Looking forward the upcoming battle of the Techs

[gotech79]

Hey folks, just wanted to stop by prior to our matchup at the end of the week. I have to say, I'm looking forward to it. Georgia Tech kicks off the middle part of our schedule that will make or break our season (GT, @BC, S.Miss, Clemson, @Miami). There are alot of questions about our team, and they will be answered next Saturday when y'all come to town.

I am very curious to see how our offense responds to your defense. Your defense will show Sean Glennon looks that he has never seen outside of the film room. Our offensive line is young and doesn't have alot of depth. We have one very very good running back in Brandon Ore, but there is a huge drop-off to the guys behind him (Elan Lewis and Kenny Lewis, Jr). However, as a group, I think we have the best receivers in the conference. If Glennon has time to throw, our passing game can be quite good.

On the other side of the ball, I like how our defense matches up against your offense. Our biggest weakness is our run defense, and I haven't seen much of a running game from Georgia Tech outside of Ball. Our linebackers are quick and physical, and I think they will be able to contain Reggie Ball. So far, I have been satisfied with our secondary. I don't think we'll be able to shutdown Calvin Johnson, but I think we'll be able to limit the damage.

I expect this game to be low scoring affair. Provided our young offense doesn't make too many mistakes, I feel pretty good that we'll win. However, I am definitely not taking this one for granted. The fact of the matter is tha we haven't played anyone yet, and our offensive line looked absolutely terrible in the 1st half against Cincy.

 

[floridajacket]

Good thoughtful post.

From the looks of it, this will definitely be a defensive game. I am VERY confident in our defense against your green offense. Freshmen QBs rarely come out of a Tenuta defense alive and the new OLs will only help us with that.

That said, I'm worried about our offense versus your defense, especially with our offensive line problems. However, both Miami and Georgia last year also had incredible defenses and we played them pretty close. The weapon of Calvin Johnson really helps tremendously either with his catches against Miami or as a decoy against Georgia.

So, IMO, the absolute key will be the turnover battle. Our defense will absolutely need to get some interceptions in order to win this cleanly and if Virginia Tech gets turnovers on Defense or Special Teams, then the game would already be over.

However, if both teams control the ball and don't turn it over, then there's no telling what will happen. Hopefully we could utilize Calvin to get some first downs and at least control the clock. If we get stuck in three and outs though, then our defense will get tired like they did in 2004.

 

[pocket_watch]

Thanks '79! I can't find any holes in the football points made.

There is one area however that many travelling real Tech fans would love your insight on: Is it still bow season up there, or will the brave Tech fans bringing small children up yonder need to be concerned with rifle play from any of the non school afilliated Hokie "fans"?
As friendly as you are, you really should have given us a heads up last year.

Either way, I understand. Just for fun though, could you post a link to any trauma centers in the area? Thanks in advance!

I have no allusions, but if I did I would trade in one win over uga for a one time bad beat down of Virjinny Tek. Your football program is a disgrace and Frank Beamer is a hypocrite.

Good luck, and hope no fans get hurt.

 

[TechGator1066]

Thanks '79! I can't find any holes in the football points made.

There is one area however that many travelling real Tech fans would love your insight on: Is it still bow season up there, or will the brave Tech fans bringing small children up yonder need to be concerned with rifle play from any of the non school afilliated Hokie "fans"?
As friendly as you are, you really should have given us a heads up last year.

Either way, I understand. Just for fun though, could you post a link to any trauma centers in the area? Thanks in advance!

I have no allusions, but if I did I would trade in one win over uga for a one time bad beat down of Virjinny Tek. Your football program is a disgrace and Frank Beamer is a hypocrite.

Good luck, and hope no fans get hurt.

:hugelaugh: Those nasty fans will be silenced by the Ramblin' Wreck come Saturday. Hey '79, remember you don't have your thug and criminal QB this year, you have an inexperienced, Sophmore QB who will be under pressure from our D all day(just ask Cox and Wright from last year).
Be prepared for disappointment Saturday, because this game is not a guaranteed win for VPI and the Ramblin' Wreck are primed for an upset.

 

[RamblinPeck]

Tailgating?

Looking forward to the game too, I really think that this is going to end up being the biggest or at least 2nd biggest game of the year for both teams if the conference keeps on going the way its going.

