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October 9, 2015
THE
EXTRAPOINT
Virginia Virgin nia T Tech ech vs. vs. N.C. N.C. State State
COLLEGIATE C OLLEGIAT A ETIMES
NOW OR
NEVER Going into a prime-time Friday night matchup against NC State, a sense of urgency looms over Blacksburg.
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PAGE 2 October 9, 2015
CATIE CARRERAS / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Brenden Motley (9) is grabbed from behind by Khaynin Mosley-Smith (95) in Tech’s 17-13 loss against Pittsburgh.
MUST-WIN GAME AGAINST WOLFPACK In a Friday night matchup against NC State, the Virginia Tech football team will look to bounce back from backto-back losses. Quarterback Michael Brewer is expected to return in this must-win game. FAIZAN HASNANY sports editor
There is a sense of desperation in Blacksburg as the Virginia Tech Hokies prepare to face off against the North Carolina State Wolfpack on Friday night, and with good reason. The last time Tech held a sub-.500 record five games this late into the season was in the 1992-1993 season when the Hokies finished 2-8-1. For the Hokies, quarterback Michael Brewer is listed as probable to play after being medically cleared to practice on Monday. Tech had high hopes for Brewer coming into season, but those hopes were put on hold after the redshirt senior broke his left collarbone against Ohio State in week one. Brewer will be in for a challenge if he does play on Friday against the Wolfpack secondary, which consists of three of the ACC’s top 10 cornerbacks in terms of completion percentage this season. Included in these three are Justin Burris and Mike Stevens, who rank first and third respectively. “They’re athletic, they’re tall, they’re long,” said offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler. “I think they do a really good job. They mix things up.”
While wide receivers Isaiah Ford and Cam Phillips have both built on strong freshman years this season, the Hokies are still looking for someone to provide depth and serve as a third receiver. Greg Stroman, who started at cornerback in place of Kendall Fuller against East Carolina, made the switch to wide receiver this week and hopes to fill that void and make plays with his speed. “Right now I feel like getting some playmakers on offense because we need that,” said Head Coach Frank Beamer. The Hokies’ inexperienced offensive line has also struggled this season, giving up seven sacks against Pittsburgh last Saturday. Look for freshman Yosuah Nijman to see more playing time at left tackle, in place of Jonathan McLaughlin, who hasn’t played up to par this year. “I think Nijman’s a very good football player. We’ll see where we’re at,” Loeffler said. Operating on a short week, the Hokies’ defense will also be tested against an NC State offense that doesn’t turn the ball over much. Senior quarterback Jacoby Brissett has thrown zero interceptions this season and had just five last year compared to his 23
touchdowns. The biggest threat for the Hokies, however, will be running back Matthew Dayes, who already has 522 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in addition to 18 catches and 158 yards receiving. “As we look to NC State, I see a wellbalanced football team. I see a team that has some dynamic skill kids,” said Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster. “I think overall, you know they might be completely the best set of skill kids we’ll play all the way around since Ohio State.” This game is a must-win for Virginia Tech, which has lost eight of its last 10 games at home. The Wolfpack enters Friday night with a 4-1 record, but all four wins were against an extremely light non-conference schedule. They are also looking to bounce back from a 20-13 loss against Louisville last week in their first conference game of the season and prove that they can compete in the ACC. “They have a loss in the league, we have a loss in the league,” Foster said. “Both of us have a lot to be playing for.”
@FaizanCT
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COACHES MISUSE DEPTH IN BACKFIELD FAIZAN HASNANY sports editor
ZACK WAJSGRAS / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Travon McMillian (34) runs into Avonte Maddox (14) on a short carry, Oct. 3, 2015.
@FaizanCT
October 9, 2015 PAGE 3
“I think there’s only so many touches in a game, and percentage wise you better have the right people touching the ball,” said head coach Frank Beamer on Monday. The featured back system is something that has worked for the Hokies in the past, with running backs including Kevin Jones, Ryan Williams, and David Wilson. Tech even used it towards the end of last season with J.C. Coleman who ran for over 100 yards in three of his last four games and won bowl game the MVP for the 2015 Military Bowl. In what is shaping up to be quarterback Michael Brewer’s first game back since he suffered a broken collarbone against Ohio State, the run-game will be especially important to get the Hokies offense going early and to prevent the them from relying on Brewer to throw the ball. “I think if you ask any member of our offense, player or coach, what’s the number one priority, the number one priority is to run the football better and we’re going to continue to work on it,” said Beamer. “The number one priority of most defenses is to stop the run and make you one dimensional.”
