Cheers and Cheers: Virginia Tech vs. Miami

While there are certainly plenty of things to complain about from Virginia Tech's 34-17 loss to No. 13 Miami, I'm not going to do it. I'm not going to chirp about the dreadful officiating that was an embarrassment to the conference, or the terrible broadcast which lost track of the ball several times among other things. I won't even mention when Kyron Drones ran out of bounds on 4th down without even attempting a pass. No, this week we're staying positive because no amount of disappointment on the field can distract from the massively positive week for Hokies football. So let's clink glasses and give three cheers (or more) for Tech football. Unfortunately for both QBs, the offensive line can't seem to pass block for either of them so they need to bring their dancing shoes to Charlottesville.  

Cheers

It was fun to see Pop Watson come off the bench and seize the moment late in the game. His first pass was a beautiful 50-yard connection with Ayden Greene, and his rushing touchdown made things very interesting for a few minutes to close the game. Like many players on this roster, Pop is a guy who works and plays hard but has limitations. His future in football will be elsewhere but it's great to see him rewarded a bit for being a dutiful backup to a guy who can't throw. I still expect Kyron Drones to start the final game but I hope Pop gets some run at least. He has a little juice and gave the team real energy when he came in. He didn't appear afraid to at least try and sling it when he had time.  

Pop, Pop!

Final Thoughts

Run Like The Wind

Once again the Hokies proved their mettle as a dominant rushing team. Tech racked up 194 yards against the Canes and their top-five ranked run defense. As multiple colleagues have pointed out, Tech can move the ball pretty between the 20s. It's in the red zone where the issues begin due to the lack of a passing attack. Marcellous Hawkins was electric once again but got banged up and fell out of the rotation after only eight carries. That gave an opportunity to freshman Jeff Overton who showed out with a nifty 38-yard touchdown run. Despite some of the issues with production this season, there are a solid number of players on offense who I hope are retained by James Franklin. Overton is at or near the top of the list.

For the majority of the year I'm like the Don Draper meme above. UVA doesn't bother me all that much most of the time, I just find them harmless and funny. I instead condense all of my hate into football game week each year. Perfect timing for the holidays! The Hokies have a chance to do a very funny thing by ruining UVA's charmed season by handing out yet another loss at Lane Stadium north. I actually tend to think it's going to happen. Tech has a lot to play for as the roster is essentially in open try out mode and what better way to audition that taking down a ranked rival? So pick out your victory cigar and limber up to storm the field, its rivalry season and the Hokies are on the prowl. 

The Hokies were outclassed against Miami but they held their own. The Hurricanes are far more talented with better depth as well. Virginia Tech fought hard and made it interesting thanks to Pop and one of the better onside kicks in recent memory. 

I never really imagined a day when a Tech-Miami football game would essentially be relegated to background noise. That was the case however when the focus was instead on the first Blacksburg game day experience for James Franklin. He wasn't coaching but he was recruiting and kissing babies and doing the kind of politicking needed to make everyone feel the love and start to open their check books.  

To say I'm overjoyed with this hiring is a massive understatement. It mostly still feels like a surreal dream but one that gets realer each time we see our new coach in Tech gear. We'll have more reactions in the coming days and weeks. For now, it's important to remain floating on cloud nine and getting hyped for the battle for the Commonwealth Cup. 

Amazing Atmosphere

Any fan base can show up when the team is winning but it takes a special bunch of lunatics to pack the stands for a 3-7 football team. Tech fans did just that on Saturday, both to support the team on senior day but also in an effort to give coach Franklin a taste of what Lane Stadium can be. Major credit goes to everyone who came, especially the students who stuck around an extra day or two instead or racing home to see friends and family.