Refreshingly RELEVANT

[Yukonwreck]

Think back three or four seasons. Now compare that with now. There is something to be said for being in the mix, in the hunt, and playing in meaningful games every week----deep into the season. Run you finger down today's AP top 25 and admire the subset of one-loss programs ranked today. Not too shabby.
Add to that the fact that CPJ will not let these kids think they have played a total game yet. We are 5-1 and haven't played up to his expectations by a long shot. The second half of this season is going to be exciting.

 

[gtcu17]

I hope we start it off with a humongous upset over VT. I think I'd rush the field. After all, we haven't beaten them at home since 1990.

 

[gth816f]

Three seasons ago we went to the ACC championship game and entered the U[sic]GA game with a 9-2 record. We also played two games that College Gameday was present at. Nice thought though.

 

[Yukonwreck]

True, but it was the quintessential fizzle down the stretch. If you're telling me that at the time you were as upbeat about that team and its possibilities as you are about the program this morning, then I'll have to believe you. I will admit that I had high hopes that year that we would beat the mutts, win the ACC and play in a BCS bowl. But at the same time we had all seen several season of Chan. For me this is a completely different "feel".

 

[gth816f]

True, but it was the quintessential fizzle down the stretch. If you're telling me that at the time you were as upbeat about that team and its possibilities as you are about the program this morning, then I'll have to believe you. I will admit that I had high hopes that year that we would beat the mutts, win the ACC and play in a BCS bowl. But at the same time we had all seen several season of Chan. For me this is a completely different "feel".

At this point in the season I think we all were. Don't you remember the hype going into that Clemson game?

In fact, I think we're in almost the exact same situation right now as we were last season. This VT game is huge, and we could either beat a great team and really rise, or we could get crushed and fizzle out down the stretch, only beating the crappy teams left on our schedule.

Now, I agree that we all have better long-term hopes for our program now than back then, because we all think PJ is the man. However, we were all feeling pretty good about our program in '06 when our only loss was a close one to #2 ND.

 

[JoltinJacket]

At this point in the season I think we all were. Don't you remember the hype going into that Clemson game?

In fact, I think we're in almost the exact same situation right now as we were last season. This VT game is huge, and we could either beat a great team and really rise, or we could get crushed and fizzle out down the stretch, only beating the crappy teams left on our schedule.

Now, I agree that we all have better long-term hopes for our program now than back then, because we all think PJ is the man. However, we were all feeling pretty good about our program in '06 when our only loss was a close one to #2 ND.

I will agree, but challenge you with one point. In '06 our QB was a serious liability. I never felt comfortable with Reggie back there. He really helped us win the MD game that year (came back from 9 down in the 4th), but you always had to fear the worst. At least I did. I don't get that vibe at all with Josh and this unit. The switch is on for Josh at this point and I feel like the O can keep us in any game.

 

[gth816f]

I will agree, but challenge you with one point. In '06 our QB was a serious liability. I never felt comfortable with Reggie back there. He really helped us win the MD game that year (came back from 9 down in the 4th), but you always had to fear the worst. At least I did. I don't get that vibe at all with Josh and this unit. The switch is on for Josh at this point and I feel like the O can keep us in any game.

I'll provide you with a counter-point; back then(regardless of what we say about him now), we knew that Tenuta could WIN us games single handedly. No matter how bad the offense did we always had the defense. It's kind of reversed now. You have to fear the worst about the defense, but no matter how bad they are we always have the offense to keep us in it.

Philip Wheeler, Gary Guyton, Kenny Scott, KaMichael Hall. Back in 06, our household names were defensive players, and they were awesome.

 

[GTLiebs]

I will agree, but challenge you with one point. In '06 our QB was a serious liability. I never felt comfortable with Reggie back there. He really helped us win the MD game that year (came back from 9 down in the 4th), but you always had to fear the worst. At least I did. I don't get that vibe at all with Josh and this unit. The switch is on for Josh at this point and I feel like the O can keep us in any game.

this

 

[cajunjacket]

True, but it was the quintessential fizzle down the stretch. If you're telling me that at the time you were as upbeat about that team and its possibilities as you are about the program this morning, then I'll have to believe you. I will admit that I had high hopes that year that we would beat the mutts, win the ACC and play in a BCS bowl. But at the same time we had all seen several season of Chan. For me this is a completely different "feel".

I agree totally. We are a better team now. Not a bipolar team like that year.

 

[Yukonwreck]

Bingo. Today the nagging worry is our defense. Will there be a game down the stretch that we struggle on offense and the defense won't be able to close the deal? Always a possibility, but somehow I don't think so. CPJ said it: we found a way to win the shoot out (defense actually stepped up at key points)---we may have to win a game 10-7 before the season is over. A win is a win. Keep 'em coming.

 

[GoldZ]

Good or bad, one thing is for sure this Saturday. We will KNOW, not wonder, but KNOW, where we stand vs where we all expect us to ultimately be. We may have wondered how good/bad Clemson, NC, & fsu were, but as to VT's status, there is no doubt. A replay with Bama would be very entertaining.

Last year, we never really knew until after the bowl game (meaning the LOS issue).

Prior to last year...ferget it...bipolar is the correct term.

 

[The_C.Y._Hammer_Company™]

Good or bad, one thing is for sure this Saturday. We will KNOW, not wonder, but KNOW, where we stand vs where we all expect us to ultimately be. We may have wondered how good/bad Clemson, NC, & fsu were, but as to VT's status, there is no doubt. A replay with Bama would be very entertaining.

Last year, we never really knew until after the bowl game (meaning the LOS issue).

Prior to last year...ferget it...bipolar is the correct term.

This.

 

[BarrelORum]

True, but it was the quintessential fizzle down the stretch. If you're telling me that at the time you were as upbeat about that team and its possibilities as you are about the program this morning, then I'll have to believe you. I will admit that I had high hopes that year that we would beat the mutts, win the ACC and play in a BCS bowl. But at the same time we had all seen several season of Chan. For me this is a completely different "feel".

Not for me. Unlike 2006, we haven't beaten anyone yet. That's one of the most disappointing things about 2006. We actually beat some very good teams and then totally choked at the end. This team has beaten some good teams, but we haven't beaten any top 25 teams. Or at least teams that will sniff the top 25 at season's end.

I still am pumped about this season.

 

[midatlantech]

Not for me. Unlike 2006, we haven't beaten anyone yet. That's one of the most disappointing things about 2006. We actually beat some very good teams and then totally choked at the end. This team has beaten some good teams, but we haven't beaten any top 25 teams. Or at least teams that will sniff the top 25 at season's end.

I still am pumped about this season.

Boy, I disagree. We've played a very difficult schedule as has most of the best ACC teams. Most of the better teams have theoretical down hill schedules after this weekend.

 

[BarrelORum]

Boy, I disagree. We've played a very difficult schedule as has most of the best ACC teams. Most of the better teams have theoretical down hill schedules after this weekend.

I'm confused, what part do you disagree with?

 

[Yukonwreck]

I know the VPI game will be huge. Maybe I'm whistling past the graveyard, but my opinion is, that while they are a very good team, they have no business being called the #4 team in the country. In another thread someone is pointing out that it's been 47 years since we beat a top five team at home. I don't put VPI in that elite group. should be a good game. Stay undefeated at home, and beat the second of 3 that beat us last year.