VS    

Virginia Tech Hokies  vs  University Of North Carolina

November 17, 2011 – Lane Stadium - Blacksburg, VA

Kickoff – 8:00pm

TV – ESPN

Game 11 - It’s getting down to the “nitty gritty” for our Virginia Tech Hokies.  Can you believe that this it the last home game of the 2011 season.  Fresh off a stellar win at Georgia Tech, the Hokies are back at home to take on UNC for a Thursday night match up.  Did you know that Virginia Tech is the only school in teh Commonwealth of Virginia that has a winning record against UNC in football?  Hmmmm!

DALLAS, Texas – The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors announced today the 10 semifinalists for the 2011 Doak Walker Award, including Virginia Tech junior David Wilson. The semifinalists (in alphabetical order) are:

Montee Ball (Jr.), Wisconsin
Rex Burkhead (Jr.), Nebraska
Ronnie Hillman (So.), San Diego State
LaMichael James (Jr.), Oregon
Henry Josey (So.), Missouri
Zach Line (Jr.), SMU
Chris Polk (Jr.), Washington
Joseph Randle (So.), Oklahoma State
Trent Richardson (Jr.), Alabama
David Wilson (Jr.), Virginia Tech

Wilson, from Danville, Va., leads the nation with 1,360 yards and is third nationally in rushing yards per game, averaging 136.0 yards per game. he ran for a career-high 175 yards Thursday night in the Hokies’ win over No. 20 Georgia Tech on the road, his seventh-straight 100-yard game.

Members of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast their votes to determine the 2011 finalists. On Monday, Nov. 21, three finalists will be named, and a second vote by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will determine the recipient. The 2011 Doak Walker Award recipient will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, Dec. 8 on ESPN.

The Award is named after three-time SMU All-America running back and 1948 Heisman Trophy winner Doak Walker. Walker, who also punted, returned kicks and kicked extra points, led the Mustangs to two Southwest Conference Championships. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions and led the league in scoring his rookie year. During his six years with the Lions, he led the team to two NFL championships and was chosen All-Pro four times. Walker is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

Fort Hokie Expands!

Welcome Lo, Art, Chris, Mike & Megan (not pictured)

 Only the nicest tailgaters feed the corp of cadets who man the parking lots at 8 A.M. breakfast

No lead in corn hole is safe against Gary.

Who would have thought that blue cheese in potato salad is so great?

Fried pickles changed my life.

Cheez whiz takes at least three licks to get off your hand.

Cliff, Mary, Sharon, and Gary are too nice for words

Gary could be on the professional bbq circuit.

 We sampled the following beers at the tailgate (its almost shameful) – take note Matt

• Diamond Knot brown ale
• New Holland Mad Hatter Black IPA
• Westmalle Dubbel
• Sierra Nevada Estate Ale
• New Belgium Ranger IPA
• Starr Hill Pumpkin Porter
• Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA
• Brooklyn Brown Ale
• Caldera IPA
• Green Flash Imperial IPA
• Starr Hill Double Platinum Imperial IPA
• Shock Top Belgian White Ale
• Duck Rabbit Milk Stout
• Thirsty Dog Old Leghumper Ale
• St Bernadist Abbey Ale
• Southern Tier Harvest Ale
• Haredsons AbbayaAbdij
• Allegash Triple Ale
• Miller Light (sorry that’s me)

Countdown to Kickoff

10 Virginia Tech converted 10 of 16 third-down plays into first downs in the win at Georgia Tech.

9 Junior tailback David Wilson has rushed for over 100 yards in nine of Virginia Tech’s 10 contests.

8 Quarterback Logan Thomas has rushed for eight touchdowns this season.

7 The Hokies rank seventh nationally in pass efficiency defense.

6 Junior Jayron Hosley ranks sixth in career punt return yards at Tech with 754.

5 The University of North Carolina has played just five football games in Blacksburg.

4 Senior wide receiver Jarrett Boykin’s 17 career touchdown receptions rank fourth all-time for the Hokies.

3 Virginia Tech has become just the third team in ACC history to win five or more regular season games eight years in a row.

2 The Hokies have lost just two Atlantic Coast Conference games during the month of November (25-2) since joining the league in 2004.

1 Frank Beamer is just one win away from his 250th career coaching victory.

Fort Hokie Tailgate Fare

Head Count as of  Tuesday- 25

ETTE (Estimated Time to Eat) @5:30pm

This week’s menu will feature Soups, Stews, and Chilis

Gary and Sharon (4) - Chili and fixin’s / Dessert (Mary Brooks)

Cliff and Mary (3) - White Bean Chicken Chili, Pot O’ Beans and Sausage Soup

Billy and Pat (4)– Pre game munchies (veggies & dip, plus the slaw that became famous with cheese)

Linda and Derrill(4)- Carol Lee Doughnuts

Mike and Megan (4) - Tex-ass caviar, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Corn Muffins

Matt (6) – Bread for soppin’ (baguettes, ask Carrie if you don’t know) – instant Hot Chocolate, mini marshmallows, cups for cocoa – post game

Don’t forget, we’re in Lot 9 this year.  Look for the trailer,tents, and flags.  See you there! 

