Marshall @ Va Tech !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Thread starter hellah10
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Top Hand Returns: Darius Watts, the top receiver in the MAC last year with 91 receptions for 1,417 yards and 18 touchdowns, returns for Marshall this week after missing the season opener Aug. 31 versus Appalachian State. Watts sat out the ASU game to rest his sprained shoulder.
VT Football
Tuesday, September 10, 2002
VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL
Hokies have to contend with hungry Herd
By RANDY KING
THE ROANOKE TIMES
When Virginia Tech added Marshall to this season's football schedule in the spring of 1998, coach Frank Beamer was fully aware that his Hokies weren't picking up just another easy dance date.
However, Beamer had no idea that the Thundering Herd's lead guy would be a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate.
"If you play Marshall you know you're going to play a good football team," Beamer said. "I just didn't know they were going to have the best quarterback in the country this particular year."
Beamer, of course, was referring to Byron Leftwich, the strong-armed, 6-foot-6, 240-pound quarterback who will lead the 16th-ranked Herd (1-0) into Blacksburg for Thursday night's much-anticipated matchup with No.11 Tech (2-0). Kickoff for the ESPN national telecast at Lane Stadium is 7:45 p.m.
"This Marshall team has won a lot of football games and he's one of the main reasons they have won a lot of games," Beamer said of Leftwich. "We understand what we've got. We've got a quarterback who is trying to win the Heisman and a football team that wants to break into the top 10."
For months, Marshall's avid horde of fans have been pointing to this game as the prime chance for their underappreciated program and its big-time QB to show the nation they're the real goods. Tech, by leaps and bounds, is the biggest hurdle this season for a Marshall program that has won four of five Mid-American Conference titles since moving from Division I-AA to I-A in 1997.
"I know folks up there have been talking for a while about this being the biggest game on their schedule," Beamer said. "I think Leftwich has talked about this being his Heisman game, so that gets a little scary. We know they're going to come in here ready to go. And we'd just better make sure we're ready."
NO STRANGER HERE: Bob Pruett, whose 69-11 record in his first six seasons at Marshall ranks first among all active Division I-A or I-AA coaches with at least five years' experience, won't be invading foreign territory Thursday.
Pruett received a master's degree in administration and physical education from Tech in 1972. Plus, he coached high school football in Northern Virginia from 1965-78.
"I'm a Virginia Tech fan ... a Virginia Tech guy," Pruett said. "I've followed [the Hokies] for a long time. I've visited with [the coaches] and talked football with them, and I've known Coach Beamer and some of those coaches personally for 30 years.
"So it's exciting for me to go there and play in a game. I think we've just got to see. We've got 110 players on our team, and only three of 'em were good enough to be offered scholarships by Virginia Tech and we're in the same recruiting area. So it's a big challenge for us."
The three players Pruett was referring to are defensive end Marcus Hairston of Martinsville, defensive lineman Marlan Hicks of Hampton and tight end Jason Rader of St.Albans, W.Va.
UPHILL BATTLE: In a fact certainly not lost on Pruett, Marshall's two-game series with Tech includes another game in Blacksburg in 2005. Like some other strong programs in mid-major conferences, Marshall has a tough time getting a fair shake from the big boys, Pruett conceded.
"We can't get top teams to come to Huntington [W.Va.]," Pruett said. "We've lost only one game here since I've been here.
"They don't want to come and most of the time when we go away we've got to play with their officials just to get the game. We're going down to Virginia Tech to play at night, which is the best time for [the Hokies] to play, with their officials and their crowd. We went to South Carolina and Clemson and won with their officials, but hopefully some of those things are changing."
They are. Perennial national powers Miami and Tennessee have agreed to scheduling deals that will send them to Huntington in 2007 and '08.
TECH INJURY REPORT: Beamer said Monday that he expects quarterback Grant Noel and defensive end Jim Davis to be available against the Herd.
Noel, who underwent arthroscopic surgery a week ago today on his left knee, worked out with the team for about an hour Sunday. Noel, who will back up first-time starter Bryan Randall if ready, was scheduled to get limited work Monday. Then, if things go according to plan, Noel's work will be tapered down until game time.
Davis, the Hokies' best pass-rusher, suffered a mild left ankle sprain in Sunday's practice and left the training room on crutches. However, Beamer said Davis' ankle looked much better Monday morning, and Davis is expected to be close to 100 percent by game time.
TECH TIDBITS: Tech was listed Monday as an 11- to 12-point favorite at most Las Vegas books. ... The Hokies have won five of the seven previous meetings, the last a 7-0 win in 1953. ... Marshall's roster includes 19 players who played their high school ball in Virginia. Noel, who was born in Low Moor, Va., but played in high school in Ridgeley, W.Va, is classified as the only West Virginian on Tech's roster. ... Nonetheless, Tech's starting QB Thursday will have ties to the Mountaineer state. Randall, who starred at Williamsburg's Bruton High School, was born in Charleston, W.Va. ... How nuts are Marshall fans about this one? Many of the Herd backers who couldn't get their hands on the 6,000 visitors tickets allocated by Tech are expected to pay $5 for the opportunity to attend a pregame tailgate and watch the game en masse via the video board inside Marshall Stadium.
