Perspective from a defeated Hokie!

[sshifflett]

First of all, I would like to thank Vol Nation (well most of you) for the warm welcome, when I came upon this site. I plan on continuing be a regular contributor, as I have never rooted for an SEC school, but I guess I will root for Vol's as my SEC favorite now.

My perspective of the game....(I had to sleep on it)

The physicality of the game from both teams was what I expected. The outcome was Not! I thought that the Vol's were gonna win by a close margin, but the fact of the matter is...21 points is a lot.

I will make no excuses for my Hokies losing, as It is evident that we have some physical, talented athletes on the field, but they lack discipline, and the will to win on the big stage.

Turnovers were a Hugh part of the "score" outcome of the game. That is part of football, the Vol's defenders, did a great job of attacking to the football and dislodging 2 of the balls for turnovers resulting in a short field to score on. 2 other turnovers were the result of lack of execution by my Hokies. Again, the Vol's capitalized and that's what good teams do. The 5th and final..(geesh did we really have that many) was just some bad luck with the special teams player being in the wrong spot at the right time, again it's Football.

This is one of the first time's that I have witnessed my Hokies lose a ballgame, and come away, actually with some optimism in a loss. You see, the losses that Hokie Nation have been accustomed to were the result of poor coaching, and an inept offense. I saw flashes of a really good offense, and the Defense, regardless of the scoreboard will be special this year.

With all that being said, The Vol's played better as a team, capitalized on physical and mental lapses by the Hokies and won the ballgame...ok Enough about my Hokies!

Since I will be rooting for the Vol's this season to win the SEC, here is my 2 cents.

The Defense will be the strength of team 120....period. Shoop made great adjustments in the 2nd quarter and throughout the rest of the game to limit what Fuente was trying to do.

The OL needs a lot of work. They started to make adjustments with personnel as the game went on and it started to improve. SOMEONE has to teach them what to do when the DLine stunts, as that was where the struggle began.

Dobbs, seems to be more accurate when he has time to throw the ball...obviously, but I never saw one slant pass over the middle. When the LB's blitzed, the middle was wide open.

More Kamara catching passes out of the backfield is gonna be needed to compete in the SEC.

Those are just a few of my observations. Play well against Ohio!

 

[Vfl2407]

First of all, I would like to thank Vol Nation (well most of you) for the warm welcome, when I came upon this site. I plan on continuing be a regular contributor, as I have never rooted for an SEC school, but I guess I will root for Vol's as my SEC favorite now.

My perspective of the game....(I had to sleep on it)

The physicality of the game from both teams was what I expected. The outcome was Not! I thought that the Vol's were gonna win by a close margin, but the fact of the matter is...21 points is a lot.

I will make no excuses for my Hokies losing, as It is evident that we have some physical, talented athletes on the field, but they lack discipline, and the will to win on the big stage.

Turnovers were a Hugh part of the "score" outcome of the game. That is part of football, the Vol's defenders, did a great job of attacking to the football and dislodging 2 of the balls for turnovers resulting in a short field to score on. 2 other turnovers were the result of lack of execution by my Hokies. Again, the Vol's capitalized and that's what good teams do. The 5th and final..(geesh did we really have that many) was just some bad luck with the special teams player being in the wrong spot at the right time, again it's Football.

This is one of the first time's that I have witnessed my Hokies lose a ballgame, and come away, actually with some optimism in a loss. You see, the losses that Hokie Nation have been accustomed to were the result of poor coaching, and an inept offense. I saw flashes of a really good offense, and the Defense, regardless of the scoreboard will be special this year.

With all that being said, The Vol's played better as a team, capitalized on physical and mental lapses by the Hokies and won the ballgame...ok Enough about my Hokies!

Since I will be rooting for the Vol's this season to win the SEC, here is my 2 cents.

The Defense will be the strength of team 120....period. Shoop made great adjustments in the 2nd quarter and throughout the rest of the game to limit what Fuente was trying to do.

