Going Deep: Virginia Tech
Nebraska has a tough game Saturday. Some would even say that playing on the road at Virginia Tech can be intimidating. Nebraska hasn't beaten a top 15 opponent on the road since Osborne was the Head Coach. The Hokies are the two time defending ACC champions. They return a slew of starters from a team that beat Nebraska last year. Lane Stadium gets very loud. Their defense is fast. Their quarterback is explosive. It's enough to make a Husker fan lose sleep. But, Big Red Network flatly refuses to be intimidated. In order to help you take some of the shine off of VT and get you ready to square off with them on Saturday, we're...going deep.
The REAL Name
Step one in addressing the Tech intimidation factor - just call them by their real name. Most Husker fans don't stop to realize that the school isn't really formally named Virginia Tech. It's actually the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. How not scary is that? Sounds like a school for nerds, really. But I guess they couldn't just go with the Virginia School for Nerds, could they?
Better yet, when it was first founded in 1872 it was known as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. Seriously now...agricultural and mechanical college...that's not scary. It's just like the two-year schools that dot the state of Nebraska, like in Milford or Hastings. I'm not knocking those schools. I have friends who went there, and other friends who teach there.
My point is that when you see some very big, very fast fellas come out of the tunnel wearing maroon and orange on Saturday, just think "school for nerds" or "just another ag and tech school". That might help you stay calm.
Least Intimidating Mascot...Ever?
The next way to demystify VT is to remember their mascot. They are the Hokies. The Hokies. Hey, we can't knock them too hard. Few things intimidate less (on paper) than "Cornhuskers". Oh...a dude picking corn. Gasp! But seriously, nobody even knows what a Hokie really is. It originated from a chant ("Hokie Hokie Hokie Hi, Tech Tech VPI"). At least Cornhusker is a noun, a person.
So, they gave it an incarnation and then sort of settled on Hokies rather than the Fighting Gobblers as a name, but still use this turkey-like bird (the "HokieBird") as their actual mascot. Yeah, that's not scary. At all. In fact, it also might be the only thing less appealing than the corn head when it comes fan head gear. That's not intimidating, at least not any more than a Cornhusker. It's husking vs. pecking.
I'm not knocking weird mascots. I love Herbie more than the next guy. I'm just saying that when the very fast tacklers from the Virginia School for Nerds come flying down the field on a kick off, remember that their mascot looks more like Thanksgiving dinner than like something that might hurt you. That might help a little.
Scars Don't Scare Us
Another potentially frighting element on Saturday - their coach. Frank Beamer is a great coach and by all accounts a good fella. But, I have to come out and say it...his appearance can be unsettling. So, better to know now than to turn on the TV Saturday and say the wrong thing, like "What's the deal with that guy's face?" You can hear your wife now, can't you..."Oh my God, honey. Don't be such an insensitive jackass. I can't believe you sometimes..." And, your whole night is off to a rough start. Hey, I'm here to help you out.
Yes, his appearance is a bit off putting. Sources will not confirm or deny that he uses it to frighten opposing players in to fumbling punts. But, it's just the result of a childhood accident. When he was 7, there was a fire and he got burned. It's no big deal. There is no need to be intimidated by it.
Besides, since when are Husker fans intimidated by such cosmetic issues? We're hale and hearty folks, descended from people who lived in freaking sod houses. We survived locusts, and drought, and Bill Callahan. Scar tissue is not scary, even if it is that of a man who coaches a particularly physical and vicious turkey-named football team from the Virginia School for Nerds.
Now, About Football...
This is the part of the post where I dig in an tell you the keys to the game. I give you a match up to watch or a scheme to watch for. Well, guess what? I've analyzed this thing six ways from Sunday. If it is on the web, I've read it. I asked one of their guys about it. My BRN amigo Steve and I have burned through some serious phone minutes going over the minutia. And, I'll tell you something - this game is about fundamentals. The team that blocks and tackles better will win.
Both teams have some play makers. Both teams have some favorable match ups. I'm confident my colleague Brandon will address all of that in his Plan of Attack post. But, this game is dang even in my mind. And, blocking and tackling is what Coach Pelini was talking about when he said that it's just a matter of executing, no matter where the game is played.