Tuesday, September 10, 2002
VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL
Hokies have to contend with hungry Herd
By RANDY KING
THE ROANOKE TIMES
When Virginia Tech added Marshall to this season's football schedule in the spring of 1998, coach Frank Beamer was fully aware that his Hokies weren't picking up just another easy dance date.
However, Beamer had no idea that the Thundering Herd's lead guy would be a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate.
"If you play Marshall you know you're going to play a good football team," Beamer said. "I just didn't know they were going to have the best quarterback in the country this particular year."
Beamer, of course, was referring to Byron Leftwich, the strong-armed, 6-foot-6, 240-pound quarterback who will lead the 16th-ranked Herd (1-0) into Blacksburg for Thursday night's much-anticipated matchup with No.11 Tech (2-0). Kickoff for the ESPN national telecast at Lane Stadium is 7:45 p.m.
"This Marshall team has won a lot of football games and he's one of the main reasons they have won a lot of games," Beamer said of Leftwich. "We understand what we've got. We've got a quarterback who is trying to win the Heisman and a football team that wants to break into the top 10."
For months, Marshall's avid horde of fans have been pointing to this game as the prime chance for their underappreciated program and its big-time QB to show the nation they're the real goods. Tech, by leaps and bounds, is the biggest hurdle this season for a Marshall program that has won four of five Mid-American Conference titles since moving from Division I-AA to I-A in 1997.
"I know folks up there have been talking for a while about this being the biggest game on their schedule," Beamer said. "I think Leftwich has talked about this being his Heisman game, so that gets a little scary. We know they're going to come in here ready to go. And we'd just better make sure we're ready."
NO STRANGER HERE: Bob Pruett, whose 69-11 record in his first six seasons at Marshall ranks first among all active Division I-A or I-AA coaches with at least five years' experience, won't be invading foreign territory Thursday.
Pruett received a master's degree in administration and physical education from Tech in 1972. Plus, he coached high school football in Northern Virginia from 1965-78.
"I'm a Virginia Tech fan ... a Virginia Tech guy," Pruett said. "I've followed [the Hokies] for a long time. I've visited with [the coaches] and talked football with them, and I've known Coach Beamer and some of those coaches personally for 30 years.
"So it's exciting for me to go there and play in a game. I think we've just got to see. We've got 110 players on our team, and only three of 'em were good enough to be offered scholarships by Virginia Tech and we're in the same recruiting area. So it's a big challenge for us."
The three players Pruett was referring to are defensive end Marcus Hairston of Martinsville, defensive lineman Marlan Hicks of Hampton and tight end Jason Rader of St.Albans, W.Va.
UPHILL BATTLE: In a fact certainly not lost on Pruett, Marshall's two-game series with Tech includes another game in Blacksburg in 2005. Like some other strong programs in mid-major conferences, Marshall has a tough time getting a fair shake from the big boys, Pruett conceded.
"We can't get top teams to come to Huntington [W.Va.]," Pruett said. "We've lost only one game here since I've been here.
"They don't want to come and most of the time when we go away we've got to play with their officials just to get the game. We're going down to Virginia Tech to play at night, which is the best time for [the Hokies] to play, with their officials and their crowd. We went to South Carolina and Clemson and won with their officials, but hopefully some of those things are changing."
They are. Perennial national powers Miami and Tennessee have agreed to scheduling deals that will send them to Huntington in 2007 and '08.
TECH INJURY REPORT: Beamer said Monday that he expects quarterback Grant Noel and defensive end Jim Davis to be available against the Herd.
Noel, who underwent arthroscopic surgery a week ago today on his left knee, worked out with the team for about an hour Sunday. Noel, who will back up first-time starter Bryan Randall if ready, was scheduled to get limited work Monday. Then, if things go according to plan, Noel's work will be tapered down until game time.
Davis, the Hokies' best pass-rusher, suffered a mild left ankle sprain in Sunday's practice and left the training room on crutches. However, Beamer said Davis' ankle looked much better Monday morning, and Davis is expected to be close to 100 percent by game time.
TECH TIDBITS: Tech was listed Monday as an 11- to 12-point favorite at most Las Vegas books. ... The Hokies have won five of the seven previous meetings, the last a 7-0 win in 1953. ... Marshall's roster includes 19 players who played their high school ball in Virginia. Noel, who was born in Low Moor, Va., but played in high school in Ridgeley, W.Va, is classified as the only West Virginian on Tech's roster. ... Nonetheless, Tech's starting QB Thursday will have ties to the Mountaineer state. Randall, who starred at Williamsburg's Bruton High School, was born in Charleston, W.Va. ... How nuts are Marshall fans about this one? Many of the Herd backers who couldn't get their hands on the 6,000 visitors tickets allocated by Tech are expected to pay $5 for the opportunity to attend a pregame tailgate and watch the game en masse via the video board inside Marshall Stadium.
