I’ve read many football preview mags as I plagiarize assemble my 2009 Big 12 Preview (coming soon!!!!). And I’m annoyed by the lack of quality content available to college fans. Is anyone even trying anymore? This is how the typical Top 25 College Preview team capsule reads:
(INSERT TEAM) had a [GREAT / PROMISING / DISAPPOINTING] season last year, and this year fans in (CITY NAME) feel that [ALL THE PIECES ARE IN PLACE FOR / THEY ARE JUST A FEW LUCKY BREAKS FROM] earning a BCS berth in (YEAR).
(TEAM) returns (INSERT NAMES OF OFFENSIVE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS) and after an additional spring on campus, they should be ready to (BECOME A SUPERSTAR / ELIMINATE LAST YEAR’S MISTAKES). [NEW HEAD COACH OR COORDINATOR, IF APPLICABLE] is bringing a lot of [ENERGY / DISCIPLINE] to practices.
(Insert number of starters) return on defense.
(If returning starters >6, then:) “This is an experienced bunch that will only get better.”
(If returning starters <=6, then:) “(COACH) has recruited a plethora of young talent ready to fill the open positions.”
I’m pretty sure that CFB previews have been outsourced to computer programmers in Bangladesh. How else to explain Virginia Tech in the 2009 Top 10? The Hokies are a team that, despite well-documented weaknesses, is actually being touted by many as a Top 10 team and MNC contender!!! It’s baffling. Look at what Lindy’s says about the Hokies:
“The problems of 2008 — an inconsistent line, inexperience at the skill positions and a quarterback situation that stayed in flux — seem to be in the past…
The junior quarterback [TAYLOR] has the live feet to frustrate any pass rush and is working on improving his accuracy as a passer…
He is surrounded by playmakers, plus a line that has more than 70 combined starts and appears to be more athletic than it has been in the past three seasons…
But the Hokies can pass. They have three sophomore wideouts — Danny Coale, Jarrett Boykin, Dyrell Roberts — who combined for more than 80 catches last season. Tight end Greg Boone gives them a boost after making 22 grabs.
As we suffer through July, we’ll happily read any cocktease of CFB discussion we can find. But what the fuck does that paragraph actually tell you? Nothing of substance. How does any of that prove that Virginia Tech’s problems “seem to be in the past”? It doesn’t.
I know magazine writers are trying to cover 120 FBS teams in 75 pages, and fans today only want sound bites, not analysis. But why not use all this offseason down-time to take IN-DEPTH looks at teams before predicting their success? Maybe schools wouldn’t fire coaches every 3 years if fans had realistic expectations of their teams heading into September…
Look at me, I just suggested that college fans are capable of being rational and logical. I’ll stop now and just move onto my next subject – WHY VIRGINIA TECH WILL DISAPPOINT IN 2009.
1. QB Tyrod Taylor returns – A benefit? Tech fans remain excited about Tyrod Taylor, despite his one-dimensional game and mediocre-to-awful numbers. If you’ve actually watched Tyrod Taylor at all, you’d know that he is NOT GOOD. If you have not watched Tyrod Taylor (lucky you), please consider the following:
2008 STATS: 99-173 (57.2%), 1036 yds, 2 TDs, 7 INTs
BEST GAME OF CAREER (2008 vs Virginia): 12-18, 137 yds, 1 TD
Hokie fans have showered “T-Mobile” (awesome nickname) with excuses, but eventually you have to accept that a guy just isn’t going to become the next Mike Vick. Hell, he isn’t even going to become the next Bryan Randall. Maybe he’s “working on improving his accuracy”…well I’m “working on becoming a millionaire“…that doesn’t change the fact that I’m still clipping grocery coupons.
