College football-Richmond at Virginia thoughts; UMD-Navy and Virginia Tech vs. Boise State predictions
These first two posts were actually created late Sunday night as facebook notes, I am just reposting them as I start this blog.
Hi, if you're reading this, this is something new I'd like to start and do each week at least once a week, maybe more. I'm not totally sure what this space will end up being about all the time--although it will probably always be about sports--but for this entry, I'm just going to give some thoughts on the Virginia-Richmond football game from Saturday and give a prediction on Monday's Maryland-Navy game and of course the gargantuan contest at FedEx Field, Virginia Tech-Boise State.
I would've liked to have started this note or blog or what have you before Saturday's Hoos-Spiders matchup, but better late than never. I think my prediction for Saturday's game would've been somewhere in the range of a Virginia win, maybe 24-14 or 28-17. So, as it stands, I was pretty happy and surprised by UVa's 34-13 win, even though the team didn't take control of the game until well into the second half. As an avid Wahoo, it killed me not to be at the game (I had to work) but I was lucky enough to just finish viewing a replay on espn3.com and feel like I can give a few thoughts on some things that stuck out to me.
RUSHING ATTACK
Only in the last couple years has Virginia's run attack really gone downhill. Last year, the Cavs gained only 99 yds. per game on the ground, 11th in the ACC. But the Virginia program is full of excellent runners in the last 11-13 yrs (roughly the amount of time I have been a big fan) from Thomas Jones, Antoine Womack, and Wali Lundy to Alvin Pearman and Cedric Peerman. Well finally, after a long 2009, iit looked like Virginia had some form of a ground game vs. Richmond. Keith Payne bruised and battered the Spiders to 114 yards and four TDs. Little Perry Jones racked up 74 yards of his own. I really like the way these two complement each other in the backfield with the slashing Jones, and the north-south big runner in Payne. Hopefully, Virginia can have its own version of thunder & lightning this year.
WEARING DOWN THE SPIDERS
As the game wore on, it looked like Virginia was able to wear down Richmond. I believe this came almost directly from the running game being so effective. We did not have this last year and, as a result, it often looked like other teams had the physical and mental edge at the end of games. Our focused rushing attack made us not only physically tougher, but mentally tougher as well.
RECEIVING
At times in their careers, I have really liked Kris Burd and Dontrelle Inman. Burd was a bright spot in a dark 2009 and Inman played well as a freshman in 2007 and then seemed to disappear the last last couple years. On Saturday, they both displayed some great skills at WR. Seven catches each and a TD for Burd. I also think we have good depth at WR, with capable players in Tim Smith, Matt Snyder, and Jared Green. I really liked TE Joe Torchia last year and he played well against Richmond as did Colter Phillips, who almost scored his first career TD in the 4th quarter.
VERICA
Marc Verica, in my four years as a student at UVa, was perhaps both the best and worst Cavalier QB I saw play. He shined in a four-game stretch in 2008 but also threw twice as many INTs as TDs by year's end (including the one that hammered the nail in our coffin in our 17-14 loss at VT). I really wasn't sure what to expect this year from him, or even if he would be the starter. He thoroughly impressed me though with how he managed the game against the Spiders. He wasn't out-of-this-world spectacular, but he got the job done, to the tune of 24-of-35 for a career-high 283yds and a TD. Most importantly, he didn't throw any INTs and seemed to not make many dumb decisions. And that's all we can ask out of him. Manage the game, and give us a chance to win. Don't be a bonehead and throw bunches of INTs. I also noted a couple pretty decent deep throws (something Wahoo fans aren't used to). Bravo for Verica on opening weekend.
OFFENSE IN GENERAL
488 total yards. Music to the ears. Virginia had one good offensive game last year against Indiana but hopefully Saturday wasn't a fluke. Granted, Richmond is an FCS team, but a good one at that. I'll take 488 yds any day of the week against them. And new OC Bill Lazor called a great game, blending the run with the pass. I think UVa ended up with 35 pass plays and 35 run plays for 283 pass yards and 205 rushing yards.
DEFENSE
Despite just one breakdown when Richmond's RB Gaskins took it 70 yards to the house, I thought the Virginia defense played solidly, and this was without perhaps its best two players in Ras-I Dowling and Rodney McLeod. If you take away the long run, Virginia held Richmond to an impressive 70 yards on the ground. Minnifield was excellent in coverage and on a couple big tackles. I also liked his INT and even more, his run back into Richmond territory after the pick. LaRoy Reynolds is being talked about a lot at LB, and for good reason. He disrupted several plays in the backfield, good to see someone break out that didn't play much last year. Hopefully he can keep it up.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The field goal misses don't so much worry me, they were from 50yds out. The coverage units, both for KRs and PRs, have got to get better. Way too many yards given up in these categories and the coverage units were by far the worst parts of the game for the Cavaliers.
