This week at Canespace (CS) we tracked down the only two educated Hokie fans we could find to ask them five questions about their team and the game this week against Miami. Both of these fans run their own VT blogs titled "Gobbler Country" (GC) and "Fight For The Old DC" (FFTODC) with high quality content that can be found at the links below (where they have posted my reply):
CS: What the heck is that Turkey looking thing you guys have as a mascot and why do they call it a Hokie?
FFTODC: Well, not to shock you guys here, but Hokie Bird is a turkey. The turkey mascot idea came from the idea that our 1890s fatass football team ate too much, so they got the nickname the "Gobblers." Gobbler evolved to turkey, and the name Hokie Bird was slapped on there from an old nonsensical cheer. Makes a whole lot of sense, huh? Although I do take a little offense to the "castrated" turkey thing, because last time I checked, animal mascots with no pants typically don't have testicles.
GC: Look, we've been in the same conference almost 20 years now. Every time we play ABC or ESPN or whoever answers the same "What is a Hokie?" question. Have you guys just not paid any attention as a fan base? I don't ask you why there's a U on your helmet. Why? Because I paid attention in class while you guys were in the back row listening to 2 Live Crew on your Walkmans.
CS: Why can't any of your QB's ever learn to throw the ball? What's up with that?
FFTODC: It's part poor scheme, part poor player development. Although I seem to remember that we won an ACC championship in the OB on Bryan Randall's arm...but I digress...a lot of blame tends to go to OC Bryan Stinespring and QB Coach Mike O'Cain on this issue, but it really comes down to Beamer's core philosophy. He wants to play ball-control offense (read: run the damn ball) and limit mistakes. He's not out to beat teams through the air, which is why we're never built for a comeback. On top of that, the lineman are typically recruited for their run blocking, and therefore struggle in pass protection, which is why our best players in the position aren't typically pocket-passers (read: Sean Big-Head Glennon). Not to ramble, but it's a combination of things, and while we don't WANT our QBs to suck, we don't often give them an opportunity to, well...not suck.
GC: This one actually has a real answer. Our old quarterbacks coach, Kevin Rogers, left after the 2005 season to join Brad Childress' staff in Minnesota. Rogers did a good job developing Bryan Randall and Marcus Vick. His replacement, former NC State head coach Mike O'Cain has done a good job developing not a thing. I hold O'Cain accountable for why Sean Glennon never improved while he was at Virginia Tech and why Tyrod Taylor is in the middle of doing the same. You can't underestimate the value of a good QB coach who can develop talent. It's the most important position on the field so it's also the most important position coach on your staff. We had one of the best in Rogers and we got spoiled. Now O'Cain is running the show and it just hasn't worked out.
CS: I am sure you have heard by now about the "Whiplash" offense at Miami. You can't stop it, you can only hope to contain it. How does VT plan to do that in this game?
FFTODC: Oh we'll contain it. The Hokie defensive stats have been pretty skewed this year considering that we've been playing without our top boundary corner, Stephan Virgil (probably the most important player on defense), and young linebackers against really solid running backs. The defense is typical in that they'll allow one or two big plays, but they hold when necessary (read: Matt Bosher could be very busy). The only reason that did not occur against Alabama was because they were on the field upwards of 40 minutes and were seriously gassed. This defense has already seen top tier running backs in Mark Ingram and Roy Helu, so Cooper and James are not going to intimidate them (although they're both VERY good). This week, look for Foster to stay the course and play the run first. Gap control defense is the name of the game. After that, Foster will try to bring the kitchen sink at Harris, since he has yet to see pressure this season. Our pass rushers are far better than Georgia Tech's, and you'll see that on Saturday. Hokie DEs have typically given Miami tackles fits (read: Chris Ellis, Darryl Tapp, Jim Davis) because of their quickness and technique, and I think that will continue. Jason Worilds is a monster. There might not be a lot of sacks, but they've already forced several holding penalties this year, and the Miami line has their biggest challege so far in Worilds and Nekos Brown. Foster believes his secondary can make up for the pressure in the passing game (which they have done a decent job of so far this year missing Virgil, who will be back). Also, look out for #26 Cody Grimm, also known as the deathbacker. There's a possibility that Harris will know him very well by dinnertime on Saturday.
