Marshall @ Va Tech !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Thread starter hellah10
- Start date
Pruett says protection crucial
Giving Leftwich time to deliver passes pivotal against Virginia Tech
By ANTHONY HANSHEW - The Herald-Dispatch
HUNTINGTON -- In the past two weekends, Marshall coach Bobby Pruett has watched a pair of Heisman-hyped quarterbacks twist in the wind.
Both Louisville?s Dave Ragone and Florida?s Rex Grossman have taken significant hits to their respective campaigns. Ragone?s 3,000 gross of bobblehead dolls transformed to paperweights on Sept. 1 in a disappointing home loss to Kentucky. Ragone connected on 14 of 39 attempts for 193 yards and one touchdown. He was intercepted once.
Grossman completed just 19 of 45 passes for 191 yards and two interceptions in Saturday?s 41-16 loss to top-ranked Miami at the Swamp.
Neither Ra-gone nor Grossman suddenly lost their ability to read defenses or throw, Pruett said. Their struggles are more easily explained.
"They?re two really good quarterbacks," Pruett said. "But they just couldn?t get the ball off."
Keeping Marshall quarterback Byron Leftwich off the Lane Stadium turf will go a long way toward deciding the Thundering Herd?s success Thursday at Virginia Tech. Marshall, ranked No. 16, takes on the No. 11 Hokies at 7:30 p.m. in an ESPN-televised game.
Virginia Tech (2-0) is an 11-point favorite over the Thundering Herd (1-0).
On the same day Kentucky scored more than a dozen knockdowns of Ragone, the Hokies sacked LSU quarterback Matt Mauck four times in a 26-8 victory.
"They have a great defense," Pruett said. "Defensively, they have more team speed than they?ve had in a while."
Pruett pointed to Tech?s veteran secondary led by safety Willie Pile and cornerback Ronyell Whitaker, as keys. Tech?s ability to "clap down" on receivers one on one allows defensive coordinator Bud Foster to send more players after the quarterback.
"If Byron has a good ballgame, it means we protected well and he used his athletic skills accordingly," Pruett said.
Through two games, Tech?s pass rush has not diminished despite losing its three linebackers and top five defensive tackles from 2001.
"When you have a Top 10 program like Virginia Tech, ? they?re just reloading," Pruett said. "You look at their team speed, and they?re all magnificent athletes.
"You understand why they?re a top 10 program and why they will be as long as coach (Frank) Beamer?s there."
Feeling your pain
Two fellow Mid-American Conference coaches are well aware of the task awaiting Pruett and the Herd.
Both Central Florida and Western Michigan lost at Virginia Tech last season -- by a combined, 77-14.
Western Michigan coach Gary Darnell has taken his Broncos into the most imposing venues in college football. Tech?s Lane Stadium, particularly with its recent renovation, is on the short list, Darnell said.
"We just played in front of 100,000 (at Michigan), but it?s not like playing in front of the 70,000 there, because they?re right on top of you," Darnell said. "And they remind you of that throughout the game."
Tech blanked Western Michigan, 31-0, last season. Three weeks later, the Hokies rolled past UCF, 46-14.
"I don?t think Marshall will be getting into anything they haven?t been in before," UCF coach Mike Kruczek said.
Kruczek?s team is coming off a 36-13 loss at Arizona State, a game it led 13-10 at halftime. UCF suffered a similar second-half collapse at Tech last year.
"We were real close last year, and then the bottom just kind of fell out," Kruczek said. "They do a fantastic job of coaching all aspects and they play very well at home."
Giving Leftwich time to deliver passes pivotal against Virginia Tech
By ANTHONY HANSHEW - The Herald-Dispatch
HUNTINGTON -- In the past two weekends, Marshall coach Bobby Pruett has watched a pair of Heisman-hyped quarterbacks twist in the wind.
Both Louisville?s Dave Ragone and Florida?s Rex Grossman have taken significant hits to their respective campaigns. Ragone?s 3,000 gross of bobblehead dolls transformed to paperweights on Sept. 1 in a disappointing home loss to Kentucky. Ragone connected on 14 of 39 attempts for 193 yards and one touchdown. He was intercepted once.
Grossman completed just 19 of 45 passes for 191 yards and two interceptions in Saturday?s 41-16 loss to top-ranked Miami at the Swamp.
Neither Ra-gone nor Grossman suddenly lost their ability to read defenses or throw, Pruett said. Their struggles are more easily explained.
"They?re two really good quarterbacks," Pruett said. "But they just couldn?t get the ball off."
Keeping Marshall quarterback Byron Leftwich off the Lane Stadium turf will go a long way toward deciding the Thundering Herd?s success Thursday at Virginia Tech. Marshall, ranked No. 16, takes on the No. 11 Hokies at 7:30 p.m. in an ESPN-televised game.
Virginia Tech (2-0) is an 11-point favorite over the Thundering Herd (1-0).
On the same day Kentucky scored more than a dozen knockdowns of Ragone, the Hokies sacked LSU quarterback Matt Mauck four times in a 26-8 victory.
"They have a great defense," Pruett said. "Defensively, they have more team speed than they?ve had in a while."
Pruett pointed to Tech?s veteran secondary led by safety Willie Pile and cornerback Ronyell Whitaker, as keys. Tech?s ability to "clap down" on receivers one on one allows defensive coordinator Bud Foster to send more players after the quarterback.
"If Byron has a good ballgame, it means we protected well and he used his athletic skills accordingly," Pruett said.
Through two games, Tech?s pass rush has not diminished despite losing its three linebackers and top five defensive tackles from 2001.
"When you have a Top 10 program like Virginia Tech, ? they?re just reloading," Pruett said. "You look at their team speed, and they?re all magnificent athletes.
"You understand why they?re a top 10 program and why they will be as long as coach (Frank) Beamer?s there."
Feeling your pain
Two fellow Mid-American Conference coaches are well aware of the task awaiting Pruett and the Herd.
Both Central Florida and Western Michigan lost at Virginia Tech last season -- by a combined, 77-14.
Western Michigan coach Gary Darnell has taken his Broncos into the most imposing venues in college football. Tech?s Lane Stadium, particularly with its recent renovation, is on the short list, Darnell said.
"We just played in front of 100,000 (at Michigan), but it?s not like playing in front of the 70,000 there, because they?re right on top of you," Darnell said. "And they remind you of that throughout the game."
Tech blanked Western Michigan, 31-0, last season. Three weeks later, the Hokies rolled past UCF, 46-14.
"I don?t think Marshall will be getting into anything they haven?t been in before," UCF coach Mike Kruczek said.
Kruczek?s team is coming off a 36-13 loss at Arizona State, a game it led 13-10 at halftime. UCF suffered a similar second-half collapse at Tech last year.
"We were real close last year, and then the bottom just kind of fell out," Kruczek said. "They do a fantastic job of coaching all aspects and they play very well at home."
Beamer high on Herd
Virginia tech coach impressed by MU?s talent
By ANTHONY HANSHEW - The Herald-Dispatch
HUNTINGTON -- Marshall and Virginia Tech coaches often travel similar recruiting highways.
The Thundering Herd have 21 players from the state of Virginia, and several have close ties to the Hokies program. Still, there has been less than a handful of outright recruiting battles for individual talent between the staff of Marshall coach Bobby Pruett and Tech?s Frank Beamer.
Pruett has pointed out, more than once, that despite geography, just three current Marshall players were offered scholarships at Virginia Tech. Thundering Herd players, as a result, could see Thursday?s Top 20 clash as an opportunity to prove a point to previously disinterested Hokies coaches.
Beamer doesn?t see it that way, praising Marshall?s success since moving to Division I-A in 1997.
"They?ve won a lot of football games," Beamer said. "I?m not sure how many we offered, and how many we haven?t offered. So I?m going to let that one go by."
No. 16 Marshall (1-0) visits No. 11 Virginia Tech (2-0) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday before a sellout crowd and ESPN television audience.
Led by Heisman Trophy candidate Byron Leftwich, Beamer said Marshall?s program has made consistent strides since the two teams agreed to play several years back. The contract calls for two games in Blacksburg, Va., without a return trip to Huntington.
"We didn?t know they would have the best quarterback in the country when they came here," Beamer said. "They certainly have been outstanding since they came to (I-A)."
Many in the national media have made Thursday?s game a make-or-break opportunity both for Leftwich and the Herd. Leftwich?s Heisman hopes and Marshall?s standing as a legitimate top tier program will be tested by the Hokies.
"We understand what we?ve got," Beamer said. "We?ve got a quarterback trying to win the Heisman and a team that?s wanting to break into the Top 10."
Beamer called Leftwich "as accurate a guy as I?ve even seen." He compared the 6-foot-6, 240-pound senior to former LSU quarterback Rohan Davey, another signal-caller cut from the Daunte Culpepper mode.
The veteran Hokies coach is familiar with the Herd?s surrounding offensive talent, as well.
"(Denero) Marriott), (Darius) Watts, (Josh) Davis, all of those guys have caught a bunch of balls," Beamer said. "And (Jason) Rader, we tried to recruit him a while back before he went to Georgia, so we know how talented he is.
"And defensively they are athletic. They can move around that field."
Marshall is part of a non-conference schedule that includes No. 25 LSU (a 26-8 loser in Blacksburg, Va., on Sept. 1) and Texas A&M. In recent years, James Madison, UAB and Arkansas State have been sprinkled in with the occasional power conference opponent.
But as Tech has evolved into a legitimate Top 15 program, so has scheduling.
Beamer was asked Monday if taking on Texas A&M and LSU in the same season was an indication of future schedules.
"I feel we?re ready to take another step in scheduling as far as building a program and building a reputation," Beamer said. "You try to do it the smart way."
Beamer then pointed out that he wasn?t referring just to the Aggies and Tigers.
"I?d mention Marshall in that deal, too."
Virginia tech coach impressed by MU?s talent
By ANTHONY HANSHEW - The Herald-Dispatch
HUNTINGTON -- Marshall and Virginia Tech coaches often travel similar recruiting highways.