VS    

Virginia Tech Hokies  vs  Boston College Eagles 

October 22, 2011 – Lane Stadium - Blacksburg, VA

Kickoff – 3:00pm

TV – Raycom Sports Network (RSN)

Game 7 - Home again after a win on the road at Wake Forest.  I think we all were wondering when Tech was going to wake up and play, especailly those of us that were at the stadium.  The rest of us who had a seat in front of the computer were treated to a poor picture or no picture at all.  Broadcasting on ESPN3 gets a thumbs down.

Homecoming 2011 brings the Boston College Eagles to Lane Stadium.  Never look past your next opponent regardless of their record.  I’m still perplexed why Kevin Rodgers is no longer with the program.  BC “says” he left for medical reasons, however, a local sportscaster spoke with him and he said he’s perfectly healthy.  I vote for bringing him back to Tech.

Photo of the Week:

Still no picture...........'nuff said.

The story behind Metallica’s Virginia Tech-themed introduction before the Miami game

By Mark Giannotto – The Washington Post

Since the 2000 season, Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” has been Virginia Tech football’s unofficial theme song, blaring over the Lane Stadium loudspeakers when the Hokies emerge from the tunnel.

Before Saturday’s 38-35 win over Miami, the sellout crowd burst into a bigger frenzy than usual when the four members of Metallica appeared on the Lane Stadium scoreboard with a special Virginia Tech-themed introduction before the song began.

“Hey, Hokie Nation, time to kick some butt. This is Metallica. Start jumping,” lead singer James Hetfield yelled before the distinctive guitar riffs of “Enter Sandman” began and Virginia Tech’s players raced onto the field.

“I saw people looking at the screen and I was wondering, ‘What are they looking at? Is this something they always do?’” said cornerback Kyle Fuller, one of several Hokies carrying a flag Saturday, and therefore one of the first in line to come out of the tunnel.

The video was the result of almost two years of work by Bruce Gearhart, a Baltimore native who is the president of the Maryland-based wine distributor, Bacchus Importers.

It all began in the fall of 2009 when Gearhart’s son, Mac, was beginning his freshman year at Virginia Tech. Gearhart, who was a vice president at EMI music before getting into the wine business, got a call from his son during the Hokies’ home opener against Marshall.

“Dad, it’s insane. You should see what goes on here with Metallica,” Bruce Gearhart recalled Monday afternoon over the phone. “But I’m pretty certain, my interest in it was an article I read on it in The Washington Post.”

Gearhart then sent the article to his friend, Marc Reiter, of Q Prime management, the company that represents Metallica. Reiter was able to get the band to autograph a football that reads: “Coach Beamer and Hokie Nation: Keep Jumping.”

Gearhart and his son presented it to Frank Beamer and the entire football team during spring practice in 2010. The football is now displayed prominently in Virginia Tech’s trophy case.

“I saw the enthusiasm that brought on, so then it was, ‘Let’s see if we can get Metallica to film an intro,’” Gearhart said. “Normally this kind of stuff, it’s not easy to get, and it has a cost. But Marc was so excited and told me, ‘They’re really excited over what’s being generated by their song and the enthusiasm they’ve gotten.’”

That got the wheels turning, and after about a year of trying to schedule a time, the spot was filmed in the beginning of September. The band and Q Prime consider the introduction a gift to Virginia Tech and are allowing the school to post it on YouTube and Facebook for no charge. Gearhart then drove a DVD of the introduction down to Blacksburg last Thursday and gave it to Beamer.

Gearhart couldn’t stay for Saturday’s game, but he was at a charity event with Reiter when he got another Lane Stadium phone call from his son, now a junior, who told them, ‘People are going crazy.’

Virginia Tech’s director of football operations, John Ballein, said the team plans to use the Metallica introduction before the Hokies’ remaining two home games, against Boston College in two weeks and next month during a Thursday night game against North Carolina.

Gearhart says he’s working on getting Metallica to participate in another Virginia Tech-related initiative, but declined to go into specifics because “unless I can deliver it, unless Marc can deliver it, then you just disappoint. …The key here is really just supporting my son and being able to fan the flames of this insane enthusiasm that they generate.”

Even Beamer thought Saturday’s crowd of 66,233 had a little extra something to it on Saturday, especially after “Enter Sandman” was cued up before Miami’s final play — this time without the video.

“I do think our fans were a part of, they helped us win again,” Beamer said Monday. “The stadium was … probably as loud as it has ever been. I appreciate that part.”

Interesting Hyundai commercial……….

