Spring Game

Oh, hello Hokie fans. I didn't even see you there. Me? Why I was just thinking about the annual Spring Game tomorrow at 2pm in Blacksburg! Virginia Tech will take on Virginia Tech in Lane Stadium in what is sure to be the end-all-be-all contest of the century. Maroon v. White! Hokie v. Hokie! Brother v. Brother!

Okay, that all might be a little over the top, but this game is key for figuring out who has progressed since last year and who has more work to do. You probably won't see too much of Darren Evans at running back since he seems to have the number one slot locked up, but expect to see a good amount of Josh Oglesby and Ryan Williams, the latter being an electric player who can bring some new blood to our usually lackluster offense. Williams injured his finger earlier in the week, but is expected to play in the game.

If you are planning on going to the game, here are some story lines to follow:

1) How will our second-string defenders do? Bud Foster is excited about the first stringers, but beyond them it seems to be a crapshoot.

2) Can Tyrod Taylor complete passes? He has been working nonstop on his throwing motion to release the ball higher and to get rid of a hitch in his arm motion, but accuracy has lacked in the previous scrimmages.

3) Can the offensive line buy time for the quarterbacks to throw? In the past several years, that answer has been a resounding "NO", but could this year be different?

4) Who is Ju-Ju Clayton? I know the answer is "our backup quarterback", but beyond that I don't know what he can do or what he's about. QB Coach Mike O'Cain is pretty excited about him, but we'll see what he brings to the table. I hope it's bbq ribs.

5) Will the defensive line create pressure on the QBs? With Jason Worilds out until the fall due to injury, and Orion Martin entering the NFL draft after his senior year, who will be the guy to step up and get in the face of Taylor and Clayton? My best prediction is that it will be a defensive tackle. I like Demetrius Taylor and Cordarrow Thompson to be a handful tomorrow.

So go put on your maroon and orange and get out to the game if you live anywhere semi-close to Blacksburg... it's going to be 80 degrees and sunny, with ticket prices being forecasted as $0.00. That's right, the game is free! So buy yourself a turkey leg and cheer on the Hokies... all of them, regardless of race, creed, or uniform color.

I love VT.