Bleacher Report - Articles by Jacob Flinchum

Blacksburg Buzz: A Pre-Season Look at Your 2009 Virginia Tech Hokies

Jacob Flinchum — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:39:14 -0400

There are just a little over thirty days left to go for the much anticipated battle between Virginia Tech and Alabama on Sept 5th, but what should Hokie fans expect to see from their team that has so much hype.

Well first of all we will continue to see a ground happy offense that likes to run the ball.

Tech is returning their incumbent in Sophomore Darren Evans, who lit things up last year with 1265 yard on the ground and eleven touchdowns.

This year there will be a supporting cast member in Ryan Williams, who has caused quite a stir in Blacksburg following his performance in the spring.

Williams averaged over ten yards per touch this spring, including an eighty yard touchdown run on his first carry in practice and a fifty six yard reception on the first pass of the annual Spring Game.

As exiting as it is to have that much talent in the back field, it is even better when you have one of the most veteran Offensive Lines to run that talent behind.

Led by All-ACC Guard Sergio Render, the Tech offensive line will try to prove that there is a potent offense in Blacksburg despite finishing no better than 100th in the nation the past couple of years.

That brings us to the passing game which was all but great last year, but with Tyrod Taylor working this off-season to fix the "hitch" in his throwing motion and the receivers being a year more experienced, the Hokies look to balance their attack and score through the air as well.

That remains to be seen and is causing anticipation to see how things will come together in Atlanta against a highly ranked Alabama Defense.

Of course there is also a fierce defense that has lived in Blacksburg for the last ten years. Year in and year out Bud Foster continues to reload his top 10 defense to keep his team in the position to win.

If you watched any of last season, the Hokies won the ACC thanks to a huge contribution from the defensive side of the ball.

Stephan Virgil will be key on the field for the Hokies after taking over for the departed Victor "Macho" Harris.

Virgil was tied for the team lead in interceptions last year with six, including a crucial one in the Orange Bowl that stopped Cincinnati from scoring.

Cam Martin will lead the Linebackers which will now include Jake Johnson and Barquell Rivers and look to continue the tradition Foster has established. Johnson has not had any game experience yet But Rivers had a monster goaline stop against Cincinatti's Tony Pike in route to Tech's 20-7 victory.

Tech fans are excited and with good reason, the Hokies return as much if not more talent than they had on the '99 team that played for the National Championship.

Could this be the year they break through and win it all?

Who knows, but it looks as if this season is going to be a lot of fun to watch.

Come into Our Lane: One of the Best College Stadiums Around

Jacob Flinchum — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:46:01 -0400

In April of 1964 Construction of what is Lane Stadium began.

$3.5 million later and we have one of the nations top stadiums in the game today.

Lane stadium, located in Blacksburg, VA, is the place to be on Game day.

Fans showing up as early as 6 AM to start the tailgating parties, even when the game isn't until 7:45 that night, and you can go to any tailgate and you'll be welcomed with open arms by some of the nicest people around.

If that isn't enough to get you pumped for the game ahead, just take a look at the backdrop of maroon and orange that God provides with the colors of the leaves.

Two hours to go and everyone packs Spring Rd. for "The Walk" where everyone greets the Hokie Player on the way to the locker room to prepare to gain yet another win.

Then it begins.

People start to file in like sand in an hourglass, filling the stands with their own sea of maroon and orange. Pouring in to support their beloved team and help will them to victory.

Excitement filling the air as the crowd packs this beautiful facility, growing to a massive 66,233 strong with every one of them ready to help their team out in any way.

Chatter and chants began to build and echo through the air, then the moment arrives.

Cheerleaders rush the field with signs of "LETS GO" and "HOKIES."

One side of the Stadium to the other everyone in unison

"Let's GO"

"HOKIES"

As the first chords of "Enter Sandman" blare on the PA every last Hokie fan rises to their feet with a deafening roar as they jump up and down.

Music building to the players running out on the field to be greeted by the screaming football maniacs.

The game is just beginning as the opposing team has to deal with 60 minutes of screaming and yelling where they can't hear themselves call plays.