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One of the most esteemed units for Virginia Tech football coming into the 2015-2016 season was the running backs. Due to the depth at the unit, the Hokies opted to take on a strategy which was effective early against non-conference opponents, but something that teams have now caught on to. Splitting carries seemed like the ideal philosophy for Tech not too long ago but since last week’s dismal nine-yard output on the ground against Pittsburgh, much has changed. Against Pittsburgh and over the course of the young season, the play calling on runs had become increasingly predictable for the Hokies when splitting carries. When Trey Edmunds is in the game you can often expect a run up the middle, whereas when Travon McMillian was on the field, defenses could almost always bank on a jet sweep or run to the outside, neutralizing some of the team’s best playmakers. “Just like I’ve said from the beginning,” said offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler in the week prior to the loss to Pitt. “We’re going to try to use all the available talent that we can to help us win. Using all of your weapons offensively sounds great in theory but the Hokies have learned the hard way that it is extremely difficult to execute. It can also be argued that splitting the carries hinders the competition at the position and the ability for a player to get into a rhythm. From a player’s perspective, there would be more incentive to perform at a high level if your carries were in jeopardy. Additionally, running backs are oftentimes being taken off the field after a big run, preventing them from gaining any sort of continuity and gaining momentum going forward. If the Hokies intend on regaining productivity on the ground, switching to a featured back system with one running back receiving the bulk of the carries should be their next course of action, and is something that they might already be leaning towards.
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ZOE SCOPA / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Quarterback Brenden Motely (9) is sacked by Pittsburgh’s Ejuan Price (5) as Wyatt Teller (57) attempts to block Matt Galambos (47), Oct. 3, 2015.
COACHES FAILING TO DEVELOP TALENT The Virginia Tech coaching staff has failed to develop its young talent, and that has led to a diminished product on the field. RICKY LABLUE
PAGE 4 October 9, 2015
editor in chief
My, oh my, how things can change in just a short amount of time. Two weeks ago, Virginia Tech football was coming off of their second win in a row against Purdue. A total team-effort blasted the Boilermakers as the Hokies scored touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams. Fast forward to the present, and the program is in shambles. The Hokies lost an ugly game to East Carolina on the road and then an even uglier game to Pittsburgh, their sixth loss in their last seven against the Panthers.
Backup quarterback Brenden Motley took hit after hit and was sacked seven times, some of which was his fault. The other times, Motley had about one second before being forced to leave the pocket. Motley was running for his life on Saturday, and right now this program is fighting for its life. Virginia Tech fans expect, and rightfully so, excellence on the football field. The fan base has given Virginia Tech a sizable home-field advantage for the better part of two decades, but that advantage has declined in recent seasons. The reason is obvious: the team stinks. Since 2012, after former standout quarterback Tyrod Taylor graduated,
Virginia Tech is 24-17. Tech lost 16 games from 2007-2011. In those seasons, the Hokies won 53 games, and won at least 10 games in each of those seasons. The reasons for the programs decline are somewhat murky, but recruiting isn’t an issue. According to Rivals, Virginia Tech has finished 23rd on average in national recruiting in the last 11 years. In that span, the Hokies have only missed the top-25 three times. That average ranking however doesn’t matchup with the talent level on the field. It’s been pretty clear that Virginia Tech hasn’t been a top-25 program for quite some time. So what’s the issue?
Since the recruiting class of 2012, 23 of the 80 committed recruits have left the team for one reason or another. Many of them end up transferring to other schools, such as running back Chris Mangus (who was kicked off of East Carolina’s team in April) and cornerback Donaldven Manning. Manning was a three-star recruit with big upside who never panned out. Looking at the players who committed, many of them were busts. In 2014, defensive back Holland Fisher was supposed to compete for playing time in the defensive secondary and see RECRUITS / page 8
Virginia Tech injury report for the N.C. State game.
Michael Brewer Status: Probable Injury: Clavicle
Ray Minor Status: Doubtful Injury: Shoulder
Donovan Riley Status: Probable Injury: Quad
Shai McKenzie Status: Out Injury: Knee
Desmond Frye Status: Doubtful Injury: Hamstring
Jack Willenbrock Status: Probable Injury: Knee
October 9, 2015 PAGE 5
Corey Marshall Status: Doubtful Injury: Hamstring
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Ricky Walker Status: Out Injury: Elbow
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INJURYBREAKDOWN
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VNT omsTackling
the perfect tailgate
esents Noprm
ANDREA PAPPAS design editor
As the Virginia Tech football team prepares to face off with NC State on Friday, Oct. 9, it’s utterly disheartening for students to remember that this event marks only three more home games for the fall season. For those with embarrassingly little football knowledge such as myself, this instead marks an even more disappointing factor: only three more tailgates until “Bleaksburg” weather officially sets in. As we all know, tailgating is an all-day affair, and if you plan on making it all the way through the game or even just to the start of the game, food preparation is a must. Based on my experiences, I have created the ideal tailgate menu of delicious and hearty food that will amaze your friends and family as well as give you the energy and drive to keep up with the game. Happy eating, Hokies!
