Cheers and Jeers: Virginia Tech vs. Louisville

Well the team certainly looked striking in those script helmets and they gave a good effort, but it wasn't enough against a more talented Louisville team. The Hokies fell 28-16 but surrendered 21 points without scoring in the second half. It's tough to win many like that. Lots of credit to these Fighting Gobblers who are still trying for Phil Montgomery even if the results haven't been fantastic. 

Kyron is the only real option Tech has at quarterback and, at this point in his career, he is what he is. He has plenty of talent, but when every fourth pass leaves your hand looking like a flightless bird, you'll only ever be so successful as a passer. His increased running has improved the offense dramatically. The version of the option Tech's rolling out utilizes a number of skill players in pre-snap motion. With the emergence of multiple backs and Cam Seldon as a utility-man of sorts, there are plenty of good players getting touches in the running game. Kyron has to be one of them. He's the team's second leading rusher and is running with power. He also isn't doing enough in the passing game to justify throwing more than 15, maybe 20 times a game.   

The whole state of things in college football just kind of sucks right now. Never before have we seen so many upper tier programs setting the barn on fire mid-season by canning the head coach. All in the name of chasing the dragon that is MAYBE a playoff spot. That story ends for most of these programs in three or four years with them paying another massive buyout to some goober who never even unpacked in the first place. All of that to say, I'm having a wonderful time opening my phone to hundreds of text messages every few hours featuring heated debate on a list of guys who will never even see Blacksburg as a visiting coach, let alone work there. It's hard to say who's stringing who along at this point, but rest assured it's you and me taking the bait.  

It's too bad the results aren't there record-wise because there are a lot of talented players on this team. Many of them are still going all out, even if that often ends poorly. The defense in particular has improved quite a bit, and while there are still lapses, there are some fun players there. Kemari Copeland and Isaiah Cash are fun. Kody Huisman has been incredibly active lately, and the pressure up front has been key. Obviously, Marcellous Hawkins is a star and Takye Heath has made some nice plays. I certainly hope Tech can hold on to some of these guys and others, but there's just no telling how different this roster will look like next spring. That's tough and probably also a good thing. 

I give a lot of credit to Phil Montgomery and the staff as they're clearly keeping the team in the game. They've been far more competent and credible on the field since he took over, and I really appreciate that. For a lost season, there are some glimmers of hope. 

The Hokies will have a new head coach any minute, and, hopefully, it will be met with excitement. I've been pessimistic during this search, but I'm quite willing to be wrong. I can't quite shake the feeling that we wanted tacos, and everyone at the fair is already in line at the food truck. Admittedly, that's probably more about a recent outing of mine. Still, lots of big-time programs are in the same spot right now and there's some stiff competition. 

I'm hoping the wisdom of the search committee will bring forth the candidate we deserve. Maybe a bald guy? Or whatever, just let's hope it's someone who can turn this thing around with the help of the almighty dollar.