The OL needs a lot of work. They started to make adjustments with personnel as the game went on and it started to improve. SOMEONE has to teach them what to do when the DLine stunts, as that was where the struggle began.

Dobbs, seems to be more accurate when he has time to throw the ball...obviously, but I never saw one slant pass over the middle. When the LB's blitzed, the middle was wide open.

More Kamara catching passes out of the backfield is gonna be needed to compete in the SEC.

Those are just a few of my observations. Play well against Ohio!

Visit us more often.

 

[UTK]

Your points are spot on about both teams imo. I think both teams will improve and have good seasons. Good luck to VT the rest of the way, I'll be rooting for you guys.

 

[Air_Force_Vol27]

Spot on analysis and good luck to the Hokies. Hope you guys win out.

 

[Billy Antrim]

Great post, thank you! :hi:

 

[Vol_til_I_die]

First of all, I would like to thank Vol Nation (well most of you) for the warm welcome, when I came upon this site. I plan on continuing be a regular contributor, as I have never rooted for an SEC school, but I guess I will root for Vol's as my SEC favorite now.

My perspective of the game....(I had to sleep on it)

The physicality of the game from both teams was what I expected. The outcome was Not! I thought that the Vol's were gonna win by a close margin, but the fact of the matter is...21 points is a lot.

I will make no excuses for my Hokies losing, as It is evident that we have some physical, talented athletes on the field, but they lack discipline, and the will to win on the big stage.

Turnovers were a Hugh part of the "score" outcome of the game. That is part of football, the Vol's defenders, did a great job of attacking to the football and dislodging 2 of the balls for turnovers resulting in a short field to score on. 2 other turnovers were the result of lack of execution by my Hokies. Again, the Vol's capitalized and that's what good teams do. The 5th and final..(geesh did we really have that many) was just some bad luck with the special teams player being in the wrong spot at the right time, again it's Football.

This is one of the first time's that I have witnessed my Hokies lose a ballgame, and come away, actually with some optimism in a loss. You see, the losses that Hokie Nation have been accustomed to were the result of poor coaching, and an inept offense. I saw flashes of a really good offense, and the Defense, regardless of the scoreboard will be special this year.

With all that being said, The Vol's played better as a team, capitalized on physical and mental lapses by the Hokies and won the ballgame...ok Enough about my Hokies!

Since I will be rooting for the Vol's this season to win the SEC, here is my 2 cents.

The Defense will be the strength of team 120....period. Shoop made great adjustments in the 2nd quarter and throughout the rest of the game to limit what Fuente was trying to do.

The OL needs a lot of work. They started to make adjustments with personnel as the game went on and it started to improve. SOMEONE has to teach them what to do when the DLine stunts, as that was where the struggle began.

Dobbs, seems to be more accurate when he has time to throw the ball...obviously, but I never saw one slant pass over the middle. When the LB's blitzed, the middle was wide open.

More Kamara catching passes out of the backfield is gonna be needed to compete in the SEC.

Those are just a few of my observations. Play well against Ohio!

This will soon happen. Hopefully.

 

[ptcarter]

First of all, I would like to thank Vol Nation (well most of you) for the warm welcome, when I came upon this site. I plan on continuing be a regular contributor, as I have never rooted for an SEC school, but I guess I will root for Vol's as my SEC favorite now.

My perspective of the game....(I had to sleep on it)

The physicality of the game from both teams was what I expected. The outcome was Not! I thought that the Vol's were gonna win by a close margin, but the fact of the matter is...21 points is a lot.

I will make no excuses for my Hokies losing, as It is evident that we have some physical, talented athletes on the field, but they lack discipline, and the will to win on the big stage.