By Scott Haynes, College Football Editor
GAME NOTES: A border war ensues on Thursday night between a pair of top-25 teams, when the 16th-ranked Marshall Thundering Herd pay a visit to Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, to tangle with 11th-ranked Virginia Tech. Both the Thundering Herd and Hokies were idle a week ago and have their sights set on remaining undefeated on the young season. Marshall won its season-opener on August 31st, routing Appalachian State, 50-17. This is the Hokies' third game of the 2002 campaign, as Tech dispatched Arkansas State (63-7) to open the season, followed by an equally impressive dismantling of nationally-ranked LSU (26-8). This will be the eighth meeting between these two teams on the gridiron, however the series has laid dormant for nearly a half century. The last meeting took place in 1953, a 7-0 Tech victory. The Hokies have won five of the previous seven meetings. Tech has won 18 of the last 20 games at Lane Stadium and is 140-59-6 there all-time. This is the third straight home game for the Hokies, who will begin a three-game road swing following this contest. Old friends Bob Pruett and Frank Beamer will square off in this one. Pruett is 70-11 in his seventh season at his alma mater Marshall (1965), while Beamer has tallied a 151-88-4 record in 22 seasons with his alma mater Virginia Tech (1969).
Unlike their opponents this week, the Thundering Herd prefer to amass yardage through the air, rather than on the ground. With an All-American and Heisman Trophy favorite under center, why not? Quarterback Byron Leftwich returns for his encore season, despite garnering serious NFL attention after throwing for well over 4,000 yard in 2001. If the first game is any indication, the 6-6, 240-pound gunslinger may just shatter his 2001 stats. Leftwich torched the ASU defense to the tune of 469 yards passing in the season-opener, throwing four TDs and completing over 65 percent of his passes (27-of-41). Without All- American candidate Darius Watts (separated shoulder) running routes for Marshall, Josh Davis had an opportunity to shine. He took full advantage, catching 11 balls, for a career-high 264 yards and two TDs, one of which was on the ground. It was the most receiving yards by a Marshall player since Randy Moss (288) in 1996. Wideouts Curtis Jones and Demetrius Doss and tailback Franklin Wallace were recipients of the other three Leftwich TD strikes. Wallace also proved to be a valuable asset on the ground for Marshall, averaging 6.5 yards per carry and finishing with 71 yards on 11 carries. Leftwich is the key to this offense though, and Pruett certainly won't deviate from his pass-happy philosophy against the Hokies.
The biggest question mark for Marshall is a suspect defense from 2001. Although the unit posted solid numbers against the Mountaineers in the opener, it really wasn't tested. ASU managed just 76.0 yards on the ground (2.1 ypc) and a minute 64.0 yards passing. Senior linebacker Duran Smith led the defense against Appalachian State, posting 12 tackles, including one of the team's three sacks on the day. Sophomore linebacker J.T. Rembert and junior defensive end Jonathan Goddard followed with nine tackles each, while recording the other two sacks (one apiece). Extremely disruptive against ASU, Marshall defenders recorded 13 TFLs in the game, led by Goddard's three. Putting eight or nine players in the box this week will be a necessity with Virginia Tech's potent rushing attack. Goddard and fellow end James Martin, along with tackles Orlando Washington and Toriano Brown will need to hold the point of attack, while linebackers Charles Tynes, Smith and Rembert, as well as safeties Terence Tarpley and Chris Crocker fill the gaps and make the initial stops.
In the ongoing-saga at the quarterback position, starting QB Grant Noel recently had arthroscopic surgery on his damaged knee. While there should be time afforded him to heal properly, Noel has been listed as probable for this week's action, following a productive week of rehab and limited practice. Although Bryan Randall has been adequate in replacing Noel, it really hasn't mattered who has been under center in the early going. A passing attack that has accumulated just 82.0 yards per game, will certainly need to improve as the season progresses. However, for now, the team is doing just fine with its one-dimensional attack, as the ground game has produced 227.0 yards per game. With a pair of All-American candidates in the backfield, Frank Beamer won't change the offensive philosophy until someone can stop either Lee Suggs or Kevin Jones. Suggs, coming off knee surgery that cost him almost all of the 2001 season, looks to be 100-percent this year. He currently leads the team in rushing with 178 yards, averaging over six yards per carry (6.1). Jones isn't far behind at 5.6 yards per rush and 101 yards on the year. The pair have combined for five of the team's seven rushing scores this year.
Once again, it appears that Virginia Tech will rely on a stingy defense to overwhelm opponents. Thus far, the team is allowing a mere 7.5 points per game, on 220.5 yards of total offense. Running the ball against the Hokies is an act in futility, as the team is limiting foes to just 52.0 yards per game and 1.7 yards per carry. The linebackers have led the charge in 2002, as sophomores Mikal Baagee and Brandon Manning lead the tackle brigade for the Hokies with 15 stops in the first two games. Three others are tied with 11 stops behind them, in fellow linebacker Vegas Robinson, defensive tackle Kevin Lewis and free safety Willie Pile. Junior defensive end Jim Davis has seven total tackles, but against LSU, Davis was unstoppable, recording three sacks and forcing one fumble, garnering all-conference honors for the week. With Davis starting to produce from the one end position, it is only a matter of time until junior end Nathaniel Adibi gets going. Long known as an aggressive defense that makes plays, the Hokies' unit in 2002 has already showed a penchant for the same. The team has forced seven turnovers, recorded 13 TFLs and five sacks. A strong defense should get a little better in this contest, as All-American Ronyell Whitaker will return to his cornerback position, after sitting out the first two games with a suspension.