GC: To me, the way to slow down the Canes' offense this season is with long, sustained drives of your own that keeps it off the field and by putting pressure on Jacory Harris. Harris hasn't faced a lot of pressure so far this year. As we know, he's constantly getting great protection. While Virginia Tech has had a lot of success getting pressure on the quarterback in its first three games, it hasn't had a whole lot of sustained drives. That has to change for the Hokies to win on Saturday.
CS: Special teams, special teams, special teams is all we ever hear about VT. Tell us about your key ST players for 2009?
FFTODC: To be honest, the ST hype hasn't been all that warrented the last few years, but it is this season. With Beamer's Pride and Joy units, opposing teams have to pick their poison. Dyrell Roberts has averaged 45 yards per KO return, and already has taken one to the house. Jayron Hosley has also returned a punt for a score and both are among the nation's leaders in those categories. Team's are now having to figure out whether or not to run max protect against Beamer's block teams. If they do, the punter is safe against some of the most athletic guys VT has ever had to block kicks (specifically Xavier Boyce, Jason Worilds, and Marcus Davis), but they risk a long return. Brett Bowden, our senior punter is 4th in the nation in net punting, and Matt Waldron has yet to miss a field goal. If the Hokie D can keep things close on Saturday, this could be the difference.
GC: I've been really impressed with our punter, Brent Bowden and our kick returner, Dyrell Roberts. Bowden leads the ACC in punting average and has put seven of his 19 punts inside the 20. Roberts already has a kick return for touchdown under his belt and leads the ACC in kickoff return average at just over 48 yards per return. Both teams are excellent in the kicking game and it will be fun to watch the chess match between the two teams' special teams.
CS: Score prediction: Tell us how much VT will lose by? Will it be 10, 20, 30 or more?
FFTODC: Miami wins two freaking games and everyone is all over their nuts. I'm pretty sure that Miami fans should table back their giddiness for now, at least a little bit. Last time I checked, you weren't supposed to be excited about wins over FSU and Georgia Tech because you're the hallowed Miami Hurricanes...geez. That being said there are a lot of things to be excited about, but you haven't really won anything yet. You win Saturday, and you can brag all you want. It is nice to see Miami fans coming out of the woodwork now that you're doing well again. I was beginning to think the school was just paying random bums to fill up the old OB and LandShark (REALLY? Nice name Parrotheads) stadium. Probably a good thing you all have people on your bandwagon again. Whether we're 11-3 or 5-7, we still have a packed house. But then again, it's been a long time since we've been THAT bad.
A lot of people are bringing up the 2003/2005 Miami matchup comparisons. Both games had TERRIBLE Hokie offensive outputs, but the differences between the two (both were blowouts, one for each team) were turnovers, special teams play and discipline. I think either game is possible. In fairness, this is their first flirtation with national praise, and I think it will be interesting to see if they can maintain their poise against a top 15 team on the road (and this ain't Doak, it's Lane...and we're effing crazy). That being said, I am completely split on this. My heart says the offense will be able to scrape out two friendly field position touchdowns (set up by the D or ST) and the defense finally shows their toughness. They've always played better in ACC games, and it's been a long time since Miami romped offensively against them (whether or not Whipple is there, it's still the same athletes that have always been there). These Hokies proven that they can be effective in close games(whether it's pretty or not), and Saturday is effectively for the Coastal Championship.
However, my head says otherwise. Our passing game is ineffective and predictible, and we might not be able to move the ball. Our running backs are very good, but if they don't have help through the air, it'll be a long day. My heart says 20-17 Hokies (mostly because of homefield), and my head says 23-9 Miami. It could be ugly, but I don't expect a blowout either way.