The Thundering Herd have 21 players from the state of Virginia, and several have close ties to the Hokies program. Still, there has been less than a handful of outright recruiting battles for individual talent between the staff of Marshall coach Bobby Pruett and Tech?s Frank Beamer.
Pruett has pointed out, more than once, that despite geography, just three current Marshall players were offered scholarships at Virginia Tech. Thundering Herd players, as a result, could see Thursday?s Top 20 clash as an opportunity to prove a point to previously disinterested Hokies coaches.
Beamer doesn?t see it that way, praising Marshall?s success since moving to Division I-A in 1997.
"They?ve won a lot of football games," Beamer said. "I?m not sure how many we offered, and how many we haven?t offered. So I?m going to let that one go by."
No. 16 Marshall (1-0) visits No. 11 Virginia Tech (2-0) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday before a sellout crowd and ESPN television audience.
Led by Heisman Trophy candidate Byron Leftwich, Beamer said Marshall?s program has made consistent strides since the two teams agreed to play several years back. The contract calls for two games in Blacksburg, Va., without a return trip to Huntington.
"We didn?t know they would have the best quarterback in the country when they came here," Beamer said. "They certainly have been outstanding since they came to (I-A)."
Many in the national media have made Thursday?s game a make-or-break opportunity both for Leftwich and the Herd. Leftwich?s Heisman hopes and Marshall?s standing as a legitimate top tier program will be tested by the Hokies.
"We understand what we?ve got," Beamer said. "We?ve got a quarterback trying to win the Heisman and a team that?s wanting to break into the Top 10."
Beamer called Leftwich "as accurate a guy as I?ve even seen." He compared the 6-foot-6, 240-pound senior to former LSU quarterback Rohan Davey, another signal-caller cut from the Daunte Culpepper mode.
The veteran Hokies coach is familiar with the Herd?s surrounding offensive talent, as well.
"(Denero) Marriott), (Darius) Watts, (Josh) Davis, all of those guys have caught a bunch of balls," Beamer said. "And (Jason) Rader, we tried to recruit him a while back before he went to Georgia, so we know how talented he is.
"And defensively they are athletic. They can move around that field."
Marshall is part of a non-conference schedule that includes No. 25 LSU (a 26-8 loser in Blacksburg, Va., on Sept. 1) and Texas A&M. In recent years, James Madison, UAB and Arkansas State have been sprinkled in with the occasional power conference opponent.
But as Tech has evolved into a legitimate Top 15 program, so has scheduling.
Beamer was asked Monday if taking on Texas A&M and LSU in the same season was an indication of future schedules.
"I feel we?re ready to take another step in scheduling as far as building a program and building a reputation," Beamer said. "You try to do it the smart way."
Beamer then pointed out that he wasn?t referring just to the Aggies and Tigers.
"I?d mention Marshall in that deal, too."
HUNTINGTON -- It?s the matchup that best illustrates Marshall?s ability to step into the Top 25 playground.
Darius Watts, Josh Davis and Denero Marriott, each 1,000-yard receivers in 2001, gauge their ability and football savvy against Virginia Tech?s battle-tested, physical secondary Thursday night before a national television audience and sold-out Lane Stadium crowd in Blacksburg, Va. Football games traditionally are won along the line of scrimmage, but this is where highlights will be found -- one way or another.
Tech?s defensive backfield arguably can match the Thundering Herd trio in playmaking ability. Since 1999, the Hokies have returned six interceptions for touchdowns, including two last season.
Defensive-minded Tech, ranked No. 11 in Sunday?s Associated Press poll, and No. 16 Marshall square off at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. ESPN will televise the game.
Free safety Willie Pile leads the secondary, which includes four experienced cornerbacks. Tops among that group is All American Ronyell Whitaker, who?s returning from a two-game suspension.
"They?re very fast," said Davis, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound sophomore said. "We?re going to have to work to get open."
Thus far, Virginia Tech?s secondary has shown minimal cracks. The Hokies followed a near whitewash of Arkansas State by allowing just 134 yards on 15-of-35 passing in a 26-8 victory over LSU last week.
Still, scouting No. 11 Virginia Tech has found potential cracks, Davis said.
"I see a lot of opportunities, because (LSU) dropped a lot of balls," he said. "We?ve been watching film and there are a lot of open spaces during the game. We?ll take advantage of that."
In the absence of Watts last week, Davis assumed the role of deep threat in Marshall?s season-opening victory over Appalachian State. He hauled in 11 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown and also scored on a 10-yard reverse.
"If one of us is down, somebody else has to step up and make plays," Davis said. "That?s what I had to do last week."
Watts, who suffered a slightly separated shoulder during August two-a-days, is expected to return Thursday, giving quarterback Byron Leftwich his full compliment of receiver threats.
"Watts is the speedster, Josh pretty much takes care of the middle and I just try to move the chains," said Marriott, who had three catches for 22 yards against ASU.
Tech?s secondary play is in part a byproduct of a disruptive pass rush. LSU quarterback Matt Mauck, for example, was sacked four times and suffered several more knockdowns.
Giving Leftwich time to find his trio will be a priority. Avoiding big hits downfield likely is on the checklist, as well.
The Hokies perennially boast one of the nation?s more physical defensive backfields. Watts, Davis and Marriott each missed practice time in August due to nagging injuries (Watts? shoulder being the most serious).
"We all have to protect ourselves," said Watts, a Biletnikoff Award candidate. "(But) you can?t be scared out there."
When asked for a solution, Watts hesitated, then answered with a laugh.
"Outrun them."
Darius Watts, Josh Davis and Denero Marriott, each 1,000-yard receivers in 2001, gauge their ability and football savvy against Virginia Tech?s battle-tested, physical secondary Thursday night before a national television audience and sold-out Lane Stadium crowd in Blacksburg, Va. Football games traditionally are won along the line of scrimmage, but this is where highlights will be found -- one way or another.
Tech?s defensive backfield arguably can match the Thundering Herd trio in playmaking ability. Since 1999, the Hokies have returned six interceptions for touchdowns, including two last season.
Defensive-minded Tech, ranked No. 11 in Sunday?s Associated Press poll, and No. 16 Marshall square off at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. ESPN will televise the game.
Free safety Willie Pile leads the secondary, which includes four experienced cornerbacks. Tops among that group is All American Ronyell Whitaker, who?s returning from a two-game suspension.
"They?re very fast," said Davis, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound sophomore said. "We?re going to have to work to get open."
Thus far, Virginia Tech?s secondary has shown minimal cracks. The Hokies followed a near whitewash of Arkansas State by allowing just 134 yards on 15-of-35 passing in a 26-8 victory over LSU last week.
Still, scouting No. 11 Virginia Tech has found potential cracks, Davis said.
"I see a lot of opportunities, because (LSU) dropped a lot of balls," he said. "We?ve been watching film and there are a lot of open spaces during the game. We?ll take advantage of that."
In the absence of Watts last week, Davis assumed the role of deep threat in Marshall?s season-opening victory over Appalachian State. He hauled in 11 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown and also scored on a 10-yard reverse.
"If one of us is down, somebody else has to step up and make plays," Davis said. "That?s what I had to do last week."
Watts, who suffered a slightly separated shoulder during August two-a-days, is expected to return Thursday, giving quarterback Byron Leftwich his full compliment of receiver threats.
"Watts is the speedster, Josh pretty much takes care of the middle and I just try to move the chains," said Marriott, who had three catches for 22 yards against ASU.
Tech?s secondary play is in part a byproduct of a disruptive pass rush. LSU quarterback Matt Mauck, for example, was sacked four times and suffered several more knockdowns.
Giving Leftwich time to find his trio will be a priority. Avoiding big hits downfield likely is on the checklist, as well.
The Hokies perennially boast one of the nation?s more physical defensive backfields. Watts, Davis and Marriott each missed practice time in August due to nagging injuries (Watts? shoulder being the most serious).
"We all have to protect ourselves," said Watts, a Biletnikoff Award candidate. "(But) you can?t be scared out there."
When asked for a solution, Watts hesitated, then answered with a laugh.
"Outrun them."
Pruett says clash with Hokies just another game
By ANTHONY HANSHEW - The Herald-Dispatch
HUNTINGTON -- Marshall coach Bobby Pruett is doing his best, but it?s a hard sell.
"This is the next game," Pruett said of Thursday night?s Top 20 matchup at Virginia Tech. "It?s the same thing I?ve been saying for seven years, no bigger no smaller than the last game."
Pruett?s profession demands that he take such an approach. Overlook anyone -- and that means anyone -- and suddenly you need a last-minute blocked field goal to hold off the also-ran Terriers of Wofford.
Marshall coaches effectively had their players focused on Appalachian State last week. Offensive stars made big plays and the Thundering Herd defense swarmed to the ball with aggression and enthusiasm.
Motivating players shouldn?t have to be on the checklist of Marshall coaches this week. This type of game is a self-starter for players.
Marshall is ranked No. 16 in The Associated Press poll, its highest-ever ranking this early in the season. No. 12 Virginia Tech has been the bully of the opening two weeks of college football, clubbing Arkansas State 63-7 before taking on someone its own size and again winning decisively -- 26-8 over LSU.
There were rumblings over the summer and during two-a-days that this might be the year to catch Virginia Tech. Yes the Hokies were ranked, but perhaps that was more reputation than proven talent.
Michael Vick was two years removed from the program, leaving a hobbled Grant Noel is his place. Also gone were eight players selected in the 2002 NFL Draft. Playmaker Andre Davis, the Hokies? top receiver and a dangerous special teams threat, and numerous defensive starters were among those to go pro.
Turns out Tech?s doing just fine, again. Coach Frank Beamer?s formula seems so simple -- shorten the field with defense and special teams and don?t turn the ball over on offense -- yet no one can effectively copy Beamer Ball.
Against then No. 14 LSU, for example, Tech (2-0) managed just 231 total yards, but the Tigers seemed thoroughly demoralized by the second quarter. Funny what a blocked punt can do to a team?s spirits, especially when it?s been working against that very circumstance throughout fall camp.