This is certainly a litmus test for a Marshall team that has yet to play a quality opponent. While Leftwich is an absolute star, there are two sides of the football. The more balanced team is obviously Virginia Tech. Add to that the fact that this game is taking place in Blacksburg, and it doesn't look good for the Thundering Herd. Leftwich will put up some solid numbers, but not enough against a tough Hokie defense. If special teams come into play (and they probably will) Tech has yet another advantage. It's an uphill battle for Marshall -- one they probably won't win
GAME NOTES: A border war ensues on Thursday night between a pair of top-25 teams, when the 16th-ranked Marshall Thundering Herd pay a visit to Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, to tangle with 11th-ranked Virginia Tech. Both the Thundering Herd and Hokies were idle a week ago and have their sights set on remaining undefeated on the young season. Marshall won its season-opener on August 31st, routing Appalachian State, 50-17. This is the Hokies' third game of the 2002 campaign, as Tech dispatched Arkansas State (63-7) to open the season, followed by an equally impressive dismantling of nationally-ranked LSU (26-8). This will be the eighth meeting between these two teams on the gridiron, however the series has laid dormant for nearly a half century. The last meeting took place in 1953, a 7-0 Tech victory. The Hokies have won five of the previous seven meetings. Tech has won 18 of the last 20 games at Lane Stadium and is 140-59-6 there all-time. This is the third straight home game for the Hokies, who will begin a three-game road swing following this contest. Old friends Bob Pruett and Frank Beamer will square off in this one. Pruett is 70-11 in his seventh season at his alma mater Marshall (1965), while Beamer has tallied a 151-88-4 record in 22 seasons with his alma mater Virginia Tech (1969).
Unlike their opponents this week, the Thundering Herd prefer to amass yardage through the air, rather than on the ground. With an All-American and Heisman Trophy favorite under center, why not? Quarterback Byron Leftwich returns for his encore season, despite garnering serious NFL attention after throwing for well over 4,000 yard in 2001. If the first game is any indication, the 6-6, 240-pound gunslinger may just shatter his 2001 stats. Leftwich torched the ASU defense to the tune of 469 yards passing in the season-opener, throwing four TDs and completing over 65 percent of his passes (27-of-41). Without All- American candidate Darius Watts (separated shoulder) running routes for Marshall, Josh Davis had an opportunity to shine. He took full advantage, catching 11 balls, for a career-high 264 yards and two TDs, one of which was on the ground. It was the most receiving yards by a Marshall player since Randy Moss (288) in 1996. Wideouts Curtis Jones and Demetrius Doss and tailback Franklin Wallace were recipients of the other three Leftwich TD strikes. Wallace also proved to be a valuable asset on the ground for Marshall, averaging 6.5 yards per carry and finishing with 71 yards on 11 carries. Leftwich is the key to this offense though, and Pruett certainly won't deviate from his pass-happy philosophy against the Hokies.
The biggest question mark for Marshall is a suspect defense from 2001. Although the unit posted solid numbers against the Mountaineers in the opener, it really wasn't tested. ASU managed just 76.0 yards on the ground (2.1 ypc) and a minute 64.0 yards passing. Senior linebacker Duran Smith led the defense against Appalachian State, posting 12 tackles, including one of the team's three sacks on the day. Sophomore linebacker J.T. Rembert and junior defensive end Jonathan Goddard followed with nine tackles each, while recording the other two sacks (one apiece). Extremely disruptive against ASU, Marshall defenders recorded 13 TFLs in the game, led by Goddard's three. Putting eight or nine players in the box this week will be a necessity with Virginia Tech's potent rushing attack. Goddard and fellow end James Martin, along with tackles Orlando Washington and Toriano Brown will need to hold the point of attack, while linebackers Charles Tynes, Smith and Rembert, as well as safeties Terence Tarpley and Chris Crocker fill the gaps and make the initial stops.
In the ongoing-saga at the quarterback position, starting QB Grant Noel recently had arthroscopic surgery on his damaged knee. While there should be time afforded him to heal properly, Noel has been listed as probable for this week's action, following a productive week of rehab and limited practice. Although Bryan Randall has been adequate in replacing Noel, it really hasn't mattered who has been under center in the early going. A passing attack that has accumulated just 82.0 yards per game, will certainly need to improve as the season progresses. However, for now, the team is doing just fine with its one-dimensional attack, as the ground game has produced 227.0 yards per game. With a pair of All-American candidates in the backfield, Frank Beamer won't change the offensive philosophy until someone can stop either Lee Suggs or Kevin Jones. Suggs, coming off knee surgery that cost him almost all of the 2001 season, looks to be 100-percent this year. He currently leads the team in rushing with 178 yards, averaging over six yards per carry (6.1). Jones isn't far behind at 5.6 yards per rush and 101 yards on the year. The pair have combined for five of the team's seven rushing scores this year.
Once again, it appears that Virginia Tech will rely on a stingy defense to overwhelm opponents. Thus far, the team is allowing a mere 7.5 points per game, on 220.5 yards of total offense. Running the ball against the Hokies is an act in futility, as the team is limiting foes to just 52.0 yards per game and 1.7 yards per carry. The linebackers have led the charge in 2002, as sophomores Mikal Baagee and Brandon Manning lead the tackle brigade for the Hokies with 15 stops in the first two games. Three others are tied with 11 stops behind them, in fellow linebacker Vegas Robinson, defensive tackle Kevin Lewis and free safety Willie Pile. Junior defensive end Jim Davis has seven total tackles, but against LSU, Davis was unstoppable, recording three sacks and forcing one fumble, garnering all-conference honors for the week. With Davis starting to produce from the one end position, it is only a matter of time until junior end Nathaniel Adibi gets going. Long known as an aggressive defense that makes plays, the Hokies' unit in 2002 has already showed a penchant for the same. The team has forced seven turnovers, recorded 13 TFLs and five sacks. A strong defense should get a little better in this contest, as All-American Ronyell Whitaker will return to his cornerback position, after sitting out the first two games with a suspension.