Over the last five years, the biggest difference I've seen between the VT and Miami programs is toughness. The U prides itself on flash and dash, and being athletically superior to everyone on earth...the Hokies are just there to win, however they can do it (and it's often not pretty). We don't have the athletes that Miami does, and I'm the first to admit it, but we have a hell of a head coach, and a hell of a defensive coordinator. I think in order for Miami to be a National Championship contender again, they have learn a little of that scrappiness from the Hokies. I haven't seen this sort of 'want-to' in a Miami team in a long time. For your sake, and the conference's sake, I hope you continue to improve in this area. Just not on Saturday.
GC: It's going to be a tough game for us. Our offense is anemic, like it has been since 2006, and our defense has struggled at defending passes over the middle. If we can mitigate your big plays, we've got a chance. Unfortunately, I just don't see that happening. This one could play out like the 2005 game, except you won't need Marcus Vick to commit six turnovers for it to happen. I'll go with Miami 31, Virginia Tech 10. At least that's what I'm going with Thursday in the "What to Watch" post.
Zoiks!
Posted by: splarfy | September 24, 2009 at 08:02 PM
...and there was great rejoicing
Posted by: splarfy | September 24, 2009 at 08:06 PM
Great Oreo reference...
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090924/BREAKINGNEWS/90924037/1086/Miami+players+++Bandwagon+is+closed++
Posted by: splarfy | September 24, 2009 at 08:08 PM
from last blog
soup the boys have a point.
This is jut my opinion and you can tell m to fug off, there won't be any hard feelings between us.
telling people they don't need to write articles cause someones "got this"
telling people not to paste articles they think are relevant cause its a pain in your azz
telling people to leave the blog to read another blog's feature article cause other blogs can't generate their own traffic..
that thinking isn't "for the fans by the fans,"
that's what is so great here, you made EVERY fan feel welcome and that his opinion was just as important as Lamar Thomas or AJ1
cat 5 has busted hump to promote Canespace.
Now Canespace is too big or too important to make time for the people that made it the success it is.
like I said jmo
peace
Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2009 at 08:09 PM
Good work splarfy, U know what to do.
Posted by: 86Cane | September 24, 2009 at 08:10 PM
oh yeah! Thanks 86
Posted by: splarfy | September 24, 2009 at 08:11 PM
Solar like U said earlier, articles are more fun during the off season. Right now I would have to post 2-3 blogs a day just to get them all published. I can't do that.
I love it when people send me stuff, every single one is a winner. We have Monday and Tuesday each week open for people to submit articles.
U, UMike, DZ8, Bourne and many others have all had stuff published recently. We still have opportunities for the fans to get heard. That will never changes.
What do U think Esteban, OGV, Mary and I are. Nothing but fans!
Cat5 and I are cool, trust me.
Posted by: 86Cane | September 24, 2009 at 08:11 PM
Soiler...thanks for your comments. Your feedback and input is always welcome.
Several people have complained to me via email about the LONG articles. I am just trying to be responsive to the fans.
In our attempts to get others to read here, we have to be willing to go there. It's a home and home series, that's just the way it works.
Now let's talk VT-UM football...
Posted by: 86Cane | September 24, 2009 at 08:18 PM
"U have to watch the Raycom pre-game show on Saturday between 11:30 AM and 12 noon to see the Canespace promo and my big, fat head."
Do make a television camera that big?
I'm just sayin...
Ps: how much for ad space on the side? I'm thinking I can send a barber over and trim out a "My fat a*s loves to eat, so what?!" promo to generate some excitement for my soon to be Travel Channel show.
Posted by: The Truth | September 24, 2009 at 08:19 PM
#4 Ole Miss 3, South Carolina 0
End of the first quarter.
Posted by: 86Cane | September 24, 2009 at 08:22 PM
I know I should be more mature,
....but I HATE when these outsiders think they know our Canes!!
Two seconds into reading their responses, I wanted to find a punch those two and punch their hearts out!!
What makes it even worse, the actually gave unbiased opinions, in turn making me feel more petty.
Posted by: Hurriphin | September 24, 2009 at 08:28 PM
Ps: how much for ad space on the side? I'm thinking I can send a barber over and trim out a "My fat a*s loves to eat, so what?!" promo to generate some excitement for my soon to be Travel Channel show.
Posted by: The Truth | September 24, 2009 at 08:19 PM
U can't afford it, trust me.
Posted by: 86Cane | September 24, 2009 at 08:39 PM
All tied up... Gurley has the dropsies!
Posted by: KLCaneFan | September 24, 2009 at 08:40 PM
U can't afford it, trust me.
Posted by: 86Cane | September 24, 2009 at 08:39 PM
Oh...I dunno 'bout that!
Posted by: The Truth | September 24, 2009 at 08:44 PM
#4 powerhouse ole miss in a 3 to 3 tie with the outranked 'cocks 7 minutes left in the 1st half
this looks really good for us so far
peace
Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2009 at 08:46 PM
Solar we just gotta win!!!!
I have been at the old blog for a while!
Posted by: canechic | September 24, 2009 at 08:55 PM
I have been at the old blog for a while!
Posted by: canechic | September 24, 2009 at 08:55 PM
lol!
your real good at that!
yea we beat V Tech we blow by ole miss in a heartbeat
peace
Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2009 at 08:58 PM
ray lewis with doctor lou in a few minutes
peace
Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2009 at 09:03 PM
I agree canchic we just gotta win!!!
I hope the kids pay little attention to all the conversations about J12 for Heisman or whether we're "back" or not. It's too early for all that mess and totally distracting. The hype's been crazy this week!! I've just chalked it up to everyone missed []_[]s... lol.
Posted by: KLCaneFan | September 24, 2009 at 09:04 PM
Ole Miss needs a Mallett to get in there now.
Posted by: pb(CSROH10) | September 24, 2009 at 09:15 PM
ray lewis with doctor lou in a few minutes
peace
Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2009 at 09:03 PM
i bet "doctor lou" would tells ray he isn't as good as the linebackers he had at notre dame.
Posted by: Daytoncane | September 24, 2009 at 09:16 PM
I know KL it is making me crazy nervous!
Posted by: canechic | September 24, 2009 at 09:18 PM
Here we go... more chatter!!
Posted by: KLCaneFan | September 24, 2009 at 09:19 PM
Swagger.
I haven't heard that about the Hokie key tradition. Are the keys still in their pants pockets when they jingle them, if so, somebody's pulling something and I don't think it's your leg.
Posted by: Old Skool | September 24, 2009 at 09:20 PM
this is it
Posted by: GOT SWAGGER? | September 24, 2009 at 09:20 PM
All this attention from media and now the biggest VT homers you can find pick the Canes!?!? Makes me a little uncomfortable...
Posted by: 404Canes404 | September 24, 2009 at 09:20 PM
http://mobile.seventhfloorblog.com/2009/9/15/1032287/the-u-teaser-clip
7th floor crew.. this will be on ESPN in december
Posted by: GOT SWAGGER? | September 24, 2009 at 09:21 PM
Eating my words about Ole Miss right now... they look very unimpressive...
Posted by: miamimike01 | September 24, 2009 at 09:22 PM
FROM THE LAST BLOG:
http://www.myspace.com/canespace
8142 views, 508 friends!
friend us! leave a comment!
http://www.facebook/canespace
We need U!!
Posted by: miamimike01 | September 24, 2009 at 08:59 PM
anyone ever been to a hokey game?? do u realize that they jingle their car keys when they are going to score or on big 3rd downs??? how about the guy that works the lost and found??? ummm can you describe your keys? we have over 1,000 turned in? that has to be the worst tradition ever
Posted by: Got Swagger? | September 24, 2009 at 09:07 PM
SWAGGER..Welcome to The Space. Post here, post often!
Posted by: 86Cane | September 24, 2009 at 09:22 PM
Posted by: canechic | September 24, 2009 at 09:17 PM
yes, i'm biting my tongue soup,
peace
Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2009 at 09:24 PM
I pray to god Beamer calls up Mark May and adopts the "8 in the box" on first down idea May just spoke of.
Can you imagine Byrd, Hank, Benjamin and AJ one on one all night on first down???
Whew! It's going to fun watching DC's try to defend this O.
Posted by: The Truth | September 24, 2009 at 09:24 PM
blah blah blah u hokies,we heard that same thing about morgan and gt
Posted by: canezilla | September 24, 2009 at 09:25 PM
Oh... my... goodness... what was that???
Posted by: KLCaneFan | September 24, 2009 at 09:26 PM
KL...Don't U worry:
"I GOT THIS!"
Posted by: 86Cane | September 24, 2009 at 09:26 PM
86, ya I know you do!
Posted by: KLCaneFan | September 24, 2009 at 09:30 PM
That KL,
Was a gargantuan helping of rhino sh!t.
Believe me when I tell you all.
NO ONE, outside of the family, wants to REALLY see UM win.
Posted by: Hurriphin | September 24, 2009 at 09:30 PM
shutdown corner??? hahhah okay pick your poison and cover who u want to... u better have 4 shutdown corners! PICK YOUR POISON!
AND THEY STILL HAVE NOT SEEN WHAT TOMMY STREETER IS CAPPABLE OF?
Posted by: GOT SWAGGER? | September 24, 2009 at 09:31 PM
Solar
Tough Ole Miss is a very good line.
For all you WNBA fans, the Shock overcame the Fever which sounds more like a post mortem than a basketball result.
Posted by: Old Skool | September 24, 2009 at 09:35 PM
AND THEY STILL HAVE NOT SEEN WHAT TOMMY STREETER IS CAPPABLE OF?
Posted by: GOT SWAGGER? | September 24, 2009 at 09:31 PM
Yeah, what is going on with The Street Walker? Hurt still? Hasn't played?
AJII is still questionable with a "strained groin". Maybe he shoulda played for the Cocks? LOL
Posted by: SOUP | September 24, 2009 at 09:37 PM
i wouldn't mind sharing blog space with another blogger since mine isn't in text form. can have an article and my "break it down" embedded if that works.
Posted by: Esteban | September 24, 2009 at 09:39 PM
skool thanks,
Whenever Carolina plays it just seems to bring out the best in people on here.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2009 at 09:43 PM
That is the slowest #9 I've ever seen.
Isn't it amazing how bad of an offensive coach Steve Spurrier is now?
Posted by: The Truth | September 24, 2009 at 09:45 PM
All the Gobbler fans want to talk about is the Byrdman, Hank, Coop and JJ and how you can control them
Prepared to be torched by T-Benj and T-Coll on Saturday
Its easy to say you have the gameplan to stop the U and say these other teams dont have what you have
But you cant duplicate our speed in practice. Once you are on the field then you will understand this team isnt hype. We are the real deal with an OC that lets the talent shine
Posted by: Sebastian | September 24, 2009 at 09:46 PM
i was just saying byrd woulda taken that to the house. (my LOF btw)
Posted by: KLCaneFan | September 24, 2009 at 09:46 PM
He also has the dumbest starting QB in the country.
Posted by: The Truth | September 24, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Forston and Smith are out????
Is this not big news???
Posted by: 323Cane | September 24, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Forston and Smith are out????
Is this not big news???
Posted by: 323Cane | September 24, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Regis, Holmes and Vernon will fill in nicely.
Posted by: The Truth | September 24, 2009 at 09:48 PM
jeezuz if Carolina had a QB they would kill these guys
peace
Posted by: solarcane | September 24, 2009 at 09:49 PM
any news on Ojomo?
Posted by: 323Cane | September 24, 2009 at 09:49 PM
i wouldn't mind sharing blog space with another blogger since mine isn't in text form. can have an article and my "break it down" embedded if that works.
Posted by: Esteban | September 24, 2009 at 09:39 PM
Este...I got U set for SOLO spotlight tomorrow at 11 AM. I bumped it up two hours so U get the full MONTY, I mean 24 hour run until 11 AM Saturday when OGV's Short List will run.
Posted by: SOUP | September 24, 2009 at 09:49 PM