This is the task facing Marshall. It will spend endless practice time between now and Thursday?s 7:30 p.m. kickoff trying to avoid a blocked kick or a big Hokies return.
If the Thundering Herd succeed, and quarterback Byron Leftwich can punch enough holes in the Tech secondary, Marshall will have achieved its biggest regular season win in history.
Along with earning its first victory over a ranked opponent, a win before a crazed Lane Stadium crowd would boost Leftwich?s Heisman Trophy stock and cement Marshall?s ranking in both major polls. Any BCS discussion is for columns farther down the road.
Still, Pruett insists Virginia Tech is just the next game, nothing more and nothing less.
"We?ll go play it, and have some fun. It?s not the end of all either way."
By ANTHONY HANSHEW - The Herald-Dispatch
HUNTINGTON -- Marshall coach Bobby Pruett is doing his best, but it?s a hard sell.
"This is the next game," Pruett said of Thursday night?s Top 20 matchup at Virginia Tech. "It?s the same thing I?ve been saying for seven years, no bigger no smaller than the last game."
Pruett?s profession demands that he take such an approach. Overlook anyone -- and that means anyone -- and suddenly you need a last-minute blocked field goal to hold off the also-ran Terriers of Wofford.
Marshall coaches effectively had their players focused on Appalachian State last week. Offensive stars made big plays and the Thundering Herd defense swarmed to the ball with aggression and enthusiasm.
Motivating players shouldn?t have to be on the checklist of Marshall coaches this week. This type of game is a self-starter for players.
Marshall is ranked No. 16 in The Associated Press poll, its highest-ever ranking this early in the season. No. 12 Virginia Tech has been the bully of the opening two weeks of college football, clubbing Arkansas State 63-7 before taking on someone its own size and again winning decisively -- 26-8 over LSU.
There were rumblings over the summer and during two-a-days that this might be the year to catch Virginia Tech. Yes the Hokies were ranked, but perhaps that was more reputation than proven talent.
Michael Vick was two years removed from the program, leaving a hobbled Grant Noel is his place. Also gone were eight players selected in the 2002 NFL Draft. Playmaker Andre Davis, the Hokies? top receiver and a dangerous special teams threat, and numerous defensive starters were among those to go pro.
Turns out Tech?s doing just fine, again. Coach Frank Beamer?s formula seems so simple -- shorten the field with defense and special teams and don?t turn the ball over on offense -- yet no one can effectively copy Beamer Ball.
Against then No. 14 LSU, for example, Tech (2-0) managed just 231 total yards, but the Tigers seemed thoroughly demoralized by the second quarter. Funny what a blocked punt can do to a team?s spirits, especially when it?s been working against that very circumstance throughout fall camp.
This is the task facing Marshall. It will spend endless practice time between now and Thursday?s 7:30 p.m. kickoff trying to avoid a blocked kick or a big Hokies return.
If the Thundering Herd succeed, and quarterback Byron Leftwich can punch enough holes in the Tech secondary, Marshall will have achieved its biggest regular season win in history.
Along with earning its first victory over a ranked opponent, a win before a crazed Lane Stadium crowd would boost Leftwich?s Heisman Trophy stock and cement Marshall?s ranking in both major polls. Any BCS discussion is for columns farther down the road.
Still, Pruett insists Virginia Tech is just the next game, nothing more and nothing less.
"We?ll go play it, and have some fun. It?s not the end of all either way."
It's OK if Marshall loses this week. It's OK if it doesn't win what has to be considered the biggest game in school history. Most of all, it's all right if its magnificent quarterback, Byron Leftwich, fails.
Try telling that to the 53,000 residents of Huntington, W.Va.
Marshall has played football for 102 years but has never had a bigger game than the one it will play Thursday night at Virginia Tech. In the second week of September, it's for the all the marbles. Credibility, rankings, prestige, Heisman.
That's where Leftwich comes in.
Right now, any right-thinking American should agree that Leftwich is the current front-runner to win the ultimate trophy. The Grossman-Dorsey Heisman Show on Saturday night pretty much was a flop. The two (former) front-runners combined to throw five interceptions.
"We've got the guy," said Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer, "that most people think is the best quarterback in the country."
"In a just world," said Kellen Winslow, whose son is Ken Dorsey's tight end, "the Heisman Trophy goes to the best player in the country. Byron Leftwich is that player."
But peering out from the second week of September, history would indicate Leftwich won't win it.
All the old roadblocks have been posted. In the past 40 years, only one player from a non-BCS school has won the award (Ty Detmer in 1990). Even then, BYU had an advantage given its quarterback heritage. For Leftwich, there has been and will be the MAC stigma. All the yards (8,104 of them so far) tend not to mean as much to college football elitists because of the competition.
You can hear them now: "Yeah but a lot of those yards were against Toledo, Kent and Ohio."
Says Marshall coach Bob Pruett: "They said that about Randy Moss. He's the best receiver in the National Football League. Byron's the best quarterback in college football right now."
That's why years from now, Thursday night might be looked back upon as Leftwich's coming out. Not that he hasn't been publicized enough, with his own bobblehead, website and postcards. But he still plays in the Mid-American Conference, the league the Central Florida president called the "Midwest Conference."
He still plays in Huntington, W.Va., which you first have to want to get to before trying to. He was passed up by the major powers coming out of Washington, D.C., reportedly getting only three scholarship offers.
"We felt like we were getting a steal when we recruited him," Pruett said.
Thursday is not only his night, it's a paid commercial for the mid-majors. The nation is Leftwich's stage in a stand-alone game on national television.
It's OK if he loses, but it's better, of course, if he doesn't. Look what winning did for Kelly Clarkson. Look what it could do for Leftwich. The spectacular GMAC Bowl victory over East Carolina did more for Leftwich's visibility than anything he did in four previous seasons.
Try amazing your friends with this stat: Add in Leftwich's 566 yards in the bowl game -- which the NCAA is doing this year -- and he finishes No. 1 in total offense last season, not Grossman. Leftwich is what every coach is looking for these days -- a big guy with a strong arm who can run. Grossman and Dorsey are not noted scramblers.
But this is not about downgrading one guy to upgrade the other. It's a simple realization that Thursday is huge. Florida-Miami Jr. If it can sort out the quarterback question, Virginia Tech is showing signs that it is as good as 1999. But the reason that team is remembered is Michael Vick.
The reason folks will remember this game is Leftwich.
Fans, and voters, love offense. Marshall has had plenty of it under Pruett, sending Chad Pennington and Moss to New York for the Heisman ceremony. Moss finished fourth in 1997. Pennington was fifth in 1999.
But everyone knew they were just there as curious, getting consolation prizes for having fine seasons at Marshall. As a collegian, Leftwich is better than both. Moss overcame a troubled past to finally succeed with the Herd in college. Pennington, despite being an up-and-comer with the Jets, didn't have the arm, height or mobility of Leftwich. The biggest roadblock could also be his throne on Thursday night. So far in his brilliant career, Leftwich has never beaten a Big Six school, schools in the Bowl Championship Series conferences that control college football. In essence, the football gods won't let him. Marshall has played only five BCS schools while Leftwich has been there. He has played in only three of those games. All of them have been on the road.
"You have to go to Nebraska three or four times before they come to play you," said Pruett, who wasn't able to schedule a 12th game because schools were averse to coming to Huntington.
It's a vicious cycle. Marshall is one of those schools that is too dangerous for a Big Six school to schedule, which means their schedule is too weak to get into a BCS bowl. Even Virginia Tech won't be getting much BCS computer juice from taking the game.
It's gridiron collusion.
It is a cycle that will only accelerate in the future as the BCS powers further try to build a wall between themselves and the mid-majors. It's almost like Augusta National. Prospective members don't apply. One day a letter comes in the mail, and you're asked to join.
That isn't going to happen anytime soon for Marshall. It might have its sights set on Conference USA, which has its sights set on BCS inclusion by 2006, but don't hold your breath. Marshall must decide within a couple of weeks to join C-USA as early as next season. There already is a huge stumbling block, which is what to do with basketball and the minor sports.
That problem is still being pondered by school officials.
Besides, a short history of the universe tells you that the BCS doesn't want any more members in its exclusive club. The proposed minimum I-A membership standards due to go in effect in 2004 are a good indicator. If anything, less, not more, is the future of the BCS.
But for Leftwich, it's OK to fail Thursday. That's because Leftwich, win or lose, will still be the best player in the country. He is more athletic and has a better arm than either Grossman or Dorsey.
Both guys are light years closer to winning a national championship than Leftwich, but it seems that neither will make an NFL impact like Leftwich will. Lord Byron is 6-feet-6, mobile, coachable, has a rocket arm and is just waiting for this year's worst NFL team (Arizona? Cincinnati? Dallas?) to snatch him up in April. That's because right now Leftwich is the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft.
Quick, name an NFL quarterback you'd pay to go see besides Vick, Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner. Kerry Collins? Jeff Garcia? Brian Griese? Sorry, Troy Aikman is in the booth now, and don't even try to say Tom Brady with a straight face.
Leftwich is the next member of that exclusive club.
Gil Brandt was being interviewed on various subjects before the season. Unprovoked, the NFL personnel guru blurted, "You know who is really good? Byron Leftwich."
CBS analyst Todd Blackledge was being asked about Grossman and Dorsey.
"Marshall in that system has been very, very successful," Blackledge said. "The MAC is good football. They've been the dominant team in that league. Leftwich is an awful good quarterback, too."
They can't get him out of their minds. But to see him, you have to make an effort, find Marshall's games in a sports bar. Try doing that, though, in any testosterone-filled wings-and-beer establishment. Who wants to watch Marshall?
The needle on the prejudice meter is buried in the red on all fronts. The funky green uniforms, the 38,000-seat stadium, the conference.
"I didn't ask for this situation," Leftwich said. "I didn't turn it down either."
A load of credit goes to Pruett, a former Florida assistant who has turned down offers to go elsewhere to be the king of Huntington. He worked with Leftwich and was rewarded with the best, until further notice, offense in the country.