Many national previews hang VaTech’s 2009 hopes on the miraculous transformation of Taylor into a true dual-threat weapon this season. Some suggest that Tyrod’s passing will shine now that he doesn’t share the backfield with QB Sean Glennon. I’ll believe it when I see it. Oh, and have I mentioned that Taylor is also injury prone? He’s missed time each of the past two seasons due to ankle injuries. And your QB’s health is placed in even more jeopardy when you’ve got…..
2. The Underachieving Hokie O-Line Some preview magazines are actually insane enough to tout Virginia Tech’s offensive line as a TEAM STRENGTH. Lindy’s boasts of VaTech’s 70 returning starts at O-Line!!! wut?? If you have paid any attention, VT’s struggles up front have terrorized this team for at least 2 years. Is it a benefit to return 70 starts / 3 starters on a terrible offensive line?
The Hokie O-Line gave up 42 sacks in ‘08. VaTech attempted only 291 passes. That’s a sack to pass-attempt ratio of 12.81%, WORST IN THE COUNTRY by 2+ percentage points. It was the same story in ‘07.
“Returning starts” is one of the most misleading stats in football, and it’s a horrible indicator of a team’s potential. Let’s look at the projected starting five:
* LT – Ed Wang – SR – 2 year starter…Sounds great! Except for the fact that he’s a former tight end and a former right tackle. This will only be his second year ever at LT.
* LG – Sergio Render – SR – 3 year starter…Best OLineman on the team, 2nd team all-ACC, the real deal. But he’s moving from RG to LG for 2009. So 39 career starts, but none at his current position. It shouldn’t matter too much, but there may be an adjustment. And if he gets hurt, holy fuck. There goes “half” your experience.
C – Beau Warren – JR …Started 2 games in ‘07 and was a backup in ‘08. Almost all of his experience is as a backup, cleaning up in blowouts.
* RT – Blake DeChristopher – SO ….Started 11 games last year, but was thrown into the fire too early. He’s allegedly improving, although the VT website says he split Spring reps with another RT (Lanier). Is that a good sign? A lot of previews suggest he will show his “potential” this year. Based on what? A big leap of faith.
RG – Jaymes Brooks – SO…One career start. A complete unknown. But like everyone else in the offseason, he has “potential”.
So if you count actual starts at current positions, the number of returning starts drops from 74 to 32. Putting together a patchwork line with only one stud doesn’t give me a lot of expectations for 2009. The line may “improve” only because it’s impossible for them to play any worse. But if the Hokies have designs on an MNC run, the O-Line will have to play out of their minds and stay healthy all year long. That, my friends, is a very long shot.
By the way, some suggest that VT gives up more sacks because of their mobile QB. A failed QB draw resulting in a loss of yards is chalked up as a sack. But by that same rationale, can’t you suggest that Taylor also runs his way OUT OF a number of potential sacks? Regardless, the numbers are fucking ugly. Finally, I’ve seen the word “depth” tossed around. Does anyone even read a roster anymore? VTech only has about 7 guys who have ever PLAYED O-Line in a college game. That is not depth, that is simply warm bodies. The Hokies are a key injury or two away from needing duct tape and twine to keep their front 5 in tact.
3. The allegedly “easy” schedule - If you put anyone in a corner about VT, the knee-jerk response is “… but the schedule is easy!” Again, I’m terrified when people use an “easy” schedule as a defense. VaTech seems to find a way every year to stumble through the mediocre ACC and “earn” a BCS bid, but I don’t think VT’s ’09 schedule is easy. Playing Alabama in Atlanta on opening night…is that going to be easy? Superhuman Bama DT Terrence Cody vs. that crummy V-Tech offensive line? That’s going to be easy, if by “easy” you mean “terrifying”.
Alabama may be the worst possible opener for this VaTech team. Both of the major offensive weaknesses will be exposed. Taylor playing in a rambunctious Georgia Dome, against a team with a ferocious D-Line that will manhandle the line, stuff the run, force the pass, and chase Taylor all over the field?
