Last year, Frank Beamer and the boys went thru the bizzaro-world of the ACC, winning 10 games, beating Miami, and yet still failing to appear in the ACC’s BCS berth. Frankly the ACC wasn’t what it normally is and neither, really, was VaTech. They managed to lose to Georgia Tech and Boston Freaking College in back-to-back weeks. Beamer must have thought he was having a bad dream at that point.
Things look to improve this year as we can’t imagine Boston Freaking College winning in Blacksburg, and the Hokies get back 16 starters this year versus the 9 they had last.
Offense: They’ve got a QB sitting on the wrong side of a 60% completion rate that isn’t named Vick, a pretty experienced OL, and a full stable of running backs. Hrm. Run.
Defense: These guys were awesome last year, allowing just 219 yards per game (best in the NCAA). They’ll be even more awesome this year. They get back 8 starters versus 5, and have one of the best linebacker corps in the country.
Special Teams: Say it with me, now: Beamer Ball. Seriously, have you ever seen so many blocked punts returned for touchdowns on a Thursday night on ESPN in your life?
Facts:
- Beamer has been HC of the Hokies for 21 years, going 156-82-2.
- Beamer is only 6 and 8 in bowl games with the Hokies.
- Still, Beamer accounts for 6 of the Hokies’ 7 total bowl wins ever.
HLS Top 25 Meta:
- Highest spot on a HLS Ballot: 6
- Lowest spot on a HLS Ballot: 9
- Average ranking on HLS Ballots: 7.5
Why Alex Trebek Loves Them:
- And no, we’re not being funny here. We’re just trying to inform some of you: Frank Beamer’s facial disfigurement is the result of burns he suffered as a child.
Around the Web:
HLS Tracker 10 Forecast Technology Says:
It all really hinges on September 8th. The Hokies travel to LSU. If they can win there, then it should be very smooth sailing until November 10 against FSU, and then Miami, and then Virginia. Given the tragedy that VaTech suffered this Spring, I have a feeling the entire community will rally behind the football program as a source of joy. My money is on an ACC championship and a real argument for a National Title game berth. Taken separately, no team on their schedule other than LSU should be able to beat them this season. However, things have a funny way of adding up over the course of a season.
- HLS Tweets for the Week of 2009-11-15 - November 15, 2009
- HLS Tweets for the Week of 2009-11-08 - November 8, 2009
- HLS Tweets for the Week of 2009-11-01 - November 1, 2009
Bad Kermit
Thanks a lot, Q. I had TONS of material written about Beamer’s face, and now it’s all worthless.