Even ESPN's own Kirk Herbstreit showed love for the Hokie fans by saying "Blacksburg is a place that has an absolute love affair with its football program. It's a 100 percent crazy, loud stadium environment. You can go places with 100,000 people and Tech's stadium is just as oud, or louder, especially for night games."

A proud tradition has formed in the Mountains of Virginia, and those lovely confines have produced a wonderful 180-66-6 record inside Lane Stadium over the last 44 years.

Tech was 32-9 at home in the Big East Conference and, since joining the ACC in 2004 are 30-4 with an 18-4 conference record on their own turf.

This place truly is one of the greatest on gameday with the best entrance in college football, a very win lopsided record at home, and the greatest fans on earth.

Blacksburg Buzz: What a Difference a Year Makes

Jacob Flinchum — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:18:57 -0400

We're coming up on another college football season with exciting games, hard hits, and more BCS drama i'm sure.

For Hokie fans, there is an excitment in the air that hasn't been felt since the '99 season.

As a record crowd of about 41,000 showed up for a spring game, you could hear talks of going undefeated, talks of being one of the greatest teams we've had, an even talks of winning a title.

Why is everyone so pumped?

There was no talk of any of this last year, so what happened?

Well, if you go back to last year you seen a team depleted by the draft.

All four of our top receivers were gone, with three finding NFL homes, and two playing significant time.

Brandon Dillard who had waited his turn at receiver blew his achilles and was gone for the season. Zach Lukett was booted off the team for undisclosed reasons, and we were left with freshmen to hold all four spots.

The defense took a hit as well losing Brandon Flowers, Xavier Adibi, Vince Hall, Chris Ellis, and D.J. Parker. These playmakers had been some of the best and all found themselves on NFL rosters as well.

I know Bud Foster is great, but man what a loss to reload.

You could feel mediocrity in the fans, the effort on the field, and in the games we lost.

But the team pulled together and finished strong ending ACC Champs and winning the Orange Bowl.

What momentum to take into 2009.

So why Are the fans so sure that the Hokies will have a huge season in 09?

Well, The Hokies are returning 16 starters from last year, seven on defense which Foster always manages to out in the top 10.

The receiving corps has a year under their belt and Tyrod Taylor has done some significant work on his passing game.

And if you happen to follow the Hokies and/or went to their spring game you have seen first hand Tech's possible X factor for the 2009 season.

I'm talking about red-shirt freshman Ryan Williams.

This kid is just plain exciting to watch. He has an average of over 12 yards per touch.

His first touch of spring practice Williams ran an 80 yard touchdown. His first touch of the spring game, a screen pass, went for 56 yards and a score.

Williams is fun to watch, and could be very special to the Hokie offense.

With Williams and Sophmore Darren Evans in the backfield, the hokies will bolster one of the elite running tandems in all of college football.

With a probable preseason ranking in the top 10, and one of the tougher schedules in the NCAA, the Hokies have a legitimate shot at having a special season.

If Virginia Tech can come out of the season unscathed somehow, we could even see them playing a top team for the National Title.

Regardless what happens, Hokie fans definitely have something to be excited about.

With loads of talent, and a favorable schedule where most of the tough games are at home, Tech will once again be the favorite to win the ACC.

The Hokies have a real shot of having the best team Blacksburg has seen since a guy by the name of Vick wore No. 7 and took them to the Title game and fell one quarter short.

Hokie, Hokie, Hokie, HI.

I believe.

Blacksburg Buzz: Passing Game Looks to Make Impact On 2009 Season

Jacob Flinchum — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:19:39 -0400

With all but the spring game completed, the passing game has already shown why it's going to be better than the dismal performance of last year.

Tech's passing game was nearly non-existent last season ranking 111th in the nation.

If it weren't for the emergence of Darren Evans and the running ability of Tyrod Taylor, the Hokies may not have won a game at all.

I know that all the offensive players on that squad had better have bought the defense dinner all year long.

The point is, compared to what Tech fans had grown accustom to, they stunk.

So Beamer and company started spring practice in hopes to improve from the less than desirable performance from the year before.

