1.11.03
So here's my question: how did Va Tech beat the shit out of Miami? Let me count the ways:
- Bud Foster, the defensive coordinator. As far as I'm concerned, he deserves the game ball with the way he got his unit ready for the game. Tech's D forced 4 turnovers, scoring on the first two (DeAngelo Hall fumble return, and Eric Green interception return), and setting up a short TD run by Kevin Jones with the third. The defense never allowed Miami's running game to get going. Utterly awesome performance.
- Coach Beamer's challenges: many media outlets made note of Tech's awful record against AP Top 10 teams under Beamer (now 3-21; the previous two wins were against #9 WVU in 1989 - I think; it may have been '90 - and the '95 Sugar Bowl against #9 Texas). Beamer's response to questions about this - and questions about how his team would rebound from the WVU game - went something along the lines of "We'll see what happens". He didn't say "We will (rebound/get the big win)". He said that we'll see come Saturday. And the team responded. Bigtime.
- Lane Stadium and the fans: they were a big difference. A huge difference. I thought that after Miami got its close win against WVU, and WVU spanked Tech, that one of the differences was the fans. I didn't think that it would be worth 23 points (Miami won by 2, Tech lost by 21, a point spread difference of 23 points), but maybe it is. Maybe it's worth more than that.
Now the Hokies need to win next week at Pittsburgh to prove that they can win in a hostile environment. And they may have to do so without DeAngelo Hall, ejected when some Miami punk got pissed and started throwing punches.
Off to celebrate - Ryan
Comments:
Post a Comment