Appetizer: Jalapeno Popper Dip Ingredients • • • • • • • •
Directions
4-6 fresh jalapenos, roasted and diced (include seeds if you like it really spicy) 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened 1 cup sour cream 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 3/4 cup + 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs 4 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 1 tablespoon dried parsley
1. In a mixer or by hand, combine cream cheese and sour cream.
butter, 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese and dried parsley until crumbly.
2. Add cheddar cheese, 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese and diced jalapenos. Mix well.
5. Sprinkle the buttery crumb topping evenly over the cream cheese mixture.
3. Spoon into 8x8 baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until hot and breadcrumbs are golden brown.
4. Blend bread crumbs, melted
Main Course: Slow Cooked Spicy Shredded Beef Tacos Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • •
Directions
2 lbs chuck roast 1/4 cup lime juice 3 tablespoons tomato paste 1 cup beef broth 1 medium onion, diced 1 jalapeno pepper, diced small 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed 1 tablespoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper
1. Mix dry spices together (salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika) and rub over the roast. 2. Place roast in slow cooker along with the garlic, onion and peppers. 3. Combine remaining ingredients (tomato paste, beef stock, lime juice) and pour
over beef. 4. Cook on low (8-10 hours) or high (4-6 hours) – meat should be tender and pull apart easily. 5. Shred meat with a fork and return to slow cooker. 6. Serve with tortillas or create a taco salad.
Dessert: Red Velvet Football Whoopie Pies Ingredients •
PAGE 6 October 9, 2015
• • •
One 16.5-ounce box of red velvet cake mix 2 eggs 1/3 cup water 3 tablespoons oil
• • •
Directions 1/2 cup butter, softened One 7-ounce jar marshmallow fluff 1 cup powdered sugar
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper and set aside. 2. Beat together chocolate cake mix, eggs, water and oil until smooth. Batter will be thick. 3. Transfer batter to a piping bag with a large decorating tip.
4. Pipe small football shaped mounds onto the baking sheets with 2 inches of space in between each football. Note that the pies will expand in the oven so keep them small with plenty of space. 5. Bake 8-10 minutes. 6. When done baking, cool for 5 minutes before removing and transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Beat together butter and marshmallow crème until smooth. 8. Add powdered sugar and beat until incorporated. 9. Pair up the whoopie pies into similar shapes and sizes. Once they have completely cooled, pipe marshmallow filling onto the bottom of one pie, then sandwich with the other pie.
CHASE PARKER sports staff writer
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Little has gone right for Virginia Tech football this season. Heading into the week four game against NC State with a 2-3 record, the Hokie faithful are losing hope. “I have loved the Hokies since I was a kid, but I’m so frustrated with the team right now. I’m sick of watching them get embarrassed over and over again,” said lifelong Hokie fan Cameron Cash. “Looking at the schedule ahead, I can’t see us winning more than five total games this year.” It is clear that Virginia Tech fans are losing patience with the team. In the past three years, Virginia Tech has finished the seasons 7-6, 8-5 and 7-6 respectively. The Hokies need a savior – a new talent who could potentially turn Virginia Tech into a national powerhouse once again. Insert Florida native Dwayne Lawson. Lawson is a four-star quarterback recruit out of Tampa, Florida. On ESPN’s top 300 quarterback prospects for 2015, Lawson was ranked fifth in the nation. This 6-foot-6 dual-threat quarterback was highly sought after by colleges all across the country. On Jan. 4, 2015, Lawson chose to sign with Virginia Tech over schools like Miami, Ole Miss and Florida State. Last year in his senior season at Hillsborough High School, Lawson threw for 2,444 yards, 21 touchdowns, averaged 222.2 yards per game and committed only three interceptions. On the ground, the dual-threat quarterback rushed for 867 yards, 17 touchdowns and averaged 7.3 yards per carry. In total, Lawson
was responsible for 3,364 total yards and 38 touchdowns in his final high school season. “He has pro quarterback potential, in my opinion,” said Virginia Tech offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler via The Washington Post. “We wanted to establish as much depth as we can at that position and make it extremely competitive.” Virginia Tech has historically been a better team with a dual-threat quarterback at the helm. Michael Vick, Marcus Vick and Tyrod Taylor – to name a few – all led the Hokies to championships and bowl victories by being threats through the air and on the ground. Lawson has already seen the field for the Hokies. However, his time has been very limited. Against Furman, Lawson came into the game for a little more than 10 plays. He threw the ball seven times, completing three passes for 51 yards. He also rushed nine times for 51 yards and a touchdown. Despite a solid but small debut, Lawson saw less playing time in the Hokies’ following game against Purdue. He only passed the ball once, which was incomplete, and rushed four times for zero yards. He hasn’t been inserted into a game since. Although the past few years of Virginia Tech football have been dismal and disappointing, the future looks bright. The skill set that Lawson brings to the Hokies may be just what they need to get things turned around. Dwayne Lawson brings many things to the table, but perhaps the most important thing that he presents is simply hope.
