Behind Enemy Lines with Jacob Pankey

Jacob Pankey is a Junior (Yes, I said Junior not third-year) at the University of Virginia.  He will be at the game Saturday, so if you see him shake your keys at him and make fun of his hipster style.

(THS) How do you like where the Cavs are at this point in the season? (After getting ornery about me calling them the Cavs, which I know he would)

(JP) This season has been more or less what I expected, and while I don't like where we are at, I wouldn't say it’s disappointing. We have 4 wins this year, more than last year, but 2 of those have come against I-AA schools, which Tech fans know all about.  However, we beat a ranked team for the first time in 2 years, and have lost several close ACC games.  While its lame to look at losses to Duke in a positive fashion, my point is that the program isn't too far off from returning to the post-season, which would be significant considering how thoroughly Al Groh s*** the bed recruiting wise these last few years. Which brings me to the other reason I'm not overly emo about UVA football: I honestly believe that given a reasonable amount of success (winning seasons), the split of high school talent in the state will look a lot closer to 50-50

(THS) Will Keith Payne play, and who will get the majority of snaps at QB?

(JP) I would have to imagine that if Payne's pain is the slightest bit bearable, he will try and play given that its Tech. As far as quarterback, I have to think its Verica. London has stuck with him through good and bad (mostly bad), and any benchings he had suffered had been only for the remainder of a lopsided game. At least his songs are dope.  (Marc Verica has started his music career http://www.youtube.com/user/MarcVerica#p/a/u/0/RMogQIiWX5I)

(THS) What are the keys you see for UVA to win?

(JP) Bring Drew Dudzik (JMU quarterback) in for a game. Oh wait, can't do that. If UVA is going to win, a couple things need to happen. Payne needs to play and be effective, as Tech's run D has been relative porous this season. On offense, Verica won't put the team on his back but at times he's certainly capable. Basically he just needs to stay out of his own way and make the reasonable throws. On D, we need to keep from getting burnt by Tyrod on the ground, and get sufficient pressure on him to where he doesn't have all day to throw, especially with Ras-I being out for season. Our secondary has been getting beat this season frequently, mostly due to the lack of a pass rush. The final key to the game is to hope and pray that the thunderous shaking of keys back Tech doesn't completely rattle our players. It’s both efficient and intimidating!

(THS) What is one thing that irks you in the student section at UVA?

(JP) Frankly, I'm kinda numb to everything about UVA football at this point, its kinda hard to get truly upset about anything. Hell, I don't agree with it, but I understand the apathy in the student section. Of course its gonna become a social event when the team loses consistently. If anything irks me, it’s that we allowed Al Groh to make this happen. May his defense at GT continue to cave at critical points for years to come.

(THS) How has London been in his relationships with the students at UVA?

(JP) Since Groh left, it’s been a complete 180. The man knows success on the field is a ways off, but that doesn't mean he can't still try and generate excitement about football. He goes out of his way to arrange chances for him to interact with students, and while attendance is usually low with these events, it’s the idea behind them that is most important. The other thing about London is he is aware of the culture of UVA, which Groh was oblivious to despite being an alum.  For better or worse, there is a significant portion of students who like to dress up for games, this will not change. Instead of wasting time getting everyone to wear the same color shirt, London is more concerned with fan enthusiasm.

(THS) Who is your favorite player on the team and why?

(JP) I honestly don't think I have a favorite player this year, but it has been fun to seen Keith Payne have so much relative success after Groh ran him off last year.

(THS) There are 12-year-old Cavs fans that have only seen one Virginia win in their lifetime…thoughts?

(JP) Thanks Al Groh and Michael Vick!

(THS) Do you wear a shirt and tie to games?

(JP) Once I wore a bow tie and jorts, I figured they negated one another.

What is one thing that you hate about Virginia Tech (he let himself go here, I even shortened it)?

-Hokie stone is bleak and ugly (the rock)

-So is Blacksburg itself

-Tech students that believe Tech has been good at football since 1895 instead of 1995

-Warthogs runnin' wild

-The name Hokie

-The correlation between Tech football and the majority of the student bodies' collective self-worth

-The inferiority complex that compels Tech students to hate UVA much more than UVA hates Tech

OH I FORGOT....THAT STUPID $%#&@ LUNCHPAIL

Hokie Stone Awards (Miami)

The Hokies came away with a 31 to 17 victory against the Canes last weekend.  With the win, Virginia Tech is your Coastal Division Champions 3 out of your last 4 years.  Boom Roasted.  It must've been the rain during the game that took away from Miami's talent.....