The hard work was rewarded when Leftwich became eligible for the NFL Draft after last season.
"I never once thought about leaving," Leftwich said. "I told my teammates, 'No matter what happens, I'm not going nowhere.' Those guys knew I wouldn't go nowhere. I couldn't leave my family like this."
Most likely nothing will change after Thursday night. Despite Leftwich, Virginia Tech should win. The same prejudices will still be there. The elitists will turn up their noses. They'll say, "I told you so."
Unless Marshall wins. That would be more than OK with the residents of Huntington and their Lord Byron.
Try telling that to the 53,000 residents of Huntington, W.Va.
Marshall has played football for 102 years but has never had a bigger game than the one it will play Thursday night at Virginia Tech. In the second week of September, it's for the all the marbles. Credibility, rankings, prestige, Heisman.
That's where Leftwich comes in.
Right now, any right-thinking American should agree that Leftwich is the current front-runner to win the ultimate trophy. The Grossman-Dorsey Heisman Show on Saturday night pretty much was a flop. The two (former) front-runners combined to throw five interceptions.
"We've got the guy," said Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer, "that most people think is the best quarterback in the country."
"In a just world," said Kellen Winslow, whose son is Ken Dorsey's tight end, "the Heisman Trophy goes to the best player in the country. Byron Leftwich is that player."
But peering out from the second week of September, history would indicate Leftwich won't win it.
All the old roadblocks have been posted. In the past 40 years, only one player from a non-BCS school has won the award (Ty Detmer in 1990). Even then, BYU had an advantage given its quarterback heritage. For Leftwich, there has been and will be the MAC stigma. All the yards (8,104 of them so far) tend not to mean as much to college football elitists because of the competition.
You can hear them now: "Yeah but a lot of those yards were against Toledo, Kent and Ohio."
Says Marshall coach Bob Pruett: "They said that about Randy Moss. He's the best receiver in the National Football League. Byron's the best quarterback in college football right now."
That's why years from now, Thursday night might be looked back upon as Leftwich's coming out. Not that he hasn't been publicized enough, with his own bobblehead, website and postcards. But he still plays in the Mid-American Conference, the league the Central Florida president called the "Midwest Conference."
He still plays in Huntington, W.Va., which you first have to want to get to before trying to. He was passed up by the major powers coming out of Washington, D.C., reportedly getting only three scholarship offers.
"We felt like we were getting a steal when we recruited him," Pruett said.
Thursday is not only his night, it's a paid commercial for the mid-majors. The nation is Leftwich's stage in a stand-alone game on national television.
It's OK if he loses, but it's better, of course, if he doesn't. Look what winning did for Kelly Clarkson. Look what it could do for Leftwich. The spectacular GMAC Bowl victory over East Carolina did more for Leftwich's visibility than anything he did in four previous seasons.
Try amazing your friends with this stat: Add in Leftwich's 566 yards in the bowl game -- which the NCAA is doing this year -- and he finishes No. 1 in total offense last season, not Grossman. Leftwich is what every coach is looking for these days -- a big guy with a strong arm who can run. Grossman and Dorsey are not noted scramblers.
But this is not about downgrading one guy to upgrade the other. It's a simple realization that Thursday is huge. Florida-Miami Jr. If it can sort out the quarterback question, Virginia Tech is showing signs that it is as good as 1999. But the reason that team is remembered is Michael Vick.
The reason folks will remember this game is Leftwich.
Fans, and voters, love offense. Marshall has had plenty of it under Pruett, sending Chad Pennington and Moss to New York for the Heisman ceremony. Moss finished fourth in 1997. Pennington was fifth in 1999.
But everyone knew they were just there as curious, getting consolation prizes for having fine seasons at Marshall. As a collegian, Leftwich is better than both. Moss overcame a troubled past to finally succeed with the Herd in college. Pennington, despite being an up-and-comer with the Jets, didn't have the arm, height or mobility of Leftwich. The biggest roadblock could also be his throne on Thursday night. So far in his brilliant career, Leftwich has never beaten a Big Six school, schools in the Bowl Championship Series conferences that control college football. In essence, the football gods won't let him. Marshall has played only five BCS schools while Leftwich has been there. He has played in only three of those games. All of them have been on the road.
"You have to go to Nebraska three or four times before they come to play you," said Pruett, who wasn't able to schedule a 12th game because schools were averse to coming to Huntington.
It's a vicious cycle. Marshall is one of those schools that is too dangerous for a Big Six school to schedule, which means their schedule is too weak to get into a BCS bowl. Even Virginia Tech won't be getting much BCS computer juice from taking the game.
It's gridiron collusion.
It is a cycle that will only accelerate in the future as the BCS powers further try to build a wall between themselves and the mid-majors. It's almost like Augusta National. Prospective members don't apply. One day a letter comes in the mail, and you're asked to join.
That isn't going to happen anytime soon for Marshall. It might have its sights set on Conference USA, which has its sights set on BCS inclusion by 2006, but don't hold your breath. Marshall must decide within a couple of weeks to join C-USA as early as next season. There already is a huge stumbling block, which is what to do with basketball and the minor sports.
That problem is still being pondered by school officials.
Besides, a short history of the universe tells you that the BCS doesn't want any more members in its exclusive club. The proposed minimum I-A membership standards due to go in effect in 2004 are a good indicator. If anything, less, not more, is the future of the BCS.
But for Leftwich, it's OK to fail Thursday. That's because Leftwich, win or lose, will still be the best player in the country. He is more athletic and has a better arm than either Grossman or Dorsey.
Both guys are light years closer to winning a national championship than Leftwich, but it seems that neither will make an NFL impact like Leftwich will. Lord Byron is 6-feet-6, mobile, coachable, has a rocket arm and is just waiting for this year's worst NFL team (Arizona? Cincinnati? Dallas?) to snatch him up in April. That's because right now Leftwich is the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft.
Quick, name an NFL quarterback you'd pay to go see besides Vick, Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner. Kerry Collins? Jeff Garcia? Brian Griese? Sorry, Troy Aikman is in the booth now, and don't even try to say Tom Brady with a straight face.
Leftwich is the next member of that exclusive club.
Gil Brandt was being interviewed on various subjects before the season. Unprovoked, the NFL personnel guru blurted, "You know who is really good? Byron Leftwich."
CBS analyst Todd Blackledge was being asked about Grossman and Dorsey.
"Marshall in that system has been very, very successful," Blackledge said. "The MAC is good football. They've been the dominant team in that league. Leftwich is an awful good quarterback, too."
They can't get him out of their minds. But to see him, you have to make an effort, find Marshall's games in a sports bar. Try doing that, though, in any testosterone-filled wings-and-beer establishment. Who wants to watch Marshall?
The needle on the prejudice meter is buried in the red on all fronts. The funky green uniforms, the 38,000-seat stadium, the conference.
"I didn't ask for this situation," Leftwich said. "I didn't turn it down either."
A load of credit goes to Pruett, a former Florida assistant who has turned down offers to go elsewhere to be the king of Huntington. He worked with Leftwich and was rewarded with the best, until further notice, offense in the country.
The hard work was rewarded when Leftwich became eligible for the NFL Draft after last season.
"I never once thought about leaving," Leftwich said. "I told my teammates, 'No matter what happens, I'm not going nowhere.' Those guys knew I wouldn't go nowhere. I couldn't leave my family like this."
Most likely nothing will change after Thursday night. Despite Leftwich, Virginia Tech should win. The same prejudices will still be there. The elitists will turn up their noses. They'll say, "I told you so."
Unless Marshall wins. That would be more than OK with the residents of Huntington and their Lord Byron.
Marshall's defensive problems were well documented last year. The Thundering Herd ranked No. 106 nationally against the run, but was impressive in their season-opening win over Appalachian State, limiting ASU to 76 rushing yards on 36 carries and 140 total yards. "Our mindset hasn't changed," defensive tackle Orlando Washington told the Herald-Dispatch. "Coming into camp, we knew what the mark on us was. And we know what we have to do this season. If we really want to get the monkey off our back, we've got to go down (to Virginia Tech) next Thursday and stop the run. ? But our perception has always been the same. We knew we were a different team this spring and this camp."
What Byron Leftwich says...
make sure you got Realaudio or Windows Media PLayers
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=276#
make sure you got Realaudio or Windows Media PLayers
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/clubhouse?collegeId=276#
Tech's Lane Stadium a haunt for MAC
Tom Aluise <toma@dailymail.com>
Daily Mail Sports editor
Monday September 09, 2002; 08:00 AM
Western Michigan played in front of 107,000 fans in a 35-12 loss to Big Ten power Michigan Saturday in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Are there more difficult places to play?
Yes, said Bronco Coach Gary Darnell and one of those venues might be Blacksburg, Va., where Marshall visits Thursday.
The 16th-ranked Thundering Herd (1-0) plays No. 11 Virginia Tech (2-0) in a nationally televised ESPN game at recently expanded 65,115-seat Lane Stadium. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.
Virginia Tech added 11,120 seats in the south end zone of Lane Stadium prior to this season to enclose that end of the stadium.
"We just played before 107,000 (at Michigan) but even that's not like playing in front of 60,000 or whatever because people are right down on top of you,'' Darnell said this morning on the Mid-American Conference coaches teleconference.
Western Michigan lost at Virginia Tech last year, 31-0.
"It's truly one of the pits,'' Darnell said.
Darnell said the Hokies are especially tough at home.
"Smart guys always say you're seven points better at home,'' he said.
"But it might be a little more in that place.''
Central Florida Coach Mike Kruczek's Golden Knights lost to Virginia Tech last year in Blacksburg, 46-14, but trailed only 19-14 early in the third quarter.
"The bottom fell out,'' Kruczek said.
Asked what Marshall is getting into Thursday, Kruczek said, "I don't think they're getting into anything they've never gotten into before.
"That's a great venue and (Tech coach Frank) Beamer does a great job preparing his team. They play very well at home. Marshall has a great football team and they'll be in for a war.''
