Somewhere in the 2nd qtr, and then at the half when the team got together on the field before going into the locker room, I realized four things:

1. We have an NFL-bound quarterback again, to join the list of other great NFL players from VT. I think it's safe to say he'll stay for two years.

2. We have an energetic, even-keeled, creative, well-spoken, young head coach that loves VT and will take VT to the next level, and sooner than later, to another national championship game. Someone who fits the role to take over for Frank Beamer and who I think will be able to take the program far beyond where it is today.

I think Coach Fuente is a young Nick Saban of the Obi Wan variety, rather than of the Emperor Dark Side version. And I definitely think he will stick around for 10 years until we get to that point, and at least stay there for a few years. I think there is so much of what he wants to and can achieve here at VT. To echo Bitter comments, the staff was even able to keep the team focused after a big win, but I wonder if that's because ECU was the monkey on the back. Hopefully we see that continue against UNC.

3. I have seen a lot of growth in the team and in play over the last several weeks and I think we have a solid chance in every game for the rest of the year. I definitely think we will be facing off against Clem, FSU or LVL, hopefully in DC! And I think we'll have a decent chance in the game! I think the combination of Bud and Coach Fuente give us that chance to succeed in each and every game.

4. The only thing missing is that commanding power running game. I think that may be a casualty of the constant misdirection and using a 5 back rotation. They may not be getting into a groove right now, but the enemy never knows where the attack is coming from. I think that will grow as well, and the running game will improve. It is definitely great to see Mac, Marshawn, Shai, and Stopgap Sam all getting touches and TDs. It'll get there.

4b. An area of growth? Knowing the enemy so well that you lull them into complacency by running 4-5 times and then hitting them with the long ball because they cheated up on the line too much. I think there is so much focus on misdirection that I'm not sure the VT O develops that rhthym that puts the opponent to sleep. What I think I did see though, was that the ECU D was predictive on a few plays, seeming to get players on our running backs behind the line as the play began, which means they may have recognized the play as it began? That's next level stuff, and I know that our players are just now achieving success at the "first" level of Offense where VT is able to separate itself from our opponents.

Again, VT has only played 4 games in the new era, and I'm confident that they'll get there, to higher levels, much sooner than I had wondered about previously. Congrats to the coaches and team for another great win!

Go Hokies!!! Beat UNC!!!



Good luck to the team for



[Post edited by reconhokie at 09/25/2016 11:57AM]