Nebraska has to got to block. As Steve said earlier, they must protect Zac Lee so he can make plays. On the perimeter, NU's tight ends and wide outs have got to slow down those outside backers and safeties. Man, those Hokies flow to the ball very fast. If the Huskers block down field, they might be able to run. Don't block on the outside, and they can forget about a big day for Helu. Ron Brown and Ted Gillmore will have players ready, but will they execute?
Nebraska has got to tackle. Those two VT running backs are vapor trail fast. Tyrod Taylor can really move. Last week, Nebraska's young linebackers had a hard time making stops. Against Arkansas State, that's 15 yards. Against Virginia Tech, it's a whole lot more. IF the Husker tackle well, don't allow yards after contact, and swarm to the ball, they can win. If NU defenders are sloppy, they will pay.
The opponent is not intimidating. The game is not complicated. Just block and tackle those turkey-named nerds.
9/16/2009
If you just think of a Hokie as a castrated turkey…how intimidating does THAT sound?
We are going to have to execute extremely well to be able to pull off the upset in Blacksburg. I believe we are a better team than the one that faced the Hokies in Lincoln last year, but so are they. We are going to have to spread em out and throw to open up our running game. Ball distribution to everyone with a set of hands. Test their LB’s early and often with McNeil and the rest of our TE’s. Crossing routes underneath. Quick slants should be the choice of the day. Roll Zac out and give him run/pass options. Let him read half the field and if it’s not there…take off and get us a few yards. Zac’s legs are going to be instrumental for us in sustaining a few drives. We are not going to be able to line up in power formations and run at VT…we’ll be killed.
On defense…force TT into obvious pass situations in down and distance. Force him to make quick decisions. Force him to beat us with his arm. Bring 8 or even 9 into the box and dare him to throw. Preach CONTAIN to our DE’s and Safties. Bring a few corner blitzes, roll coverage, Cover 3, man on one side and zone on the other…confuse him. Hit him on every single play and he’ll start hearing footsteps and seeing number 93 in the huddle.
And make damn sure our special teams is just that…special. We cannot afford special teams breakdowns in Lane Stadium on Saturday.
9/17/2009
C’mon now, birds can be scary…GO CHANTICLEERS!!!
9/17/2009
Mike of Ord
Oh, I agree birds can be scary. Eagles, hawks, etc. Hey, they are decended from raptors for Pete’s sake.
And the chanticleer (or cock) is a fighting bird, bred and taught to fight for its life. Bad bird.
The gobbler bird (or turkey) is…dinner.
9/17/2009
Did you guys have this mentality when playing…say…the condom men?
Cuz I do think they destroyed you gus nonetheless.
9/17/2009
Great post Darren….
GO BIG RED!
9/17/2009
Hi Andy,
Actually, I remember feeling very concerned about the Husker playing the, uh, Trojans.
I tried to muster up some reasons, but ended up thinking it would take Gremlins - like real, live, Mogwai - to somehow beat them.
http://bigrednetwork.com/archives/2007/09/how_nu_can_beat_usc.html
And of course, they stomped a mud hole on Dear Old Nebraska U.
So, the point of this post was to try and use humor to help a fan base that has been run down by nearly a decade of big game defeat.
Good luck on Saturday. I hope it is a real dandy.
9/17/2009
What you think it’s funny to poke fun of someone being burned when he was younger? If that’s what you get your rocks off on your just a POS my friend. You BR network tied this last year, how did that turn out?
9/17/2009
Pretty stupid if you poke fun at a man with a scar. Virginia Tech will own Nebraska because they are the better team. They are going to give you a beatdown
9/17/2009
I look for this to be another great game. I felt VT played one of its best offensive games last year against the Huskers. Good thing that they did, because Neb has an excellent team.
I hope that the Blacksburg crowd returns some hospitality to your fans and team. Many Hokies appreciated their trip to Lincoln last year.
Btw, funny and well-researched article on some of the VT traditions. You even mentioned the “Vippy Sue” name.
9/17/2009
Great article. Who wins? Depends on which offense VT brings on Gameday. Good luck.
9/17/2009
Brian and Chris,
I thought that addressing Coach Beamer’s scar issue might bother a few folks. If you go back and READ what I actually wrote, I think it is pretty respectful of Coach.