This is certainly a litmus test for a Marshall team that has yet to play a quality opponent. While Leftwich is an absolute star, there are two sides of the football. The more balanced team is obviously Virginia Tech. Add to that the fact that this game is taking place in Blacksburg, and it doesn't look good for the Thundering Herd. Leftwich will put up some solid numbers, but not enough against a tough Hokie defense. If special teams come into play (and they probably will) Tech has yet another advantage. It's an uphill battle for Marshall -- one they probably won't win
Pressuring Leftwich key to Tech's secondary success
Chuck Landon <clandon@dailymail.com>
Daily Mail sportswriter
Wednesday September 11, 2002; 09:45 AM
DeAngelo Hall doesn't blow smoke.
Or coverages.
When the Virginia Tech sophomore cornerback says the Hokie secondary needs help dealing with Marshall star quarterback Byron Leftwich and the Herd's highly potent passing attack, he means it.
So, is Hall dialing 9-1-1?
Nope.
He's calling 83-70-91-95 instead.
Those are the numbers of Virginia Tech's defensive front four. Otherwise known as 1-800-THE-RUSH.
"Oh, that's the key," said Hall. "I think that's the No. 1 factor. We can't go out there and cover receivers all day long. So, we're going to need the front four and the linebackers to go in there and do whatever they do."
What they do is put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They sack them. They hurry them. They force them out of the pocket. They chase them out of their comfort zone.
The pass rush is the secondary's best friend.
Especially when a secondary is facing the likes of Leftwich.
"If we give Leftwich time back there, he's going to eat us alive," said Hall. "Yeah, that's the key to the game."
Hall harbors no delusions of Deion-like grandeur. He knows when No. 11 Virginia Tech hosts No. 16 Marshall at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va., for a nationally televised ESPN game, it will take the entire Hokie defense, not just the secondary, to defend the Herd's high-flying passing game.
"They have an excellent passing attack," said Hall, during a telephone interview. "It is one of the best in the country. They're going to pose a challenge for us to go out there and guard them."
So, what makes Marshall's passing attack so particularly dangerous? Hall believes it's the depth of the receiving corps.
"I think it's seldom in a Division I university that you find as many good receivers as they managed to come up with," said the 5-foot-11, 194-pound sophomore. "Anytime you put Darius Watts on the field and combine him with those other wideouts they have out there ... I mean, that poses a dangerous threat.
"Anytime you can find three or four good receivers on one team it's a dangerous situation."
Yet, Hall isn't surprised that Marshall has assembled such a stable of thoroughbred receivers.
"Not really," he said. "Marshall has a good program. And they've been known to have a good program in the past. I mean, they had Chad Pennington and Randy Moss. They've done nothing but turn out good, high-caliber athletes. "So, that doesn't surprise me."
But it does concern him. When a secondary faces a team with several receiving threats rather than one particular go-to guy, it obviously multiplies their problems.
"That just eliminates us from coming out and trying to stop just one receiver," said Hall. "We can't just focus on Watts. If we focus on Watts, one of their other primary receivers is going to hurt us.
"So, we've just got to go out there and be sound all together. Fundamentally sound."
And wait for a break provided by the celebrated Hokie special teams. Right, DeAngelo?
"I think that's going to be a factor," said Hall, who also serves as Tech's punt returner. "We all know that they have to stop our offense and we have to stop their offense. We already know that. So, I think a key factor will be special teams play.
"Whether we can go out there, block kicks and play BeamerBall or whether they come out there and take care of their special teams. That's going to be a deciding factor."
Hall could be a deciding factor. When he scored on a 69-yard punt return and a 49-yard interception return against Arkansas State in the season-opener, Hall became the first player in Coach Frank Beamer's 15 seasons to score touchdowns on both defense and special teams in the same game.
"I love it," said Hall of returning punts. "It's creative genius back there. You've basically just got to make a couple guys miss and go. I get to touch the ball that way without working for it.
"It's not as hard as checking the receiver and getting the interception." There he goes again, thinking about Marshall's passing attack. Hall just can't help himself.
But he's hoping Virginia Tech's pass rush can.
Chuck Landon <clandon@dailymail.com>
Daily Mail sportswriter
Wednesday September 11, 2002; 09:45 AM
DeAngelo Hall doesn't blow smoke.
Or coverages.
When the Virginia Tech sophomore cornerback says the Hokie secondary needs help dealing with Marshall star quarterback Byron Leftwich and the Herd's highly potent passing attack, he means it.
So, is Hall dialing 9-1-1?
Nope.
He's calling 83-70-91-95 instead.
Those are the numbers of Virginia Tech's defensive front four. Otherwise known as 1-800-THE-RUSH.
