Blacksburg, VA, Nov. 22, 2008 – Once again, the Virginia Tech Hokies (6-4, 3-3) find themselves in control of their own ACC Coastal Division destiny. All the Hokies must do to make the ACC Championship game for the third time in four years is beat Duke (4-6, 1-5) and Virginia at home. And, they have a healthy Tyrod Taylor back in the mix.
Duke started off the season 3-1 with impressive wins over JMU, Navy and a 31-3 whipping of Virginia. Since that un-Duke-like beginning, the Blue Devils have gone 1-5 – their only win against a Vanderbilt. Duke’s ACC record is 1-5.
While Duke is a much improved team, Virginia Tech should … key word being “should” … not struggle in this game, especially at home. Nine days after a disappointing 14-16 loss at Miami that featured the most head-scratching offensive play-calling of the season. The criticism of offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring had for much of the season been confined to fans, message boards and call-in shows. But on Wednesday, Hokies’ lineback Purnell Sturdivant openly questioned Stinespring‘s play calling telling reporters “I have a couple friends at Carolina, a couple friends at N.C. State, things like that, they’re pretty much just calling out the plays that we’re going to run on offense. Our offense is pretty much predictable. You know what you’re going to see each and every week.”
Even if Duke knows what to expect in today’s matchup, I have a tough time believing that they can actually stop Tech from executing enough to win the game. Tech’s defense has played well most of the season and expect no let down against the Dookies. The offense, with any luck, will be ticked off and ready to crack some skulls. Look for the O-line to reestablish it’s blocking schemes, which will open the door for Darren Evans to have another 100-plus yard game.
Tech has not lost to Duke since joining the ACC in 2004. In fact, the Hokies have dominted Duke in the four games, outscoring the Devils 165-31. It’s going to a be a cold one folks, so make sure you bundle up and stay warm! Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m., just as the sun sets.
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I just came back from lane stadium. It was an ugly win. better than a pretty lose though. The five turn-over in the first half really made me angry. Fortunately, Bud Foster’s tough defense team saved our poor offense once again. But I am pretty worried about next week’s rivalry game vs UVA. UVA is not Duke. The will harvest from our turnovers if we continue perform like that.