Countdown to Kickoff

 10 Opponents have scored just 10 points off of turnovers against Tech so far this season.

9 Quarterback Logan Thomas has accounted for nine touchdowns (5 passing; 4 rushing) during Tech’s last two games.

 8 Boston College has been to Lane Stadium eight times, winning on three of those visits.

 7 Flanker Danny Coale needs just seven yards to pass Antonio Freeman for third place in career receiving yards at Tech.

 6 The Hokies had six sacks in last year’s game against BC.

 5 Tailback David Wilson currently ranks fifth nationally in rushing with an average of 129 yards per game.

 4 Jarrett Boykin is tied with Josh Morgan for the fourth most career touchdown catches (16) in school history.

 3 Virginia Tech has won its last three games against Boston College.

 2 Two true freshman defensive tackles have made their first collegiate starts during the past two weeks – Corey Marshall against Miami and Luther Maddy at Wake Forest.

 1 Tech held Wake Forest to just one successful third-down conversion on 13 tries last week. 

The ladies of Fort Hokie take on cornhole!

Fort Hokie Tailgate Fare

Head Count as of  Tuesday- 14-16

ETTE (Estimated Time to Eat) @1:00pm

This week’s menu will feature Smoked Pulled Pork Barbeque, Boston Baked Beans, and Blue Cheese Potato Salad

Gary and Sharon (4) - BBQ, Buns, Sauce, Fried Pickles, Banana Puddin’

Cliff and Mary (4-5) - Boston Baked Beans, Blue Cheese Potato Salad

Billy and Pat (2)– Pre game munchies – (don’t forget the cheese slaw!)

Linda and Derrill(4)- Dessert – we won’t object to Carol Lee Doughnuts

Don’t forget, we’re in Lot 9 this year.  Look for the trailer,tents, and flags.  See you there! 

VS

Virginia Tech Hokies  vs  Miami Hurricanes

October 8, 2011 – Lane Stadium - Blacksburg, VA

Kickoff – 3:30pm

TV – ABC

Game 6 - what was supposed to be the Maroon Effect game turned out to be all orange…..Clemson orange that is.   It was a hard game to watch from the stands, not only because of foul play, but because of foul weather as well.  Let’s hope the Hurricanes don’t blow in and take the last wind from our sails.  We, the fans, need a good game and so does this team.  The good news is the weather looks like it will cooperate this weekend now all we need is a WIN!

Top quotes from last week’s tailgate:

“Does anybody have a wrench?” – Billy Vaughn as he was attempting to put together a satellite dish that his son Matt was supposed to have assembled and tested.

Maaaaaatt!

 “Is there enough for them to have two?”   – Burgers ruled and the demand was high

 “Chili Dawg!”  – Heard from a neighboring tailgate – Oh, what have we done?

2011 Hall of Fame Inductees

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Six new members, including three from Southwest Virginia, have been selected for induction to the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame.

The six 2011 inductees are:

• Brad Clontz, a record-setting pitcher for the Hokies in the early 1990s who went on to help the Atlanta Braves to a World Series Championship in 1995.
• Josh Feldman, who wrestled his way to an 85-23-1 career record and All-America honors as a heavyweight for the Hokies.
• Shayne Graham, Tech’s all-time leading scorer in football and one of the heroes during the Hokies’ march to the national championship game in 1999.
• John Moody, a former Tech football player who became an athletic fund-raiser supreme over nearly four decades of service to the university.
• Phil Rogers, a gifted tailback who became the first Tech player to rush for 1,000 yards in a season before excelling as a quarterback his senior year.
• Tere Williams, the Hokies’ all-time leader in rebounds and the first Tech women’s basketball player to be selected in the WNBA Draft.

The six new honorees will be inducted at a Hall of Fame dinner on the Tech campus on Friday, Oct. 7, the evening before Tech’s home football game against the University of Miami. Each of the inductees will be introduced to fans at halftime of the football game.

The new inductees will bring the total number enshrined to 158. The Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1982 and is currently located near the Bowman Room on the fourth floor of the Jamerson Athletic Center. Hall of Fame plaques engraved with portraits of all the members are displayed there. Under Tech Hall of Fame guidelines, persons are not eligible for induction until they have been out of school for a period of 10 years.

Fly over Lane Stadium scheduled for Saturday

Unfortunately, the fly over from last week’s game was scratched due to high winds.  However, I’ve found that an Air Force fighter is scheduled to fly over at the beginning of the Tech – Miami game.  If I can come up with any more  information, I’ll post here.

Countdown to Kickoff

10 Virginia Tech is currently tied for 10th nationally in quarterback sacks with an average of 3.00 per game.  “Go D!”

9 The Hokies have scored in nine consecutive quarters against the University of Miami. “Let’s hope this streak continues since we didn’t do so hot against Clemson”

8 Opposing teams have only advanced to the red zone eight times against the Hokies this season.

7 Jayron Hosley intercepted his third pass of the season in the Clemson game and is now tied for seventh in career interceptions at Tech with 12.

6 Virginia Tech has won six of its last eight meetings with Miami.

5 Senior Cris Hill’s five pass breakups through five games have already exceeded his previous career total (3).

4 Tailback David Wilson has rushed for over 100 yards in four of Tech’s first five games.

3 Tech’s defense has allowed just three passing touchdowns in 2011.

2 The Hokies are currently ranked second nationally in time of possession at 35:48 minutes per game.

1 Defensive end J.R. Collins ranks first in the ACC in sacks with 4.5.

"You could hop on and ride this Big Boy!