"Oh, that's the key," said Hall. "I think that's the No. 1 factor. We can't go out there and cover receivers all day long. So, we're going to need the front four and the linebackers to go in there and do whatever they do."
What they do is put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They sack them. They hurry them. They force them out of the pocket. They chase them out of their comfort zone.
The pass rush is the secondary's best friend.
Especially when a secondary is facing the likes of Leftwich.
"If we give Leftwich time back there, he's going to eat us alive," said Hall. "Yeah, that's the key to the game."
Hall harbors no delusions of Deion-like grandeur. He knows when No. 11 Virginia Tech hosts No. 16 Marshall at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va., for a nationally televised ESPN game, it will take the entire Hokie defense, not just the secondary, to defend the Herd's high-flying passing game.
"They have an excellent passing attack," said Hall, during a telephone interview. "It is one of the best in the country. They're going to pose a challenge for us to go out there and guard them."
So, what makes Marshall's passing attack so particularly dangerous? Hall believes it's the depth of the receiving corps.
"I think it's seldom in a Division I university that you find as many good receivers as they managed to come up with," said the 5-foot-11, 194-pound sophomore. "Anytime you put Darius Watts on the field and combine him with those other wideouts they have out there ... I mean, that poses a dangerous threat.
"Anytime you can find three or four good receivers on one team it's a dangerous situation."
Yet, Hall isn't surprised that Marshall has assembled such a stable of thoroughbred receivers.
"Not really," he said. "Marshall has a good program. And they've been known to have a good program in the past. I mean, they had Chad Pennington and Randy Moss. They've done nothing but turn out good, high-caliber athletes. "So, that doesn't surprise me."
But it does concern him. When a secondary faces a team with several receiving threats rather than one particular go-to guy, it obviously multiplies their problems.
"That just eliminates us from coming out and trying to stop just one receiver," said Hall. "We can't just focus on Watts. If we focus on Watts, one of their other primary receivers is going to hurt us.
"So, we've just got to go out there and be sound all together. Fundamentally sound."
And wait for a break provided by the celebrated Hokie special teams. Right, DeAngelo?
"I think that's going to be a factor," said Hall, who also serves as Tech's punt returner. "We all know that they have to stop our offense and we have to stop their offense. We already know that. So, I think a key factor will be special teams play.
"Whether we can go out there, block kicks and play BeamerBall or whether they come out there and take care of their special teams. That's going to be a deciding factor."
Hall could be a deciding factor. When he scored on a 69-yard punt return and a 49-yard interception return against Arkansas State in the season-opener, Hall became the first player in Coach Frank Beamer's 15 seasons to score touchdowns on both defense and special teams in the same game.
"I love it," said Hall of returning punts. "It's creative genius back there. You've basically just got to make a couple guys miss and go. I get to touch the ball that way without working for it.
"It's not as hard as checking the receiver and getting the interception." There he goes again, thinking about Marshall's passing attack. Hall just can't help himself.
But he's hoping Virginia Tech's pass rush can.
My overview and last of the write ups for this game
My overview and last of the write ups for this game
HELLAH10s OVERVIEW
This will be a good test for the Herd D. Last year at the MAC Championship...they contained Chester Taylor until about the 4th series for the Rockets. The run defense has always been shit at Marshall since there re-entrance to the MAC. They lost their only person on that defense that can tackle....Max Yates. They do have an outstanding cornerback in Satterwhite..but thats about it. That D will probably get burned not just becuase of Kevin Jones and Lee Suggs...but that QB will tuck it and run...he can also throw on the run as we saw against LSU. The WRs for Va Tech are fresh...more then likely Va Tech will run run run and run some more.
I dont think anybody in the nation will be able to stop this Marshall offense. Marshall has 3...yes 3 1st round NFL picks on that offense. The line is tough and solid..they have been together for sometime as well. And the receivers...well they are just good. And with the return of Darious Watts...that`ll just make things even better. Marshall as smoe know go no huddle and Leftwich calls his OWN PLAYS!! NOT BOB PRUETT!!! LEFTWICH DOES! HE audibles ALOT and the defense is just boggled over the audbiles. It works so much that he caught a TD and rushed for one....and yes the rush one is a big deal becuase he`s big and slow. If Va Tech plans on blitzing...Marshall will more then likely pick it up. Since the Randy Moss days...everybody has tried and tried and tried to blitz on that Marshall offense...only few have succeded.
Who I like :
Nobody
Gonna have a few of these ~~> :drinky: and enjoy the game and root for Marshall :toast:
From Ashes of Tragedy To The Glory of Championships ... We Are ... Marshall.
My overview and last of the write ups for this game
HELLAH10s OVERVIEW
This will be a good test for the Herd D. Last year at the MAC Championship...they contained Chester Taylor until about the 4th series for the Rockets. The run defense has always been shit at Marshall since there re-entrance to the MAC. They lost their only person on that defense that can tackle....Max Yates. They do have an outstanding cornerback in Satterwhite..but thats about it. That D will probably get burned not just becuase of Kevin Jones and Lee Suggs...but that QB will tuck it and run...he can also throw on the run as we saw against LSU. The WRs for Va Tech are fresh...more then likely Va Tech will run run run and run some more.