Turnovers were a Hugh part of the "score" outcome of the game. That is part of football, the Vol's defenders, did a great job of attacking to the football and dislodging 2 of the balls for turnovers resulting in a short field to score on. 2 other turnovers were the result of lack of execution by my Hokies. Again, the Vol's capitalized and that's what good teams do. The 5th and final..(geesh did we really have that many) was just some bad luck with the special teams player being in the wrong spot at the right time, again it's Football.

This is one of the first time's that I have witnessed my Hokies lose a ballgame, and come away, actually with some optimism in a loss. You see, the losses that Hokie Nation have been accustomed to were the result of poor coaching, and an inept offense. I saw flashes of a really good offense, and the Defense, regardless of the scoreboard will be special this year.

With all that being said, The Vol's played better as a team, capitalized on physical and mental lapses by the Hokies and won the ballgame...ok Enough about my Hokies!

Since I will be rooting for the Vol's this season to win the SEC, here is my 2 cents.

The Defense will be the strength of team 120....period. Shoop made great adjustments in the 2nd quarter and throughout the rest of the game to limit what Fuente was trying to do.

The OL needs a lot of work. They started to make adjustments with personnel as the game went on and it started to improve. SOMEONE has to teach them what to do when the DLine stunts, as that was where the struggle began.

Dobbs, seems to be more accurate when he has time to throw the ball...obviously, but I never saw one slant pass over the middle. When the LB's blitzed, the middle was wide open.

More Kamara catching passes out of the backfield is gonna be needed to compete in the SEC.

Those are just a few of my observations. Play well against Ohio!

Your observations match mine. I too see lots of room over the middle for slants. VT fans I met at Bristol were nice and, unlike some of our SEC foes, articulate. I sat in the UT student section, by a great group of recent UT engineering grads, and we talked about that. Attributed it to VT being a good technical school and therefore having bright students.

Hope VT wins out. Good for everybody!!

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Thanks, Sshifflett, for the insightful observations.

Like you, I saw promise in Va Tech's performance, minus the turnovers. You have some playmakers; just need to find ways to maximize their impact. Tennessee's OLine spent another week impersonating a sieve, and yet it was still obvious that your front seven weren't just capitalizing on that; they're good.

The one thing I'm sad to say I think Va Tech might lose with the retirement of Frank Beamer: your Special Teams prowess. Beamer Ball was all about eye-popping ST. I don't know if the new coaching staff will keep that atop the Hokie flagpole.

Anyway, good game to you, it's great to share a line in the record book with our neighbors to the northeast.

Good to have you with us, Sshifflett. Stick around.

 

[VOL 4 Life 83]

Good post. VT can hold their heads high. I think they will end up being a really good team.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

You are a very astute observer, because almost all of your points mirror most of what Vol Nation notices week in and week out. Kamara is continuing to be underutilized, and it is clear that Butch and DeBord have no confidence in Dobb's passing ability since they refuse to throw over the middle of the field, even when it's open. I am optimistic that these two things can change, but right now there is a lot to work on.

Thanks for being a contributor. Visit often. Your Hokies played a heck of a game, and in my honest opinion, I feel like Fuente had a much better gameplan than Butch. I am still continuing to doubt Butch when it comes to his gameplanning. This is two weeks in a row we have shown up completely flat to start the game and that we have been thrown around. Fuente is a heck of a coach and he will have you all back in the ACC conversation soon. You have yourself a good one.

 

[sjt18]

Without the turnovers, it would have definitely been a tight game.

Good observation on the OL. IMO, the RS Fr at LT simply isn't ready. He's talented but his technique and knowledge both need time and lots of work. Hopefully, they'll start with him then make one change at a time until personnel isn't the reason....

 

[TripleT512]

Spot on analysis and good luck to the Hokies. Hope you guys win out.

Agree with this.

 

[BaldBiker]

I'm glad we caught Fuente in year 1 instead of say year 4.

 

[vtvol98]

Classy post OP. You're welcome back anytime.