Hokiestone Player of the Week -  (MVP of the game)

Play of the Game - (The play that completely changed the outcome of the game)

In Need of a Bourbon - (A player that had a rough outing and needs to forget his performance)

Unsung Hero - (A player that silently had a big impact in the result of the game)

Greg Nosal of the Week - (A player that continues to play hard through a injury or setback)

Quote of the Game - (A quote that sums up the game)

Virginia Tech 31, Miami 17

Hokiestone POW - Ryan Williams - I think everyone could of called this one.  The redshirt sophomore finally had his breakout game, carrying the ball 14 times for 155 yards and bringing in a catch for 7 yards.  Williams showed his balance, vision on cutbacks, and breakaway speed, a trait he said he didn't have much of.  Miami speedy cornerback, Brandon Harris who was a preseason All-ACC pick, even had a angle on him running down the sideline on the 84 yard touchdown run.  Williams broke away and with some help from injured Marcus Davis (who was running down the sidelines with him) took it for seven.  Even with the injury this season, the performance of Williams in the Miami game could of possibly punched his ticket for the NFL.

Play of the Game - Ryan Williams 84 Yard Touchdown Run - After a nice defensive stop from the Hokies D, Williams started the 4th quarter off with a bang.  Williams cut to the back side of the play and ran into Andrew Lanier, who was in a stalemate with a block.  After bouncing off Lanier's back, Williams exploded down the Tech sideline, running away from the Miami defensive backs.  The momentum swung to the Hokies and they never looked back.  After finally sitting back down on the couch after running the whole way with Williams at home, I realized that Williams run just raised his draft stock.  Before the game I was pretty sure that Ru would be back for next year, with games like this I am second guessing.

In Need of a Bourbon - Stephen Morris - The true freshman played lights out in the first half.  He was poised, calm, and confident and look anything but a freshman.  Foster's "bend but don't break defense" finally made some adjustments after the 2nd half.  Defensive end Steven Friday finally started getting some pressure on Morris, who started forcing some throws.   The Hokies's defensive backs started to sit on some routes and Morris went to the well to many times with the quick slant.  Hosley stepped in front of the throw and after seeing motion from the tight end (which told him short game was coming) and returned it 32 yards.  Morris finished the game 15 - 33 for 202 yards with 3 interceptions, with just 1 touchdown.  Morris finally looked like a freshman in the 2nd half.


Unsung Hero - Chris Hazley - Once again, Beamer comes up with a stud for us at kicker this year.  Hazley has been unbelievable this year since his first miss versus Boise State.  Since that miss against Boise State, Hazley has made 18 field goals in a row.  These field goals have not been chips shots either.  Hazley hit a 52 yarder against North Carolina and drilled a 49 yarder in the 2nd quarter to tie Miami at 10.  The Hokies got a great one with Hazley, and to think he only started kicking because he was "bored" at school.  Hazley should be in the running for the Lou Groza award (Nation's Best Kicker), because there is not a hotter kicker in the nation right now.


Greg Nosal POW - Logan Thomas - Facing third down and 16 from the Virginia Tech 41 yard line, the redshirt freshman quarterback trotted onto the field for injured quarterback Tyrod Taylor (injured by hard hit play before).  Thomas rolled to his right and through a strike to Danny Coale for 24 yards to keep the drive moving.  It was a huge play and I contemplated putting as the play of the game, because it kept the drive moving on the way to a game tying touchdown.  The throw that Thomas completed, gave confidence to Hokies fans everywhere that we may have something with Tyrod gone. He fought through some adversity and came away with a big play. 


Quote of the Game - Tyrod Taylor - (On Celebration penalty, was asked if he broke the "U" symbol on his leg) With a smile he responded "That' might've happened." (Check out the pic)

Tyrod's quarterback draw for touchdown to extend the lead to 31 to 17 was the dagger for Miami.  I originally thought he got the celebration penalty for chest bumping the Hokie Bird deep in the endzone.  I wish ABC showed the breaking of the U, nothing like seeing the hundreds of Canes fans exiting the already empty stadium.

Guest Student Hokie Stone Awards
Josh Bowers - Junior from Baltimore, Maryland


Claim to Fame - Successfully taped 4 bags of Franzia to himself, which he took into the Nebraska game.  He is known throughout the nation as the kid who played "Slap the Bag" on nation wide television after rushing the field.


