Virginia
Tech Football 2005 Wrap-Up:
9 28
Tech Stumbles, but Terps Fall
By: Bob W.
My take on the game:
Overall:
We knew this one was going to be tough, but I think a lot of us still would not have been shocked if we had pulled the upset. Byrd was rocking, perhaps as loud as I have ever heard it, atleast since the 2001 Clemson game. But Tech just proved too much for our young squad. The first half was awesome and when the Hokies missed the field goal as time expired I really thought we may be able to put the fear of God into them. But alas it wasn’t meant to be. Va Tech gave us our chances, but we could just not capitalize. In the end they showed why they are ranked 3rd and why we still have some work to do.
Game Highlights:
In order to give ourselves a chance the Terps had to force turnovers, and to their credit they were able to. Marcus Vick was picked off 3 times and the Defense had a huge fumble recovery at the goal line. This stat is even more impressive when you consider Va Tech only had 2 Turnovers all year coming into this game. The Terps lately haven’t been able to force the mistakes that they used to force a few years ago, so it was nice to see that come back, though when the Terps had a take away, very little was done to capitalize on it.
Game Lowlights:
To continue with the Turnover theme, Maryland’s offense just couldn’t get the job done. The Defense would play their heart out and the Offense would come back and go 3 and out. There isn’t much use in creating a turnover if you can’t capitalize on it. Another low light is the kicking game. Dan Ennis has gone from Automatic to a craps shoot at best. At first it looked like we would transition into the post “Das Boot” era rather smoothly, now I can’t watch a ‘Skins’ game without tearing up.
Game MVP:
D’Qwell Jackson gets the D-7 MVP for the Virginia Tech game. After missing the Temple game, Jackson showed he is just fine. He recorded 11 tackles and had an interception. Lance Ball gets honorable mention for having 75 yards on 15 carries which is a 5.0 yards per carry (for those mathematically inept).
Around the ACC:
UNC 7 Virginia 5- Who knows what to expect out of UNC anymore, one week they get routed, the next they hold UVA to a 5 spot. Ronnie McGill had 118 yards for the Heels who improved to .500. UVA says a quick “Hi and Bye” to the top 25 and drop to 4-3 overall.
Clemson 37 Temple 7- The Tigers are the latest ACC team to take a little frustration out on the Owls. Temple never was in this one (Shocker) and is still looking for their first win of 2005. Charlie Whitehurst threw for 307 yards and 2 TD’s. Reggie Merriweather ran for 108 yards which is probably more than the Owls gained all afternoon.
Florida State 55 Duke 24- The Dukies get the honor of facing FSU the week after a Seminole loss, which is always a good formula for a payback rout. Drew Weatherford threw for 2 TD’s. FSU now leads the all time series 14-0 and if that surprises you well here’s more shocking news…the sky is blue.
Wake Forest 27 NC State 19- NC State drops another game in what will most likely be Chuck Amato’s last meeting with the Deacons. Wake has now forced 8 turnovers in the last two weeks making me more happy that we already got our “W” against them this year. NC State continues its slide into oblivion. 2 more loses until they lose their bowl eligibility!!!
Georgia Tech Miami PPD- Somewhere in south Florida there is a Cane fan who is relieved that he won’t miss the Oct 22 Tech-Miami because of a wedding now. What are the odds we can get a hurricane up here for the BC game (minus the destruction of course).
ACC Standings:
Atlantic
FSU 4-1 6-1
BC 3-1 6-1
Maryland 2-2 4-3
Clemson 2-3 4-3
Wake 2-3 3-5
NC St 1-4 2-4
Coastal
VT 4-0 7-0
Miami 2-1 5-1
UNC 2-1 3-3
GT 2-2 4-2
Virginia 2-3 4-3
Duke 0-5 1-7