 

[Vols4us]

OP - thanks and post often. Solid analysis. Truth be known most of us would rather have your offensive system. Most all of us are impressed with your Hokies' effort and having Fuentes as HC. He will have your guys competing for ACC championships soon.

 

[Wat?]

I recently mentioned to my son's father-in-law who is a Memphis Tigers season ticket holder that I had read that the Tigers were undisciplined and made a lot of mistakes and asked his thoughts. He said but they won in spite of that. He said
Fuente did more with less than anyone they had ever had and most of his players were 2 stars with some 3 stars. Just one man's perspective. Good Luck to the Hokies from here on out, unless we meet again

 

[fatvol]

First of all, I would like to thank Vol Nation (well most of you) for the warm welcome, when I came upon this site. I plan on continuing be a regular contributor, as I have never rooted for an SEC school, but I guess I will root for Vol's as my SEC favorite now.

My perspective of the game....(I had to sleep on it)

The physicality of the game from both teams was what I expected. The outcome was Not! I thought that the Vol's were gonna win by a close margin, but the fact of the matter is...21 points is a lot.

I will make no excuses for my Hokies losing, as It is evident that we have some physical, talented athletes on the field, but they lack discipline, and the will to win on the big stage.

Turnovers were a Hugh part of the "score" outcome of the game. That is part of football, the Vol's defenders, did a great job of attacking to the football and dislodging 2 of the balls for turnovers resulting in a short field to score on. 2 other turnovers were the result of lack of execution by my Hokies. Again, the Vol's capitalized and that's what good teams do. The 5th and final..(geesh did we really have that many) was just some bad luck with the special teams player being in the wrong spot at the right time, again it's Football.

This is one of the first time's that I have witnessed my Hokies lose a ballgame, and come away, actually with some optimism in a loss. You see, the losses that Hokie Nation have been accustomed to were the result of poor coaching, and an inept offense. I saw flashes of a really good offense, and the Defense, regardless of the scoreboard will be special this year.

With all that being said, The Vol's played better as a team, capitalized on physical and mental lapses by the Hokies and won the ballgame...ok Enough about my Hokies!

Since I will be rooting for the Vol's this season to win the SEC, here is my 2 cents.

The Defense will be the strength of team 120....period. Shoop made great adjustments in the 2nd quarter and throughout the rest of the game to limit what Fuente was trying to do.

The OL needs a lot of work. They started to make adjustments with personnel as the game went on and it started to improve. SOMEONE has to teach them what to do when the DLine stunts, as that was where the struggle began.

Dobbs, seems to be more accurate when he has time to throw the ball...obviously, but I never saw one slant pass over the middle. When the LB's blitzed, the middle was wide open.

More Kamara catching passes out of the backfield is gonna be needed to compete in the SEC.

Those are just a few of my observations. Play well against Ohio!

More slants. More Kamara...And I personally think we need to see a little less Hurd and a lot more JOHN KELLY!!!!!!!

 

[Volador]

Thanks for the rationality behind your post - hard to argue any of your points.

As for a minor suggestion for your program: Buy some good Stick'em!

Cheers

 

[kckempf]

First of all, I would like to thank Vol Nation (well most of you) for the warm welcome, when I came upon this site. I plan on continuing be a regular contributor, as I have never rooted for an SEC school, but I guess I will root for Vol's as my SEC favorite now.

My perspective of the game....(I had to sleep on it)

The physicality of the game from both teams was what I expected. The outcome was Not! I thought that the Vol's were gonna win by a close margin, but the fact of the matter is...21 points is a lot.

I will make no excuses for my Hokies losing, as It is evident that we have some physical, talented athletes on the field, but they lack discipline, and the will to win on the big stage.

Turnovers were a Hugh part of the "score" outcome of the game. That is part of football, the Vol's defenders, did a great job of attacking to the football and dislodging 2 of the balls for turnovers resulting in a short field to score on. 2 other turnovers were the result of lack of execution by my Hokies. Again, the Vol's capitalized and that's what good teams do. The 5th and final..(geesh did we really have that many) was just some bad luck with the special teams player being in the wrong spot at the right time, again it's Football.

