General Musings About Football Season 2012

It's been painfully quiet around here lately. I return with a Hokie-centric look at the coming football season, pro and college.

First, Virginia Tech continues an unofficial quest to become the Oregon of the east coast when it comes to uniforms.

Tech will continue the now common practice of using multiple helmets throughout the season including this fairly tasteful camouflage helmet for Military Appreciation Day Saturday, September 22 against Bowling Green.

Then there are these controversial helmets for the White Out game Saturday, September 8 against Austin Peay.

Now they're only controversial insofar as they're ugly, but for a one-off they're tolerable. Gobbler tracks aren't remotely approaching the most offensive thing I've seen on football uniforms. 

Of course, most folks have been less forgiving of the new design, including starting quarterback Logan Thomas who chimed in on Twitter:

Indeed.

As for the action under the helmets, Virginia Tech is in Frank Beamer's favorite position. 

The Hokies are ranked fairly low, return a talented albeit somewhat unproven roster, and no one is really talking about them. Perfect.

On to the NFL (which sucks), and the myriad of Hokies on NFL rosters. That may thin out a bit as the teams make cuts, but I was surprised at the sheer numbers.

Some are no surprise as this season will mark the debuts of two of Tech's most exciting and successful running backs, second-year man Ryan Williams of the Arizona Cardinals and back-flipping rookie David Wilson of the Super Bowl Champion Giants.

Williams missed all of his rookie campaign with a significant knee injury, but appears to be back at full strength going into the preseason and the coaches in Arizona love him.

Praise has been equally high for Wilson in New York, where players and coaches alike have marveled at his maturity and athleticism. He demonstrated the latter in his first preseason game, nearly returning a kick-off for a touchdown.

The trick for the rabbit-catching phenom is to learn the playbook and continue to bulk up, while Williams needs to get some game contact to regain his confidence. 

Both appear poised to make an impact as complimentary backs—especially Williams because Beanie Wells is mediocre on a good day.

I guess the other main story no one has talked about regarding "the shield" is the fact that negotiations with game officials are still not settled and the NFL may use back-up referees into the regular season. 

Fans complain regardless, but given the number of competent, high-level football referees in this country, I think it's safe to say we'll see a drop-off in quality officiating the first few weeks.

Obviously, we'll have more detailed thoughts as the rapidly-approaching season nears. 

Virginia Tech kicks off Labor Day night when they host Georgia Tech at 8 PM on ESPN.

The winner of that match-up has represented the Coastal division in the ACC Championship game every season since the Hokies joined the conference in 2004.

Notre Dame will begin their season whenever they find a quarterback, or September 1 when they take on Navy in Ireland, whichever comes first.

Also, that game appears to start at 9 AM here on the east coast. Those with big tailgating plans may want to save the bratwurst until at least halftime. 

Ryan Williams To Cardinals, Kyle Rudolph Snagged By Vikings

Two standouts from Brian and I's respective alma maters were selected during the first two days of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Virginia Tech standout running back Ryan Williams went off the board first with the 38th overall pick to the Arizona Cardinals. He joins former Ohio State rusher Beanie Wells who had some injuries last season in the backfield.

The pick surprised many "experts" but as Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt explained, "To be quite honest with you, we're looking at pick 38 and we've got the 15th-ranked player starting us back in the face so that's something you really have to consider."

Williams was the second running back taken after Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram went at No. 28 to The New Orleans Saints.

Notre Dame's versatile tight end Kyle Rudolph was selected just five picks after Williams with the 43rd pick by the Minnesota Vikings.

Rudolph joins Brian and his wife Michelle in Minneapolis after catching 90 passes for 1,032 yards and eights touchdowns during his time in South Bend.

He also joins surprising first round selection Christian Ponder. The quarterback out of Florida State went to Minnesota with the 12th overall pick.

We wish both players the best of luck and look forward to more players from both schools going in the draft today.

Ryan Williams Leaves Hokies for NFL

As expected, redshirt sophomore tailback Ryan Williams officially announced his intentions to enter the NFL Draft Sunday.