Fort Hokie Tailgate Fare

Head Count as of  Tuesday- 13

ETA – 8:00am

ETTE (Estimated Time to Eat) @1:30pm

This week’s menu will feature Frogmore Stew

Gary and Sharon (2) - Shrimp, Potatoes, Old Bay, Deviled Eggs

Cliff and Mary (2) - Sausage, Corn, Preacher Cookies

Mary B (1) – Banana Bread, Mini Corn Muffins

Billy and Pat (4)– Pre game munchies

Linda and Derrill(4)- Carol Lee Doughnuts

Don’t forget, we’re in Lot 9 this year.  Look for the trailer,tents, and flags.  See you there! 

VS

Virginia Tech Hokies  vs  Clemson Tigers

October 1, 2011 – Lane Stadium - Blacksburg, VA

Kickoff – 6:00pm

TV – ESPN2

Game 5 - we knew that we were going to have to suck it up and deal with the “tune up” games, but now it’s time to get down to business.  #13 Clemson is coming to town and we’ have our chance to tame the Tigers.  Yes, we’re a little beat up, but we don’t need to hear excuses.  Beating ranked teams only improves our chances of getting into the Top 10.  Tech is 2-5 against Clemson inside Lane Stadium, but has won the past five meetings.

Top quotes of the week:

“Virginia Tech has sucked the sweetness out of 4 cupcakes now it’s time to play some football”

 ”Clemson couldn’t score even if the goal posts were covered in catnip”!

 ”Why does Clemson wear orange to their football games?  So they can go hunting on Sunday and pick up trash the rest of the week…….ohhhhhhhhhh”!

Maroon Effect for Beamer’s 300th Game

 Saturday will be Frank Beamer’s 300th game as head coach at Virginia Tech.  The day is also Virginia Tech’s annual Maroon Effect game so don’t forget to wear your maroon and wash out any Clemson orange that may be in the stadium.  Preliminary forecast shows that it may be a little cool (62) so layer up your maroon.  

WWII aircraft to fly over Lane Stadium 

I found a little piece of information about a fly over at the beginning of the game Saturday.  Thanks to Mary Hughes we were able to find out that the plane will be a TBM Avenger – WWII Torpedo Bomber.  Check out the pic!

Countdown to Kickoff

10 Tailbacks David Wilson and Josh Oglesby have combined for 10 of Virginia Tech’s 11 rushing touchdowns in 2011.

9 Nine Virginia Tech players have scored touchdowns during the Hokies’ first four games.

8 Junior receiver D.J. Coles caught a career-high eight passes during the win at Marshall University.

7 Clemson University has visited Lane Stadium/Worsham Field seven times since it was opened in 1965.

6 The Virginia Tech defense held Marshall to six yards rushing.

5 The Hokies have allowed five touchdowns in 2011.

4 Danny Coale (123) needs four catches to move into second place in all-time pass receptions at Tech behind teammate Jarrett Boykin (133).

3 Virginia Tech held the Thundering Herd to just three third-down conversions in 15 attempts.

2 The Hokies are currently ranked second nationally in rushing defense (43 ypg).

1 Safety Antone Exum collected his first career interception during the game at Marshall

Pat asks "How big is your Pickle"?

Fort Hokie Tailgate Fare

Head Count as of  Tuesday- 20

ETTE (Estimated Time to Eat) @3:30pm

This week’s menu will feature Cubano Style Pork Burgers w/ Mustard Relish

Gary and Sharon (2) - Ham, Cheese, Deviled Eggs

Cliff and Mary (3) - Cubano Style pork burgers, Buns, Mustard Relish

Mary B (1) – Banana Bread, Fruit Salad

Billy and Pat (2)– Pre game munchies – (don’t forget the cheese slaw!)

Linda and Derrill(4)- Dessert – we won’t object to Carol Lee Doughnuts

Jon and Donnalee (4) - Cuban Salad

Mike P. (1) – TBD

Don’t forget, we’re in Lot 9 this year.  Look for the trailer,tents, and flags.  See you there! 

VS

Virginia Tech Hokies  vs  Arkansas State Red Wolves

September 17, 2011 – Lane Stadium - Blacksburg, VA

Kickoff – 4:00pm (4:08pm)

TV – Regional Sports Network (Televised locally on Comcast) Fox Sports everywhere else – not in Virginia

It’s hard to believe we’re going into the third game of the 2011 season.  Anyone who followed last week’s ECU game should have remembered the first game Tyrod played on the road.  Ugh!  At least we came out with a win this time.  Coach Beamer said that he took responsibility for not having the team prepared for that game.  He said a lot of new faces were there to play at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium and had never experienced the sites and sounds of this rauchous crowd.  Bottom line, we learned as a team and its time to move on……..

White Out!  Why Not?

