Wednesday, August 31, 2005
$20-million offer intriguing
By Randy King
THE ROANOKE TIMES - Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer has attended several NASCAR Nextel Cup races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
He may coach a football game there before he's done at Tech.
Reacting to track owner Bruton Smith's Thursday offer to give $20 million each to Tech and Tennessee to meet in a game that would be played on an artificial turf field located in the track's infield, Hokies athletic Jim Weaver said Tech would be very interested in participating in such a lucrative-paying matchup.
"I don't know the history of Mr. Smith. ... I have heard a little bit about him the last few days," Weaver said Saturday. "People tell me that money isn't an issue. If that's the case and they put that kind of money on the table, and I'm being serious, I think both institutions have to strongly consider it."
Weaver said he talked with Tennessee AD Mike Hamilton briefly Friday about Smith's offer.
"We both figured for that kind of money that we'd very strongly consider playing that game," Weaver said. "It's up to Hamilton now. He's going to be at [Saturday night's] race as a guest of Mr. Smith."
Weaver, who said Tech clears about $1.5 million for a game in Lane Stadium, noted a $20-million payday would cover the construction costs for a new indoor football fieldhouse and a new practice court for Tech's basketball programs.
Tech's football schedule currently is booked through 2011. Tennessee's next opening comes in 2009.
"Oh, we'll find a way [to get an opening]," Weaver said. When asked if that meant paying off a non-ACC school already booked on Tech's future schedule, a grinning Weaver responded: "We could probably pay off two people."
Smith said he would increase the track's seating capacity to 175,000 for the game.
Beamer said Saturday the idea "sounds pretty exciting" to play in front of what would be the largest crowd ever for a major college football game.
"I just don't know how it works," Beamer said. "I think where they'd make their money would be on binoculars."
THE ROANOKE TIMES - Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer has attended several NASCAR Nextel Cup races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
He may coach a football game there before he's done at Tech.
Reacting to track owner Bruton Smith's Thursday offer to give $20 million each to Tech and Tennessee to meet in a game that would be played on an artificial turf field located in the track's infield, Hokies athletic Jim Weaver said Tech would be very interested in participating in such a lucrative-paying matchup.
"I don't know the history of Mr. Smith. ... I have heard a little bit about him the last few days," Weaver said Saturday. "People tell me that money isn't an issue. If that's the case and they put that kind of money on the table, and I'm being serious, I think both institutions have to strongly consider it."
Weaver said he talked with Tennessee AD Mike Hamilton briefly Friday about Smith's offer.
"We both figured for that kind of money that we'd very strongly consider playing that game," Weaver said. "It's up to Hamilton now. He's going to be at [Saturday night's] race as a guest of Mr. Smith."
Weaver, who said Tech clears about $1.5 million for a game in Lane Stadium, noted a $20-million payday would cover the construction costs for a new indoor football fieldhouse and a new practice court for Tech's basketball programs.
Tech's football schedule currently is booked through 2011. Tennessee's next opening comes in 2009.
"Oh, we'll find a way [to get an opening]," Weaver said. When asked if that meant paying off a non-ACC school already booked on Tech's future schedule, a grinning Weaver responded: "We could probably pay off two people."
Smith said he would increase the track's seating capacity to 175,000 for the game.
Beamer said Saturday the idea "sounds pretty exciting" to play in front of what would be the largest crowd ever for a major college football game.
"I just don't know how it works," Beamer said. "I think where they'd make their money would be on binoculars."
Williams Tones Down Talk,But His Play Could Speak Volumes
Washington Post - Wednesday, August 31, 2005; By Mark Schlabach
Virginia Tech cornerback Jimmy Williams has always been more than confident in his athletic abilities. On his right forearm, a tattoo reads: "Destined 2." On his left: "Be Great."
But Williams's confidence got him into hot water last season with Hokies Coach Frank Beamer. Before the 2004 opener against defending national champion Southern California in the Black Coaches Association Classic at FedEx Field, Williams said Trojans wide receiver Mike Williams wouldn't be very productive if he played in the game. The NCAA denied reinstating the receiver's eligibility before the game, but the damage was done in Beamer's mind. He banned his cornerback from talking to the media for the rest of the season.