Tom Aluise <toma@dailymail.com>
Daily Mail Sports editor
Monday September 09, 2002; 08:00 AM
Western Michigan played in front of 107,000 fans in a 35-12 loss to Big Ten power Michigan Saturday in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Are there more difficult places to play?
Yes, said Bronco Coach Gary Darnell and one of those venues might be Blacksburg, Va., where Marshall visits Thursday.
The 16th-ranked Thundering Herd (1-0) plays No. 11 Virginia Tech (2-0) in a nationally televised ESPN game at recently expanded 65,115-seat Lane Stadium. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.
Virginia Tech added 11,120 seats in the south end zone of Lane Stadium prior to this season to enclose that end of the stadium.
"We just played before 107,000 (at Michigan) but even that's not like playing in front of 60,000 or whatever because people are right down on top of you,'' Darnell said this morning on the Mid-American Conference coaches teleconference.
Western Michigan lost at Virginia Tech last year, 31-0.
"It's truly one of the pits,'' Darnell said.
Darnell said the Hokies are especially tough at home.
"Smart guys always say you're seven points better at home,'' he said.
"But it might be a little more in that place.''
Central Florida Coach Mike Kruczek's Golden Knights lost to Virginia Tech last year in Blacksburg, 46-14, but trailed only 19-14 early in the third quarter.
"The bottom fell out,'' Kruczek said.
Asked what Marshall is getting into Thursday, Kruczek said, "I don't think they're getting into anything they've never gotten into before.
"That's a great venue and (Tech coach Frank) Beamer does a great job preparing his team. They play very well at home. Marshall has a great football team and they'll be in for a war.''
Last edited:
Tech's Beamer leery of MU's Leftwich
Jason Martin <jmartin@dailymail.com>
Daily Mail sportswriter
Monday September 09, 2002; 09:00 AM
Virginia Tech Coach Frank Beamer has seen this scenario in Blacksburg many times over.
A Heisman trophy candidate quarterback, wearing jersey No. 7, who will be the best player at Lane Stadium trying to propel his team into the top 10.
It's just that this will be the first time Beamer's been the opposition.
Marshall QB Byron Leftwich is arriving Thursday night for what he hopes will be his national showcase game of the season, and nobody had to give Beamer background on the situation.
"We understand what we've got coming in here," Beamer said on this morning's Big East conference call. "We've got a quarterback that's trying to win the Heisman and a football team that wants to break into the top 10.
"Marshall's a team that's won a lot of football games, and he's one of the main reasons."
The Herd, ranked 16th in the Associated Press Top 25, visits the 11th-ranked Hokies at 7:30 p.m. in front of a sold-out crowd and an ESPN television audience.
And while Beamer took time to single out other areas of Marshall's team, including the receiving corps and a defense that caught his attention with its open-field speed, Leftwich was by all means the hot topic of conversation -- for good reason.
"He's the guy most people feel like is the best quarterback in the country," Beamer said. "We'll have our hands full there trying to get to that quarterback.
"He's so big, you kind of have to wrap him up twice. You're hanging on and he's throwing the football. You've got to make sure you got him good."
Leftwich, a 6-foot-6, 250-pound senior, is such a presence in the pocket that Beamer said it affects both sides of Virginia Tech's preparation.
In no shocker, he said the Hokies plan to play to their strengths of rushing the ball to keep the clock rolling and Leftwich off the field, and also to pressure him at all turns when he is on the field.
"If you sit back there and let him throw, he's as accurate a guy as I've ever seen," Beamer said. "So you better try to get some pressure on him somewhere. At least we have to get in his way, try to disturb his rhythm. Hopefully we can do that some."
Charleston native Bryan Randall, a redshirt freshman, will start at quarterback for Tech, his first career start. Beamer said former Frankfort High player Grant Noel, a senior, worked out a little Sunday and could be back in uniform for Thursday's game after suffering a knee injury last week against Louisiana State that required surgery.
Jason Martin <jmartin@dailymail.com>
Daily Mail sportswriter
Monday September 09, 2002; 09:00 AM
Virginia Tech Coach Frank Beamer has seen this scenario in Blacksburg many times over.
A Heisman trophy candidate quarterback, wearing jersey No. 7, who will be the best player at Lane Stadium trying to propel his team into the top 10.
It's just that this will be the first time Beamer's been the opposition.
Marshall QB Byron Leftwich is arriving Thursday night for what he hopes will be his national showcase game of the season, and nobody had to give Beamer background on the situation.
"We understand what we've got coming in here," Beamer said on this morning's Big East conference call. "We've got a quarterback that's trying to win the Heisman and a football team that wants to break into the top 10.
"Marshall's a team that's won a lot of football games, and he's one of the main reasons."
The Herd, ranked 16th in the Associated Press Top 25, visits the 11th-ranked Hokies at 7:30 p.m. in front of a sold-out crowd and an ESPN television audience.
And while Beamer took time to single out other areas of Marshall's team, including the receiving corps and a defense that caught his attention with its open-field speed, Leftwich was by all means the hot topic of conversation -- for good reason.
"He's the guy most people feel like is the best quarterback in the country," Beamer said. "We'll have our hands full there trying to get to that quarterback.
"He's so big, you kind of have to wrap him up twice. You're hanging on and he's throwing the football. You've got to make sure you got him good."
Leftwich, a 6-foot-6, 250-pound senior, is such a presence in the pocket that Beamer said it affects both sides of Virginia Tech's preparation.
In no shocker, he said the Hokies plan to play to their strengths of rushing the ball to keep the clock rolling and Leftwich off the field, and also to pressure him at all turns when he is on the field.
"If you sit back there and let him throw, he's as accurate a guy as I've ever seen," Beamer said. "So you better try to get some pressure on him somewhere. At least we have to get in his way, try to disturb his rhythm. Hopefully we can do that some."
Charleston native Bryan Randall, a redshirt freshman, will start at quarterback for Tech, his first career start. Beamer said former Frankfort High player Grant Noel, a senior, worked out a little Sunday and could be back in uniform for Thursday's game after suffering a knee injury last week against Louisiana State that required surgery.
Darious Watts didnt play against Appy St in Marshalls opener because of some muscle pull or something. Anyhoo, he will be playing this Thursday. For those who dont know who Darious Watts is...well shame on you! Watts is #2 if not #1 WR in the nation. He too is projected to be a 1st round NFL pick. By years end...he`ll will have broken Randy Moss' Marshall records.
Byron Leftwich will be at ESPN.com doing at chat in about 8 minutes or so. I`ll post the whole thing when its done. Last year ESPN actually posted my question to Leftwich...hopefully my question gets posted again 
What Brian Pauly (A Marshall freak) thinks.....
What Brian Pauly (A Marshall freak) thinks.....
By Brian Pauley
Conference: Big East
Conference finish: T3rd
Last conference title won: 1999
2001 Record: 8-4(4-3)
Series Record: 2-4
Series Start: 1913
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Stadium: Lane (65,459)
Coach: Frank Beamer (15th season, 107-65-2)
Returning Starters: 11
Virginia Tech?s Lane Stadium has undergone an expansion during the off season where the South End Zone (pictured right) has added an extra 11,000 seats in stadium capacity. The new expansion includes skyboxes, suites, a press center and new locker rooms along with other amenities afforded by top BCS schools. The plush addition is where many of the Herd faithful will be seated (at the top 500 section). The football team will be pampered with new locker room facilities on the field level (below). This facelift has indeed transformed Worsham Field into a first rate facility. Marshall?s series record with the Hokies is 2-4, with both teams winning each of their home games. The last contest between the two schools, however, was played nearly a half century ago in Blacksburg where the Hokies defeated Marshall by a score of 7-0. The Virginia Tech program is one example that Marshall?s new AD, Kayo Marcum, has stated should be emulated by the Thundering Herd if we are to be successful at the elite level of college football. Considering Virginia Tech?s success, it would be difficult to find a better boilerplate. Virginia Tech has participated in bowl games for each of the past nine years and three of those were BCS bowls. In 1999, VT lost the national championship game to Florida State in the Sugar Bowl. Coach Frank Beamer has built a solid Top 25 program in Blacksburg, being ranked in 5 of the past 6 years. Twice in the same time frame, the Hokies have reached the Top 10.
OFFENSE
Offensive Coordinator: Bryan Stinespring (1st season)
Offensive Scheme: Multiple
Returning Starters: 6
Though the Hokies arguably have the best rushing duo in the nation in Lee Suggs (right) and Kevin Jones (below), the rest of the offense could be in question due to graduation and an off-season injury. Fifty percent of the offensive line has to be retooled. Sophomores Miller and Dunn will fill the left guard and right tackle spots, respectively. Junior Keith Willis becomes a first year starter at tight end. For the first time since 1997, the Tech OL struggles with experienced depth where there are three freshmen and four sophomores in 10-deep roster. Tech also lost its two most productive receivers though Shawn Witten returns from a broken leg last season. The spring and fall practices have shown less than stellar performances as Coach Beamer has expressed his concern for many dropped balls. Second year starter QB Grant Noel will undergo knee surgery, as Bryan Randall will now lead the offense. Randall is 11-17 for 113 yards and a TD so far this year. If the Virginia Tech offense can?t improve their passing attack, they have the threat of becoming one-dimensional. If the offensive line doesn?t gel quickly, the Hokie offense could struggle early. With the inconsistency in the receiving corps, Randall will have to rely on an underclassman to step up. Junior Ernest Wilford or Sophomore Richard Johnson is the most likely candidates.