 Saturday will be the 4th annual White Out game so don’t forget to wear WHITE and bring a book to donate for Herma’s Readers http://www.hermasreaders.com/ 

Tech has announced a special white uniform for Saturday’s game.  The helmet will feature the logo (TV) worn on the helmets from 1974-77 (Mary Hughes).  Preliminary forecast shows that it may be a little cool (65) so be prepared.  

 ACC Announces Conference-Wide Football Military Appreciation Day Initiative

League schools will honor our nation’s military at a 2011 home football game

GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Atlantic Coast Conference announced today (Sept. 12) a conference-wide initiative to honor our nation’s military throughout the 2011 ACC Football season at both the conference and institutional level. Each ACC institution has selected one home contest that will serve as its part of the effort.

The initiative will vary from campus to campus, but all ACC Military Appreciation Days will have several common elements. Each school will host and honor a member of the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP serves to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service men and women, to help injured service members aid and assist each other and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. Each school will also pay tribute to veterans during the course of the game and will promote the initiative through ACC Military Appreciation Day videoboard and ribbon board graphics provided by the conference office.

“The Atlantic Coast Conference and its member institutions believe it is important to honor the sacrifices that the members of the United States Armed Forces make on our behalf every day,” said ACC Commissioner John Swofford. “We are all dedicated to saluting the men and women who protect and serve our country and this collective effort is just one way for us to show our appreciation.”

 Virginia Tech – Saturday September 17th – please plan to attend early so that we may honor those that have been wounded while defending our country.  A special flyover has been planned by a Boeing C-17

Countdown to Kickoff

10 Virginia Tech head football coach Frank Beamer is just the 10th FBS/Division I-A coach to have ever won 200 or more games at one school.

9 Tech has intercepted at least on pass in nine straight games.

8 Jayron Hosley now ranks eighth all-time in punt return yards at Tech with 676.

7 Danny Coale currently stands seventh among Tech players in career receptions (109) and reception yards (1,804).

6 Offensive guard Greg Nosal led the Hokies’ offensive line with six knockdown blocks against East Carolina.

5 Five sacks were recorded or shared by six Tech players during the ECU game.

4 Jarrett Boykin caught four passes at ECU to become the Hokies’ all-time leader in pass receptions with 129.

3 All three previous games with Arkansas State have been played at Lane Stadium.

2 David Wilson has rushed for over 100 yards in each of Tech’s first two games of 2011.

1 Opponents have been charged with a combined total of one penalty during Virginia Tech’s first two games.

App State tailgate - about to get hit with a storm....the Fort survived!

Fort Hokie Tailgate Fare

Head Count as of  Monday- 14-16

This week’s menu will feature Napa Valley Basil-Smoked Burgers with cajun seasoned Buffalo Chips

Gary and Sharon (2) - Napa Valley Basil Smoked Burgers, Fried Pickles

Cliff and Mary (2) - Buffalo Chips (aka Orgasmic potatoes)

Mary B (1) – Banana Bread, Pasta Salad

Billy and Pat (4)– Pre game and post game munchies – (enough cheese slaw for a small army)

Reid and April (2)- Dessert

Beer Wench and the Wenchettes (4)- whatever Sharon decides to whip up from the Southern Living cookbook

Don’t forget, we’re in Lot 9 this year.  We’re not sure of the spot so look for the trailer,tents, and flags.  See you there! 

VS

Virginia Tech Hokies  vs  Appalachian State Moutaineers

Setember 3, 2011 – Lane Stadium, Blacksburg

Kickoff – 12:30pm

TV – ACC Network

ESPN Radio talk on Virginia Tech, the SEC, and the App. State game – both segments are worth a listen……….

http://www.thesportsaddictnetwork.com/pages/bm~doc/the-sean-bielawski-show-s-196.mp3

http://www.thesportsaddictnetwork.com/pages/bm~doc/the-sean-bielawski-show-s-197.mp3

2011 Virginia Tech football will begin as a season of change, but that’s not a such a bad thing.  New coaches and new players will adorn our beloved orange and maroon to represent Virginia Tech this fall.  We have a lot to look forward to:  a receiving corp that has been touted as one of Virginia Tech’s finest, a backfield that is sure to turn some heads (who could have thought after losing Williams and Evans) and a quarterback (called accidental by some) that is poised to become one of Tech’s best.  We also will see some changes on the sideline that will interject some youth into the coaching staff – a move to give us a leg up in recruiting.  Without a doubt the season will be exciting and one to remember.

Although these changes are new to the Virginia Tech football team, we have to be thankful that one position has not changed.  Frank Beamer will begin his 25th year as head coach.  In today’s college football environment, not many programs have this longevity.  We should be grateful to have a man like Frank Beamer.  As the year’s have rolled by, he has proven to the college football community how to get the job done.  Check out this cool story on Coach Beamer and how it all began:

http://www.dailypress.com/sports/colleges/virginia-tech/dp-spt-teel-column-frank-beamer-20110827,0,6855655,full.column

Special presentation planned for Beamer

First, STICK IT IN, STICK IT IN, STICK IT IN was banned, NOW THIS!