Williams ran for a school record 1,655 yards and 21 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman but was hampered by injuries to his hamstring this season.

Williams is thought to be a potential first round selection in April's draft and is one of the top overall backs joining the likes of last year's Heisman Trophy winner Alabama's Mark Ingram.

Here's a highlight reel from Williams' record-setting freshman season.

Virginia Tech Has High Hopes

Virginia Tech’s talent level this season is as high as it’s ever been in Blacksburg.

The speed and athleticism across the board is very impressive and for once, the abundance of weapons are on the offensive side of the ball.

The backfield alone has a staggering amount of star power, starting with Tyrod Taylor.

The senior quarterback is coming off a season in which he showed significant progress as a passer.

Taylor threw for 2,311 yards with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions.

The biggest concern for some is are there enough carries to go around in the backfield.

Redshirt sophomore Ryan Williams returns after his record-setting freshman campaign when he rushed for 1,655 yards and 21 touchdowns on 293 carries.

This season, Williams will be sharing the carries with Darren Evans and David Wilson.

Evans is coming off a torn ACL that derailed his 2009 season. In 2008, he set the freshman rushing record eclipsed a season later by Williams.

Evans rushed 287 times for 1,265 yards and 11 touchdowns that year, creating a dynamic one-two punch.

Adding Wilson to the mix brings yet another explosive element to the scene.

Wilson averaged 5.7 yards per carry last season and 19.1 yards per kickoff return.

Wilson runs a 4.29 40-yard dash and is also a member of Virginia Tech’s track and field team. Tech head coach Frank Beamer has compared him to Reggie Bush.

“He brings another element back there,” Beamer said.

He can help this football team be successful and he wants to do it. I think you need to try to get your best players on the field, and he’s one of them.”

Expect Wilson and Williams to an extent split out into passing formations while Evans stays in the backfield.

Hopefully we see some formations utilizing all three backs at the same time. Regardless, expect to see plenty of creative formations from the Hokies.

The receiving corps features Jarrett Boykin, Danny Coale and Dyrell Roberts along with pushes from young wideouts like sophomore Marcus Davis.

The offense is as stacked as it’s ever been for the Hokies. The only question is can this group live up to the high expectations?

The defense is more of a question mark. Bud Foster’s group has to replace several key starters and appears to lack depth up the middle.

Defensive tackle and captain John Graves looks like he will hold down the line while Rashad Carmichael looks to join Tech’s fine lineage of shutdown corners.

A number of players have a chance to step up and contribute significant time. While it’s a concern, always trust in Bud Foster.

I won’t say that my bias as an alumnus doesn’t have an impact, but honestly, my analyst side tells me that the Hokies will be hard-pressed to lose this season.

I don’t think Tech will go undefeated, but they are one of a handful of teams that stand an excellent shot to do so.

Also, we’re wearing black uniforms Monday. More to follow from the road.

Our 300th Post

I decided to post a video on a whim and noticed that we've made 299 posts.

This isn't a particularly exciting milestone, it's merely a round number.

I consider it somewhat impressive, but I'll wax poetic when we reach higher figures. None the less, thanks to everyone who reads or has read our random musings anyway.

I'm posting this video because it shows what was, in my opinion, the most dominant run by Virginia Tech tailback Ryan Williams all season.

I can only hope that "Lil' Sweetness" has a few moves like this in store for Tennessee.

Consider this the kickoff for the Chick-Fil-A Bowl coverage bonanza.

On a side note, I apologize for the average to mediocre bowl banner on the right. I'm learning GIMP, a freely distributed photo editing program. If you learned such skills on Photoshop, GIMP is a bit...I think dumb is the word, but it's free and I'll figure it out in time.

Onward to the video. Again this is Ryan Williams providing some public transportation.

Sometimes things don't always go as planned. I went 5-1 in my picks this week missing only on Stanford's drubbing of Southern California. Virginia Tech defeated Maryland as expected 36-9. On the other hand Notre Dame lost another tough one, this time to No. 9 Pittsburgh 27-22.