This is one of the first time's that I have witnessed my Hokies lose a ballgame, and come away, actually with some optimism in a loss. You see, the losses that Hokie Nation have been accustomed to were the result of poor coaching, and an inept offense. I saw flashes of a really good offense, and the Defense, regardless of the scoreboard will be special this year.

With all that being said, The Vol's played better as a team, capitalized on physical and mental lapses by the Hokies and won the ballgame...ok Enough about my Hokies!

Since I will be rooting for the Vol's this season to win the SEC, here is my 2 cents.

The Defense will be the strength of team 120....period. Shoop made great adjustments in the 2nd quarter and throughout the rest of the game to limit what Fuente was trying to do.

The OL needs a lot of work. They started to make adjustments with personnel as the game went on and it started to improve. SOMEONE has to teach them what to do when the DLine stunts, as that was where the struggle began.

Dobbs, seems to be more accurate when he has time to throw the ball...obviously, but I never saw one slant pass over the middle. When the LB's blitzed, the middle was wide open.

More Kamara catching passes out of the backfield is gonna be needed to compete in the SEC.

Those are just a few of my observations. Play well against Ohio!

Your defense will need to get better in the red zone to limit those big chances to field goals. Turn 6 touchdowns into 3 touchdowns and 3 field goals and it's a close game.

 

[Nasavol]

I really do not want TN to play VT in about 4 more years. Fuente is the real deal, and you know what you have with Foster. Being from the Kingsport area, and with a Dad that went to VPI, I have been around Hokie football as long as I have TN. As much friendly grief that I give to all my VT friends, I truly hope they have a great season, but, they will be competitive sooner rather than later.

My only regret is not being able to rib my Dad over this loss, he went to a better place 4 yrs ago and I sorely miss him.

 

[roost3r]

First of all, I would like to thank Vol Nation (well most of you) for the warm welcome, when I came upon this site. I plan on continuing be a regular contributor, as I have never rooted for an SEC school, but I guess I will root for Vol's as my SEC favorite now.

My perspective of the game....(I had to sleep on it)

The physicality of the game from both teams was what I expected. The outcome was Not! I thought that the Vol's were gonna win by a close margin, but the fact of the matter is...21 points is a lot.

I will make no excuses for my Hokies losing, as It is evident that we have some physical, talented athletes on the field, but they lack discipline, and the will to win on the big stage.

Turnovers were a Hugh part of the "score" outcome of the game. That is part of football, the Vol's defenders, did a great job of attacking to the football and dislodging 2 of the balls for turnovers resulting in a short field to score on. 2 other turnovers were the result of lack of execution by my Hokies. Again, the Vol's capitalized and that's what good teams do. The 5th and final..(geesh did we really have that many) was just some bad luck with the special teams player being in the wrong spot at the right time, again it's Football.

This is one of the first time's that I have witnessed my Hokies lose a ballgame, and come away, actually with some optimism in a loss. You see, the losses that Hokie Nation have been accustomed to were the result of poor coaching, and an inept offense. I saw flashes of a really good offense, and the Defense, regardless of the scoreboard will be special this year.

With all that being said, The Vol's played better as a team, capitalized on physical and mental lapses by the Hokies and won the ballgame...ok Enough about my Hokies!

Since I will be rooting for the Vol's this season to win the SEC, here is my 2 cents.

The Defense will be the strength of team 120....period. Shoop made great adjustments in the 2nd quarter and throughout the rest of the game to limit what Fuente was trying to do.

The OL needs a lot of work. They started to make adjustments with personnel as the game went on and it started to improve. SOMEONE has to teach them what to do when the DLine stunts, as that was where the struggle began.