Hokiestone POW- Ryan Williams - With his 14 carries for 142 yards he average a first down a carry thanks in large part to his break-a-way run. Adding on another 2 TDs for consecutive years against Miami.
Play of the Game- Miami Timeout which overturned 1st down call in 1st quarter - Miami calling a timeout allowing the officials to review a called first down which was over turned, forcing a 4th down. Miami elected to go for the 4th down, resulting in a stop and a fumble recovery for the Hokies.
Unsung Hero- Logan Thomas - After Tyrod Taylor got hurt on what forced a 3rd and 16 Logan Thomas came in and converted leading to a 24 yard pass to Danny Coale. The successful conversion ended up leading to a Ryan Williams TD run and an even 7-7 score.
In Need of a Bourbon- Stephen Morris - His 3 INTs in the 4th Quarter crushed any hopes the Canes had of staying in the game.
Quote of the Game- "Virginia Tech had one bad week this season. The Hokies have been perfect in all others." Since starting a surprising 0-2 the Hokies have rebounded for 9 straight wins, giving themselves the opportunity to be the only team in college football to have 10 win seasons in each of the past 7 years

Postgame Miami Thoughts/ Pregame UVA Thoughts

When watching the Miami game this weekend there was one play that completely showed the identity of this year's team.  It was third and 16 at our own 41 yard line.  The Hokies were down 7 to 0 and needed a strike to keep the drive going.  The only problem was Tyrod got slammed hard by Miami linebacker Colin McCarthy and had to go off the field after losing his breath.  Redshirt freshman Logan Thomas came trotting on the field.  I immediately knew a Stinespring draw or Halfback screen was coming.  I was wrong, Thomas semi-rolled to his right and looking calm as ever threw a 24 yard rocket for a first down.  Like the beginning of the year when we lost 2 games in 1 week, we could of rolled over and went through the motions.  We could of ran a draw and punted the ball away against Miami.  The Hokies wanted more, we were hurt and we stepped up and made the play.  The character that this team has shown this year is unbelievable.  Coming back from huge first half deficits, injuries, bad calls, there was nothing that would affect them.  Someone steps up and the Hokies keep chugging along.  This season I have fallen in love with this team.  The heart they show each week and the resiliency after the first two weeks are unrivaled.  The Hokies could of collapsed, started fighting with each other, but the Seniors rallied everyone together and steadied the ship.  Every year we are spoiled by the team that Beamer puts together.  Hokie fans are spoiled with ten win seasons, spoiled with dominating conference play, spoiled with the success that we experience year in and year out.  As the Hokies close out their final game at home, I ask for a simple request from Hokie fans.  To greet the team at "The Walk" before the game and to get to the game early for Senior Day.  If you don't think this game matters anymore since we clinched, than you need to leave the state.  This is UVA, this is rivalry week and I do not want to listen to the stiff's in Charlottesville for the next year.  The Commonwealth Cup needs to stay in Blacksburg and it starts with us.  The senior's and this team has given so much to us this season.  This might be the last time some of us see Andre Davis come up big in the redzone.  The last time we see Steven Friday come around the end to bury Marc Verica.  The last time Roc Carmichael and Davon Morgan provide lock down coverage in the secondary.  The last time we see run plugging John Graves in the middle.  The last time we see Zach Luckett dancing on kickoff team before making a tackle.  The last time we see Brian Saunders boom another deep punt.  The last time we see Kenny Younger making a block to spring Williams for a touchdown.  The last time we see Beau Warren directing the offensive line at center.  The last time we see Hazley splitting the uprights for three.  Most importantly the last time we will  see one of the greatest players in Virginia Tech history, Tyrod Taylor celebrate another touchdown going off the field.  So Hokie fans lets give back to the senior's and this team.  Get to "The Walk", and your seats before the game starts.  We got one last game to make Lane roar for this team and we do it against the hated Cavaliers.  So Hokie fans........

Cue Enter Sandman, walk down the tunnel, its time to hit the Stone

Hokie Stone Awards (North Carolina)

The Hokies came away with a hard fought 26-10 victory in Chapel Hill.  The win made the Hokies the state champions of North Carolina, beating every single FBS team in the state (North Carolina, North Carolina State, Duke, Wake Forest, East Carolina). After some thought the Hokie Stone Awards for the week..