Golden Tate is an absolute menace, I'm not sure that you can really stop him. I don't know why Notre Dame doesn't run some hurry-up offense when they get in a rut though. It's much easier for Clausen to get in a rhythm that way. I've been suggesting that the Hokies do it all year with Tyrod Taylor who seems to be the same way.

I was most impressed with Dion Lewis of Pitt. That kid is special. He and Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams are without a doubt the two best freshman backs in America.

A tough week for Charlie who appears to be in serious trouble now. Talk about a must win against UConn.

2009 Virginia Tech Season Preview

I don’t really like trying to predict an entire season before a single snap has happened. I’m a far more accurate prognosticator week to week. The little things like injuries or who has the flu or weather all come into play and usually my gut tells me one of those odd factors is important.

None the less, I shall attempt to predict the future of Virginia Tech football.

One thing is certain; this Hokie team is extremely talented. Top to bottom this is one of the better groups head coach Frank Beamer has fielded in his 22 seasons in Blacksburg so it’s no surprise many are whispering (even shouting) about a possible national championship run.

I was at a bar in Blacksburg the night a friend walked up and said, “Darren Evans tore his ACL today, he’s out for the season.”

I wasn’t immediately sure if he was joking but I wasn’t overly concerned. I feel for Darren who was poised to become a household name this year coming off his MVP performance in the Orange Bowl and a 1,265 yard, 11 touchdown redshirt-freshman season.

Most teams would be in big trouble losing that kind of production from a starter unexpectedly, but these Hokies are as deep at tailback as any program in the country.

Freshman Ryan Williams will lead the charge. He was already going to get playing time as Tech backs always split the carries. Now he looks to shoulder the load and live up to the hype generated by his high school credentials and his electrifying performance in spring ball.

Freshman David Wilson who already was looking to return kickoffs will now be thrust into the mix and he may be the fastest of the backs.

I should note that redshirt sophomore Josh Oglesby is currently listed as number one on the depth chart. Honestly though, unless he’s improved a great deal and can hold onto the football a bit better, he’ll be hard pressed to earn the bulk of the caries in this group, but his experience, albeit limited, is comforting.

Oh, there’s also Tyrod Taylor. Taylor ran for 738 yards last season and as a quarterback, is the 6th leading returning rusher on the ACC.

The Techmen always run the ball, control the clock, and then pounce on defense and special teams. It’s not as sexy as the way USC and Texas put people away, but it’s extremely effective.

This year will be no different, but look for the Hokies to throw more as well. Taylor is finally the man at quarterback with the departure of trusted backup and sometimes starter Sean Glennon.
Taytlor’s 13-2 record as a starter and 4 career 100-yard rushing games at QB (tying him with you-know-who) prove he has what it takes to lead the Hokie offense and his receivers will help.

The trio of sophomore wide outs Jarrett Boykin, Danny Coale and Dyrell Roberts all made huge strides towards the end of last season and look to keep that going in ’09.

Greg Boone, Andre Smith and Blacksburg native Sam Wheeler provide depth and talent at tight end and of course Boone will return to his role in the phenomenally named “Wild Turkey” formation.

The 6’3”, 283-pound Boone will continue to bruise defenders for tough yardage running and the former quarterback may even find himself throwing a bit more. Dynamic running back Ryan Williams is also expected to get some looks in this formation.

Defensively the Hokies have to replace some key players in corner Macho Harris and defensive end Orion Martin.

Senior free safety Kam Chancellor looks to anchor the secondary after tallying 52 tackles and two interceptions last season. He’s started 28 consecutive games since the start of the 2007 season.

Up front, redshirt-junior Jason Worilds looks to have a break out season. After recording 62 tackles and 8 sacks last season, he looks to realize his full potential and become a leader along the defensive line.


Tomorrow, I'll most my brief look at each game. In the mean time check out this amazing fan made trailer for the upcoming season: