Editor's Note: This article was written for Canespace by blogger J.W.
It’s not because of their winning record against Miami since 1995.
It’s not due to the fact that we have the indignity of being their only win against a team ranked in the Top 5 at the time of the game. (2003).
It isn’t even how their run of success against us began when they broke our QB’s leg (Ryan Collins 1995), or even how they defeated us in the de facto ACC championship game in 2004, the only time we actually competed for the title. No, hatred for Virginia Tech is more visceral for us.
We hate them mostly because of their attitude about us, prominently displayed when Assistant Coach Charley Wiles told Juwan Blue “You want to go to a program that wins bowl games, a clean program that dominates in the ACC.” To Wiley, Virginia Tech espouses all of these attributes while Miami has none.
For those who don’t remember this gem, Juwan Blue will be a freshman on the 2012 University of Miami football team. He verbally committed to attend Virginia Tech, realized that Miami offered him a better opportunity and was closer to home, and thus chose to sign his letter of intent with UM. Chalk one up for Head Coach Al Golden. Charlie Wiley accused young Mr. Blue of “lying to me,” taking a cue for the All-time Idiot Lou Holtz.
Charley Wiley said what we’ve all known. Virginia Tech is one of several schools that will use whatever negative recruiting tactics they can against UM to pluck talented young players whom they hope we overlook. And they think they are better than us; not on the football field, we would all concede that the most recent Miami teams have lagged far behind Virginia tech, but in the culture of their team.
Virginia Tech recruits against Miami by not just implying, but overtly calling us a dirty team. They hypocritically ignore the facts that for years, Va. Tech has had more players with a criminal record than Miami:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/the_bonus/02/27/cfb.crime/index.html.
Arrests for Viginia Tech football players have exceeded those at Miami for more than a decade as well. Miami may be the big bad city to anyone in Northwestern Virginia, but Newport News seems to have more than their fair share of characters as well. And we don’t need to name names, it’s not our style.
As for winning bowl games, Tech is 8-11 since 1993. They have lost their past two games, much like Miami did under Shannon (yes, we lost 3 in a row.) But let’s look at games that matter that is national championship games: Miami has won 5. Miami has lost 3, 4 if you want to count the 1994 Orange Bowl. VT has won none. And lost it’s only shot at the title (2000 Sugar Bowl vs. Florida State, 46-29). For a school that touts bowl wins, it’s funny that Virginia Tech’s best season (1999) wouldn’t be considered a special one for Miami. (See 1992 Canes, who finished 12-1 and lost to Alabama in the Sugar Bowl).
VT prides itself on staff stability, and while literally true, how much of this stability is due to loyalty as opposed to lack of opportunity for some of these guys? Tech’s offense hasn’t been noted for its creativity, ever, and when was the last time you heard a VT offensive assistant on any team’s short list for head coach? On Defense, Bud Foster typically has a very good defense, in regular season games. His name is bandied about as a coaching candidate every single off-season. Yet he never gets the offer, while others without the credentials do. (see UNC, Clemson, Maryland for examples).
As for developing talent at Virginia Tech, you don’t see toom any first-round draft picks coming out of the school; David Wilson became the 9th tech player ever selected in the first round in the 2012 NFL draft.
Anyone remember when Miami had 6 in one year? Or 14 years in a row with at least 1 first round pick?
Yet, this is the school that thinks we are unworthy. Yes, they fill their stadium against most opponents, but the school is located in the freaking town of Blacksburg! Blacksburg is 45 minutes from Roanoke, and closer to West Virginia then Washington D.C. They aren’t competing with world-class beaches, four professional sports teams, and a night life like no other in South Beach.
And don’t get me started on game day traditions. The Hokie walk to the stadium is a nice tradition. Jumping around like 5-year olds to a Metallica song stolen from Mariano Rivera isn’t. The Hokie is supposedly some kind of a wild turkey. Wow, a bird most famous for being rejected as the symbol of the United States of America. Too bad they didn’t have a bird brave enough to wait until the last possible minute to evacuate before a Hurricane destroys everything in its path close to Blacksburg.
Miami is not perfect, we have made our share of questionable decisions and will pay the price for the sins of a rogue booster that we may or may not have known more about in the near future.
However, Miami is still a King in College football:
Viginia Tech is not, nor is it on the verge of becoming one. Over the years that Miami has struggled, VThas still not been able to take advantage. Yes, they win conference titles. But national prominence always eludes. Tech's out of conference schedule is an annual joke, and the few elite teams they play typically find a way to win. And then there are the bi-annual choke fests against seemingly undermanned ACC teams. This is not the resume of a team that is better than Miami.
So yes, we hate you, Virginia Tech.
We hate your nickname, we hate your traditions, we hate those hideous uniforms, but mostly we hate your condescension. But now, we have a coach who is on to you, VT. He not only took Juwan Blue away from you, he nearly beat you, despite having no defense, a broken QB, and a roster of disinterested leftovers from the previous regimes.
As Coach Golden himself said, enjoy it while you can, Hokies. Golden beat you on the recruiting path, give him a couple of more years and we’ll see who’s better, and who’s best.
Remember this name: RB Tony Pittman
http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=6363215
Posted by: 86Cane | July 18, 2012 at 10:58 AM
The key to beating VT this year will be:
Shutting down their running game.
Make their QB beat us with His arm.
And getting ours on offense...SIMPLE!!!
Posted by: CaneRock | July 18, 2012 at 11:02 AM
Wow..went from the joy of a $85k sale of my business, to no sale at all to perhaps losing the business all together to talks of divorce..all i about 48 hours....good times! When the hell does football start!!!!
Posted by: UMike | July 18, 2012 at 11:02 AM
The University of Miami has dismissed senior Ray-Ray Armstrong from the football team. Armstrong can continue to be enrolled as a scholarship student at UM to complete his degree or the University will grant him a full release should he elect to transfer to another institution.
Posted by: 86Cane | July 18, 2012 at 11:05 AM
I guess that means Bush will play early.
Posted by: CaneRock | July 18, 2012 at 11:09 AM
Wow ray ray. And he just missed that supplementAl draft wish him the best but damn. Crazed hype never translated to the field. Well Deon bush.. Come on down
Posted by: Q | July 18, 2012 at 11:11 AM
"The University of Miami has dismissed senior Ray-Ray Armstrong from the football team. Armstrong can continue to be enrolled as a scholarship student at UM to complete his degree or the University will grant him a full release should he elect to transfer to another institution."
Wow. Holy Wow.
We need Deon Bush now.
Posted by: LB | July 18, 2012 at 11:12 AM
Hassan...Gotta say: U were right. Might as well tell them all of what U know now?
Posted by: 86Cane | July 18, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Welppppp guess a scholarship just opens up for you Dante phillips
Posted by: Q | July 18, 2012 at 11:15 AM
It's official. He's off the UM roster site as well.
Posted by: LB | July 18, 2012 at 11:16 AM
Best of luck ray ray. Disappointed to hear that. Always wish the best for Miami players especially one that chose to come back when his peers bailed. But you gotta keep your nose clean especially when the NCAA is all over you (if the rumors are true).
Best of luck ray ray
Posted by: The What | July 18, 2012 at 11:22 AM
Dam Ray Ray... Smh
Posted by: CoCane | July 18, 2012 at 11:33 AM
That figures. Just continues the trend of the 5 star curse. What a flipping waste and really Al gave this dude all kinds of rope and naturally when you do that, they hang themselves. Next is SeanTrelle, is he going to keep the curse alive?
Posted by: herbieibis | July 18, 2012 at 11:41 AM
How many times have I reiterated:
5 star players, 5 star issues. I believe I recall a lengthy one-sided conversation to that effect.
However, when you get a player with a 5 star attitude, a 5 star heart, and a 5 star love for the U (Chickillo)...
...you get results.
Posted by: LB | July 18, 2012 at 11:46 AM
Slightly off-topic:
There are no such things as victimless crimes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkH-qP2Rygs
Posted by: LB | July 18, 2012 at 11:58 AM
If I was Goldie, I'd stand in front of the whole team and ask one simple question,"Does everyone get the point". I got my dam broom out and I'm ready to sweep you supposed idiot super-stars out the door. Yes we are NFL football factory but you have to pay the price first before you walk out or get thrown out the door to superstardom. You guys that are all about me, your day has come and gone. You will work your Azz off or you will be gone, no more red carpet treatment. Some of those guys that left early probably could of been first rounders had they stayed but they thought more highly of themselves, than the NFL did, so which would you rather be a 1ST rounder or a tweener round Pick? The choice is yours, well wait a minute, the choice ain't yours, if you don't care where you get drafted then you will be gone because that means you ain't working hard enough, you're trying to cruz on my watch & that ain't happening! Now that we have that straight anymore questions?
Posted by: curseofthe5star | July 18, 2012 at 12:00 PM
Well Dante Phillips to UT...... guess we got an extra schooly for a baller this year.
Ray Ray was my favorite player on the team i had faith he was going to turn it up this year. Its a damn shame but i wish him the best somewhere else.
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | July 18, 2012 at 12:02 PM
Sorry to hear Ray Ray is moving on but as they say...
next man in......
Posted by: longtimecanefan | July 18, 2012 at 12:19 PM
This makes me sad. RR was one of my favorite players, but unfortunately, his head isn't on straight. Good riddance to bad seeds, I guess.
On the bright side, there's a guy named Deon Bush who works harder than RR, doesn't have the self-entitlement RR has, nor does he have the hype that RR had to try to (and failed at) living up to.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 18, 2012 at 12:24 PM
Ohio,
Thanks, I kinda figured that. What about VH3??
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville | July 18, 2012 at 12:27 PM
to, if I recall correctly, they're the ones that dropped a beer keg on Randy Shannon's when He was the DC.
Posted by: CaneRock | July 18, 2012 at 09:28 AM
I believe that the "keg incident" happened at the Miami/WVU game when Termaine Mack blocked the punt with 15 seconds left and Miami won 10-7
Posted by: HawaiiCane | July 18, 2012 at 12:28 PM
I have a respectful hatred of FSU because they never run from us...but I loathe Florida and Virginia Tech....
Posted by: badbart | July 18, 2012 at 12:28 PM
Good morning folks! Great day at the CA State Fair- the canespace shirt was a big hit, Soup- I can't believe how many Canes fans are around here, I hardly ever run into any. :)
Please don't demean VT and make it sound like UF or FSU. It is not.
Posted by: SJMPARMAN
SJM- I hope you didn't get the impression I was attacking the school, just having some fun with their football team!) Sorry about the Northwestern/Southwestern thing, I should have figured that one out. But like CEO said, we need our guys to hate the opponents again, we'll respect them after the games are over. :)
Posted by: j.w. | July 18, 2012 at 12:33 PM
UMIke what the heck is going on?
Posted by: CGNC | July 18, 2012 at 12:35 PM
solar - welcome back brah, been too long
UMike - keep your head up, hopefully things will simmer down, sounds like it got heated very quickly (as things usually do when it comes to anything monetary) .. hopefully cooler calmer heads will prevail and talk out the issues at hand
Posted by: Six | July 18, 2012 at 12:37 PM
Who the hell is Ray Ray Armstrong?
No loss in cutting bait with that kid
Only people that are sad are OCoordinators in the ACC b/c they might have to actually consider not using playaction or any kind of play where the halfback gets the ball on a sweep & then throws it to someone downfield as much anymore
Still laughing about going to a certain steakhouse, ordering chicken and then tweeting about it. What a dumbass
Posted by: Six | July 18, 2012 at 12:40 PM
I guess my quite summer has gone away... oh well!
Posted by: HawaiiCane | July 18, 2012 at 12:45 PM
"If I was Goldie, I'd stand in front of the whole team and ask one simple question,"Does everyone get the point". I got my dam broom out and I'm ready to sweep you supposed idiot super-stars out the door. Yes we are NFL football factory but you have to pay the price first before you walk out or get thrown out the door to superstardom. You guys that are all about me, your day has come and gone. You will work your Azz off or you will be gone, no more red carpet treatment."
From what was told by Golden, work ethic shouldn't have been a problem. Dude got a black shirt and was first on the "workers" when Golden responded to such questions.
Furthermore, I don't think Golden has to say anything. This speaks loud enough.
Posted by: LB | July 18, 2012 at 12:46 PM
UMike, very sorry to hear this. Hoping your situations clear themselves up quickly and painlessly.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 18, 2012 at 12:49 PM
LB, agreed.
Ray Ray didn't have a problem with work ethic this year. He was working his tail off.
Also agreed that no words need spoken by Golden. The empty chair in the meeting room, empty locker, and Sean Taylor's jersey number being available should speak volumes.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 18, 2012 at 12:51 PM
RRA = dumb ass
Posted by: raizecane | July 18, 2012 at 12:57 PM
#26...
Sean Taylor= tragic end
Anthony Reddick= FIU helmet man
Ray Ray Armstrong= _________
Posted by: LB | July 18, 2012 at 01:01 PM
Ray Ray Armstrong = _________
Posted by: LB | July 18, 2012 at 01:01 PM
-----------------------------------------
The Seventh Floor said it best: "Upper Extremity Injury", AKA his head.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 18, 2012 at 01:16 PM
Phil Steel's Heisman picks for 2012:
http://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/2012/July12/DBJuly18.html
Posted by: 86Cane | July 18, 2012 at 01:18 PM
Amy Campbell@MsAmyCampbell
2013 DE Maquedius Bain says he's no longer committed to #FSU
Tee hee, tee hee! ;-)
Posted by: 86Cane | July 18, 2012 at 01:21 PM
First of all I wish Ray Ray Armstrong good luck in school and in his football career if he is allowed back to the U for his Pro Day i will wish him well. So people on this blog know a few current players and i can tell you that the only reason Seantrell is back on the team is he was voted back by the players..... Ray Ray has some NCAA issues and this call was not made by Golden.....
anyways ask skreetz how is Deon Bush looking?
Posted by: Hassan | July 18, 2012 at 01:25 PM
For Bain:
The depth chart is a lot more attractive at Coral Gables.
Heisman:
Landry Jones is not a safe bet. It could be argued that the Sooners play 7-8 quality opponents. Not a safe bet at all.
I really like Barkley. In some aspects, more than Luck. The schedule isn't as bad as Oklahomas, as they get the Ducks at home. They also go to transitional Stanford.
My feelings on the 2012 FSU schedule are well known. EJ Manuel for Heisman? Hilarious.
Wisconsin's schedule looks REALLY good. They don't play Michigan in the regular season. Montee Ball?
I never take West Virginia seriously, so that's out for Geno Smith.
I have no idea who to predict. A sleeper, perhaps? I'll bet against Jones due to schedule and the unbroken propensity for the Sooners to lose a winnable conference game. Other than that...
...Ryan Willams?
Posted by: LB | July 18, 2012 at 01:34 PM
Ray Ray has some NCAA issues and this call was not made by Golden.....
Posted by: Hassan | July 18, 2012 at 01:25 PM
------------------------------------------
Heard this a few weeks ago. Preferred to not believe it.
86 can tell me if he wants me to post what I heard. Probably the same thing U know/heard, Hassan.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 18, 2012 at 01:34 PM
LMAO @...
"And don’t get me started on game day traditions. The Hokie walk to the stadium is a nice tradition. Jumping around like 5-year olds to a Metallica song stolen from Mariano Rivera isn’t."
o man, that was great. And it feels good to post on here again. I was gone for a while, a long while. I kinda had to be away to concentrate on planning for that thing where you say "I do". And Twitter doesn't help either, that's another reason I've been missin, Papa Cane is the man on Twitter so it feels like I don't miss a beat.
Sup spacers, hope all is well. And regarding this whole Ray Ray thing all I have to say is this...never EVER has one person been bigger than the U. And when have we fallen without not only getting up, but getting up and comin back with a fury?!?!?
I wish him the best, relly do. I just hope nobody was surprised by his dismaissal, after all, it was his THIRD booster/agent related issue in a year. Enough is enough...
Plus, it just guarantees a Carter commitment next Monday.
U guys ever notice that all the problems we've had with guys have all beeen Randy's boys? Hmmm...
w/e man on to the next one, can't wait for kickoff!!!
#goCanes
Posted by: dadesfynest83 | July 18, 2012 at 01:36 PM
PS - With all this stuff going on, I forgot about the above post... Very nice article, JW! Well done!
Sorry for the late props
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 18, 2012 at 01:37 PM
I turned on the WQAM stream for 5 minutes (first time since Sid left). The very first thing I hear?
Laz from Cutler Ridge.
That dude is a media monster. He's the Christopher Lee of Canes fans. He's everywhere.
Posted by: LB | July 18, 2012 at 01:45 PM
Ohio bro spill the beans on what you know....I believe 86 already gave Hassan the green light on it....
Ill be shocked if the players really voted against keeping ray ray but decided to keep henderson, man that mustve been heartbreaking and a reality check if true.
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | July 18, 2012 at 01:46 PM
If there are NCAA issues, there's nothing the players can do to help.
Posted by: LB | July 18, 2012 at 01:50 PM
"Plus, it just guarantees a Carter commitment next Monday."
Armstrong was a senior. Carter is in the class of 2013.
Posted by: LB | July 18, 2012 at 01:51 PM
wow...yea to know that ur brothers don't want you to go to war w/ them kinda sux. I mean, that wreaks of an attitude problem...
dam man...
Think this...
what does Golden's decision to allow him to transfer ANYWHERE say? To me it says, go ahead (fill in the blank), deal with the headache if u dare. wow man, just wow
Posted by: dadesfynest83 | July 18, 2012 at 01:52 PM
yea LB I'm jus sayin...on to the next one...
I'm willing to bet we lead the nation in landing 5 star players that've just not panned out
#gocanes
Posted by: dadesfynest83 | July 18, 2012 at 01:59 PM
"Think this...
what does Golden's decision to allow him to transfer ANYWHERE say? To me it says, go ahead (fill in the blank), deal with the headache if u dare. wow man, just wow"
It's not surprising. Golden knows what he's doing.
"I'm willing to bet we lead the nation in landing 5 star players that've just not panned out"
Heh. I assumed you missed the debates?.
Posted by: LB | July 18, 2012 at 02:02 PM
UpNorth...just to summarize what Ohio and Hassan both "know" are some additional details that the current issue "allegedly" has to deal with agents (again) and $$$ (again). Hassan even had some "evidence" he emailed me from a source and Da Skreetz gave us some 411 that I purposely chose NOT to post on the blog because nothing was "official" yet.
I wasn't going to put it out there until we had confirmation from Golden or UM which basically came today when Ray Ray was released by UM. We are VERY careful NOT to put players or negative news out on "front street" until it comes directly from UM.
That is called "responsible reporting". We don't want to be FIRST we want to be RIGHT.
Posted by: 86Cane | July 18, 2012 at 02:03 PM
If there is any issue with Seantrel, it definitely involves his love for the maui wowie.
Posted by: conch salad | July 18, 2012 at 02:07 PM
Lots of drama today.
F
Nice article jw.
Best of luck UMike
Kinda sad if your own teammates vote you out. I really do feel bad for ray ray. I really hope he finds great success on and off the field. It's one thing for your coaches to lose confidence in you. It's another when it's your teammates.
Posted by: The What | July 18, 2012 at 02:08 PM