As Sharon and I were visiting University Bookstore Volume II on Monday, we stumbled upon this sign above the stadium seat cushions.  I approached a couple of employees and asked them about the sign.  They said new stadium rule this year does not allow stadium seat cushions.  I reviewed the Fan Guide we received with the 2011 tickets and all it states is NO CHAIR BACK seats will be permitted in bold letters.  Now, what’s up with the footballs?  Will the players, punt, pass, kick, and carry AIR?   I plan to call Virginia Tech to inquire further about the cushions.  More to come………..

I called the Tech Ticket Office on Tuesday and they said that it was “chair back”  seats that were banned from the stadium.  I sent them the picture and they said they would address it with the bookstore.

Countdown to Kickoff

10 Virginia Tech has now won 10 or more games in 10 of its last 12 seasons, including the last seven in a row.

9 Junior tailback and return specialist David Wilson has averaged 9.3 yards every time he has touched the football at Tech.

8 There are eight seniors on the 2011 squad who have already graduated from Virginia Tech.

7 The Hokies have intercepted at least one pass in seven consecutive games.

6 Tech’s current tight end corps has combined for just six career catches.

5 Virginia Tech will start an untested field goal kicker for the fifth consecutive season.

4 Jarrett Boykin needs four catches to become Virginia Tech’s all-time leader in receptions.

3 This will mark just the third time Tech has opened a season with a home game since joining the ACC in 2004.

2 Over the past 20 seasons, Tech has lost just two non-conference home games during the month of September.

1 Senior Dyrell Roberts is just 19 yards shy of taking over first place in career kickoff return yards at Tech.

Special Message from Mike P.

Go Hokies! from the coast of California

Ever Get tired of hearing “The U”!       Let’s see how they like it.

Fort Hokie Tailgate Fare

This week’s menu will feature Jamaican Jerk Pork Tenderloin, Mango Salsa, and Black Beans and Rice

Gary and Sharon - Jamaican Jerk Pork Tenderloin

Cliff and Mary - Black Beans, Rice, Mango Salsa 

Mary B – Banana Bread, Corn Muffins

Billy and Pat – Pre game and post game munchies

Matt and Carrie - Dessert

Beer Wench - Cheese Slaw / Brownies or whatever Sharon decides to whip up

Don’t forget, we’re in Lot 9 this year.  We’re not sure of the spot so look for the trailer,tents, and flags.  See you there! 

Head Count as of Tuesday - 14-16

Virginia Tech Hokies  vs  Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

November 4, 2010 – Lane Stadium, Blacksburg

Kickoff – 7:30pm

TV – ESPN

This should be an interesting one, folks.  The last time these teams played, there was heated discussion and debate from the coaching staffs after the game regarding Ga Tech’s  illegal blocks (chop blocks).  Needless to say, there’s no love lost between them.  To make matters worse, Al Groh will be making his return to Lane Stadium in Gold and Black (hee hee).

Hokies for the Hungry 

The Marching Virginians and New Life Christian Fellowship are joining forces again this year to sponsor a massive canned food drive in conjunction with the Virginia Tech vs. Georgia Tech football game on Thursday, November 4, 2010. The goal of the ambitious fourteenth annual HOKIES FOR THE HUNGRY drive is to collect 66,233 cans of food – One Can from Every Fan!

Drop-off points for HOKIES FOR THE HUNGRY will be established at all entrances to Lane Stadium and various locations near the stadium where Tailgate Pep Bands will be performing prior to kick- off.

Need a can? Bring this!

Maroon Effect

Well, let’s hope we get to see some maroon Thursday night.  As we all know, when it rains, the color of the stadium changes to whatever will keep you dry.  Let’s keep our fingers and toes crossed we’ll have some decent weather for the game.

Countdown to Kickoff

10 Punter Brian Saunders has had 10 punts of 50 yards or more this season.

9 Nine different Virginia Tech players caught passes during the Duke game.

8 Virginia Tech is averaging 8.8 yards per pass attempt.

7 The Hokies are trying to post seven straight wins for the first time since 2005.

6 Redshirt sophomore Marcus Davis had a career-best six pass receptions during the Duke game.

5 Cornerback Jayron Hosley has intercepted five passes over Tech’s first eight games.

4 Tight end Andre Smith’s four touchdown catches this season came on consecutive receptions against NC State (2), Central Michigan and Duke.

3 Quarterback Tyrod Taylor has thrown for three touchdowns in three of Virginia Tech’s last four games.

2 Two Tech players – Austin Fuller and Prince Parker – picked up their first collegiate pass receptions during the Duke game.

1 Tailback David Wilson made his first career start in the Duke game and caught a 65-yard touchdown pass, his first career TD reception.

Goodbye!!!

Fort Hokie Tailgate Fare

This week’s menu will feature smoked pulled pork (a true southern favorite) a.k.a. Barbeque!