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LAWSON GIVES HOKIES A PATH TO THE FUTURE
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October 9, 2015 PAGE 7
CATIE CARRERAS / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Dwayne Lawson (2) races toward a touchdown, avoiding an advancing Furman player.
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RECRUITS: Lack of development among recruits results in decline from page 4
also at whip linebacker. After redshirting his freshman season, Fisher, along with defensive back Shawn Payne, decided to transfer from the program. The list of players who followed this path is quite long, and it shows. Sure there are some players who have panned out. Defensive end Ken Ekanem (ESPN rating: 80), linebacker Deon Clarke (ESPN rating: 78), cornerback Kendall Fuller (ESPN rating: 88) and wide receiver Isaiah Ford (ESPN rating: 81) have all met or exceeded expectations. The same cannot be said for many others.
“
The fan base has given Virginia Tech a sizeable homefield advantage for the better part of two decades, but that advantage has declined in recent seasons.”
From the 2012 class, running back/ wide receiver Joel Caleb (ESPN rating: 81), defensive lineman Woody Baron (ESPN rating: 78), offensive lineman Jack Willenbrock (ESPN rating: 77) and quarterback Brenden Motley (ESPN rating: 76) have all underperformed. Caleb has switched positions twice, failing to find a rhythm at either spot. Willenbrock hasn’t started a game in his entire career and Motley has struggled to perform in his limited chances. The 2013 class was much better. The Hokies were able to snag several contributors in that class, such as the aforementioned Fuller, tight end Bucky Hodges and defensive back Chuck Clark. However, players such as offensive lineman Wyatt Teller (ESPN rating: 80), linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka (ESPN rating: 81) and offensive lineman Kyle Chung (ESPN rating: 75) have all been somewhat disappointing. Teller has looked inconsistent at guard, Motuapuaka has failed to anchor the defense as well as people have hoped and Kyle Chung has yet to start a game. The 2014 class hasn’t had enough time to be fairly critiqued, but so far only Ford, running back Travon McMillian and offensive lineman Eric Gallo have done anything. The jury is still out on the rest of the class.
There is a pattern here. The coaching staff is bringing in talent, but the talent isn’t developing. That fault lies with the coaches. Too often in recent seasons Tech has brought in talented high school recruits only to watch them struggle to make an impact at the college level. That’s a problem. You don’t see this issue at top-tier programs. If head coach Frank Beamer didn’t have a past of turning low recruits into big-time players, this wouldn’t be as much of an issue. Beamer’s calling card has always been polishing guys and getting the best out of them. It’s pretty clear that this isn’t happening. If that’s the case, then what else does Beamer offer? Beamer, and the rest of his coaching staff, has earned the right to see this through until the end. Guys like defensive coordinator Bud Foster, defensive line coach and
running game coordinator Charley Wiles, recruiting coordinator and tight ends coach Bryan Stinespring and defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Torrain Gray all helped build this program and put Virginia Tech on the map. The clock is ticking. If anyone can turn this season around, it would be Beamer and his staff. But they cannot be allowed to have a pass on this. The coaching, led by Beamer, has not developed talent they way they need to in order to win. Sure there are other issues surrounding the team, but the lack of talent is the root of the problem. The blame lies at the feet of Frank Beamer and his coaching staff, and no one else. @RickyLablue
T
his week we have been enjoying the warm and sunny weather. There looks to be a hitch in this pattern as a cold front will pass through tomorrow. This will bring showers in the area, meaning another rainy home game. Low temperatures will go down to the mid-50s with high temperatures reaching the lower 70s. The kickoff temperature for the game will be in upper 60s with showers expected to start in the afternoon and last throughout the game, so don’t forget your poncho. Saturday we will see a chance of showers in the morning moving into the late afternoon. The remainder of the day will be overcast and we may still see a spotty shower in the evening. Low temperatures will dip down into the mid-50s and high temperatures peaking in the upper 60s. On Sunday, the skies will clear once again, making it a great day to go outdoors. Low temperatures will be cool, dropping down to the mid-40s, and high temperatures will rise to the upper 60s. The clear weather will also follow through the beginning of next week. Follow us on Twitter @ HOKIEwxWATCH for all of the latest updates!
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
High: 70o-75o
High: 65o-70o
High: 65o-70o
Low: 60o-65o
Low: 55o
Low: 45o
JAMES MORROW ZACK WAJSGRAS / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Frank Beamer looks back towards his sideline in the first half against ECU. The team’s recent struggles have many people questioning Beamer’s position.
• weather correspondent • @wxBONE