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Roth ReportBy Bill Roth By admission, I know nothing about repairing cars. I don't know what a cam shaft is, have no clue how a fuel injection system works, and can't tell you the first thing about compression ratios. Never changed a sparkplug. Not once. But I know when my car isn't running correctly. And I can usually tell something's amiss long before the "Check Engine" light starts flashing on the dashboard. Similarly, I'm no expert when it comes to coaching offense on a football team and have no clue how to design an offense or call plays. But I can tell when one isn't operating correctly, and after watching Virginia Tech's 2007 offense for five games, it's quite apparent, the "Check Engine" light is ablaze. Over the years, I've had the fortunate opportunity to sit in on Tech's offensive staff meetings and hear the coaches discuss game plans and strategies. They speak in a language all their own: one that is so complex and foreign that it's like I've been transported to the planet Zorfan and the coaches are speaking some alien dialect - I'm guessing it's Zorf. After 10 minutes of watching video and trying to figure out what a 'high robber zing willy dig' is, or who he is, or what it was, I reach for my cell phone, praying someone - hopefully a person from my own planet - has sent me a text message that I can understand. Well, we all understand this: after five games, the Hokies are now ranked 112th out of 119 teams in the country in total offense. That's bad in any galaxy. A day after the Hokies rolled up an 'impressive' total of 723 feet of total offense against North Carolina (that sounds better than 241 yards, no?), I stopped by the offensive staff meeting room and watched some tape with Hokies offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring. Head coach Frank Beamer has said numerous times "We're close," or "It's just one guy here," or "One guy there," when discussing his offensive woes. But getting a first-hand look, seeing multiple views of each and every play, all complete with a laser pointer, was needed to really see what's going on here. Is this offense that bad? Are these answers just 'coach speak?' What did the video show? On one play, the inside receiver is running wide open on a post route - totally wide open - and the ball is thrown deep to the sideline. Later, a lineman falls down and the quarterback has to scramble. Again a receiver is wide open, but the quarterback is on the run and can't throw the ball. Later, a receiver runs into the umpire. That messes up the timing and the quarterback has to scramble again. There were several plays in the first half alone that should've been touchdowns. On another play, the quarterback throws a nice screen pass to the left, but the play is wiped off the board because of a questionable penalty. Later, the tight end is wide open, but the ball is thrown high, tipped and intercepted. A reception there, and Tech has first-and-goal, maybe more. Other plays are wiped out by penalties. Ugh. When you see each play six or seven times in super slow motion from various angles, you can really see the potential of this team. Yeah, it's 'close.' They are not that far away from being a really good offense. But close doesn't cut it. This is an offensive line that is not as skilled or accomplished as you'd like playing in front of an inexperienced 18-year-old true freshman quarterback. The key, of course, is to make that work, which is obviously a major challenge. But in a business where we keep score, it has to be done. The guy at the garage always advises me to check my engine before going on a long trip. Hate to have a breakdown on the road, you know? Well, the Hokies are about to hit the road to face a Clemson team ranked 24th in total defense, and it doesn't take an expert to let you know the dashboard lights are all flashing. Time for a trade-in? Hardly. Just a tune up of a few things and - honestly -what has looked so bad could look really good in a hurry. But that tune-up better happen quickly, or Tech's trip to Death Valley, Part II, will look like its visit to the other Death Valley, its game at LSU on September 8th. Special teams running smoothly
While the offense was besieged by penalties, misreads, drops and other blunders, the defense and special teams at Tech continue to be sensational. Jud Dunlevy drilled a 52-yard field goal and remains perfect on the season. Punter Brent Bowden (41.97 yards per punt) continues to excel as well and is one reason the Hokies are sixth in the nation in net punting. Tech has allowed just 22 yards on punt returns for the season on 36 punts, which is remarkable. In August, both of those units looked shaky. Tech had several punts blocked during scrimmages and the placekicking operation lacked consistency. There were several misses, including an extra point in one scrimmage. But through five games, the entire operation for both punts and placements has been exceptional and everyone, from the long snappers to the holders to the kickers, is new in 2007. The Voice's Mailbag
Dear Bill,
The latest Hokie Podcast was phenomenal! Thanks for replaying the final minute of the 1995 VT-Miami. I got chills listening to it on my iPod while walking to work and was instantly transported to Lane Stadium many years ago. Even the commercials took me back. The podcast is a great way for a far away Hokie to keep up with Hokie news. Christina, Los Angeles.
Thanks for your note. I enjoyed listening to that clip, too. This week, former Hokie Jamel Smith is part of the Hokie Podcast. Jamel, now a high school assistant coach in Columbia, S.C., will be at the game Saturday night at Clemson.
Hey Bill,
Always love reading your calm, rational approach to all things Tech sports. I have two questions about Lane Stadium.
The first question regards expansion. Is it possible to expand on the East and West stands into the area where the stadium steps backward from the field around the 40-yard line? I know the stadium was originally designed this way for aesthetic purposes but it seems like this would be prime real estate to add a large amount of higher quality seats very close to the field without changing the permanent structure. Also, the university can benefit from the additional revenue and add to the stadium's atmosphere by getting more fans closer to the field.