Hokiestone Player of the Week -  (MVP of the game)

Play of the Game - (The play that completely changed the outcome of the game)

In Need of a Bourbon - (A player that had a rough outing and needs to forget his performance)

Unsung Hero - (A player that silently had a big impact in the result of the game)

Greg Nosal of the Week - (A player that continues to play hard through a injury or setback)

Quote of the Game - (A quote that sums up the game)

Hokiestone POW - Marcus Davis - Coming into the game with the Robert's injury, the Redshirt Sophomore knew he needed to step up, and did he ever answer the call.  Davis finished with 4 catches for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns on the day.  The most impressive play from Davis came on a bubble screen in which he he broke a tackle and streaked down the sideline for a 46 yard gain.  The Redshirt Sophomore looked like a seasoned veteran and came through when the Hokies needed him most.  The emergence of Davis gives Tyrod another option and hopefully someone he can go to the rest of the season.

Play of the Game - Eddie Whitley's Interception - With the Hokies trailing 10 - 6 with 7:45 left in the 2nd and North Carolina at the Virginia Tech 27, the Hokies were looking for a stop.  UNC quarterback T.J. Yates threw a dart to the Highsmith in the back of the endzone, hoping for him to make a play.  Junior Free Safey Eddie Whitley contested the ball in the air and tore the ball away from Highsmith for the touchback giving the Hokies a much need defensive stop.  Whitley, before the season, was quoted saying he didn't want to be another Kam Chancellor, he wanted to be Eddie Whitley.  With that interception and his stellar play all year, Hokies should be confident that we found a good Free Safety for these next two years.  The interception was the play of the game and prevented UNC from pulling away with a 17 - 6 lead.

In Need of a Bourbon - T.J. Yates - Coming into Saturday's game, the Senior quarterback was playing his best ball.  Throwing for 15 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions.  Yates finished the game 18-33 for 197 yards and four interceptions, doubling his total for the year.  Yates seemed confused throughout the game, forcing throws deep and holding onto the ball too long.  The Hokies defense held the Tarheel receivers to just 3 receptions all game, and shut down playmaker Dwight Jones to just 4 yards receiving.  Late in the game, the cursing of Yates's name started to reemerge from the Tar Pit, just an example of the frustration felt throughout the game.

Unsung Hero - Roc Carmichael - While the senior cornerback might of not had a huge game in the boxscore like his fellow cornerback Jayron Hosley, Carmichael had the most important job of the game.  Roc shut down UNC receiver Dwight Jones who was unstoppable as of late, coming into the matchup with 612 yards and 3 touchdowns in his last 4 games.  Carmichael held the playmaker to just 4 yards all night with his shutdown performance at boundary corner.  The senior ended the game with just 3 tackles in the box score, but his job on Jones and the rest of the UNC receiving corp was a stat overlooked.

Greg Nosal POW - Marcus Davis - During the game the redshirt sophomore recieved some heart breaking news.  Davis's cousin collapsed and died while playing basketball.  Playing through tears and consoled by Tyrod Taylor, Davis came out and had the best game of his career.  What a gutsy performance from the sophomore.  Our prayers are with you and your family Marcus, stay strong.

Quote of the Game - Eddie Whitley - "DBU is back, This is what we do."  This secondary is playing lights out as of late.  Coming into Saturday's game, the Hokies were ranked first in the country in terms of opposing quarterbacks' completion percentage.  The secondary this year has been the most consistent part of the Hokies defense.  Earlier in the season, secondary coach Torian Gray said this could be one of his fastest groups he has had.  It is starting to show, as the Hokies are playing fast and very good.

Guest Student Hokie Stone Awards

Dan Raube - Junior from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Claim to Fame - Completely ate a Giant Turkey Leg bone during a game this year and washed it down with a Jack Daniel's airplane bottle right in front of a cop.

Hokiestone POW - Jayron Hosley

Play of Game - Eddie Whitley Interception

In Need of a Bourbon - T.J. Yates

Greg Nosal POW - Ryan Williams

Unsung Hero - Chris Hazley

Pregaming with the Hokiestone (North Carolina)

Virginia Tech (7-2 5-0) vs. North Carolina (6-3 3-2)

Chapel Hill - 3:30 ABC/ESPN

Let me start off my pregame thoughts with a message to my good friend Troy Douglas the Defensive Backs Coach for the North Carolina Tarheels...