Dobbs, seems to be more accurate when he has time to throw the ball...obviously, but I never saw one slant pass over the middle. When the LB's blitzed, the middle was wide open.

More Kamara catching passes out of the backfield is gonna be needed to compete in the SEC.

Those are just a few of my observations. Play well against Ohio!

Class act! Thank you for the post.

 

[DiderotsGhost]

First of all, I would like to thank Vol Nation (well most of you) for the warm welcome, when I came upon this site. I plan on continuing be a regular contributor, as I have never rooted for an SEC school, but I guess I will root for Vol's as my SEC favorite now.

My perspective of the game....(I had to sleep on it)

The physicality of the game from both teams was what I expected. The outcome was Not! I thought that the Vol's were gonna win by a close margin, but the fact of the matter is...21 points is a lot.

I will make no excuses for my Hokies losing, as It is evident that we have some physical, talented athletes on the field, but they lack discipline, and the will to win on the big stage.

Turnovers were a Hugh part of the "score" outcome of the game. That is part of football, the Vol's defenders, did a great job of attacking to the football and dislodging 2 of the balls for turnovers resulting in a short field to score on. 2 other turnovers were the result of lack of execution by my Hokies. Again, the Vol's capitalized and that's what good teams do. The 5th and final..(geesh did we really have that many) was just some bad luck with the special teams player being in the wrong spot at the right time, again it's Football.

This is one of the first time's that I have witnessed my Hokies lose a ballgame, and come away, actually with some optimism in a loss. You see, the losses that Hokie Nation have been accustomed to were the result of poor coaching, and an inept offense. I saw flashes of a really good offense, and the Defense, regardless of the scoreboard will be special this year.

With all that being said, The Vol's played better as a team, capitalized on physical and mental lapses by the Hokies and won the ballgame...ok Enough about my Hokies!

Since I will be rooting for the Vol's this season to win the SEC, here is my 2 cents.

The Defense will be the strength of team 120....period. Shoop made great adjustments in the 2nd quarter and throughout the rest of the game to limit what Fuente was trying to do.

The OL needs a lot of work. They started to make adjustments with personnel as the game went on and it started to improve. SOMEONE has to teach them what to do when the DLine stunts, as that was where the struggle began.

Dobbs, seems to be more accurate when he has time to throw the ball...obviously, but I never saw one slant pass over the middle. When the LB's blitzed, the middle was wide open.

More Kamara catching passes out of the backfield is gonna be needed to compete in the SEC.

Those are just a few of my observations. Play well against Ohio!

Great post, sshifflett. Glad to have you here!

While the Vols are my team, I grew up in NE Tennessee with a lot of family in SW Virginia, so I've always rooted for Virginia Tech as my 2nd favorite team. Sort of weird to have to root against them this past weekend, but I agree with a lot of your thoughts on their performance.

Virginia Tech's problem for years has been offense. Landing Justin Fuente while getting to keep Bud Foster as DC was a major coup. Fuente's offense already looks very promising, but the mistakes were making life difficult for you all. Some of those mistakes certainly resulted from excellent defense by the Vols, but others were just unforced errors. Nevertheless, if VT can get the bugs worked out, that offense looks very promising.

Right now, I think VT is going throw 1st year growing pains, but the program has a bright future ahead with Fuente and Foster duo there. I wouldn't be surprised if this VT team ends up a lot stronger in the 2nd Half of the season either.

 

[scvol98]

Let's both just go win our respective divisions now. Best of luck to the Hokies.

 

[norrislakevol]

Thank you for the post. For the record, I think that both teams will be much better come mid season.....barring injuries.

 

[81Bubbavol]

Insightful post OP. The VT team I saw looked a lot like UT 3-4 years ago. Young players that let the emotion of the game dictate their effort. Sky high when they're ahead and then crashing down when the other team responded. If you guys give your coaches some time I think you will like what you end up with.

Best Wishes