My second question regards Hokie stone. Is it possible to retrofit Lane stadium with more Hokie stone, especially on the field level for television? I know that the university did add some to Lane Stadium and it looks great! I have watched other universities add brick to their stadiums for aesthetic purposes and I think it would be great for our university to really show off our unique building material. Thanks for the input!
Christopher, 2003, Washington, D.C.
Good questions. There would be some expense involved there and I'm not sure if the increased revenue would offset the cost of renovating the lower ends of the field. Ohio State lowered its field and LSU moved its field closer to one end zone to add more field-level seats in recent years. In your suggestion, the seats could still be above field level and that might be possible. Again, it's a pricey proposition for a few hundred seats, but I'll run your idea by the Tech facilities people and see what they say. As for Hokie stone on field level, that stuff is jagged and sharp and not safe for the players should they run into the wall. Run your hand across a block of Hokie Stone and you'll see what I mean. A few years ago, a company developed a product that essentially was a large adhesive strip that affixed to the white walls at the stadium. From a distance it looked like Hokie stone, but up close, it was just a sticker on the wall. The issue with their product was weather: the product would fade over time due to sun and the elements. Plus, the stickers could bubble and rip. It looked great new, but the cost of replacing the stickers was prohibitive. So the decision was made to just re-paint the walls!
Bill,
My wife and I are season ticket holders and we make it to all the home games and lots of the away games as well (great to be in the ACC!). In fact, we have at least a dozen family members at all the home games! You and Mike are great calling the games and providing your insight as well.
My question has to do with the offensive line. So far this year and especially last week against W&M, I have noticed all the offensive linemen (first and lower strings) were wearing braces on both knees. I assume this is for preventative measures against injury; but don't the braces really cut down somewhat on side-to-side mobility and power? Do you think this may have some effect on the O-line play so far? I have watched other college and pro games since, and most of the o-linemen do not appear to wear braces. Thanks, and keep up the great work. Bill, Dayton, Ohio.
The braces are made by Donjoy Orthopedics and provide knee protection for the players. Tech's linemen have been wearing these for years and they don't limit the ability or mobility of the players whatsoever. Tech has had All-American linemen wear those braces, including Jake Grove, who swore by those things.
Bill,
I thought that we showed East Carolina the ultimate display of sportsmanship when our Corps of Cadets lined up at the visitor's tunnel for their pregame entrance onto the field and allowed them to take the field simultaneously as our Hokies entered the stadium to the Enter Sandman bounce. I assumed this was a gesture of gratitude for their generous donation to the Hokie Spirit Fund, and was a very fitting part of the day's ceremonies.
My question/suggestion is that wouldn't it be a great gesture of sportsmanship to establish that pre-game simultaneous entrance as a tradition at Tech? With so much scrutiny of our program and our players' conduct over the past few years, I think it would set our school up as a great example of real sportsmanship and demonstrate the true Hokie pride we all have!
Now granted, I'm not suggesting that we diminish the home field advantage, but can you imagine being a Miami Hurricane player entering Lane Stadium to welcoming cheers from our loud crowd instead of the boos? That may even disrupt their mindset and focus for the game!
We're claiming we Invent The Future at Virginia Tech. Let's take a risk and set a new trend in sportsmanship! Just an idea I thought was worth passing along. Thanks to you and Mike - you guys are absolutely the best team in broadcasting! David, Wake Forest, N.C.
Thanks for your note. The Corps' welcoming of ECU's team was a one-time deal in honor of that school's donation to Tech. And no, I can't imagine Miami being welcomed on to the field with cheers.
Bill,
Just wanted to let you know that Arkansas was wearing white VT logos on the back of its helmets during its game last Saturday. There may be others still out there. Chuck, New Freedom, Pa.
Thanks to you and to the dozens of other Hokies who wrote, commenting on the Razorbacks' tribute to Tech. Arkansas, like MTSU, is also wearing a VT sticker on its helmet this season.
Bill,
This is a total tongue-in-cheek note, but I hope you'll print it anyway.
I was looking at the coaches' poll this week and I noticed that Michigan wasn't ranked despite having all those players back from last year. Guess Henne is overrated, right? What about Penn State, too? Must not be a well-coached team. Both those teams were supposed be GREAT this year and Big Ten powers. Guess they can't handle pressure of being ranked. They'll never be big-time programs.
Or how about Tennessee. Guess they need ANOTHER offensive coordinator now, too, eh? We need to recruit Florida more so we can be like FSU and Miami. Oh wait, they aren't ranked either. I'm serious. We need to make changes if we ever want to be a consistently good program ... LIKE NOTRE DAME!
OK, Bill, me again. I was leaving the stadium listening to the griping in the parking lots. Then I hear you say we are 21-4 all time in ACC games and I thought 'THESE PEOPLE HAVE NO IDEA HOW LUCKY WE ARE.' Um, what was Florida State's record in THEIR FIRST 25 games? We act like a bunch of spoiled little brats sometimes. Maybe it's the alcohol, but we need to start appreciating what we got! Sam, Roanoke.
Thanks for your note. I think most Tech fans appreciate the team's success and admire the consistency of Coach Beamer's program. They want the team to play better, and the kids have set high goals, too. For the record, FSU won its first 30 games in the ACC and was 70-2 during its first nine years. That, however, takes nothing away from Tech's remarkable start over its first 25 ACC games.