Gary and Sharon - Barbeque; Banana Pudding

Cliff and Mary - Baked Beans - thank goodness we’re outdoors – what’s in those beans Mary Hughes?

Mary B – Cole Slaw; Buns

Billy and Pat – Gallon of water and Hot Chocolate; Mini Marshmallows

Lorie - Deviled Eggs; Cheese Slaw (so Pat won’t have to listen to Billy)

Linda – Preservative-laden Dessert (a.k.a. Carol Lee doughnuts!)

See you there!  We’ll have 18-20 so plan accordingly

Virginia Tech Hokies  vs  Duke Blue Devils

October 23, 2010 – Lane Stadium, Blacksburg

Kickoff – 12:00pm

TV – ACC Network

Virginia Tech brings its 5 game winning streak back to Lane Stadium to face off against the 1-5 Doooooke Blue Devils.  Oh man, thank goodness it will be a nice fall day.  Last time we played Duke it was bone chilling cold.  Billy looked like the Michelin Tire man and, well, every one else was basically unrecognizable due to all of the layers of clothing.  And, as most of us tried to forget, Mike invented the infamous “Stomach Juice” concoction at this tailgate.  In case you forgot…..

Yes, that's Billy!

Ewwww! Ingredients for "Stomach Juice"

Hall of Fame Day will be this Saturday.  This year Virginia Tech will induct 5 new members to the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame.

Corey Moore, the most honored football player in Virginia Tech history, is one of five new members selected for induction.

Who could ever forget those EYES????????

 Joining Moore as 2010 inductees are:

Gene Bunn (football), Michelle Meadows(softball), Laurie Shiflet Hackbirth (tennis) and the late Duke Thorpe (basketball).

 The five new honorees will be inducted at a Hall of Fame dinner on the Tech campus on Friday evening.

In addition to the introduction of the Hall of Fame inductess, the VTCC has lined up yet another floyover for this Saturday.

B1-B, now that's One Bad Bird!

On with the countdown for Saturday’s game:

Countdown to Kickoff

10 Kicker Chris Hazley has made 10 consecutive field goals.

9 Virginia Tech has won its last nine football meetings with Duke University. (Schwing!)

8 Eight different Tech players carried the football against Wake Forest in last week’s win.

7 Junior Jarrett Boykin has seven career 100-yard receiving games, including a 144-yard performance last season at Duke.

6 Duke will be making its sixth football visit to Blacksburg.

5 The Hokies got touchdowns from five different players during the Wake Forest game.

4 Tyrod Taylor can move into fourth place in career passing yards at Virginia Tech with 144 more yards.

3 Tech has scored more than 40 or more points in three straight games for the first time since 2005.

2 The Hokies’ 35 first downs against Wake Forest were the second most for a Tech team in a game.

1 Logan Thomas scored his first collegiate touchdown against Wake Forest on his first collegiate pass reception.

Tailgating for Saturday will feature…….

Frogmore Stew!

 Who’s doing what?

Cliff and Mary – Frogmore Fixin’s

Gary and Sharon – More Frogmore Fixin’s

Mary B. – Mini Corn Muffins

Billy and Pat - Delectable Dessert / light snacks for before & after game

Guest chefs, Reid and Chris, will be attending in the early hours of Fort Hokie.  We know they can make beer, but can they make breakfast?????????   Also, INCARUS, their Oktoberfest beer, will be on site for tastings.  This beer is in limited release and due to its popularity is about to run dry.  Show up, take a taste, and find out what they can do with beer and breakfast.

Reid and Chris.....featured guest chefs

Virginia Tech  vs Wake Forest

October 16, 2010 – Lane Stadium, Blacksburg

Kickoff – 3:30pm

TV – ESPNU

A play on words for the title of this blog.  After notching another win this past weekend against Central Michigan, we learn once again that it’s not about “style points”.  As Beamer has said time and time again, it’s about the “W”.  Sooner than later, though, we have to start getting some offense from our talented backfield and receivers, and not from the big plays.  0-8 on 3rd down conversions is a little scary.  This week, we square off against the Demon Deacons for Homecoming 2010.   

An interesting fact about this week’s game….did you know?

In an odd scheduling twist, Wake Forest has not visited Lane Stadium since the Hokies joined the ACC in 2004. The Demon Deacons will become the 11th and final squad to play in Blacksburg with the Hokies a member of the ACC.

Homecoming Flyover

Once again, a flyover has been scheduled for this Saturday.  However, this is not just any ordinary flyover.  Look what’s coming to Lane Stadium!

B-25 Mitchell - WWII bomber

 Injury Update

If you haven’t heard, Left Guard Greg Nosal is getting a lot of attention this week due to the injury he received in Saturday’s game.  Rather than go into the gory detail, I’ll let this quote from Kyle Tucker’s blog do the talking.  If you can’t figure it out, it’s probably best you didn’t:

 “Greg Nosal is getting famous. ESPN’s Erin Andrews is going to interview him about his missing chunk of pinky and ensuing bravery. The school is providing a 5-second clip of Nosal walking off the field with Dr. Marc Siegel carrying his nub in a bag. The story will run as part of ESPN’s popular Game Day show this Saturday.”