MVP
Keith Payne. 114 yards and 4 TDs on 16 carries (all career highs); also 3yds on 1 catch. Can't argue with his redemption storyline either. Payne quit the team before the first game in 2009 but sought out London after he was hired and asked to get back on the squad. And he earned it by working hard all summer and it paid off on Saturday.
MIKE LONDON
Coach London looked great on the sideline in his debut, coaching up his players, getting in the refs' ears, and pumping up his team. He brought a great energy and enthusiasm that has been missing on the UVa sideline for awhile. Also, whatever adjustments he and the coaches made at halftime must've worked, and that is also a welcome difference from the Groh era, when we typically struggled in the second half, especially in the latter years.
CROWD
Pleasantly surprised 54,000 people came to the game, I was thinking we wouldn't break 50,000. But I think the beautiful weather contributed, as did the curiousity of seeing how the team did in its first game under London. Hopefully the attendance grows. The only sure way to make this happen is to win and play well and hard in losses. If Virginia plays well in what will probably be a loss to USC and then blows out VMI like it should, expect more than 54K to show up for the Oct. 2 FSU game.
AARON CORP
I think Richmond got a steal with this kid. How he chose Richmond coming all the way from USC is a beyond me. Seems like some other FBS school would've scooped him up, but I guess Richmond is where he wanted to go (not that Richmond is a bad school, but seems like a recruit of his caliber would've ended up in FBS). He's still young and made a few mistakes but he should be a really good player in 2-3 years. Wouldn't be surprised to see him lead the Spiders to a CAA title or two, and maybe a national title.
REFS
I've heard and read that they were quite bad, but I didn't think they were that horrible. The worst part was waiting 5 or more minutes for the plays under review. Shouldn't take that long (all 3 reviews went against UVa, by the way, something I'm not sure we would've overcame last year against a similar Richmond team).
So all in all, a great way to start 2010. It feels good to finally get an opening-game win, the first since 2005. We didn't totally dominate, but one could argue that it could've been more like a 38- or 42-6 game so kudos to the Cavs for a solid 'W.' Not sure we would've won this game with Groh at the helm. I feel like we maybe would've cracked when Richmond drew to within one point at 14-13 so the team showed some great metal toughness in the second half. Next week is going to be more of a test for sure traveling to USC, but for now, the boys should enjoy this one.
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Before I get to Monday's two games, just a quick word about the opening weekend of college football. Without going into extensive detail, it was a great weekend--where to start? A depleted UNC team rises up and almost beats LSU. Utah wins over Pitt in OT. Jacksonville State beats Ole Miss on the road in double OT. On Sunday, ECU and Tulsa go back and forth all game until a Pirate hail mary TD wins it for ECU. A terrific way to start the season. This is why college football is my favorite sport.
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THE CRAB BOWL
I think this is what they are calling this game, not sure though. Anyhow, MD coach Ralph Friedgen is squarely on the hot seat to start this season and I don't think the Terps are going to get off to a great start. Navy has too much offense for Maryland and wins 31-17.
THE BIG GAME
No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 10 Virginia Tech, Mon., 8 p.m., ESPN, FedEx Field. It's finally here. I have to work but will be sure to record this monster of a game. Both teams have national championship aspirations riding on this contest. If Boise loses, they are surely out of the running. If Tech loses, they could come back, but it would be very difficult and they wouldn't be able to sustain a second loss to strong ACC Coastal Division foes such as GT, Miami, or UNC. The game is being played at a "neutral" site, but FedEx Field will be decidedly pro-Hokie with upwards of 80,000+ probably in maroon and orange. Boise State is no slouch and is sure to put up a tough fight. The Broncos have been favored for awhile but as of writing this, VT is a 1-point favorite.
PREDICTION
Boise State has almost all of their starters returning. Virginia Tech is actually stronger on offense than defense it would appear. If this was your typical Hokie offense, I'd give the edge to Boise State, because I don't think Tech could keep up. This is not a typical Tech offense though, with Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Williams, and Darren Evans. They can put up points, and will I think. I think it could be a back and forth affair with Tech going up a score or two early, Boise grabbing the lead in the middle, and the game coming down to the wire. Boise has a strong D, but I like the Hokie offense. I think they will eventually wear down the Broncos. The VT D will struggle at times, but do enough. I think it could honestly go either way, and a big play going for either team late could decide it, but I like the Hokies to prevail.