I dont think anybody in the nation will be able to stop this Marshall offense. Marshall has 3...yes 3 1st round NFL picks on that offense. The line is tough and solid..they have been together for sometime as well. And the receivers...well they are just good. And with the return of Darious Watts...that`ll just make things even better. Marshall as smoe know go no huddle and Leftwich calls his OWN PLAYS!! NOT BOB PRUETT!!! LEFTWICH DOES! HE audibles ALOT and the defense is just boggled over the audbiles. It works so much that he caught a TD and rushed for one....and yes the rush one is a big deal becuase he`s big and slow. If Va Tech plans on blitzing...Marshall will more then likely pick it up. Since the Randy Moss days...everybody has tried and tried and tried to blitz on that Marshall offense...only few have succeded.
Who I like :
Nobody
Gonna have a few of these ~~> :drinky: and enjoy the game and root for Marshall :toast:From Ashes of Tragedy To The Glory of Championships ... We Are ... Marshall.
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The Line Movement Thus Far
Vegas Insider - Line Movements
9/12 - Marshall at Virginia Tech (College Football)
LVSC
9/08 19:58 ET - Virginia Tech -15.0
9/09 12:40 ET - Virginia Tech -31.0
9/09 14:05 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
9/10 10:27 ET - Virginia Tech -12.0
9/10 16:43 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
9/11 13:47 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5 (56.0o/u)
9/11 19:04 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5 (57.5o/u)
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Stardust
9/08 20:47 ET - Virginia Tech -12.5
9/08 21:15 ET - Virginia Tech -12.0
9/10 16:43 ET - Virginia Tech -11.0
9/11 13:27 ET - Virginia Tech -11.0 (57o/u)
9/11 18:40 ET - Virginia Tech -11.0 (57.5o/u)
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Caesars
9/09 12:47 ET - Virginia Tech -12.0
9/11 18:39 ET - Virginia Tech -12.0 (57o/u)
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WWTS
9/09 10:35 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
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Stations
9/09 16:05 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
9/11 18:34 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5 (57.5o/u)
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MGM-Mirage
9/09 13:08 ET - Virginia Tech -12.0
9/10 10:32 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
9/11 17:43 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5 (57o/u)
9/11 19:19 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5 (57.5o/u)
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Sportsbook.com
9/09 17:07 ET - Virginia Tech -11.0
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SportBet
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Bowmans
9/08 21:47 ET - Virginia Tech -11.0
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9/09 10:51 ET - Virginia Tech -11
9/09 23:52 ET - Virginia Tech -11 -109
9/10 08:12 ET - Virginia Tech -11 -111
9/11 19:02 ET - Virginia Tech -11 -112
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9/09 14:03 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
9/09 22:01 ET - Virginia Tech -12
9/10 13:59 ET - Virginia Tech -11
9/10 16:46 ET - Virginia Tech -12
9/11 13:31 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
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Harrahs
9/09 13:55 ET - Virginia Tech -12.0
9/10 16:43 ET - Virginia Tech -11.0
9/11 13:51 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
9/11 17:17 ET - Virginia Tech -12.0
9/11 17:35 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
9/11 17:46 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5 (57o/u)
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BoDog
9/09 11:33 ET - Virginia Tech -11
9/09 18:02 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
9/10 21:33 ET - Virginia Tech -12
9/11 19:04 ET - Virginia Tech -12 (57o/u)
9/11 19:34 ET - Virginia Tech -12 (57.5o/u)
Vegas Insider - Line Movements
9/12 - Marshall at Virginia Tech (College Football)
LVSC
9/08 19:58 ET - Virginia Tech -15.0
9/09 12:40 ET - Virginia Tech -31.0
9/09 14:05 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
9/10 10:27 ET - Virginia Tech -12.0
9/10 16:43 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
9/11 13:47 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5 (56.0o/u)
9/11 19:04 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5 (57.5o/u)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stardust
9/08 20:47 ET - Virginia Tech -12.5
9/08 21:15 ET - Virginia Tech -12.0
9/10 16:43 ET - Virginia Tech -11.0
9/11 13:27 ET - Virginia Tech -11.0 (57o/u)
9/11 18:40 ET - Virginia Tech -11.0 (57.5o/u)
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Caesars
9/09 12:47 ET - Virginia Tech -12.0
9/11 18:39 ET - Virginia Tech -12.0 (57o/u)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WWTS
9/09 10:35 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stations
9/09 16:05 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
9/11 18:34 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5 (57.5o/u)
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MGM-Mirage
9/09 13:08 ET - Virginia Tech -12.0
9/10 10:32 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
9/11 17:43 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5 (57o/u)
9/11 19:19 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5 (57.5o/u)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sportsbook.com
9/09 17:07 ET - Virginia Tech -11.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SportBet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bowmans
9/08 21:47 ET - Virginia Tech -11.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9/09 10:51 ET - Virginia Tech -11
9/09 23:52 ET - Virginia Tech -11 -109
9/10 08:12 ET - Virginia Tech -11 -111
9/11 19:02 ET - Virginia Tech -11 -112
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9/09 14:03 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
9/09 22:01 ET - Virginia Tech -12
9/10 13:59 ET - Virginia Tech -11
9/10 16:46 ET - Virginia Tech -12
9/11 13:31 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harrahs
9/09 13:55 ET - Virginia Tech -12.0
9/10 16:43 ET - Virginia Tech -11.0
9/11 13:51 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
9/11 17:17 ET - Virginia Tech -12.0
9/11 17:35 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
9/11 17:46 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5 (57o/u)
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BoDog
9/09 11:33 ET - Virginia Tech -11
9/09 18:02 ET - Virginia Tech -11.5
9/10 21:33 ET - Virginia Tech -12
9/11 19:04 ET - Virginia Tech -12 (57o/u)
9/11 19:34 ET - Virginia Tech -12 (57.5o/u)
".........it is evident and manifest that as the winds blow way the clouds that obscure our vision, that the sun will shine brightly on one lone figure. Giant in stature, his legend will be more epic in comparison. But for now he is...Byron in the mist!"