I hope the Hokie D brings that stupid lunchpail to Atlanta, because the VT offense ain’t scoring more than 17. If Tech does get by the Tide, the Tar Heels, Seminoles, and others will also bring strong front 7’s up against the Tech offense. A one-dimensional QB and a flimsy O-Line will not be able to get through them unscathed.
So in conclusion… Take a deeper look at those CFB previews before you quote them as gospel. You never know what the computers, errrr, “experts” are too lazy to mention. Finally, be careful if you’re going to put Virginia Tech in your Preseason Top Ten. I don’t see it. Feel free to tell me I’m wrong, but bring actual knowledge to the table, and not the same tired nonsense about “returning starters”, “energy”, and “offseason improvement”.
This post is tagged Bama, Bangladesh, Beamerball, energy, Enter Sandman, Lazy writers, lunch pail, Preview magazines, returning starters, T-Mobile, Terrence Cody, Tyrod Taylor, VaTech
on 
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well for all who sit in this section here is some news
The Longhorn Foundation is very excited to announce the opening of The Chair Back Club. New for 2009, this donor hospitality club is exclusively for individuals with North End Chair Back seats. These are the only remaining premium, lower level seats available for the 2009 football season.
Located inside DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium on the sixth floor concourse of the Red McCombs Red Zone, this select hospitality area is just steps away from all North End Chair Back sections. From inside this private club, fans are protected from the outdoor elements and will enjoy a beautiful view of north campus.
The Chair Back Club offers several cash bars serving both beer and wine, allowing for individuals to grab a quick pregame drink, refreshments at halftime, or during the game. In addition, specialty food items similar to those offered in other premium seating areas will be available for purchase. North End Chair Back seat holders can start enjoying the club’s amenities when the stadium opens (two hours prior to kick off), through the end of the third quarter.
The Club will also feature picnic and cocktail tables, large fans for climate control, decorative banners for a festive Longhorn atmosphere, and several TV’s to keep up with all the football action.
North End Chair Backs are located in sections 13 through 19 of the North End Zone lower deck and provide a molded-plastic back to all seats, a cup holder, and increased leg room. Containing only 11 rows of seats per section, they offer a semi-private seating area with less congestion than the stadium’s standard seating configuration.
These seats require a minimum $750 per seat annual donation to The Longhorn Foundation in addition to the cost of a season ticket ($375 for 2009). The donation is 80% tax deductible and is used to pay off the bonds for the stadium’s recent renovation.
To reserve your North End Chair Back seats and learn more about the new Chair Back Club, please call our office at (512) 471-4439
Hi, Virginia Tech fans. I guess someone has linked this post to your boards.
Please enjoy your stay here, and please try not to mention the 1995 Sugar Bowl. That game never happened. Ok, thanks, bye!
I’m not sold on Alabama. They leaned heavily on John Parker Wilson (who really just didn’t make mistakes). But behind him, who do they have? I doubt someone who can effectively get the ball to Julio Iglesias Jones.
Was I dreaming…didn’t I see some V-tech fan post a response to your blog on here? Where did it go? I was hoping to read it for the chuckle factor
It didn’t trackback for some reason, but here is the blog response to my VT post:
http://www.gobblercountry.com/2009/7/21/954948/an-outsiders-guide-to-the-2009
matt, i am impressed that he was able to pick up on the fact that you are ignorant and a tool just by reading one of your blogs. It took me a lot longer to figure that out about you.
Well we all remember (or at least I do) when I proclaimed that 2003 Auburn would not be good, and would get crushed by USC. I got all that hate mail from Auburn fan, and then what happened?
USC – 23 Auburn – 0
Georgia Tech – 17 Auburn – 3
None of those Auburn fans ever came back to apologize after that.
And yes, I recognize that one correct call in 6 years qualifies as a blind squirrel finding an acorn. Let’s just say this blind squirrel just found another acorn, and it’s called Virginia Tech.