So last month, when Virginia Tech's players reported to Lane Stadium for the annual team picture and media interviews, Williams was biting his tongue. Beamer's message had apparently gotten through loud and clear.
"I like it that way," Beamer said. "I like respecting the game and the opponent and playing hard."
Beamer has never questioned Williams's work ethic or talent. Last season, the senior from Hampton, Va., was an all-ACC selection and a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to college football's best defensive back. Williams led the ACC with five interceptions and was third on the team with 60 tackles in his first season at cornerback after starting at free safety during the 2003 season.
Williams, 6 feet 3 and 216 pounds, played so well last year that many Virginia Tech fans didn't expect him to be back in Blacksburg this season. Williams was ranked among the top non-seniors available for the NFL draft, but he surprised a lot of friends and teammates when he decided to return to Tech. Losing Williams would have been a tremendous blow to the Hokies, who had already graduated starting cornerback Eric Green and safeties James Griffin and Vincent Fuller from a secondary that helped them rank No. 4 in Division I-A in pass defense last season.
"Hey, I wanted to shock the world," Williams said. "A lot of people thought I was going to leave, but I wanted to do something different. A lot of guys before me who had the opportunity to leave did leave. I wanted to be different. I wanted to leave my mark on this program and its history."
Barring an injury this season, Williams's decision could pay off in a big way in April's NFL draft. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Williams the No. 1 cornerback and No. 10 senior available for the draft. Williams's athleticism and big-play abilities are why he is being compared to former Tech standout DeAngelo Hall, a first-round draft choice of the Atlanta Falcons in the 2004 NFL draft.
Unlike Hall, Williams has the size to play free safety in the NFL, but he also is fast enough to cover wide receivers in the open field as a cornerback.
"I wanted to come back and be the number one player in college football," Williams said. "Not just the number one defensive back."
Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster will be counting on Williams to anchor the Hokies' rebuilt secondary. With sophomore Roland Minor lining up at the other cornerback spot and sophomore D.J. Parker likely starting at free safety, Williams doesn't figure to get many passes thrown to his side of the field this season. Keeping his young teammates in the right place will be just as important for Williams, Beamer said.
"Jimmy's doing great right now as far as being a team player here, respecting his teammates and being a great senior leader," Beamer said. "He's covering people like a blanket and has really played well and has confidence."
And, most importantly in Beamer's eyes, Williams is doing it quietly. After making his candid remarks about Mike Williams before last season's opener, the cornerback was burned for one of the biggest plays in the Trojans' 24-13 victory. With Tech leading 10-7 late in the third quarter, running back Reggie Bush lined up at receiver and ran right past Williams for a 53-yard touchdown.
"Damn, I don't want another Reggie Bush play," Williams said. "I was just a kid. I didn't know what to say or how to say it. But I still don't think what I said was all that bad."
Williams said Beamer's censorship did have its benefits, though.
"I'd like to thank Coach Beamer because I didn't have to worry about having a bad game and then having to come and talk to you guys," Williams told reporters.
Virginia Tech cornerback Jimmy Williams has always been more than confident in his athletic abilities. On his right forearm, a tattoo reads: "Destined 2." On his left: "Be Great."
But Williams's confidence got him into hot water last season with Hokies Coach Frank Beamer. Before the 2004 opener against defending national champion Southern California in the Black Coaches Association Classic at FedEx Field, Williams said Trojans wide receiver Mike Williams wouldn't be very productive if he played in the game. The NCAA denied reinstating the receiver's eligibility before the game, but the damage was done in Beamer's mind. He banned his cornerback from talking to the media for the rest of the season.
So last month, when Virginia Tech's players reported to Lane Stadium for the annual team picture and media interviews, Williams was biting his tongue. Beamer's message had apparently gotten through loud and clear.
"I like it that way," Beamer said. "I like respecting the game and the opponent and playing hard."
Beamer has never questioned Williams's work ethic or talent. Last season, the senior from Hampton, Va., was an all-ACC selection and a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to college football's best defensive back. Williams led the ACC with five interceptions and was third on the team with 60 tackles in his first season at cornerback after starting at free safety during the 2003 season.