Virginia Tech 33, Boise State 31
Hi, if you're reading this, this is something new I'd like to start and do each week at least once a week, maybe more. I'm not totally sure what this space will end up being about all the time--although it will probably always be about sports--but for this entry, I'm just going to give some thoughts on the Virginia-Richmond football game from Saturday and give a prediction on Monday's Maryland-Navy game and of course the gargantuan contest at FedEx Field, Virginia Tech-Boise State.
I would've liked to have started this note or blog or what have you before Saturday's Hoos-Spiders matchup, but better late than never. I think my prediction for Saturday's game would've been somewhere in the range of a Virginia win, maybe 24-14 or 28-17. So, as it stands, I was pretty happy and surprised by UVa's 34-13 win, even though the team didn't take control of the game until well into the second half. As an avid Wahoo, it killed me not to be at the game (I had to work) but I was lucky enough to just finish viewing a replay on espn3.com and feel like I can give a few thoughts on some things that stuck out to me.
RUSHING ATTACK
Only in the last couple years has Virginia's run attack really gone downhill. Last year, the Cavs gained only 99 yds. per game on the ground, 11th in the ACC. But the Virginia program is full of excellent runners in the last 11-13 yrs (roughly the amount of time I have been a big fan) from Thomas Jones, Antoine Womack, and Wali Lundy to Alvin Pearman and Cedric Peerman. Well finally, after a long 2009, iit looked like Virginia had some form of a ground game vs. Richmond. Keith Payne bruised and battered the Spiders to 114 yards and four TDs. Little Perry Jones racked up 74 yards of his own. I really like the way these two complement each other in the backfield with the slashing Jones, and the north-south big runner in Payne. Hopefully, Virginia can have its own version of thunder & lightning this year.
WEARING DOWN THE SPIDERS
As the game wore on, it looked like Virginia was able to wear down Richmond. I believe this came almost directly from the running game being so effective. We did not have this last year and, as a result, it often looked like other teams had the physical and mental edge at the end of games. Our focused rushing attack made us not only physically tougher, but mentally tougher as well.
RECEIVING
At times in their careers, I have really liked Kris Burd and Dontrelle Inman. Burd was a bright spot in a dark 2009 and Inman played well as a freshman in 2007 and then seemed to disappear the last last couple years. On Saturday, they both displayed some great skills at WR. Seven catches each and a TD for Burd. I also think we have good depth at WR, with capable players in Tim Smith, Matt Snyder, and Jared Green. I really liked TE Joe Torchia last year and he played well against Richmond as did Colter Phillips, who almost scored his first career TD in the 4th quarter.
VERICA
Marc Verica, in my four years as a student at UVa, was perhaps both the best and worst Cavalier QB I saw play. He shined in a four-game stretch in 2008 but also threw twice as many INTs as TDs by year's end (including the one that hammered the nail in our coffin in our 17-14 loss at VT). I really wasn't sure what to expect this year from him, or even if he would be the starter. He thoroughly impressed me though with how he managed the game against the Spiders. He wasn't out-of-this-world spectacular, but he got the job done, to the tune of 24-of-35 for a career-high 283yds and a TD. Most importantly, he didn't throw any INTs and seemed to not make many dumb decisions. And that's all we can ask out of him. Manage the game, and give us a chance to win. Don't be a bonehead and throw bunches of INTs. I also noted a couple pretty decent deep throws (something Wahoo fans aren't used to). Bravo for Verica on opening weekend.
OFFENSE IN GENERAL
488 total yards. Music to the ears. Virginia had one good offensive game last year against Indiana but hopefully Saturday wasn't a fluke. Granted, Richmond is an FCS team, but a good one at that. I'll take 488 yds any day of the week against them. And new OC Bill Lazor called a great game, blending the run with the pass. I think UVa ended up with 35 pass plays and 35 run plays for 283 pass yards and 205 rushing yards.
DEFENSE
Despite just one breakdown when Richmond's RB Gaskins took it 70 yards to the house, I thought the Virginia defense played solidly, and this was without perhaps its best two players in Ras-I Dowling and Rodney McLeod. If you take away the long run, Virginia held Richmond to an impressive 70 yards on the ground. Minnifield was excellent in coverage and on a couple big tackles. I also liked his INT and even more, his run back into Richmond territory after the pick. LaRoy Reynolds is being talked about a lot at LB, and for good reason. He disrupted several plays in the backfield, good to see someone break out that didn't play much last year. Hopefully he can keep it up.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The field goal misses don't so much worry me, they were from 50yds out. The coverage units, both for KRs and PRs, have got to get better. Way too many yards given up in these categories and the coverage units were by far the worst parts of the game for the Cavaliers.