To beat all, he’s being interviewed by Sharon’s favorite sideline reporter!

Countdown to Kickoff

10 Virginia Tech has won 10 of its last 13 football meetings with Wake Forest University.

9 Linebacker Bruce Taylor ranks ninth nationally in tackles for loss with 11.5, an average of 1.92 per game.

8 Jarrett Boykin caught a career-high eight passes against Central Michigan.

7 The Hokies have had seven scoring plays of 50 or more yards during their four-game winning streak.

6 Tyrod Taylor posted his sixth-career 100-yard rushing game during the win over CMU.

5 Tech is scheduled to play all five FBS teams from North Carolina this season.

4 Tailback Darren Evans has scored at least one touchdown in each of Virginia Tech’s last four games.

3 Virginia Tech has scored more than 40 points in three of its last four outings.

2 Jayron Hosley picked up his second career punt return for a touchdown with an 80-yard return against Central Michigan.

1 Wake Forest is making its first visit to Lane Stadium/Worsham Field since Virginia Tech joined the ACC in 2004.

Tailgate Extraordinare!  It’s Homecoming……let’s celebrate!

This week’s menu will feature “Jamaican Me Crazy” pork tenderloin with Black Beans and Rice.

Here’s the run down:

Cliff and Mary - Black Beans and Rice / Apple Tartlets

Gary and Sharon - Pork Tenderloin

Mary B. - Corn Muffins

Billy and Pat - Veggie Tray (you know, healthy stuff)

Lorie – Deviled Eggs

Mary Anne and Bill Richey - Appetizer

Last, but not least……..

The Dawg!

VS

Virginia Tech vs Central Michigan

October 9th, 2010 – Lane Stadium, Blacksburg

Kickoff – 12:00pm 

OK, so we’re getting ready to head into the 6th game of the season and the blog hasn’t been updated since the Boise State game.  Sorry!  It’s been a little busy in the household, plus with a 0-2 start, I felt like I should wait before getting too excited about the season.  I’m faithful and our Hokies are too! 

Week 6 and we’re heading back home after a nail-biter in Raleigh against the Wolfpack.  Thanks to Cliff for his support back home while Sharon, Pat, Billy, Matt, and I braved the foreign soil of our competitor.  They weren’t such a bad crowd, but they were certainly juiced up about their 4-0 team.

Back home this weekend against the Central Michigan Chippewas?  Huh?  Alright, I’m a little rusty on my American history so I had to look it up.  The Chippewas are one of the largest groups of Native Americans.  They are the third-largest in the United States, surpassed only by Cherokee and Navajo.  Now that everyone’s been schooled, let’s look at this weekend’s game:

ESPNU is actually carrying the game so we’re starting at 12pm instead of 1:30pm.  Central Michigan (2-3) is one of those teams from the MAC that if not careful and sneak up and take one away from you.  Tech has learned that already this season and is not worth repeating what happened.  No doubt the Hokies will be prepared.  Let’s hope they don’t get off to a slow start.

Countdown to Kickoff

10 David Wilson’s 92-yard kickoff return against North Carolina State equals the 10th-longest for a Tech player since 1954.

9 Nine Virginia Tech players have broken up passes this season.

8 Virginia Tech picked up an average of 8.6 yards per carry during its win over the Wolfpack.

7 The Hokies have seven kickoff returns for touchdowns under Frank Beamer.

6 Tech has had six plays that have gained 50 or more yards so far this season.

5 Tyrod Taylor and Darren Evans both picked up their fifth career 100-yard rushing games at NC State.

4 Jarrett Boykin has touchdown catches in four of Tech’s five games this season.

3 Jayron Hosley tied a Tech single-game record with three pass interceptions against the Wolfpack.

2 Andre Smith’s two TD catches against NC State were the most for a Tech tight end since Keith Willis had two versus Cal in 2003.

1 Virginia Tech will be facing Central Michigan on the gridiron for the first time.

There will be a flyover this Saturday.  It’s not that exciting of a “bird”, but it’s a flyover.  I’m still trying to figure out it there was a flyover at last Saturday’s football game.  Two helicopters flew over after the first play of the game????

U.S. Navy E2-C Hawkeye

Tailgating 101 for Saturday

Being that kickoff is at high noon, we plan to eat after the game.  Therefore, we’ll be early (8:00-8:30am) to get “our” spot and enjoy the beautiful morning.

Menu – (what the heck, it’s Oktoberfest – let’s celebrate!)

Breakfast:

Cliff and Mary - Breakfast Casserole 

Gary and Sharon – Sausage Toast

Lunch:

Gary and Sharon – Brats with Sauerkraut / buns

Cliff and Mary – Potato Salad

Mary B. and Melissa – Dessert

Billy and Pat – Munchies and Fruit

We’ll have about 10 total at the tailgate so plan accordingly.