in a regular season game last weekend, Vick now once again has an endorsement deal according to Michael Principe, the managing director of BEST, the agency that represents Vick.

Say what you will about my favorite athlete (and undoubtedly one of the dumbest), but Vick is slowly but surely earning back all he lost. On a side note, I expect more from him next weekend than 0-2 passing and one carry for 7 yards.

Just like the old days eh? That's not in the playbook, but it should be.

Virginia Tech Season Preview: Part 2

Ok so here's my game by game look at the Hokies schedule. Brian's will be posted in the coming days, there are only a few left before next Saturday hits!


Alabama @ Virginia Tech (Georgia Dome in Atlanta)

The last time the Hokies took on an SEC team in 2007 national champions LSU, it was an embarrassing misstep for the Hokies. The defense looked slow, the offensive line could stop no one and the only bright spot was Tyrod Taylor running all over the Tigers and scoring Tech’s only score. This o-line is much improved and Tyrod has far more experience, not to mention the Tide is breaking in a new quarterback. Bud Foster eats untested QBs for breakfast (he also serves them at his restaurant in Blacksburg).

Alabama 21
Virginia Tech 28


Marshall @ Virginia Tech

Marshall is still in a rebuilding process, but they’re a solid early season opponent. The Herd returns a 1,000-yard rusher in Darius Marshall and linebacker Mario Harvey had 107 tackles and 4.5 sacks last season. Tough match up for the Thundering Herd though.

Marshall 17
Virginia Tech 35


Nebraska @ Virginia Tech

The Hokies pulled the upset last season on the road in Lincoln over a good team. Bo Pellini’s first season leading the Huskers ended with a 10-4 record and a Gator Bowl victory over Clemson. The defense improved then and looks to continue the trend this year. Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh returns after 76 tackles and 7.5 sacks last year. He may be the best lineman in the nation. It will be a tough match up won in the trenches.

Nebraska 14
Virginia Tech 17


Miami @ Virginia Tech

Miami got the best of Tech last season 16-14 in Miami in what was a very ugly game. Randy Shannon has got the ‘Canes moving in the right direction and this year could be big for them. Jacory Harris is now the uncontested starter at quarterback with the messy transfer of Robert Marve. Harris should take a step or two forward this season and be able to improve on their 7-6 record last year.

Miami 24
Virginia Tech 28


Virginia Tech @ Duke

Don’t laugh when I say this, Duke is a good football team. Defensive tackle Vince Oghobasse is a potential first round pick in next year’s NFL draft and linebacker Vincent Rey is coming off 107 tackles last year. The offense is led by Thaddeus Lewis who threw for 2,171 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. The receivers need to step up and so does the offensive line, but they may just be able to climb out of the ACC Coastal division cellar.

Virginia Tech 35
Duke 14


Boston College @ Virginia Tech

This has been a closely contested series throughout its history, but this year the balance of power falls decidedly in the Hokies’ favor. Montel Harris is a fine young running back for the Eagles, but the offensive cupboard is pretty bare apart from his 900 rushing yards from 2008. BC is also without Mark Herzlich, the best defensive player in the ACC and arguably the best linebacker in the country who is out for the season as he battles cancer. Frank Spaziani may have a tough go of things in his first season in charge.

Boston College 10
Virginia Tech 31


Virginia Tech @ Georgia Tech

The Hokies have had a surprising amount of luck against the Yellow Jackets in Atlanta since joining the ACC. This year will be the toughest test yet though. Quarterback Josh Nesbitt returns to lead Paul Johnson’s dynamic offense and the running back combination of Jonathan Dwyer and Roddy Jones will look to continue running all over ACC defenses. Defensively the Jackets must replace defensive end Michael Johnson and tackles Daryl Richard and Vance Walker. That leaves some big holes to fill up front. The game came down to the final moments last season in Blacksburg and this year will be no different.

Virginia Tech 31
Georgia Tech 35


North Carolina @ Virginia Tech

There are two gigantic factors in this one. First the game is in Blacksburg on a Thursday night. The Hokies are dominant on Thursday nights, only ever losing to Boston College a handful of times. Second, Frank Beamer owns Butch Davis. Both at Miami and North Carolina, Davis is just 1-6 against the Hokies. Carolina has a talented group and it all starts on defense. Quan Sturdivant and Bruce Carter lead the linebackers and defensive tackle Marvin Austin is a stud. It’ll be tough, but Tech prevails in this one.