Interesting game. I like the over, but love the intangibles.
Leftwich is likely the number one pick next year, but this is his only shot to win the Heisman. If he plays great and Marshall wins, he is the frontrunner. If not, he finishes third and collects the money.
The over is the play, but my instinct tells me the VA Tech defense is too much in the end and they win by 14. If this line moves to 10 I will play Tech.
Good Luck!
Leftwich is likely the number one pick next year, but this is his only shot to win the Heisman. If he plays great and Marshall wins, he is the frontrunner. If not, he finishes third and collects the money.
The over is the play, but my instinct tells me the VA Tech defense is too much in the end and they win by 14. If this line moves to 10 I will play Tech.
Good Luck!
Correct me if I'm wrong but, VT is by far the biggest test for Marshall other than Florida last year. I'm talking ever. I can only recall them playing oneTop 10 caliber team (in the last 7-8 years)and that was last year in the Swamp. In that game, they played a team very similar to how they play. Sure Florida had better athletes at practically every position but VT is much different. They're a power team that wear teams out. My heart will be with Marshall (and the MAC) on this one but I think my head's leaning towards VT. The nice thing about Marshall is their comeback ability, so the back door is always open until the last gun sounds. Good luck all and awesome write up Hellah.
PS. How about OU's abortion last week against Northeastern? I think the entire team was drunk or high. I'm not sure what's going on down there but it's not good. Amazing what a coaching change can do to a program!!!
PS. How about OU's abortion last week against Northeastern? I think the entire team was drunk or high. I'm not sure what's going on down there but it's not good. Amazing what a coaching change can do to a program!!!
just a few stats I dug up........
*Marshall has never beaten a ranked opponent and has lost their last three games against major conferences.
*The Herd is 0-8 ATS in their last eight losses and 0-6 ATS in their last six roles as road dog over the past four years.
*Virginia Tech is 27-10 ATS when winning SU over the past four years.
*The Hokies are 17-2 SU playing at night and 42-24-2 ATS off a SU win.
*The Hokies are 15-3 ATS over the last seven years as a home 'dog or favorite of 14 points or less.
*Marshall has never beaten a ranked opponent and has lost their last three games against major conferences.
*The Herd is 0-8 ATS in their last eight losses and 0-6 ATS in their last six roles as road dog over the past four years.
*Virginia Tech is 27-10 ATS when winning SU over the past four years.
*The Hokies are 17-2 SU playing at night and 42-24-2 ATS off a SU win.
*The Hokies are 15-3 ATS over the last seven years as a home 'dog or favorite of 14 points or less.
I know that it goes without saying, but if Marshall stands any chance of winning, they are gonna have to score score score. I feel that those scores will more than likely come late, but never the less, they will come. I know that VT can score, but a 27-10 game would be just fine with them. The over looks so eniticing, but as mentioned so many times in the prevoius articles, VT will run the ball nonstop to keep BL of the field. Marshall will have to make the most of the minutes they get, and a 27-24 vt game very very possible. For now, I think that Marshall team total over 23.5 warrants a serious look if looking into overs. That would be my safest bet.
VT wins SU they cover. Just so they don't pull a let them have a TD with less then a minute to play junk.
blah...i JUST got home. Been out and about since 6 am!!! As far as tonights game...It should be a close one. Preutt knows he`ll have at least 6 if not 8 in that box...either way Marshalls D blows. Iam gonna go ahead and throw the smallest amount I have ever played...and play it on Marshall Money Line just for the hell of it. I know that VT has good backs and defense...but hey anything could happen...thats why you play the game. I mean shit...Marshall has been looking forward to Va Tech ever since the MAC Champ game.
Unicorn - I felt ill after seeing Ohio get blasted by who? Northeastern? Thats terrible....if your a good ass punter, you go to Ohio cuz you`ll be on that field alot.
rebel - Did not get your email
UT-Longhorn - Good Point
djv - give Leftwich 30 seconds and he can drive the length of the field.
Good Luck everyone! GO HERD!!!!!!!!! :toast: :drinky:
Unicorn - I felt ill after seeing Ohio get blasted by who? Northeastern? Thats terrible....if your a good ass punter, you go to Ohio cuz you`ll be on that field alot.
rebel - Did not get your email
UT-Longhorn - Good Point
djv - give Leftwich 30 seconds and he can drive the length of the field.
Good Luck everyone! GO HERD!!!!!!!!! :toast: :drinky:
well at least the over came in
I wanted to pull the Trigger on Va Tech -11...butt I couldnt do it. oh well..I`ll take my over winnings
I wanted to pull the Trigger on Va Tech -11...butt I couldnt do it. oh well..I`ll take my over winnings
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