I have read a lot of comments along the line of Alabama “leaning on” John Parker Wilson in 2008, and nothing could be further from the truth. If you rewind back to preseason 2008, JPW was seen as a liability. His performance in 2008 was not All-American caliber…he was a serviceable QB with experience.
Alabama was ranked 97th in the country in passing offense in 2008, and Wilson only threw 9 touchdowns on the season. He was modestly efficient, but his yards per attempt was only 6.99. His replacement is a redshirt junior with a stronger arm and better mobility.
The same analysis could be made of the runningback situation. Coffee was not even the starter in 2007, and not seen as a great RB. Ingram shows far more potential entering his second year, and there is more depth than at any point in memory.
The Offensive line is a concern for many – and a valid one. Smith was a great one. Juco star OL James Carpenter and incoming frosh DJ Fluker will shore up the line. True Fluker is a true freshman, but Andre Smith started as a freshman. At 6’7″ – 365# (and not flabby) Fluker has more physical potential than any lineman I have ever seen. The guy runs a 4.9/40 and is incredibly strong.
Not enough is being made of this being Jim McElwain’s second season as OC. Fresno State fans hated losing him, and had nothing but good things to say about him – and in year 1 it was easy to see why. The difference he made in his first season was marked.
I am with Matt on this. I really think Alabama will expose VT.
Now that’s a first post. Well done.
Not just because you agreed with me, either.
JPW was a “game manager”. In other words, he wasn’t very good. But he didn’t fuck things up either. He was a poor man’s Jay Barker.
Interesting how you emphatically mention Tyrod Taylor as being NOT GOOD. I’ll be the first to
agree his passing numbers to date are garbage, but if you had done just a hint of research
beyond his passing numbers, you’d see his career record as a starter is 13-2. Yes, 13 wins
and 2 losses. As a true sophmore. Pretty obvious that this guy is….a winner. Being a winner
doesn’t necessarily equate to having great passing numbers (see Roethlisberger, Ben).
Extreme example, I know. But if you are a college grad you should understand my point.
Tyrod gets it done by making TIMELY plays, with his feet and with his arm. A guy like Tyrod
doesn’t need a great O-line. And hell, with this garbage O-line you speak so highly of, we still
fielded a 1200 yard running back (who was a freshman last year). The numbers don’t
always tell the whole story, Richard. Or is it Matt?
Time will tell whether Tyrod becomes a better passer, but in the meantime keep watching
him WIN game after game after game after game, as a great athlete who makes plays.
Who knows what will happen at the Georgia dome on Sept 5th, but lest we forget Bama is
fielding a QB who has ZERO career starts, while VT has a kid who is 13 – 2 and seems to
play pretty well against the best competition. And last I checked VT’s D was a damn good,
opportunistic defense that thrives on turnovers and .
Gitty up.
Wow is this post serious? It seems a little over the top not to mention harsh. My first question is how does Matt know so much about VT from Texas. Has he been watching ACC games? and if he has, that begs another question. Why is a Texas fan watching ACC games, but ill give a response a try here.
First issue is documented weakness on VT. Not sure if you mean the team has issues or if the team has been historically weak. VT has been a consistent top 10 team the last decade with the same or similiar issues on several of their teams. 5/10 years to be exact with the other years still finishing the season ranked. Not sure what is hard to believe that they couldnt be again especially when they have recruited better the past few seasons.
I agree that expecations of improvement and player development is rampid among alot of teams but don’t ya think its because it exists. I mean a player grows and improves which probably has more to do with learning his teams system than anything else. It is an assumption because it occurs frequently but not as much as some teams like. VT for example had expectations of an improved offensive line last year and as you noted they were dismal for most of the season. They did show some promise late though as the offense performed better in its last two games so that could be the cause for some hope. Assuming there will be no improvement is just as baseless as assuming there should be.