One improvement, the Hokies know who their starting quarterback is. There will be no more switching in and out, which will give the passing game more stability.

Second has been the play of the newly named back-up Ju-Ju Clayton. Clayton has stepped up and has proven to the coaches that he has what it takes to take over if anything happens to the lead guy.

If you are part of the Blacksburg Faithful, and have been following what has been going on in spring practice, then you are jumping up and down and thanking whatever deity you pray to.

Yes, Hokie fans, it looks like some prayers have been answered.

Compared to last year, it already seems that the passing game has improved, and we haven't played the first game.

Th 2008-09 squad went 167-of-291 for 1807 yards with six(6) touchdowns and twelve(12) interceptions.

How horrible are you when you throw double the interceptions?

Horrible enough that Hokie fans don't care to see again.

In the few small scrimmages this spring, the quarterbacks have combined for 35-of-81, 503 yards, 7 TD, 2 INT.

Are you kidding me?

In just three weeks of PRACTICE, they have one more touchdown than they threw all last year?

The spring isn't all the way over yet. They still have the annual Maroon Vs. White Game coming up this Saturday at 2 p.m.

Either way you look at this there is reason to be excited if you cheer for the orange and maroon.

If Tyrod Taylor is in the game, we are provided with a very talented athlete that can get it done with his legs, but has also taken the time to improve his arm to get it done through the air.

Taylor will be "the guy" this year and will assume the leader's role, which has been difficult to do the last couple of years.

Clayton, the newcomer, has been a nice surprise in the spring drills.

Going 21-of-54, 284 yards, 5 TD and 2 INT isn't bad for your first spring of competition.

The coaches have compared Clayton to Bryan Randall, A great Hokie quarterback and 2004 ACC Player of the Year, saying that Clayton has many qualities that remind the staff of Randall.

One of the qualities is his ability to be the leader, one which will be a huge asset if Taylor is injured.

Look out 2009, the Hokies are coming, and they aren't looking to flop through another season.

No, this season will be different, with an aerial attack to complement the smash-mouth running, the Hokies look to regain their status as the dominate team in the ACC.

Hokie, Hokie, Hokie, HI!!!!

Virginia Tech Vs. The ACC: Hokies In a Class Of Their Own?

Jacob Flinchum — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:47:56 -0400

With Virginia Tech joining the ACC in 2004, there were questions swirling about how they would do against teams from a supposedly stronger conference.

I don't think anyone guessed that Tech would have had the success they have enjoyed over the last few seasons.

Including their ACC Championship Games, the Hokies are an astounding 34-9 against the ACC.

They also have three ACC Championships out of five years to show for their success.

The only team the Hokies have a losing record to since 2004 is Florida State, counting the 2005 ACC Title Game. They are tied 1-1 if you look at the regular season alone.

The Hokies have done well in the ACC and look to continue that trend moving on into the season to come. They are once again picked as the favorite to win the Coastal Division, and the majority pick to win the ACC.

Tech has carried a tradition of excellence with them to the ACC. A blue collar attitude and work ethic has helped them achieve the level at which they play today.

They have succeeded with great athletes such as Bryan Randall, Darryl Tapp, Jeff King, Brandon Flowers, Vince Hall, Xavier Adibi, and many more, most of whom are in the NFL today.

The Hokies have built upon the success they enjoyed in the Big East and have transferred it to the ACC where they have dominated since becoming a member.

Another reason the Hokies have done exceptionally well in ACC play is their composure on the road.

The Hokies are 16-4 against the ACC away from the friendly confines of Lane Stadium. Three of those losses came just a season ago, so for four years the Hokies had only lost one road game.

Even with the decline of the 2008-09 team's play, Tech still managed to hold it together to stay atop of the ACC for another year.

So, whether you like the Hokies or not, you have to respect them, because if you don't you're going to get beat.

Teams in the ACC are improving, and there are brilliant coaching staffs that have been formed, but until those teams can be consistent, the road to the ACC title still goes through Blacksburg.

On This Day We Are All Hokies: Two Years Remembered

Jacob Flinchum — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:14:00 -0400

Two years ago, we were all awaiting college football spring games. We were all going through life like it were another day.

This day, however, was terribly different.

Reports on the news said two people had lost their lives on Virginia Tech's Campus.

What?

This was too beautiful of a campus for anything like this to happen. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, surrounded by nature and small towns.

The news went from bad to worse throughout the day.

By the end of the day we found out 32 innocent lives were taken from us so prematurely.

How could we now be excited about Saturday's upcoming Spring Game?

All we could do was stand in awe of this horrendous event.

Our hearts were broken for the families of the victims, and tears ran down our faces no matter how strong or meek we may have been.

What do we do now? Where do we go from here?

We looked to our leaders to guide us, and help us cope with the loss our university had suffered.

But we would get through this, and as Nikki Giovanni proclaimed, "We would prevail".

We have endured for two years, and the pain has gotten a little easier, but we will never forget our fallen friends and the other victims of this tragedy. We will never let go of the memory of this day, so that we may learn from the events to prevent anything like this from happening again.

We will always remember the support from other universities from around the country. We will remember them breaking from their traditional school colors to sport our maroon and orange to pay tribute to our loss.

On this day we need to realize how lucky we are. We need to be thankful for our loved ones who are only a phone call away. We never know when our family or closest of friends will be taken away from us.

So for all of us out here getting excited about the sports we write about, and debating whether our team is better than yours, please take a moment and reflect on this day of remembrance. Remember those who lost their lives needlessly on this day two years ago.

We will never forget.

For on this day, we are all Hokies

In Remembrance

Ross A. Alameddine * Christopher James Bishop * Brian R. Bluhm * Ryan Christopher Clark * Austin Michelle Cloyd * Jocelyne Couture-Nowak * Kevin P. Granata * Matthew Gregory Gwaltney * Caitlin Millar Hammaren * Jeremy Michael Herbstritt * Rachael Elizabeth Hill * Emily Jane Hilscher * Jarrett Lee Lane * Matthew Joseph La Porte * Henry J. Lee * Liviu Librescu * G.V. Loganathan * Partahi Mamora Halomoan Lumbantoruan * Lauren Ashley McCain * Daniel Patrick O’Neil * Juan Ramon Ortiz-Ortiz * Minal Hiralal Panchal * Daniel Alejandro Perez Cueva * Erin Nicole Peterson * Michael Steven Pohle, Jr. * Julia Kathleen Pryde * Mary Karen Read * Reema Joseph Samaha * Waleed Mohamed Shaalan * Leslie Geraldine Sherman * Maxine Shelly Turner * Nicole Regina White

Blacksburg Buzz: Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Williams Make Big Plays in Spring Scrimmages

Jacob Flinchum — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:39:38 -0400

Virginia Tech held a mini scrimmage on Wednesday, April 8 and a full scrimmage on Friday, April 10 that was open to the public. Both were enough to give the Blacksburg faithful something to be excited about.

The Hokies had four plays go over 60 yards.

The first was when Tyrod Taylor scampered for a 65-yard score. This one isn't so surprising; I mean, we all know what this kid can do with his legs.

The next big play came from the defense as the 6'0", 187-pound sophomore Eddie Whitley picked off a pass and took it back 61 yards for the touchdown.

These two plays helped electrify the 40-play mini scrimmage on April 8 and started the buzz of how good this team really can be.

The next two came in the full 80-play scrimmage that took place on April 10 in front of the Blacksburg faithful that showed up to watch.

The Hokies gave them something to talk about yet again.

Taylor was at it again, but this time getting it done with his arm. Taylor launched a strike to redshirt sophomore Danny Coale, who got past fellow redshirt sophomore Chris Hill for a 62-yard score.

The next was from a long anticipated force. On his very first carry, redshirt freshman Ryan Williams sliced up the middle and was gone. Williams wasn't even touched on his way to the 80-yard burn.

Williams rushed for 122 yards and only touched the ball eight times.

If that doesn't get fans excited, then I don't know what will.

Sophomore Ju-Ju Clayton also got in the scoring mix, throwing a 44-yard touchdown to Tony Gregory, a freshman out of Virginia Beach.