DEFENSE
Defensive Coordinator: Bud Foster (7th season)
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Returning Starters: 5
Virginia Tech finished second in the nation last season in total defense, anchored by a stingy rush defense that allowed a mere 71.6 yards per game. Newcomers abound this year, due to graduation losses. The Hokies lose their first five tackles and both inside linebackers. The secondary is secure and led by seniors Ronyell Whitaker at cornerback and free safety Willie Pile. Seven experienced secondary players return. Sophomore standout DeAngelo Hall has speed to burn and was second on the team last year in interceptions with three. Pile registered the second most tackles in 2001 and is a textbook free safety. The end positions are solid as well, where Nathaniel Adibi is entrenched as a legitimate All-American. Adibi?s speed and quickness can be equated to that of Jullius Peppers, All-American and first round draft pick from 2000 Marshall foe North Carolina. Tech runs an aggressive pass rush and has its top four pass rushers back at the DE spot, which accounted for 11 sacks, 25 tackles for a loss and 49 quarterback hurries
Special Teams
Beamer ball. The Hokie special teams are usually a wealth of opportunity and this season should be no exception. Both the punter and kicker return, though Carter Warley had a sub-par 2001 season and will have to step it up. Warley was just 11-21 in field goal attempts last season as the junior was plagued with back problems. Return duties should go to CB Ronyell Whitaker but don?t be surprised to see Hall take some kicks. Of special note, Virginia Tech special teams blocked punts in each of its MAC games last year, WMU and UCF
Previous Game
September 1, 2002
Home versus LSU
Final Score: 26-8
Call it the day of the defense or perhaps inept offensive play but the total yards for both teams were less than Byron?s passing totals against ASU this past week. Virginia Tech held a slight edge in offensive output, 231-214 but the real story in this win was field position. Of the 4 productive offensive drives by the Hokies, their average field position was the LSU 35. Drives of 27, 29, 26 and 58 yards sealed the victory. A combination of defense and special teams enabled the Hokies to play on a short field nearly all day. LSU struggled with their passing game and never really mounted an offensive threat. It appeared that timing between first-year starter Matt Mauck and his receiving corps was off from the onset. Matt didn?t appear to be the only one that couldn?t handle the pressure though. Back to his end zone most of the day, punter Donnie Jones just netted 29.7 yards per punt. Though Jones had a long punt 50 yards, DeAngelo Hall returned that for 17 yards. Hall showed his elusiveness on each of his three returns. The Hokies averaged over 10 yards per return with Hall, Johnson and Hamilton.
What Brian Pauly (A Marshall freak) thinks.....
By Brian Pauley
Conference: Big East
Conference finish: T3rd
Last conference title won: 1999
2001 Record: 8-4(4-3)
Series Record: 2-4
Series Start: 1913
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Stadium: Lane (65,459)
Coach: Frank Beamer (15th season, 107-65-2)
Returning Starters: 11
Virginia Tech?s Lane Stadium has undergone an expansion during the off season where the South End Zone (pictured right) has added an extra 11,000 seats in stadium capacity. The new expansion includes skyboxes, suites, a press center and new locker rooms along with other amenities afforded by top BCS schools. The plush addition is where many of the Herd faithful will be seated (at the top 500 section). The football team will be pampered with new locker room facilities on the field level (below). This facelift has indeed transformed Worsham Field into a first rate facility. Marshall?s series record with the Hokies is 2-4, with both teams winning each of their home games. The last contest between the two schools, however, was played nearly a half century ago in Blacksburg where the Hokies defeated Marshall by a score of 7-0. The Virginia Tech program is one example that Marshall?s new AD, Kayo Marcum, has stated should be emulated by the Thundering Herd if we are to be successful at the elite level of college football. Considering Virginia Tech?s success, it would be difficult to find a better boilerplate. Virginia Tech has participated in bowl games for each of the past nine years and three of those were BCS bowls. In 1999, VT lost the national championship game to Florida State in the Sugar Bowl. Coach Frank Beamer has built a solid Top 25 program in Blacksburg, being ranked in 5 of the past 6 years. Twice in the same time frame, the Hokies have reached the Top 10.
OFFENSE
Offensive Coordinator: Bryan Stinespring (1st season)
Offensive Scheme: Multiple
Returning Starters: 6
Though the Hokies arguably have the best rushing duo in the nation in Lee Suggs (right) and Kevin Jones (below), the rest of the offense could be in question due to graduation and an off-season injury. Fifty percent of the offensive line has to be retooled. Sophomores Miller and Dunn will fill the left guard and right tackle spots, respectively. Junior Keith Willis becomes a first year starter at tight end. For the first time since 1997, the Tech OL struggles with experienced depth where there are three freshmen and four sophomores in 10-deep roster. Tech also lost its two most productive receivers though Shawn Witten returns from a broken leg last season. The spring and fall practices have shown less than stellar performances as Coach Beamer has expressed his concern for many dropped balls. Second year starter QB Grant Noel will undergo knee surgery, as Bryan Randall will now lead the offense. Randall is 11-17 for 113 yards and a TD so far this year. If the Virginia Tech offense can?t improve their passing attack, they have the threat of becoming one-dimensional. If the offensive line doesn?t gel quickly, the Hokie offense could struggle early. With the inconsistency in the receiving corps, Randall will have to rely on an underclassman to step up. Junior Ernest Wilford or Sophomore Richard Johnson is the most likely candidates.
DEFENSE
Defensive Coordinator: Bud Foster (7th season)
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Returning Starters: 5
Virginia Tech finished second in the nation last season in total defense, anchored by a stingy rush defense that allowed a mere 71.6 yards per game. Newcomers abound this year, due to graduation losses. The Hokies lose their first five tackles and both inside linebackers. The secondary is secure and led by seniors Ronyell Whitaker at cornerback and free safety Willie Pile. Seven experienced secondary players return. Sophomore standout DeAngelo Hall has speed to burn and was second on the team last year in interceptions with three. Pile registered the second most tackles in 2001 and is a textbook free safety. The end positions are solid as well, where Nathaniel Adibi is entrenched as a legitimate All-American. Adibi?s speed and quickness can be equated to that of Jullius Peppers, All-American and first round draft pick from 2000 Marshall foe North Carolina. Tech runs an aggressive pass rush and has its top four pass rushers back at the DE spot, which accounted for 11 sacks, 25 tackles for a loss and 49 quarterback hurries
Special Teams
Beamer ball. The Hokie special teams are usually a wealth of opportunity and this season should be no exception. Both the punter and kicker return, though Carter Warley had a sub-par 2001 season and will have to step it up. Warley was just 11-21 in field goal attempts last season as the junior was plagued with back problems. Return duties should go to CB Ronyell Whitaker but don?t be surprised to see Hall take some kicks. Of special note, Virginia Tech special teams blocked punts in each of its MAC games last year, WMU and UCF
Previous Game
September 1, 2002
Home versus LSU
Final Score: 26-8
Call it the day of the defense or perhaps inept offensive play but the total yards for both teams were less than Byron?s passing totals against ASU this past week. Virginia Tech held a slight edge in offensive output, 231-214 but the real story in this win was field position. Of the 4 productive offensive drives by the Hokies, their average field position was the LSU 35. Drives of 27, 29, 26 and 58 yards sealed the victory. A combination of defense and special teams enabled the Hokies to play on a short field nearly all day. LSU struggled with their passing game and never really mounted an offensive threat. It appeared that timing between first-year starter Matt Mauck and his receiving corps was off from the onset. Matt didn?t appear to be the only one that couldn?t handle the pressure though. Back to his end zone most of the day, punter Donnie Jones just netted 29.7 yards per punt. Though Jones had a long punt 50 yards, DeAngelo Hall returned that for 17 yards. Hall showed his elusiveness on each of his three returns. The Hokies averaged over 10 yards per return with Hall, Johnson and Hamilton.
Continue from the top....
Continue from the top....
OVERVIEW
If I were to describe Virginia Tech with one word, it would be SPEED. Offensively, their tandem RB set, Suggs and Jones, live up to their rep. Couple that with a line that averages 312 pounds and you can see why VT has such a potent rush attack. Defensively, the entire team reeks of speed. The defensive ends are fast, quick and mobile. The linebackers, though a bit inexperienced, move well to the ball. Surprisingly, with Tech losing two of their starters in the secondary, actually may have replaced them with players that are even faster. I was also quite surprised how tight the coverage was down field. Special teams, as always, are exemplary. There is a pride and a swagger that makes this unit the most productive weapon on the field for the Hokies. Excellent field position and turnover opportunities usually account for the majority of Tech?s points.
Yes, Virginia Tech is a force. There are some opportunities for success, however. The defensive tackle spots are not very deep and though they are basically immovable objects when it comes to the run, they were a non-issue and well contained in passing situations against the Tigers. All the pressure came from the outside (end and safety spots). Also, the linebackers were tight against the run but had some difficulty in pass coverage, especially in quick hits. Offensively, they are truly one-dimensional. Even more so now that Noel is not playing. The only catch is that though you know they?re going to run the ball, like Nebraska, there?s not a lot you can do about it. They will get their yards. The secret is not keeping them under some magic totals number, but more in keeping them down in yards per carry. Don?t allow them the big, break out plays.
This is a game of opposites. VT?s strength is their special teams, which is Marshall?s weakest area. VT runs the ball, Marshall prefers to pass. VT relies on the Defense for production and field position, Marshall relies on their Offense. VT wants a low scoring affair, The Herd wants a shootout. It will be one of the more interesting games of the season in College Football?
Game Plan
- Pressure Leftwich. If Tech can consistently give Byron less than 4 seconds to throw the ball, the secondary will be able to go one-on-one with our receivers. Given more than 4 seconds, Leftwich and the Herd receivers will prevail.
- Shut down the run. If Marshall can?t run the ball, the Hokie defense will be freer to use their blitz packages. Bud Foster is one of the best defensive minds in the country, in my opinion, and will make the Herd pay dearly for an impotent ground game.
- Pound the middle. With a 312-pound line, a couple of Sunday RBs, and Marshall?s inability to stop the run up the gut, why not? Virginia Tech will use their depth and the hard running of their backs to try to wear out the Herd defense. Look for FB Doug Easlick to see plenty of playing time. He won?t touch the ball but his compact 230# frame (more like 250) is a punishing lead blocker for Suggs and Jones.
- Forget the outside. Anything on the corners at the line of scrimmage will be futile. No bubble screens, swing passes, rollouts, end runs or WR screens. Tech is too fast on the outside and playing into their defensive strength is designed for failure. Keep the rushing game off tackle. Use delays and draws to curb pursuit. It wouldn?t hurt to add a couple of counters to the rushing arsenal. Force the defensive ends and safeties behind Leftwich.
