GIS for "Virginia Tech backup QB" who apparently is Warren Beatty.
We all saw Clemson crash and burn from their top ten preseason ranking and being picked to win the ACC Championship and Virginia Tech is in that place this season. As a football prognosticator, it makes ya a bit queasy about the almost 99.9% vote of confidence that Virginia Tech is getting this preseason after last season. Here are some reasons that I can point to myself and say “Ha!” about when my Virginia Tech pick goes epic fail(in order of importance):
Editor’s note: Written pre-Evans injury.
1) Tyrod Taylor
Why: Quick question for the non-Hokies’ fans out there, who is Tyrod Taylor’s backup? Yeah, I don’t know either(and I should, but I don’t). Taylor is the difference between that extra win or two to take the Coastal Division and then the ACC. That means that he has to stay healthy…and play productively. I think it is very safe to say that he has not lived up to his potential. He was solid last year, but was not all-world by any means. If he can go Vick(in a good way, and Mike not Marcus) out there, that could bolster them from winning the ACC to contending for one of those BCS National Sham-pionships(which I hear are a big deal).
2) Georgia Tech
Why: I know I am now public enemy number 2,002 among Tech fans for picking them 3rd in the division(and Spiller>Dwyer for POY), but they are really a game away from taking the whole thing in my estimation. I have them beating Virginia Tech in Hotlanta in their October matchup. If they can stay healthy and keep the rushing game rolling, VT plays great and still is going back to Atlanta for the Chick-Fil-A or to J-ville for the Gator.
3) Championship Fatigue
Why: This really sounds like a stupid reason at first, but hear me out. These seniors have won a couple ACC titles in their career at VT. Even down to the sophomores and redshirt freshman, they have all tasted some Orange and been atop the ACC. It is a legitimate issue to think that maybe they will not be mentally prepared for back-to-back-to-back ACC Championships. The main prize of a national championship is still the holy grail, but if the Hokies drop game one v. BAMA, this factor could come into play.
Post-Evans Injury Addendum: Darren Evans’ injury will be a factor no doubt, but will it affect VT’s shot at the ACC? I would say no. It could drop the BAMA game for them, but the ACC is still well within their grasp.
Will VT be susceptible to these factors? Are there other stumbling blocks for these Hokies? What do you think?
I buy the Tyrod Taylor argument 100%. I say this year he steps his game up to Bryan Randall levels, I don’t think he ever gets to that Vick level. But he’s going to get dinged up as the season progresses, hopefully nothing too bad but I have very little confidence in Ju-Ju Clayton.
VT is going to have will have their hands full with GT, but I really think we’ll beat them in Atlanta. The Jacket’s front four gave us fits last year. This year their replacing three starters on their defensive line while we’ll have a much improved stronger offensive line.
I can’t agree with #3. We have an empty BCS Championship trophy case that the players walk by every day. Their eyes are on the prize.
[...] The DEATHBACKER, because whip doesn’t do Cody Grimm justice. F4H and I need to get this screen printed on shirts for our trip to Atlanta. Speaking of the Hokies, B. Rink delivers three reasons other than Darren Evans being injured on why VT won’t win the …. [...]
All good points, CGB, thanks for adding to the discussion. If they can beat GT, the ACC is theirs so that is the key game of the season for the Hokies obviously.