Clayton finished the scrimmage 5-of-10 for 101 yards and one touchdown.

The final score though the air came from redshirt freshman Marcus Davis, who is also battling for the backup role, as he threw a 40-yard strike to Patrick Terry.

With a couple more weeks of spring practices, concluding with the annual spring game on April 25, the Hokies have showed that they have the ability to stretch the field. Questions about the stability of the offense are getting answered, and with all right, there is excitement for the upcoming 2009 season.

Does Virginia Tech's Tyrod Taylor Live Up to the Hype?

Jacob Flinchum — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:04:41 -0400

The Hokies' Tyrod Taylor was one of the top prospects coming out of high school. He was supposed to bring the Hokies a national championship. He was raved about, and most Hokie fans were comparing him to Michael Vick before he ever wore a maroon and orange jersey.

So, does he live up to the hype?

If you talk about this kid's explosiveness and ability, then yes, he does.

If you look at the numbers on the field, he hasn't quite broken through.

Don't get me wrong, Taylor is a great athlete who can make a difference. His ability makes even the best defensive coordinators scratch their heads. We've even seen him juke great defensive players right out of their jockstraps.

Point is, he is the real deal.

He took a mediocre squad that should have had a 6-6 or 7-5 record, and led them to 10-4 with an Orange Bowl victory—Taylor is a difference maker.

Taylor has struggled throwing the ball, though, and even when he was on target, he had young receivers that haven't always helped.

With an offseason of practice, and more time with his receivers, who are now more experienced, Taylor has a chance to improve and show why everyone wanted him on the field.

Taylor started to come into his own at the end of last season, improving his completion percentage and passing yardage. Topped off with a brilliant performance in the Orange Bowl to build upon, he has Hokie fans extremely excited for the upcoming year.

His only downfall, however, is injuries. Taylor has proven he can be a bit injury prone, and with no one with any college experience backing him up, it poses a problem.

All in all, if he can stay healthy, Taylor has the potential to become one of Tech's greats, but he needs to put together an outstanding season.

He has this year and next to prove to the world that he is as great as everyone thought, and to prove to pro scouts that he can play the position at the next level.

The Prison League: NFL's Bad Boys (HUMOR)

Jacob Flinchum — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:37:13 -0400

Where are the morals? Integrity and class are out the door for these athletes. What happened to the athletes we looked up to as kids? All we hear now is who's on the wrong side of the law.

I decided to take a moment to put together a team of who would be a great fit playing in shackles.

QB—Michael Vick

I hate this pick being a Tech fan, but this is a perfect fit, with the last several months in prison for dogfighting.

RB—Larry Johnson

Nothing ever really came from the domestic case against him, but if you're playing on this level, this is not the kind of exposure you want.

WR—Donte' Stallworth

You're worth millions, and you have the life everyone else wants, so what do you do with it? Drive drunk and kill a pedestrian, of course. I don't get it. What goes through the mind of someone as talented as Stallworth to convince him to do this?

OL—Leon Lett

I know this goes way back, and he is out of the league now, but he got caught with more marijuana than most people smoke in a lifetime.

DL—Tank Johnson

Everyone remembers his legal troubles before he left Chicago to go to Dallas. Now on his way to Cincinnati, he should feel comfortable playing alongside another bad boy of the law, Chris Henry.

DB—Adam "Pacman" Jones

Do I really need to say any more?

There it is folks, the team that everyone would like to quit hearing about. If I did half of things these athletes did, I'd be pulling ten to forty in the penitentiary. But hey, they are elite, and they deserve a pat on the back for being athletes that make prison guards drool.

Running the Gauntlet: Could This Year Be the Hokies' Title Year

Jacob Flinchum — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:24:25 -0400

With the 2009 season approaching, Hokies fans are missing something they are used to hearing year after year. Strength of schedule. A year without the jeers about how the Hokies don't deserve to be elite because they don't play anyone.

It's okay for Ohio State and other perennial powerhouses to do it, but God help us if Tech puts a less than average opponent on the course.