The only line I might have any regrets about is the one about frightening punt returners. Sorry if it bothers you so much.
9/17/2009
I love corn with my turkey at Thanksgiving.The VaTech gobbler eats his cob and all.Watch out Big Red——Good Luck—-Hope it’s a really good game
9/17/2009
I love this opponent.
This, at the moment, is the quintessential college football program. I can’t think of another team like this, besides a couple of western teams, Fresno and Boise.
With these Hokies, you see Coaches who are seasoned masters. You see rugged teams that don’t often have the over the top supastah.
The Hokies are well represented in the NFL, though. Amazingly, Nebraska still has a few more in the League. Only about a third were recruited after Solich, btw.
I’d like to see the team win of course. But, I like the opportunity the Huskers have to play a 1st rate, top flight (class) program with Coaches whom I’d have loved to have seen coach Nebraska, in this era.
Sure the crowd will be raucous, it just won’t have the “exorcist” type hostility of a couple of north division opponents.
A perfect test of bar levels for Nebraska.
Next up as Pelini’s “just another opponent.”
9/18/2009
I just wanted to say I agree with Federickhokie
They were good to us in Lincoln after the game. I ended up going to the bar with a group and still keep contact with them today
Two great teams trying to prove themselves, this should be a good one!
Go HUSKERS!
9/18/2009
It’s great that you can rationalize why NOT to be intimidated on Saturday. The unfortunate fact is that Virginia Tech doesn’t try to intimidate anyone with their mascot or their name. Those are simply symbols around which the fanbase can rally.
When the Huskers run into a screaming mass of 68000 fans this weekend, it’s not going to matter if our coach has an intimidating face. Focus on the game Carlson, and hope your players do too.
9/18/2009
Thanks “Pete”...it was pretty much a joke. So, uh, chill.
And, the last four paragraphs are pretty game focused.
I liked Top Gun too, but just not as much as you, I guess.
9/18/2009
Your article was hilarious until the scar comment. That’s just not funny.
9/19/2009
huskers-this hokie team does have holes.Linebackers not even close to last year’s.Love the hokies, but still not sold on Tyrod Taylor as the answer at QB.If you can stop tech’s freshmen RB combo, you will win.Best weapon Tech has in this matchup is Lane stadium.LOUD!GO HOKIES!
9/19/2009
“Big Red” should be ashamed of the writer of this article. Beamer’s burn scars from saving someone from fire is not subject for humor under any circumstances.
That said, let’s get to the point: football. Nebraska’s better, but will never be a great team under Pelini. He’s a Coordinator at best.
Hokies owned ‘big red’ (if that’s a name you can really use these days?!) last year. Final score didn’t reflect the reality if the game.
Some comment by others, making this game dependent on which Holies Pffense shows up, is also a joke and besides the point.
Hokies “Big D”, at home in Blacksburg, will attack, swarm, and show why no other Div I school has had as many NFL draftees over the last 3 years.
And why Tech is one of only 3 schools with 10 wins (incl last yr dominance in BCS Orange Bowl) over the last 4 years (USC and Tex the others).
So good luck ‘Little Red’, you’ll need it (and then some).
9/19/2009
Dj,
Nebraska fans pretty much “own” the whole coodinator debate.
Bud Foster’s a tremendous coodinator, but, he’s no Bo Pelini.
Bo’s HC record includes two bowl wins, as an underdog in at least the Clemson game. Can’t recall the odds against Michigan State, when he was the interim HC.
Virginia Tech has a rock solid program with a rock solid, highest character Head Coach.
Revel in your time, as a big fan.
9/19/2009
Never compared Bud Foster to Belini, but since you brought it up, I’d take Foster any day—as a D Coord. or HC.
Regardless, another Win for VT, and L for B Red
9/19/2009
VT Wins.
Big Red/ Pelini Loses.
Say no more.
9/19/2009
dj
Congratulations on the big win!
Not that big though, since Tech is the better team.
Bud Foster is fantastic and he should get a HC opportunity, soon.
We’re fine with Bo Pelini.
9/21/2009
...scoreboard…enough said
5/21/2011
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