Virginia Tech Football: Hokies Pick Halloween Costumes After Week 5

Virginia Tech has been a difficult team to identify. After a Top 10 preseason rank and a strong performance against Boise State, the Hokies fell completely out of the Top 25 after an embarrassing loss to James Madison.

No one knew what to make of the Hokies at that point, even Hokie fans, myself included. But heading into Week 6 of the season we’ve been able to personify the team, players, and coaches.

Since it’s now October, I thought I’d identify people by which Halloween costume they should go out in. Yes, it’s a stretch, but once I got the idea for this article in my head I had to do it. Enjoy!

Superman – Tyrod Taylor

I'm not the only one who thinks Tyrod is Superman. The students also made a shirt with the Superman logo with a 5 instead of an S.

Without Tyrod under center, Tech would have been blown out against Boise State and N.C. State. His poise, leadership, and incredible ability to make plays in clutch situations astound me on a regular basis.

Some people have been critical of Taylor for his passing skills and height, but I am one of his biggest supporters. Yes, his deep ball seems a little less accurate than last year, and it wouldn’t hurt to be a little taller, but his decision and play-making more than make up for it.

In a quarterback-heavy draft class, Taylor could drop to the late rounds, and whoever picks him up will have scored a serious steal. He’s the only reason why I’m apprehensive about the 2011 season.

The defense will be experienced, the offensive line will be experienced, and the backfield will still be insanely talented. But Logan Thomas hasn’t done anything yet to impress me, and he has super-sized shoes to fill, both win and leadership-wise.

Nerdy Computer Guy – Eddie Whitley

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 25: Eddie Whitley #15 of the Virginia Tech Hokies chases Bobby Swigert #86 of the Boston College Eagles on September 25, 2010 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

He doesn’t get all of the attention, but without him, the job wouldn’t get done.

Whitley has stepped in seamlessly at free safety, and he’s been the most consistent player on the team. But don’t let the costume fool you—he will hit you, and he will hit you hard.

He wants to play football, plain and simple. He played with a numb arm against N.C. State and has saved the Hokies from multiple big plays throughout the season.

Whitley has a loud personality but has always been able to back up the bravado. He and Davon Morgan make a fantastic duo, but Eddie is emerging as a leader on the defense. Watch out for him in 2011.

The Incredible Hulk – Bruce Taylor

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 25: Devon Morgan #2 and Bruce Taylor #51 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrate the end of the first half against the Boston Collge Eagles on September 25, 2010 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by El

Bud Foster was raving about Taylor coming into the season, and he has put some great numbers thus far. But it’s his costly personal fouls against Boise State and James Madison that stick in my mind.

He seemed to grow up a little in recent weeks, but his maturity still remains a lingering question. His linebacker position makes him a leader of the defense by default, but I’m not sure if he is ready for it yet.

When he hasn’t been getting flagged, Bruce has been fantastic and seems to be involved in any play close to the middle of the field. He certainly has a bright future ahead of him and has already earned a “BRUUUUCE” chant from students. But he needs to push his emotions off until the game is over.

Where's Waldo – Barquell Rivers

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Josh Nesbitt #9 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets rushes upfield against Barquell Rivers #52 of the Virginia Tech Hokies at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 17, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Image

Speaking of middle linebackers, where is Barquell Rivers? He tore his quadriceps in the spring and was supposed to be out three to four months. It’s now been six months.

I’m all for having him fully recovered and not risking re-injuring the leg, but there hasn’t been news regarding his condition other than he’s still out. Isn’t anyone else curious as to where he is and what he’s been up to?

People have seem to forgotten about Barquell, but I still remember his 4th-and-goal stop against Cincinnati in the Orange Bowl like it was yesterday. Come out of hiding. Please.

Hunchback of Notre Dame – Bryan Stinespring

I bought my ticket for the bus. Bryan Stinespring needs to get fired. We accept cash, check, card, or Hokie spirit.

His play calling in the clutch has been downright hideous, hence the hunchback costume. Over the course of a game, he has graded out decently, but he hasn’t helped out Tyrod Taylor much, and Tyrod has to improvise more than he should.

But it’s the under pressure calls that are enraging.

Take Boise State. Third down and eight with two minutes left. The Broncos have no timeouts, and converting seals a 30-26 victory for the Hokies. What does Stinespring do? Roll the pocket for a low percentage, five-yard pass play.

Or take N.C. State. The Hokies ran for an incredible 8.6 yards per carry. But rather than keep running the ball like he usually does, Bryan decided to switch things up and give Taylor 24 throws and 16 rushes (most scrambles) for a total of 40 plays. Darren Evans and David Wilson get a combined 21 rushes. Of all the games to get pass-happy, Bryan Stinespring picks the game the run works the best.

VT also leads the nation in percent of running plays called on first down.

I don’t care if he is a good recruiter—he needs to be replaced yesterday.

Snorlax – The Offensive Line

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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 06: Virginia Tech Hokies players line up against the Boise State Broncos at FedExField on September 6, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

For those of you who don’t know or don’t remember, Snorlax is a Pokémon who is gigantic and lazy but packs a powerful punch when angered.

The offensive line was outplayed by...Boise State and James Madison? Apparently bulk isn’t everything.

In the past couple games, the line has been able to open up some nice holes for the backs, and Tyrod has had an hour to throw on some plays. But it’s the consistency that’s put the Hokies out of national relevance.

They got called out by nearly everyone and seemed to respond with a passion, but they have yet to play a full game. Nick Becton returning from a turf toe injury should help, but the offensive line can’t afford to be lazy.

Two-Face – Virginia Tech

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BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 18: Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Frank Beamer returns to the sidelines after talking with an official against the East Carolina Pirates at Lane Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Ge

They are arguably the country’s most bipolar team. For some unknown reason, the Hokies can’t put together four quarters of great football.

Here are some stats: Opponents outscored Virginia Tech 41 to 14 points in the first quarter. Three teams scored in double figures in the first quarter against Tech.

From the second quarter on, the Hokies outscored opponents 141 to 81. An even more impressive stat would be second half defense, but I don’t have the time to calculate it.

Sixty minutes of football is all Hokie Nation wants, and had they played five full games, Virginia Tech would still be in the discussion of getting Frank Beamer his first national title. We’ve caught glimpses throughout the year of Tech’s full potential.

Now that we’re approaching the second half of the season, maybe the overall game play will step up like it has in the second halves of games