It is also true that Tech converts other players to the OL positions which could be a sign of desparation to field a good line but he has been somewhat successful at it when he tried it. Duane Brown, 1st round pick and by all measure Wang will be NFL bound too so there is a good chance that wont be a failure. Overall i cant argue with you on the OL. They have stunk up the joint and probably the reason they have been bad on offense. This year they think they have more football ready players at those positions at least as far as depth is concerned so we will have to wait and see but iam pretty sure that your figure of 7 lineman is well short for this roster. I will challenge you to look at any roster and tell me what team is not ranked on some expectations from unproven players. You make it sound like VT is the only one with question marks. Doesnt Alabama have 3 new offensive lineman to contend with?
What i relaly find perplexing is your admission that the OL stinks but your failure to recognize that that could have been the problem for Taylor. You have already discarded Taylor as not good but have you seen any of their games? Without Taylor they most likely would not have won the ACC the past two seasons. He completed 57% of his passes and had to do a great many of them on the run. He has been their offense for the most part. In fact you can substitute probably any other QB in the nation and I bet they wouldnt have done as well as Taylor did with that offense. I fail to see how his stats are really that bad all things considered and he is 13-2 as a starter. Maybe he doesn’t have to improve all that much becuase he already is not bad as it is but hasn’t had a reasonable chance to prove it. Could be the same case this year but VT fans feel otherwise.
Your comment of “Stupid lunchpail” sounds like sour grapes. Not sure what you have against the Hokies. The Sugarbowl was too long ago to carry any ill feelings and Texas has been better since but it sounds like you have it out for them to me. Fact is they were young last year and finished 15th and were playing their best football near the end of the season so where would you rank them to start the season?
so the only proof that Taylor is great is the fact that he is 13-2 as a starter. They are 13-2 in his 15 starts despite him playing. like redskin said, “you can substitute probably any other QB in the nation and I bet they wouldnt have done as well as Taylor did with that offense.” the reason that statement is true is because he is so bad that in fact any other Div. I QB could come in and “lead” the team to 13 wins in 15 games. Maybe good defense and special teams had something to do with winning those games. I will admit that Taylor’s handoffs are very well executed, so as long as he does that you guys will be fine this year.
and, yes, i have seen him play. because, despite living in the great state of Texas, I have what people around here call a television. and on this television, they show many college football games on saturdays during the fall. and for some unknown reason ESPN/ABC thinks that I need to see every single ACC game, so i am forced to suffer through watching Tyrod like the rest of the nation.
three points…
1st, woodsheder is right. we watch quite a bit of ACC football here b/c of the fact that it is usually on before our games. ABC regional games and/or the 11am CST espn/espn2 game.
2nd, is woodsheder really defending matt? oh my………………..
3rd, matt must be very good at google meta-tagging to get fans from the ACC and alabama to actually visit his blog. impressive.
“I have read a lot of comments along the line of Alabama “leaning on” John Parker Wilson in 2008, and nothing could be further from the truth. If you rewind back to preseason 2008, JPW was seen as a liability. His performance in 2008 was not All-American caliber…he was a serviceable QB with experience.”
bigfan, the proof is in the pudding. if john parker wilson was your best bet to win games last year then that speaks volumes to your current crop of QBs. how did they not beat him out beforehand?
unless you guys had the next coming of Branndon Stewart like a&m did 10 years ago. i mean Brannnnnnndon Stewart was good enough to beat Peyton Manning if not for Peyton’s last name. but unfortunately for a&m, Brannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnndon had to sit out 1 year before playing at a&m due to transfer rules.
so unless Bama has the next coming of Brannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnndon Stewart, then i have to wonder why JPW played so much last year.