MVP
Keith Payne. 114 yards and 4 TDs on 16 carries (all career highs); also 3yds on 1 catch. Can't argue with his redemption storyline either. Payne quit the team before the first game in 2009 but sought out London after he was hired and asked to get back on the squad. And he earned it by working hard all summer and it paid off on Saturday.
MIKE LONDON
Coach London looked great on the sideline in his debut, coaching up his players, getting in the refs' ears, and pumping up his team. He brought a great energy and enthusiasm that has been missing on the UVa sideline for awhile. Also, whatever adjustments he and the coaches made at halftime must've worked, and that is also a welcome difference from the Groh era, when we typically struggled in the second half, especially in the latter years.
CROWD
Pleasantly surprised 54,000 people came to the game, I was thinking we wouldn't break 50,000. But I think the beautiful weather contributed, as did the curiousity of seeing how the team did in its first game under London. Hopefully the attendance grows. The only sure way to make this happen is to win and play well and hard in losses. If Virginia plays well in what will probably be a loss to USC and then blows out VMI like it should, expect more than 54K to show up for the Oct. 2 FSU game.
AARON CORP
I think Richmond got a steal with this kid. How he chose Richmond coming all the way from USC is a beyond me. Seems like some other FBS school would've scooped him up, but I guess Richmond is where he wanted to go (not that Richmond is a bad school, but seems like a recruit of his caliber would've ended up in FBS). He's still young and made a few mistakes but he should be a really good player in 2-3 years. Wouldn't be surprised to see him lead the Spiders to a CAA title or two, and maybe a national title.
REFS
I've heard and read that they were quite bad, but I didn't think they were that horrible. The worst part was waiting 5 or more minutes for the plays under review. Shouldn't take that long (all 3 reviews went against UVa, by the way, something I'm not sure we would've overcame last year against a similar Richmond team).
So all in all, a great way to start 2010. It feels good to finally get an opening-game win, the first since 2005. We didn't totally dominate, but one could argue that it could've been more like a 38- or 42-6 game so kudos to the Cavs for a solid 'W.' Not sure we would've won this game with Groh at the helm. I feel like we maybe would've cracked when Richmond drew to within one point at 14-13 so the team showed some great metal toughness in the second half. Next week is going to be more of a test for sure traveling to USC, but for now, the boys should enjoy this one.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before I get to Monday's two games, just a quick word about the opening weekend of college football. Without going into extensive detail, it was a great weekend--where to start? A depleted UNC team rises up and almost beats LSU. Utah wins over Pitt in OT. Jacksonville State beats Ole Miss on the road in double OT. On Sunday, ECU and Tulsa go back and forth all game until a Pirate hail mary TD wins it for ECU. A terrific way to start the season. This is why college football is my favorite sport.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE CRAB BOWL
I think this is what they are calling this game, not sure though. Anyhow, MD coach Ralph Friedgen is squarely on the hot seat to start this season and I don't think the Terps are going to get off to a great start. Navy has too much offense for Maryland and wins 31-17.
THE BIG GAME
No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 10 Virginia Tech, Mon., 8 p.m., ESPN, FedEx Field. It's finally here. I have to work but will be sure to record this monster of a game. Both teams have national championship aspirations riding on this contest. If Boise loses, they are surely out of the running. If Tech loses, they could come back, but it would be very difficult and they wouldn't be able to sustain a second loss to strong ACC Coastal Division foes such as GT, Miami, or UNC. The game is being played at a "neutral" site, but FedEx Field will be decidedly pro-Hokie with upwards of 80,000+ probably in maroon and orange. Boise State is no slouch and is sure to put up a tough fight. The Broncos have been favored for awhile but as of writing this, VT is a 1-point favorite.
PREDICTION
Boise State has almost all of their starters returning. Virginia Tech is actually stronger on offense than defense it would appear. If this was your typical Hokie offense, I'd give the edge to Boise State, because I don't think Tech could keep up. This is not a typical Tech offense though, with Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Williams, and Darren Evans. They can put up points, and will I think. I think it could be a back and forth affair with Tech going up a score or two early, Boise grabbing the lead in the middle, and the game coming down to the wire. Boise has a strong D, but I like the Hokie offense. I think they will eventually wear down the Broncos. The VT D will struggle at times, but do enough. I think it could honestly go either way, and a big play going for either team late could decide it, but I like the Hokies to prevail.
Virginia Tech 33, Boise State 31
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