Williams, 6 feet 3 and 216 pounds, played so well last year that many Virginia Tech fans didn't expect him to be back in Blacksburg this season. Williams was ranked among the top non-seniors available for the NFL draft, but he surprised a lot of friends and teammates when he decided to return to Tech. Losing Williams would have been a tremendous blow to the Hokies, who had already graduated starting cornerback Eric Green and safeties James Griffin and Vincent Fuller from a secondary that helped them rank No. 4 in Division I-A in pass defense last season.
"Hey, I wanted to shock the world," Williams said. "A lot of people thought I was going to leave, but I wanted to do something different. A lot of guys before me who had the opportunity to leave did leave. I wanted to be different. I wanted to leave my mark on this program and its history."
Barring an injury this season, Williams's decision could pay off in a big way in April's NFL draft. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Williams the No. 1 cornerback and No. 10 senior available for the draft. Williams's athleticism and big-play abilities are why he is being compared to former Tech standout DeAngelo Hall, a first-round draft choice of the Atlanta Falcons in the 2004 NFL draft.
Unlike Hall, Williams has the size to play free safety in the NFL, but he also is fast enough to cover wide receivers in the open field as a cornerback.
"I wanted to come back and be the number one player in college football," Williams said. "Not just the number one defensive back."
Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster will be counting on Williams to anchor the Hokies' rebuilt secondary. With sophomore Roland Minor lining up at the other cornerback spot and sophomore D.J. Parker likely starting at free safety, Williams doesn't figure to get many passes thrown to his side of the field this season. Keeping his young teammates in the right place will be just as important for Williams, Beamer said.
"Jimmy's doing great right now as far as being a team player here, respecting his teammates and being a great senior leader," Beamer said. "He's covering people like a blanket and has really played well and has confidence."
And, most importantly in Beamer's eyes, Williams is doing it quietly. After making his candid remarks about Mike Williams before last season's opener, the cornerback was burned for one of the biggest plays in the Trojans' 24-13 victory. With Tech leading 10-7 late in the third quarter, running back Reggie Bush lined up at receiver and ran right past Williams for a 53-yard touchdown.
"Damn, I don't want another Reggie Bush play," Williams said. "I was just a kid. I didn't know what to say or how to say it. But I still don't think what I said was all that bad."
Williams said Beamer's censorship did have its benefits, though.
"I'd like to thank Coach Beamer because I didn't have to worry about having a bad game and then having to come and talk to you guys," Williams told reporters.
THE BIG GAMEAt North Carolina State, Sept. 4
WASHINGTON POST- It is a shame the ACC is playing two if its biggest games of the season on the opening weekend. While Miami at Florida State on Labor Day night might get more national attention, the Hokies' trip to Raleigh, N.C., the day before could end up meaning more.
Virginia Tech lost three games last season: the season opener to eventual national champion USC, the Sugar Bowl to undefeated Auburn -- and 17-16 to North Carolina State. The Wolfpack, which ranked No. 1 in Division I-A in total defense last season, recorded 10 sacks at Lane Stadium. Still, the Hokies had a chance to win, but Brandon Pace missed a 43-yard field goal attempt as time expired. North Carolina State must fill some holes in the secondary, but the pass rush and run-stopping promise to be just as ferocious, with ends Mario Williams and Manny Lawson leading the charge. The Wolfpack won't have T.A. McLendon to run the ball anymore, but it might not need many points to stay in games. Suffice it to say that this isn't the ideal first opponent for new starting quarterback Marcus Vick.
