This weekend’s game against Miami may not mean anything in the ACC title chase, but it means something to both teams. The Hokies, particularly the guys on the team that were part of the 2005 embarrassing home loss to the ‘Canes, want this game. They remember what happened two years ago and the seniors especially are taking this game seriously - it is their final home game.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are looking at the possibility of missing a bowl game for the first time in 10 years. Granted it would be a lame bowl even if they win their final two games and finish 7-5, but you would think that they would be playing for a modicum of pride, right?

Well, judging from Randy Shannon’s quotes in the news, I am not sure the players are getting the proper motivation from the coaching staff. Don’t get my wrong, I like Randy Shannon and his story is nothing short of a miracle for all of the obstacles and trials he has overcome. But the following quote left me a little stunned:

“As I told those guys in the locker room after the game, if you shut it down now in life, when you leave college you’re always going to be a guy that’s going to shut it down and be a loser,” Shannon said. “So you’ve got two games left. Don’t go out and be a loser.”

Don’t go out and be a loser. Wow. If that doesn’t motivate you, check your pulse. Are you serious coach Shannon? That is your down-the-stretch and save-what’s-left-of-your-pride speech? Don’t go out and be a loser?

I think the key phrase in that quote is “if you shut it down.” Coach, you just suffered the worst home loss in 60 years. You got smacked around to the tune of 48-0 to a team that lost to Wyoming and barely beat MTSU, UConn and Wake Forest. UVA’s last four wins have been by a combined 5 points. And you let them score 48 in the final game ever played in your stadium? Sounds to me like your team has already shut it down.

That being said, this is still Miami and one of two things is going to happen Saturday afternoon in Lane Stadium: Either 1) Virginia Tech continues to roll on both sides of the ball and hands the ‘Canes another crushing defeat; or 2) The Canes somehow manage to salvage their pride and season and pull off a huge upset.

Initially I thought that this game would be closer than the 17-point spread, but the more I think about it, I see our players with more motivation than the ‘Canes, even though the game means nothing in terms of the ACCCG race.