Myself and some others are heading up there on Friday, got a hotel around Wake and are going the rest of the way on Saturday morning. Any sites I should see, pregame events, good places to tailgate, etc?

Probably best for the team that we've got a 3:30 kickoff, but I would have loved to see Blacksburg at night.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[gotech79]

Re: Tailgating?

Looking forward to the game too, I really think that this is going to end up being the biggest or at least 2nd biggest game of the year for both teams if the conference keeps on going the way its going.

I completely agree. Prior to the season, I had GT behind Miami, Clemson, and BC in order of importance and difficulty. However, BC lost to NC State, and who knows how Miami is going to finish. I now view the upcoming game as one of the most important games for us this year. Not only is it our first "real" game, but it is an intra-division game.

Myself and some others are heading up there on Friday, got a hotel around Wake and are going the rest of the way on Saturday morning. Any sites I should see, pregame events, good places to tailgate, etc?

First off, if you like scenic drives, you could always take US-52 through Mt Airy, up to Fancy Gap, and pick up I-77 there. (After you pass the Blue Ridge Pkwy, look out for I-77 signs.) It won't add more than 15 minutes to your drive, but scenic drives aren't for everyone.

I'm not sure where you're planning on parking. If you haven't figured that out yet, I would just follow the signs for public parking off of Prices Fork Rd. I believe it's $5. Technically, since it's not an ABC lot, you're not supposed to be able to drink there. However, just put your beverages in cups, and you'll be fine. Everyone else who tailgates there consumes alcohol, and the cops turn a blind eye.

This lot is on what I refer to as the backside of campus. A few ugly buildings are there (the ones built in the 60's and 70's). The stadium is on the other side of campus, and it's about a 10-15 minute walk. However, if you haven't seen the campus before, you'll go through the heart of the academic side, across the drill field, and through the heart of the residential side. So, you'll get a good view of campus.

The best tailgating is, of course, in the lots reserved for season ticket holders. The lot behind the stadium and the lot next to the coliseum have pretty good tailgates. You'll find longtime Hokies in these lots, and they're pretty friendly. The best tailgates are found in lot 8. You'll find a rowdier crowd there, but they know how to have the best time. I've tailgated in this lot a number of times. While the crowd is a little rougher, I've never seen anyone in this lot be mean to visitors. You might get some gentle ribbing, but nothing to write home about. Most of our season ticket holders are rowdy, but friendly to visiting fans.

If you're going downtown, pretty much all of the bars are very close to the Main St & College Ave intersection. Here's a quick rundown:

* Sharkey's (Main St) has some good wings, pool tables, and a back patio.
* Champs (Main St) is a smoky sports bar.
* Poor Billy's (Main St), I hear has good food, but I can't speak from experience.
* Big Al's (Main St, above Poor Billy's) is another smoky sports bar, but features a little bit of a Greek crowd.
* The Underground (Main St) is a very low key place where you'll see some locals and lots of dart boards. Pretty decent beer on tap.
* Rivermill (Draper) has a little bit of a hippy scene but has a ton of good beer on tap.
* Hokie House (Main St) is your traditional college bar. Lots of pool tables, lots of college kids, and good looking bartenders (the last time I was there).
* PK's (Main St) features lots of pool tables and a back patio. Their pizza is pretty decent.
* Top of the Stairs (College Ave) is another traditional college bar. Very Greek crowd, I never really hung out there.
* Bogen's (Main St, a little bit away from the action) is a low key bar, and the restaurant side is pretty decent.

If you're looking for places to eat, Mike's Burgers (Main St) is a staple of Blacksburg, has great burgers and monstrous calzones. The Cellar (Main St) features an Italian'ish menu, and it's pretty tasty. There's always Macados (MAC-a-DOOs) on University City Blvd. It's always busy after games, but they've got a big menu full of big sandwiches. Souvlaki (College Ave) is another staple of Blacksburg. They feature a Greek menu, and their gyros are quite good.

Of course, all of the bars will have a typical bar food.

Probably best for the team that we've got a 3:30 kickoff, but I would have loved to see Blacksburg at night.

I'm just happy it's not another noon kickoff!

Anyways, have a safe drive, and I hope you enjoy Blacksburg ... except for the outcome of the game. ;)