- Throw crosses and slants. 5-7 yard crossing patterns to the slot (Carey) and quick slants to the TE should be open. These are the toughest patterns to defend and an inexperienced and aggressive linebacker corps will have trouble stopping it. I?d throw to Rader 50 times if need be to get the secondary to cheat up to the LOS. When they do, they?ll be susceptible to the long ball.
- Contain the outside. Don?t let these two backs outside or be prepared to hit the oxygen on your way back to the bench. I was really impressed with Goodard and Martin last week. Many fans were upset that we didn?t get more sacks but we flushed the QB seven times and he netted only 18 yards. Containment was a big problem last season and we can ill afford a breakdown against Tech.
Points of Interest
Steve Sciullo will be pitted against a pre-season All-American for a second consecutive game when he faces Nathaniel Adibi. Adibi, surprisingly, has been held in check his first two outing and has registered only 4 tackles and no sacks to date.
Perhaps the marquee match up on the 12th will be Darius Watts against DeAngelo Hall. It?s hard to say who?s faster and both are potential All-Americans.
Virginia Tech is undefeated when playing on Thursday, home or away. They have also beaten WVU twice on Thursday night in Blacksburg?
Marshall 19, Virginia Tech 17
Continue from the top....
OVERVIEW
If I were to describe Virginia Tech with one word, it would be SPEED. Offensively, their tandem RB set, Suggs and Jones, live up to their rep. Couple that with a line that averages 312 pounds and you can see why VT has such a potent rush attack. Defensively, the entire team reeks of speed. The defensive ends are fast, quick and mobile. The linebackers, though a bit inexperienced, move well to the ball. Surprisingly, with Tech losing two of their starters in the secondary, actually may have replaced them with players that are even faster. I was also quite surprised how tight the coverage was down field. Special teams, as always, are exemplary. There is a pride and a swagger that makes this unit the most productive weapon on the field for the Hokies. Excellent field position and turnover opportunities usually account for the majority of Tech?s points.
Yes, Virginia Tech is a force. There are some opportunities for success, however. The defensive tackle spots are not very deep and though they are basically immovable objects when it comes to the run, they were a non-issue and well contained in passing situations against the Tigers. All the pressure came from the outside (end and safety spots). Also, the linebackers were tight against the run but had some difficulty in pass coverage, especially in quick hits. Offensively, they are truly one-dimensional. Even more so now that Noel is not playing. The only catch is that though you know they?re going to run the ball, like Nebraska, there?s not a lot you can do about it. They will get their yards. The secret is not keeping them under some magic totals number, but more in keeping them down in yards per carry. Don?t allow them the big, break out plays.
This is a game of opposites. VT?s strength is their special teams, which is Marshall?s weakest area. VT runs the ball, Marshall prefers to pass. VT relies on the Defense for production and field position, Marshall relies on their Offense. VT wants a low scoring affair, The Herd wants a shootout. It will be one of the more interesting games of the season in College Football?
Game Plan
- Pressure Leftwich. If Tech can consistently give Byron less than 4 seconds to throw the ball, the secondary will be able to go one-on-one with our receivers. Given more than 4 seconds, Leftwich and the Herd receivers will prevail.
- Shut down the run. If Marshall can?t run the ball, the Hokie defense will be freer to use their blitz packages. Bud Foster is one of the best defensive minds in the country, in my opinion, and will make the Herd pay dearly for an impotent ground game.
- Pound the middle. With a 312-pound line, a couple of Sunday RBs, and Marshall?s inability to stop the run up the gut, why not? Virginia Tech will use their depth and the hard running of their backs to try to wear out the Herd defense. Look for FB Doug Easlick to see plenty of playing time. He won?t touch the ball but his compact 230# frame (more like 250) is a punishing lead blocker for Suggs and Jones.
- Forget the outside. Anything on the corners at the line of scrimmage will be futile. No bubble screens, swing passes, rollouts, end runs or WR screens. Tech is too fast on the outside and playing into their defensive strength is designed for failure. Keep the rushing game off tackle. Use delays and draws to curb pursuit. It wouldn?t hurt to add a couple of counters to the rushing arsenal. Force the defensive ends and safeties behind Leftwich.
- Throw crosses and slants. 5-7 yard crossing patterns to the slot (Carey) and quick slants to the TE should be open. These are the toughest patterns to defend and an inexperienced and aggressive linebacker corps will have trouble stopping it. I?d throw to Rader 50 times if need be to get the secondary to cheat up to the LOS. When they do, they?ll be susceptible to the long ball.
- Contain the outside. Don?t let these two backs outside or be prepared to hit the oxygen on your way back to the bench. I was really impressed with Goodard and Martin last week. Many fans were upset that we didn?t get more sacks but we flushed the QB seven times and he netted only 18 yards. Containment was a big problem last season and we can ill afford a breakdown against Tech.
Points of Interest
Steve Sciullo will be pitted against a pre-season All-American for a second consecutive game when he faces Nathaniel Adibi. Adibi, surprisingly, has been held in check his first two outing and has registered only 4 tackles and no sacks to date.
Perhaps the marquee match up on the 12th will be Darius Watts against DeAngelo Hall. It?s hard to say who?s faster and both are potential All-Americans.
Virginia Tech is undefeated when playing on Thursday, home or away. They have also beaten WVU twice on Thursday night in Blacksburg?
Marshall 19, Virginia Tech 17
Ok I think that Brian Pauly is a moron....36 points?!?!? Thats all...yeaa oookaayyy
But he does make good points on the game itself
But he does make good points on the game itself
Leftwich chat on ESPN.com - bullshit they didnt post my question!!
Leftwich chat on ESPN.com - bullshit they didnt post my question!!
Dewayne (Charleston, WV): Byron, What do you enjoy most about Marshall University?
Byron Leftwich: (11:59 AM ET ) The college atmosphere and being part of a family. It is just a lot of fun for me.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul (Columbus): Byron, you rock! The VA Tech game means little in the race for the MAC. Do you forsee any challenges for the Herd's high powered offense in the MAC? Go Herd!
Byron Leftwich: (12:00 PM ET ) Oh, yes. The MAC has a lot of very tough defenses in this league and every game will be tough. We will face a very tough defense this week in VA Tech, so it will help us prepare.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brent Arlington, VA: Your talent cannot be questioned, but how do you think the talent of your team will match up with the speed on both sides of Virginia Techs team?
Byron Leftwich: (12:01 PM ET ) I am not the only player here, we have a lot of very talented and fast players on this team. We live for speed. I think we are a very fast team and will be able to counter their speed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike, Blacksburg: Byron, I really hope you prepared to enter the most hostile environment you ever have played in. Theres nothing like Lane Stadium at night. Have you guys made special preparations in practice to prepare for that?
Byron Leftwich: (12:02 PM ET ) We know it will be loud so we have been working with our radio system turned up very loud so you can't hear each other. But we have played in games like this before and we have a lot of veteran players so we think we will be okay.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabriel(Corcoran): Mr. Leftwich, what do you think sets you apart from other "special" quarterbacks, such as a Michael Vick, or a David Carr, to be successful in the NFL?
Byron Leftwich: (12:03 PM ET ) I have no idea. I just let everyone else decide that stuff. I can't compare myself to other players in the NFL because they are the best in the world and I am not there yet. I just try and go out and win ball games.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jay Thompson: Byron, first off, I wish you and your team continued success this year. My question is, what differences, if any, have you and your team made to prepare for such a defensivly dominant team as Virginia Tech this week?
Byron Leftwich: (12:04 PM ET ) Actually, we have watched a lot film on them and feel we know what we will face on Thursday. But we won't change anything. We have a lot of confidence in our offense so we will run our normal game plan and hope we win.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jay Thompson: I think that your team can put up points against any college team. In your opinion, what is it going to take from your team's defense to win Thursday?
Byron Leftwich: (12:05 PM ET ) They have two very good backs but our defense will be fine. I believe in our defense and this is a team game. They won't win the game for us nor will they lose the game for us. We are in this together, but I have a lot of confidence that they know what it will take.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rory Erie, PA: Do you think the ineffectiveness of your running game (8 carries for 23 yards against I-AA Appalachian State) will make it more difficult to pass against VTs experienced secondary
Byron Leftwich: (12:06 PM ET ) I think we have an effective running game. We try and stay balanced and that is the key to our offense. Hopefully we can do that Thursday.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt Somerville,Mass: Hey Byron do you think that you guys can contend with The big time schools like Miami and Oklahoma?
Byron Leftwich: (12:06 PM ET ) We believe that but we may never know because we don't get a chance to play some of those teams. We feel we have the talent to play with anyone.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hokies: What is your biggest fear about coming to Blacksburg?
Byron Leftwich: (12:07 PM ET ) We have no fears. We are just going to go down there and play as hard as we can and have some fun.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charlie(Mason WV): Byron,Do you ever stop and think that next year at this time you'll be a millionair?What kind of car will you buy?
Byron Leftwich: (12:08 PM ET ) No. I feel I would be cheating my teammates and myself if I think like that. I am the QB of this team right now and that is all I think about.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brad: Byron best of luck to you in the Heisman race. What is your prediction on the game Thursday night.
Byron Leftwich: (12:08 PM ET ) I don't really care how the game goes Thursday night as long as we have one more point than them, I will be happy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scott, Huntington WV: Byron, do you think it is fair for Marshall to be ranked so high despite the weak schedule you play?
Byron Leftwich: (12:10 PM ET ) We have no control over who we play. I feel we have a top 25 team and others must feel that way because that is where we are ranked. We are in a tough conference but every conference has some down teams. We can't control that so we don't worry about it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brandon (TN): What is the best team you've seen that isn't on your schedule this year?
Byron Leftwich: (12:10 PM ET ) By far it is Miami. They proved and showed everyone they are still No. 1. Until someone beats them, they are the best team in the country. They haven't lost a game in like two years.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RM Myrtle Beach: Have you talked to Chad Pennington lately? What do you guys talk about?