My point about anyone coming in and replacing Taylor for VT was that no one could have done it without fast legs. Tebow, Mcoy, Bradford i doubt would have succeeded. I contend that its difficult to gauge Taylor’s passing ability when he did not have the luxury of dropping back in a pocket for most of the season without it collapsing before a passing route could develop. He was on the run for most of the game. Any of the top QBS i mentioned i doubt would have been able to do what Taylor did, produce points from an inept offense and yield a conference champion. All in all 55% completion is not that bad to me considering that . I dont see VT winning the ACC without his skills. He made timely plays that beat UNC and GT. He may or may not be a good passer at the college level but I don’t see how anyone can call him a bad football player and i am sorry but most QB’s are measued by wins and record more than stats.
Well do you think that the Va Tech offensive line is going to improve so much this year that Taylor will finally have the luxury of a pocket? I don’t.
And I remain unconvinced that Taylor can do extreme aerial damage even if he DOES have all day to throw.
Well unfortunately it doesn’t look like this debate will ever be fairly settled, due to this big news out of Blacksburg:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/08/11/evans.virginia.tech.ap/index.html?eref=sircrc
That is a huge, huge loss for the Va Tech offense. They have a young guy coming in, but Evans was going to be the meat and potatoes of that offense.
Totally unconvinced is one thing but you seem to be convinced that Taylor can’t and i just dont see how you can get an informed decision of that first without watching all the games which i doubt you have done and second because of the protection issues. I am not sure the offensive line will dramatically improve but there is optimism of such as there is more depth and talent coming in on the OL this year than in previous years. Also there was noticeable improvement in the last two games against decent defenses to give some glimmer of hope. If the line doesnt improve, Taylor should still have more offensive weopons to help him than he did last year. FYI Evans was a great back and will be again but Tech is loaded at the position and i doubt will drop off any. In fact it could improve with the emergence of two young heralded backs. I do give you credit for putting a scathing opinion out there on the team when it can be disproved in the first game of the season, though, definately balsy, but i assume you will change your opinion if they beat Bama who is loaded.
If Virginia Tech beats Alabama, I promise you I will have good things to say about VaTech.
However, with this comment, “Evans was a great back and will be again but Tech is loaded at the position and i doubt will drop off any. In fact it could improve with the emergence of two young heralded backs.” I fear that you’re falling into the most famous offseason trap of all.
Everyone always discounts the losses on their favorite team, and they overhype the incoming guys on their favorite team. Evans came in and was awesome as a freshman, but you can’t expect that to happen every year.
I’m not saying it can’t happen. I’m just much more pessimistic. But it can happen. I know in 2004 after Texas looked like shit against Missouri, everyone was off the Vince Young bandwagon. Then he went to Lubbock to play a Tech team that was on fire. Everyone said Tech would hang 70 on us, but VY played awesome, won that game going away, and won all the rest of his games in his college career.
“I hope the Hokie D brings that stupid lunchpail to Atlanta, because the VT offense ain’t scoring more than 17. ”
For the record…Virginia Tech scored 24 points, but 7 were on a kickoff return for TD. So I was exactly right with my limit of 17 pts.
[...] “I’m just kidding” kind. Despite Tyrod Taylor looking terrible against Alabama (what a surprise) and Marshall throwing for over 300 yards in a win over Southern Illinois, I see the Hokies having [...]
Well you were right! Hokies stunk up the joint. Still not sure it was Taylor though as the receivers didnt get much separation all night against Bama. The offensive line looked somewhat better to me as Taylor had adequate not abundant time most of the night. RB’s looked good as i thought, especially Williams. Overall i would be surprised if this teams struggles offensively this year. They are not likely to play a defense like Bama’s again and i think Taylor can actually progress this year with a decent offensive line. He did not have that the last two years. He also hasn’t had the backs he has this year barring injury no disrespect to Evans. I think by season’s end he can prove to be an adequate passer. You don’t get a 5th recruiting star if you don’t have potential with your arm but his progress has been slowed at VT. I think Tech did bring their defense to play. Despite the skewed yardage for bama most of which came in the 4th quarter, VT held a great offense in check most of the night until they wore down late in the game that is.