Virginia Tech lost three games last season: the season opener to eventual national champion USC, the Sugar Bowl to undefeated Auburn -- and 17-16 to North Carolina State. The Wolfpack, which ranked No. 1 in Division I-A in total defense last season, recorded 10 sacks at Lane Stadium. Still, the Hokies had a chance to win, but Brandon Pace missed a 43-yard field goal attempt as time expired. North Carolina State must fill some holes in the secondary, but the pass rush and run-stopping promise to be just as ferocious, with ends Mario Williams and Manny Lawson leading the charge. The Wolfpack won't have T.A. McLendon to run the ball anymore, but it might not need many points to stay in games. Suffice it to say that this isn't the ideal first opponent for new starting quarterback Marcus Vick.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
2005 PREVIEW: Virginia Tech Hokies
FOX Article
No one milked the painfully tired "no one respects us" line more than the 2004 Hokies. After being burned year after year by ridiculously talented teams that gacked in crunch time, the college football world had a hard time getting too fired up about a Hokie team that appeared to be a year away from being something special. But the defense became nasty and senior QB Bryan Randall was steady enough to carry the team to the ACC title and a strong 10-3 record with two of the losses coming to USC and Auburn teams that finished the year unbeaten. Guess what Virginia Tech ... you can't sing the disrespect tune this year.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Head coach: Frank Beamer 19th year at VT: 135-77-225th year overall: 177-100-4
Returning O Lettermen: 22Returning D Lettermen: 20Returning ST Lettermen: 2Lettermen Lost: 19
Ten Best Hokies 1. CB Jimmy Williams, Sr. 2. DE Darryl Tapp, Sr. 3. TE Jeff King, Sr. 4. DT Jonathan Lewis, Sr. 5. QB Marcus Vick, Jr.6. RB Mike Imoh, Sr. 7. WR Josh Hyman, Soph.8. OG/C Will Montgomery, Sr. 9. RB Cedric Humes, Sr. 10. DE Noland Buchette, Jr.
2005 Schedule 9/3 at NC State 9/10 at Duke 9/17 Ohio 9/24 Georgia Tech 10/1 at West Virginia 10/8 Marshall 10/20 at Maryland 10/27 Boston College 11/5 Miami 11/19 at Virginia 11/26 North Carolina
Like investors trying to get in on tech stocks in 2001, everyone will be jumping all over Virginia Tech this year with Marcus Vick returning to the program to take over for Randall, some tremendous playmakers on defense, and enough talent at running back and receiver for two good offenses. Now the trick will be for Frank Beamer and his coaching staff to flourish in the role of the hunted again.
This hasn't exactly been a program that handles the weight of high expectations well, so it'll be interesting to see how it deals with being one of the favorites for the ACC title and being on the short list of possible Rose Bowl teams. With Miami and Georgia Tech coming to Blacksburg, no Florida State, and the toughest conference road games at NC State, Maryland and Virginia, there's no reason to expect anything less than another ACC championship. Does this team have the heart it did last year with Randall at the helm? Will this team have the drive it had last season and will it be as hungry? If the answers are yes, this is a good enough team to end up in Pasadena.
The Schedule: Avenging last year's loss against NC State in the 2005 opener will be the key to a fast start. Duke and Ohio can't hang with the Hokies, so a 3-0 beginning would give the team the needed confidence with a battle with a nasty Georgia Tech team in the ACC home opener. The rest of the slate is hardly a breeze, but Miami and Boston College come to Blacksburg. At Maryland and at Virginia could be the main obstacles to another ACC title.
Best Offensive Player: Senior TE Jeff King. Oh sure, Marcus Vick is the exciting star and you can take your pick of any number of running backs or receivers as the team's best offensive player, but King is the unsung factor with his great hands and clutch route running on big plays. He'll be in the mix for the Mackey Award.
Best Defensive Player: Senior CB Jimmy Williams. The 6-3 safety-turned-corner isn't just one of the nation's best defensive backs, he's also the leader of the defense and the tone-setter with his big hits. Don't expect big stats as few will throw his way.
Key player to a successful season: Junior QB Marcus Vick. Vick can make everyone stop talking about his off-the-field transgressions if he comes out and has a big year. Everyone will want him to be flashy like Michael, but being steady and consistent like Bryan Randall will be more important.
The season will be a success if ... Virginia Tech wins the ACC title. If the 2004 team could do it, there's no reason to shoot for anything less with a more experienced, more talented 2005 squad. The Rose Bowl is asking for too much, but 10-1 is a good goal.
Key game: November 5th vs. Miami. There's no way the Hokies can win the Coastal Division if they lose to a fired up Miami. This isn't going to be last year's Hurricane team. It'll have far more firepower and be much nastier on defense.