Byron Leftwich: (12:11 PM ET ) I talked to him two days ago and we usually talk once a week. We'll probably talk before this game. We talk a little football but we most talk about life and see how each other is doing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eric, Huntington: The Herd have had some great teams in the past few years. Where would you rank this years team?
Byron Leftwich: (12:12 PM ET ) Since I have been here, this is the best group of athletes we have ever had. The challenge now is to turn these athletes into a good team. Can we do that? We won't know until the end of the season.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
brian, flat rock michigan: how do you feel about having your own bobble head?
Byron Leftwich: (12:13 PM ET ) I think it is crazy to see yourself as a bobble-head. But it is just part of the campaign but I think it looks better than me actually.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christina, Fairfax: Byron, in your opinion, who is the greatest quarter of all time and what do you idolize about that person?
Byron Leftwich: (12:14 PM ET ) That is a tough question. I have a had a chance to see a lot of great QBs and it is hard to pick one. But growing up, I always loved to watch Joe Montana and be like him just like every kid.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jason (Huntington): Do you think guys like Randy Moss and Chad Penntington have got you more attention because they should that great football players can come out of Marshall?
Byron Leftwich: (12:15 PM ET ) Absolutely. I think Randy opened the door for a lot of players from Marshall. He showed the world that a player from this school can play at the next level and succeed. He has helped me out a lot.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shane Adkins: Do you think it would be a blessing if you don't win the heisman? It seems most of the recent winners have been cursed in the NFL.
Byron Leftwich: (12:16 PM ET ) I wouldn't like at it like that. I have no control over who wins, I am just trying to lead this team to victories. Right now it is up in the air but I have no control over it so I don't think much about it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joey Veach (IA): What are your teams goals for this season? Do you think you can make a run and play a team like miami in the fiesta bowl? How do you think you would do?
Byron Leftwich: (12:17 PM ET ) I think every team wants to win their conference championships. But our expectations are high and we won't to win every game. We feel we have the talent to do that and hopefully we can.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaba, Blakcsburg: Byron, how do you feel about what Terry Bowden said yesterday, "Virginia Tech is the best coached team." And how do you feel your speacial teams will compare the best in the country.
Byron Leftwich: (12:18 PM ET ) That is a tough question but they are a well coached team. You can just tell watching them on film. All aspects of their team seem to be clicking and that has a lot to do with coaching.
Byron Leftwich: (12:19 PM ET ) That is all the time I have right now. Thanks for having me here and for all the great questions. Hopefully we can pull this out on Thursday for all the Herd fans.
Take care everyone.
Leftwich chat on ESPN.com - bullshit they didnt post my question!!
Dewayne (Charleston, WV): Byron, What do you enjoy most about Marshall University?
Byron Leftwich: (11:59 AM ET ) The college atmosphere and being part of a family. It is just a lot of fun for me.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul (Columbus): Byron, you rock! The VA Tech game means little in the race for the MAC. Do you forsee any challenges for the Herd's high powered offense in the MAC? Go Herd!
Byron Leftwich: (12:00 PM ET ) Oh, yes. The MAC has a lot of very tough defenses in this league and every game will be tough. We will face a very tough defense this week in VA Tech, so it will help us prepare.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brent Arlington, VA: Your talent cannot be questioned, but how do you think the talent of your team will match up with the speed on both sides of Virginia Techs team?
Byron Leftwich: (12:01 PM ET ) I am not the only player here, we have a lot of very talented and fast players on this team. We live for speed. I think we are a very fast team and will be able to counter their speed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike, Blacksburg: Byron, I really hope you prepared to enter the most hostile environment you ever have played in. Theres nothing like Lane Stadium at night. Have you guys made special preparations in practice to prepare for that?
Byron Leftwich: (12:02 PM ET ) We know it will be loud so we have been working with our radio system turned up very loud so you can't hear each other. But we have played in games like this before and we have a lot of veteran players so we think we will be okay.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabriel(Corcoran): Mr. Leftwich, what do you think sets you apart from other "special" quarterbacks, such as a Michael Vick, or a David Carr, to be successful in the NFL?
Byron Leftwich: (12:03 PM ET ) I have no idea. I just let everyone else decide that stuff. I can't compare myself to other players in the NFL because they are the best in the world and I am not there yet. I just try and go out and win ball games.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jay Thompson: Byron, first off, I wish you and your team continued success this year. My question is, what differences, if any, have you and your team made to prepare for such a defensivly dominant team as Virginia Tech this week?
Byron Leftwich: (12:04 PM ET ) Actually, we have watched a lot film on them and feel we know what we will face on Thursday. But we won't change anything. We have a lot of confidence in our offense so we will run our normal game plan and hope we win.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jay Thompson: I think that your team can put up points against any college team. In your opinion, what is it going to take from your team's defense to win Thursday?
Byron Leftwich: (12:05 PM ET ) They have two very good backs but our defense will be fine. I believe in our defense and this is a team game. They won't win the game for us nor will they lose the game for us. We are in this together, but I have a lot of confidence that they know what it will take.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rory Erie, PA: Do you think the ineffectiveness of your running game (8 carries for 23 yards against I-AA Appalachian State) will make it more difficult to pass against VTs experienced secondary
Byron Leftwich: (12:06 PM ET ) I think we have an effective running game. We try and stay balanced and that is the key to our offense. Hopefully we can do that Thursday.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt Somerville,Mass: Hey Byron do you think that you guys can contend with The big time schools like Miami and Oklahoma?
Byron Leftwich: (12:06 PM ET ) We believe that but we may never know because we don't get a chance to play some of those teams. We feel we have the talent to play with anyone.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hokies: What is your biggest fear about coming to Blacksburg?
Byron Leftwich: (12:07 PM ET ) We have no fears. We are just going to go down there and play as hard as we can and have some fun.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charlie(Mason WV): Byron,Do you ever stop and think that next year at this time you'll be a millionair?What kind of car will you buy?
Byron Leftwich: (12:08 PM ET ) No. I feel I would be cheating my teammates and myself if I think like that. I am the QB of this team right now and that is all I think about.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brad: Byron best of luck to you in the Heisman race. What is your prediction on the game Thursday night.
Byron Leftwich: (12:08 PM ET ) I don't really care how the game goes Thursday night as long as we have one more point than them, I will be happy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scott, Huntington WV: Byron, do you think it is fair for Marshall to be ranked so high despite the weak schedule you play?
Byron Leftwich: (12:10 PM ET ) We have no control over who we play. I feel we have a top 25 team and others must feel that way because that is where we are ranked. We are in a tough conference but every conference has some down teams. We can't control that so we don't worry about it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brandon (TN): What is the best team you've seen that isn't on your schedule this year?
Byron Leftwich: (12:10 PM ET ) By far it is Miami. They proved and showed everyone they are still No. 1. Until someone beats them, they are the best team in the country. They haven't lost a game in like two years.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RM Myrtle Beach: Have you talked to Chad Pennington lately? What do you guys talk about?
Byron Leftwich: (12:11 PM ET ) I talked to him two days ago and we usually talk once a week. We'll probably talk before this game. We talk a little football but we most talk about life and see how each other is doing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eric, Huntington: The Herd have had some great teams in the past few years. Where would you rank this years team?
Byron Leftwich: (12:12 PM ET ) Since I have been here, this is the best group of athletes we have ever had. The challenge now is to turn these athletes into a good team. Can we do that? We won't know until the end of the season.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
brian, flat rock michigan: how do you feel about having your own bobble head?
Byron Leftwich: (12:13 PM ET ) I think it is crazy to see yourself as a bobble-head. But it is just part of the campaign but I think it looks better than me actually.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christina, Fairfax: Byron, in your opinion, who is the greatest quarter of all time and what do you idolize about that person?
Byron Leftwich: (12:14 PM ET ) That is a tough question. I have a had a chance to see a lot of great QBs and it is hard to pick one. But growing up, I always loved to watch Joe Montana and be like him just like every kid.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jason (Huntington): Do you think guys like Randy Moss and Chad Penntington have got you more attention because they should that great football players can come out of Marshall?
Byron Leftwich: (12:15 PM ET ) Absolutely. I think Randy opened the door for a lot of players from Marshall. He showed the world that a player from this school can play at the next level and succeed. He has helped me out a lot.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shane Adkins: Do you think it would be a blessing if you don't win the heisman? It seems most of the recent winners have been cursed in the NFL.
Byron Leftwich: (12:16 PM ET ) I wouldn't like at it like that. I have no control over who wins, I am just trying to lead this team to victories. Right now it is up in the air but I have no control over it so I don't think much about it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joey Veach (IA): What are your teams goals for this season? Do you think you can make a run and play a team like miami in the fiesta bowl? How do you think you would do?
Byron Leftwich: (12:17 PM ET ) I think every team wants to win their conference championships. But our expectations are high and we won't to win every game. We feel we have the talent to do that and hopefully we can.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaba, Blakcsburg: Byron, how do you feel about what Terry Bowden said yesterday, "Virginia Tech is the best coached team." And how do you feel your speacial teams will compare the best in the country.
Byron Leftwich: (12:18 PM ET ) That is a tough question but they are a well coached team. You can just tell watching them on film. All aspects of their team seem to be clicking and that has a lot to do with coaching.
Byron Leftwich: (12:19 PM ET ) That is all the time I have right now. Thanks for having me here and for all the great questions. Hopefully we can pull this out on Thursday for all the Herd fans.
Take care everyone.
No total yet my friend...Iam assuming it`ll be high 60s...as a matter of fact, the local sports radio show is talking about this game too....the one guy says the one way to beat Va Tech is to put 8 in the box :lol: ohh brother I hope he`s right
THURSDAY WEATHER WILL BE
-Slear Skies
-High of 75 degrees
On the weather map....Blacksburg is about 20 miles west of Roanoke
THURSDAY WEATHER WILL BE
-Slear Skies
-High of 75 degrees
On the weather map....Blacksburg is about 20 miles west of Roanoke