North Carolina 17
Virginia Tech 24


Virginia Tech @ East Carolina

The Hokies look to avenge a tough opening loss last season in this one. Quarterback Patrick Pinkney will once again have to shoulder the load offensively. The big key for the Pirates is to avoid a collapse. Last year after knocking of Tech and West Virginia, ECU lost three games in a row. Consistency will take time.

Virginia Tech 42
East Carolina 21


Virginia Tech @ Maryland

Maryland was wildly inconsistent last season ending up with an 8-5 record. This year won’t be much different. The defense lost 7 starters off a mediocre unit and the offense lost its biggest playmaker in Derrius Heyward-Bey. Chris Turner is back at quarterback however and Da’Rel Scott returns after rushing for 1,133 yards last year. Maryland will make a bowl game, but probably not a great one.

Virginia Tech 38
Maryland 24


North Carolina State @ Virginia Tech

NC State is doing well under Tom O’Brien and looks to make their second consecutive bowl game. Sophomore quarterback Russell Wilson’s performance may be the key to making that a reality. With no proven running backs, Wilson will look to build on his nearly 2,000 yards passing and 17 touchdowns to just 1 interception. He also ran for 388 yards. State will go about as far as Wilson’s arm can take them, which could be pretty far.

NC State 24
Virginia Tech 35


Virginia Tech @ Virginia

The Wahoos lose their entire starting linebacker group and the defense will not be in good shape aside from corner Vic Hall who had 59 tackles and was also the team’s best quarterback at the end of the year rushing for over 100 yards against the Hokies. QB Jameel Sewell returns from his academic suspension, which should help matters offensively. Head coach Al Groh remains a favorite in Blacksburg, and one of the best things to happen to Virginia Tech in their football history.

Virginia Tech 42
Virginia 10


Florida State @ Virginia Tech (ACC Championship Game in Tampa, FL)

Last season in Tallahassee the Hokies were down to their emergency third-string quarterback and they still made things interesting despite ultimately falling short. This FSU club is improved and should win the ACC’s Atlantic division without much trouble. Quarterback Christian Ponder has the potential to be terrific, but poor decisions plagued him at times last season. If he plays every game like he did against the Hokies, he’ll have an excellent year. Almost all of the ‘Noles receivers were suspended and now reinstated after a fight in the middle of campus in broad daylight, so it appears FSU is back to the way they used to do things. A Good sign for folks in the Florida capital.

Florida State 24
Virginia Tech 31



A record of 12-1 is what I’m predicting for the 2009 Hokies. This is the toughest schedule in school history, so I felt like the odds just scream at least one loss somewhere. If they really do navigate the tough first 4 games however, it’s more than possible they’ll go undefeated. The national championship talk is justified, but that’s a long way off. If Tech loses the opener to Alabama and then runs the table though, they still have a good shot.

This season marks the ten-year anniversary of Tech’s only national championship appearance when a 19-year-old Michael Vick ran circles around Florida State in the Sugar Bowl. He brought the Hokies to a 29-28 lead at the end of the third quarter. Then Chris Weinke, a full ten years older than Vick made some plays and Peter Warrick did the rest giving them the hardware.

Oddly enough, FSU head-man Bobby Bowden had encouraging words for Frank Beamer this preseason.

"[Frank Beamer] hangs around so close," Bowden said. "I equate it to putting. He's lipped out so many times. One of them is going to fall here before long."

Maybe this year, Frank will finally sink a putt.

Cry Me A River, Vick

Michael Vick signed with the Philadelphia Eagles late last week in a move that shocked many fans. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the deal was that Vick signed with the Eagles - a team in no need of QB help as Donovan McNabb has been at the helm for quite sometime.

But, the biggest news from the Vick case is not that he was reinstated into the NFL and quickly latched on to a team.

The big bad wolf (perhaps a poor choice of words, eh?) said that he cried while in prison... and I'm supposed to feel sorry for him?

I find it shameful and equally offensive that Vick thinks the world should feel empathetic toward his 23-month stay while incarcerated in Leavenworth, KS. Rather than fulfilling his full sentence in the federal penitentiary in Kansas he was released after 19 months, forced to endure 4 torturous months of home confinement in his mansion in Hampton, VA.

Give me a break and cry me a friggen river, Vick. Any pain or suffering he endured is nothing compared to the torture, cruelty, and outright inhumanity of his malicious behavior.

I would take a league full of Pete Rose's (who I believe did no harm to his sport, but that's another story) in lieu of a league with one slime-ball like Vick. Go back to prison, jerk.