Apparently our less than popular athletic director, Jim Weaver, gave us a challenge. Our schedule is loaded with difficulty. Nine of our twelve opponents went to a bowl last season. So now it's put up or shut up.

My question is, can Tech win it all?

With returners like Tebow and Bradford going back to their respective schools I can't guarantee a title, but if we can pull off an undefeated year the Hokies should at least play for it.

With Alabama up first we have a test of the powerful SEC, and it's not at home. Good thing is, Alabama is missing their QB Wilson, RB Coffee, and they have a pretty new offensive line. If our defense can step up, we have a solid chance at the upset.

Next up is Marshall at home, so if we don't get caught looking ahead we should be fine.

Nebraska comes to Lane next still sore from a rare non-conference loss at their house last year. No doubt they will be looking to exact revenge on the hokies, but it is hard to come away fro Lane with a win. Great coach in Bo Pelini but Nebraska comes up short.

As if the schedule isn't already tough enough, we have Miami coming to town. We already don't like these guys, and we are still disgusted with the offensive play calling at the end last years loss. This one should go maroon and orange.

We then travel to Durham to visit Lane Stadium South to play the Blue Devils. Yes, they beat UVA by 28 last year, but come on this is Duke. Another Hokies win.

Back home to play Boston College, which tech hasn't beat in the regular season in three years. This one could be dangerous. I think Tech has the team to win, but this is one I'm worried about.

Back to Atlanta to take on the Ramblin Wreck. Great team and great coach in Paul Johnson, but the option wont last long in the ACC. This league is just too tough if you don't have a diverse offense.

Back to back Thursday night games are next at home against UNC and at East Carolina. UNC has had a phenomenal turn around the past few years with the guidance of Butch Davis, but the hokies love Thursday Night ESPN. I think this will be a great game.

As for the Pirates of ECU, we have this night circled to make up for embarrassment last season.

We close out the season with Maryland, NC State, and Virginia. All three teams are on the rise and show some talent, but are not quite where they need to be. Don't get me wrong these teams might be a surprise, but will have a lot to overcome to win.

Overall with the number of returners coming back, the hokies have a great shot to have an undefeated season. They have an opportunity to match up well with every team they will play. It's not a guarantee, but if Virginia Tech wants to fill that empty case with the trophy that eluded them in 1999, this is the year they will have a chance.

Tailgaters, Come One, Come All

Jacob Flinchum — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:38:16 -0400

After all of our longing and waiting, we finally have some football to get excited about. April 25, 2009 at 2pm is the annual Maroon vs White Spring Game. Don't get me wrong this game isn't for the title, and there's no trophy at stake, but all Hokie fans finally get a first look into what we have for the upcoming year.

We know we have outstanding players like Tyrod Taylor and Darren Evans returning, but what about the ones we don't know? Like our highly recruited running back Ryan Williams that no one knows about other than high school stats.

We also get to see the battle for the backup QB position between Ju-Ju Clayton and Marcus Davis. Not to mention the development of our young trio of receivers Boykin, Roberts, and Coale. What will they have for us this year and will they have a breakout season with Taylor's maturation?

Now onto the defense, which has a couple of holes to fill itself. Brett Warren is gone to graduation along with Sturdivant, O. Martin, and Macho Harris. Barquell Rivers played great in the Orange Bowl for Warren so he looks to have great potential. His goaline stand against Cincinattii's Pike was phenomenal. The Hokies, under the brilliance of Bud Foster, always seem to reload on the defensive side of the ball.

Special teams was a bit of a letdown last year. Hokies fans didn't get that explosiveness they've grown accustom to. There were a couple bright spots with an extra point being blocked against East Carolina and returned for the two point conversion, and we did block a punt against Nebraska. Overall this area needs to improve to become what it has been in the past. Hokie Fans want Beamerball back.

Even if you're not interested in stats or who's starting we've got something for you too. This is the game that gives our tailgaters their practice as well. A chance to fire up the grills, break out the burgers, raise your banners and flags, and have a great time with your friends. Ultimately it's all about fun, football, and supporting the Hokies.