While working at a golf course this summer a man came up to me with a North Carolina hat on.  He immediately started the conversation off with, "awful hat you got on there, son" (Referring to my Titleist Hokies hat). Biting my lip and being friendly, I responded with the courteous "Yea you got us this year, good game man."  However, this man was relentless, talking non-stop about how they (UNC) came into our place on a Thursday night and whooped our ass. I shrugged it off time after time, but when he wouldn't let up, I finally let him have it, disregarding the possibility of getting fired.  After a couple jokes about choking at the Meineke Car Care Bowl every year, his blood began to boil (Luckily for him, the suspensions as a result of their cheating team and gift giving had not come out yet).  This just shook the Hornets nest and Mr. Douglas was right back at me.  We went off and on for over 10 minutes telling each other what was on our mind.  Finally he got in his car and left Virginia for good.  I have never met a more arrogant, egotistical man in my life.  He wouldn't let up about his "Number 1" defense and All-American secondary.  Let's just say I have had this game circled on the calendar for some time.  I will be in Chapel Hill this Saturday and hopefully we can come out with a big win against the Heels.  I just don't want to win, I want to embarrass this team.  I want Tyrod to go ham on their secondary and throws for 500 yards... I will love every minute of it.  So Hokies I will see you down in Chapel Hill, meet me at Franklin St after a win.  Let's hope the North Carolina secondary takes after their coach on the golf course (he shot a 99) and the Hokies come away big with the W.

Now that I got off my chest onto my Pregame Thoughts

North Carolina-

North Carolina comes into this game after a 4th quarter thriller against Florida State.  Once again with a chance to win the game, Florida State missed a 40-yard field goal wide right (sound like a broken record...  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYTp7IbZ2uY).  What a turnaround for North Carolina Senior Quarterback T.J Yates.  Last year he had a 60% completion rate and passed for 2136 yards along with 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.  Lets just say Yates got the same amount of grief that Glennon did his senior year.  UNC fans were calling for Paulus to start, but Butch Davis held firm and kept him as a starter.  The dividends for staying true to his starter have paid off this year.  Yates have improved his completion rate to 66%.  He has already surpassed his passing yards from last year, throwing for 2312 yards and 15 touchdowns with only 4 interceptions.  The play of Yates this year is the only thing keeping the Heels successful after losing up to 31 starters due to injury or suspension throughout the season.  Without his play the Heels would not be 6-3.

Virginia Tech-

         The big story for the Hokies is injuries. The injury report this week informs that David Wilson is out with Mono, Chris Drager is still recovering from a hit against GT and Dyrell Roberts suffers from Compartment Syndrome.  

         These losses for the Hokies are huge but they open up doors for young players who haven’t recieved the chance to fully shine this year.  Ryan Williams and promising running back Tony Gregory will take over the kick return duties.  The redshirt freshman Gregory will look to take this as a second chance opportunity after 2 fumbles in late game blowouts.  Marcus Davis a redshirt sophomore will be needed to take Dyrell Roberts spot as a reliable target for Tyrod Taylor.  Davis has 11 catches for 115 yards on the year, but keep your eyes open for a break-out game.  James Gayle and J.R. Collins will take over the end position for Drager with Gayle getting the majority of the snaps.  This might affect Foster's whole-sale Defensive Line substitutions now that he can't bring in Gayle and Collins off the bench. While it was not a very deep defensive line in terms of depth before, the loss of Drager does not help at all.  

         Look for the Hokies to rely on Tyrod Taylor like they have all year.  The emerging presence of Senior Tight End, Andre Smith will give Taylor another target with Roberts out.  With a strong running attack from Ryan Williams and Darren Evans and bend but don't break defense, the Hokies should be successful.

Prediction

Virginia Tech 24 - North Carolina 14

Players To Watch

North Carolina - Dwight Jones - The Junior Wide Receiver has burst onto the scene recently with 602 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns in the last four games.  With the loss of big time player Greg Little (NCAA Investigation), Jones has come alive as Yates favorite target and the two have been on a tear the past couple of games.  The Hokies need a big game from Roc Carmichael and Jayron Hosley to help slow down the passing attack of the Heels.  If the Hokies can get some pressure on Yates and force him into some bad throws, it will make the jobs of the Hokies secondary easier.

 Virginia Tech - Ryan Williams - Every Hokie fan remembers the picture of Ryan Williams at the end of the game in 2009 after his fumble in Tech territory.  Head in his hands he was inconsolable after a hard nosed rushing performance from the Redshirt Sophomore.  Sparked by limited carries because of injury and the fumble from last year, Williams will look for something to prove.  With the North Carolina defense depleted from injuries and suspensions, Williams will run hard and make the most of his opportunities.  Do not be surprised if you see the Ryan Williams Touchdown stare a few times in the end zone this Saturday.