2004 Fun Stats: - Virginia Tech second quarter scoring: 146 - Opponents total scoring 167- Sacks: Opponents 36 - Virginia Tech 34- Virginia Tech quarterback hurries: 111
No one milked the painfully tired "no one respects us" line more than the 2004 Hokies. After being burned year after year by ridiculously talented teams that gacked in crunch time, the college football world had a hard time getting too fired up about a Hokie team that appeared to be a year away from being something special. But the defense became nasty and senior QB Bryan Randall was steady enough to carry the team to the ACC title and a strong 10-3 record with two of the losses coming to USC and Auburn teams that finished the year unbeaten. Guess what Virginia Tech ... you can't sing the disrespect tune this year.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Head coach: Frank Beamer 19th year at VT: 135-77-225th year overall: 177-100-4
Returning O Lettermen: 22Returning D Lettermen: 20Returning ST Lettermen: 2Lettermen Lost: 19
Ten Best Hokies 1. CB Jimmy Williams, Sr. 2. DE Darryl Tapp, Sr. 3. TE Jeff King, Sr. 4. DT Jonathan Lewis, Sr. 5. QB Marcus Vick, Jr.6. RB Mike Imoh, Sr. 7. WR Josh Hyman, Soph.8. OG/C Will Montgomery, Sr. 9. RB Cedric Humes, Sr. 10. DE Noland Buchette, Jr.
2005 Schedule 9/3 at NC State 9/10 at Duke 9/17 Ohio 9/24 Georgia Tech 10/1 at West Virginia 10/8 Marshall 10/20 at Maryland 10/27 Boston College 11/5 Miami 11/19 at Virginia 11/26 North Carolina
Like investors trying to get in on tech stocks in 2001, everyone will be jumping all over Virginia Tech this year with Marcus Vick returning to the program to take over for Randall, some tremendous playmakers on defense, and enough talent at running back and receiver for two good offenses. Now the trick will be for Frank Beamer and his coaching staff to flourish in the role of the hunted again.
This hasn't exactly been a program that handles the weight of high expectations well, so it'll be interesting to see how it deals with being one of the favorites for the ACC title and being on the short list of possible Rose Bowl teams. With Miami and Georgia Tech coming to Blacksburg, no Florida State, and the toughest conference road games at NC State, Maryland and Virginia, there's no reason to expect anything less than another ACC championship. Does this team have the heart it did last year with Randall at the helm? Will this team have the drive it had last season and will it be as hungry? If the answers are yes, this is a good enough team to end up in Pasadena.
The Schedule: Avenging last year's loss against NC State in the 2005 opener will be the key to a fast start. Duke and Ohio can't hang with the Hokies, so a 3-0 beginning would give the team the needed confidence with a battle with a nasty Georgia Tech team in the ACC home opener. The rest of the slate is hardly a breeze, but Miami and Boston College come to Blacksburg. At Maryland and at Virginia could be the main obstacles to another ACC title.
Best Offensive Player: Senior TE Jeff King. Oh sure, Marcus Vick is the exciting star and you can take your pick of any number of running backs or receivers as the team's best offensive player, but King is the unsung factor with his great hands and clutch route running on big plays. He'll be in the mix for the Mackey Award.
Best Defensive Player: Senior CB Jimmy Williams. The 6-3 safety-turned-corner isn't just one of the nation's best defensive backs, he's also the leader of the defense and the tone-setter with his big hits. Don't expect big stats as few will throw his way.
Key player to a successful season: Junior QB Marcus Vick. Vick can make everyone stop talking about his off-the-field transgressions if he comes out and has a big year. Everyone will want him to be flashy like Michael, but being steady and consistent like Bryan Randall will be more important.
The season will be a success if ... Virginia Tech wins the ACC title. If the 2004 team could do it, there's no reason to shoot for anything less with a more experienced, more talented 2005 squad. The Rose Bowl is asking for too much, but 10-1 is a good goal.
Key game: November 5th vs. Miami. There's no way the Hokies can win the Coastal Division if they lose to a fired up Miami. This isn't going to be last year's Hurricane team. It'll have far more firepower and be much nastier on defense.
2004 Fun Stats: - Virginia Tech second quarter scoring: 146 - Opponents total scoring 167- Sacks: Opponents 36 - Virginia Tech 34- Virginia Tech quarterback hurries: 111