So stock up on your bourbon, take a load off onto your favorite chair, and get your popcorn ready.  This game's a big one Hokies...

Cue Enter Sandman, walk down the tunnel, its time to hit the stone

The Inaugural Hokie Stone Awards (Georgia Tech)

Each week I will be giving out game awards on my views of the game.  We will start it off with Georgia Tech and the awards go as follows..

Hokiestone Player of the Week -  (MVP of the game)

Play of the Game - (The play that completely changed the outcome of the game)

In Need of a Bourbon - (A player that had a rough outing and needs to forget his performance)

Unsung Hero - (A player that silently had a big impact in the result of the game)

Greg Nosal of the Week - (A player that continues to play hard through a injury or setback)

Quote of the Game - (A quote that sums up the game)

Georgia Tech 21, Virginia Tech 28

Hokiestone POW - Bruce Taylor.  Bruce Taylor battled through foot injury all week long in practice but it didn’t show one bit in Thursday’s win. Taylor finished the game with 14 tackles and 2 big sacks and was named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week.  All game long the sophomore linebacker had the stress of stopping the FB give and QB follow, yet found a way to fight through pain. He lead Bud Foster’s stellar D and gave the ball back to Virginia Tech’s now all-time leading offensive player, Tyrod Taylor.

Play of the Game - Davon Morgan's Interception in the redzone.  On third and goal for Georgia Tech, the Hokies hoped to hold the Jackets to three points after Jayron Hosley’s fumbled punt return. Immediately after coming back on the field from injury, Morgan baited Nesbitt into forcing a throw to the 1. Davon came up big, jumping the route and returning the interception 28 yards to the 29.  Although the Hokies did not score on the following drive, the Yellow Jackets walked off the field with nothing more than Josh Nesbitt’s season-ending broken arm on an attempted tackle.  The injury not only took the Senior QB out of the game but also completely changed the momentum of the game. None of this would have ever happened without the Senior Rover's interception.  

In Need of a Bourbon - Jayron Hosely.  Hosely’s fumbled punt return after a nice defensive stop deep in Tech territory could have ended in disaster.  The Yellow Jackets drove the length of the field and without Morgan's previously mentioned interception the score could of easily been 21-7.  Although Georgia Tech relied heavily on the run, with only 10 pass attempts, Hosely ended the game with 2 tackles and a broken up pass. The Hokies will need Hosely to come back strong with big returns and shut down D at Field Corner against a stout North Carolina passing attack this upcoming week.

Unsung Hero - Kyle Fuller.  Kyle Fuller was used at whip in the defense that Foster installed last week. Subbing in for the spot that Jeron Gouveia-Winslow plays in the standard defense.  He was thrown into a very tough situation and although had some slip ups at the very beginning that led to Nesbitt’s 2 touchdown runs, Fuller quickly buckled down and finished strong.  He ended up with 5 total tackles, 2 solo's, and one broken up pass.  This true freshman has stepped up and played pretty well for Foster and Company. Look for him to be used more against North Carolina this week.

Greg Nosal POW - Ryan Williams.  Ryan Williams continues to battle through the hamstring injury, still making the most out of his touches.  He finished the game with 2 short catches for 4 yards on top of 7 carries for 30 yards and one touchdown.  It is always a good sign when you see the Ryan Williams’ touchdown stare after he powers his way into the end zone.  While is looking for more carries, he seems to have gotten his wish now that Wilson is out with Mono.  Look for Williams and Evans to carry the load this week for the Hokies.

Quote of the Game - Heather Dinich.  "It was so loud that Washington said he had to take out his mouthpiece in order for his teammates to hear him in the huddle."  Dinich was referring to back up quarterback Tevin Washington who filled in for Nesbitt.  The noise that shook Lane Stadium Thursday Night was unbelievable.  Although I have mixed views on the infamous “Enter Sandman” being played in the 4th quarter, there was no doubt that it did give me Goosebumps.  The fans brought the noise in the final minutes of the fourth quarter and did their best to help the Hokies to victory.  It hasn’t been that loud since last year against Nebraska when Tyrod hit Coale with his late game heroics.  In fact it was actually louder than Nebraska at points and is hopefully something the fans take with us to the final home game against Virginia.