GO HOKIES!!!!!

[VPI97]

http://www.hokiesportsinfo.com/cheer/vt_logo.gif


YAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

[finkenst]

thanks for sharing. Do they have anybody not in jail this year?
:p

[VPI97]

thanks for sharing. Do they have anybody not in jail this year?
:pNope, all out on bail!!!


GO HOKIES!!!!!!!

[MizzouRah]

College football is on!!!!!!!!!!!


Todd

[finkenst]

Nope, all out on bail!!!


GO HOKIES!!!!!!!
my apologies, VPI97.

now that i've checked espn.com for the first time in a week, I agree.


Go Hokies.

[Tigercat]

I hope VT wins this game. As talented and well coached as USC is, I can do without anymore of the media Trojan lovefest for at least a few weeks. Geaux Hokies!

[Tigercat]

If Reggie Bush stays healthy, and USC is in the NC hunt at the end of the season, I think he has a great chance at the heisman. Hes one big time player.

[k0ruptr]

lol USC cannot handle randall.. if they dont wake up and play better against this option, hes gonna run for 200

[k0ruptr]

but then again, it would be nice if he could throw the ball.. just a little heh

[pennywisesb]

I hope VT wins this game. As talented and well coached as USC is, I can do without anymore of the media Trojan lovefest for at least a few weeks. Geaux Hokies!
USC, so hot right now. You have to admit, its nice that the west coast is finally getting some love. I'm so sick and tired of hearing about all the east coast football teams.

[mauchow]

Oh, man. What a play. Directs traffic, sails it over, and nice catch for a first down.

[mauchow]

10-7 Hokies

[Chief Rum]

I'm a noted West Coast sports fan at this board, but I'm always torn in games like this.

I think the West Coast reguarly gets put on second shelf by most media east of the Mississippi and sometimes closer, and fans out there don't respect Pac-10 football. I generally root for the Pac-10 in just about everything contest out of conference.

That said, I really, really, really, really, really hate the Trojans. :)

So you see my dilemma. :)

Go Hokies.

CR

[Blackadar]

Keep updating that score, please!

[Tigercat]

USC, so hot right now. You have to admit, its nice that the west coast is finally getting some love. I'm so sick and tired of hearing about all the east coast football teams.

Well I have to admit, even though I don't think the Pac-10 isn't the caliber of many of the other major conferences, they rarely have gotten the attention they fully deserved. Time diferences probably plays a big role in that. That being said, I still say USC has been well overhyped, they have some serious holes right now. Last years USC team would be putting this years VT team away by now. This years USC team has some serious question marks, even though they have loads of young talent and good coaching.

[Neuqua]

10-7 at halftime.

[VPI97]

Last years USC team would be putting this years VT team away by now.It's nice to see people will still sell us short after seeing this first half. By all accounts, this is the best defense we've had since '99 and Randall has improved by leaps and bounds with his scrambling ability. This is a very good team that has been disrespected by not starting the season ranked.

[DeToxRox]

USC has their own problems with the law .. Winston Justice comes to mind

[Ksyrup]

Anyone watching the Behind the Scenes coverage on ESPN 2? Fascinating stuff. Really. IMO, anyway.

I'm torn, because I've seen enough of the coverage that I'd rather watch the 2nd half on ESPN, but VT is on a 10-0 run since I switched to ESPN2.

[VPI97]

I'd rather watch the 2nd half on ESPN, but VT is on a 10-0 run since I switched to ESPN2.I'll give you 5 bucks to keep it on the deuce.

[Ksyrup]

We're in the same conference now, so you can keep the money and I'll call in a favor in the future.

[TroyF]

As of now, USC is looking like what everyone thinks the PAC 10 has been for years. Their defensive line is simply playing horribly right now. The announcers keep talking about play action. . . that's not even necessary right now.

If it weren't for the poor hands to the face penatly on VT, they might be up 10-14 right now.

USC will come out strong in the second half and I expect they'll have better play from the D-Line, but they'd better not make a stupid mistake or two and get behind by a couple of scores. I don't think they can win this game with only the passing game.

[Tigercat]

It's nice to see people will still sell us short after seeing this first half. By all accounts, this is the best defense we've had since '99 and Randall has improved by leaps and bounds with his scrambling ability. This is a very good team that has been disrespected by not starting the season ranked.

I meant no disrespect to VT. I just think this years USC team is a step down from last years, and this years VT team, while yes a good team, is a step down from last years VT team.

[vex]

Go Va Tech!!!

[Cringer]

I want TV back........ :(

[tucker342]

Go Va Tech!

Every time a team above Iowa loses, it brings Iowa closer to the NC game:D

[Chief Rum]

Well I have to admit, even though I don't think the Pac-10 isn't the caliber of many of the other major conferences, they rarely have gotten the attention they fully deserved.

Curious, not looking to start any bitter interconference debates, but is this just an opinion you have developed over the years for the reasons you state, or do you have actual on-field reasons for your belief the Pac-10 is a lesser conference than many other major conferences (actually, I might agree with you if you say which conferences you mean)?

I think the SEC is the most consistent top conference. I also think the Big Twelve is the conference that most consistently challenges the SEC. And it's hard to ignore the ACC right now.

But I would put the Pac-10 up against every conference but perhaps the SEC prior to this season, and maybe not against the Big 12 in one of their best seasons. I would certainly put the Pac 10 up as equals and often better than the Big Twelve when it's not on a high, the Big Ten every year (the Big Ten and Pac Ten, I think, are virtual equals in talent and ability, although their styles are so different), and better than the Big East and ACC through most of those conferences' history, although it should be noted I have high opinions of both of those conferences in the past couple years (also, I am talking last year's ACC, not this year's).

Sometimes I get the impression we're seen as barely better than the Mountain West (with all due respect to that conference), and that frustrates me as a Pac-10 fan. And most of the furstration for me derives from that I rarely see a good, cognizant and well-reasoned argument for why the Pac-10 should be or is so inferior to these other eastern conferences.

CR

[Blackadar]

score?

[Dr. Sak]

score?

10-7 VT 341 left in the 3rd

[GrantDawg]

Tigercat just did the biggest no-no in Chief's book.

[VPI97]

The refs are dictatiing the game now. If we lose, that pass interference sham will be the the reason why.


this years VT team, while yes a good team, is a step down from last years VT team.This years VT squad is far better than what we put out last year. We had bigger names last year (Jones, Hall, Wilford), butthey were surrounded by young guys...

[mauchow]

WIDE open! Touchdown USC

[GrantDawg]

USC just went up on a 53 yard pass.

[davidlando1]

14-10 USC 1:55 3rd quarter. I have to say, the momentum shifted on that offensive pass interference call.....

Edit: forgot about the extra point :D

[Dr. Sak]

14-10 USC with 155 to go in the 3rd. Long TD to Reggie Bush. That offensive PI call on VT was terrible.

[Eaglesfan27]

What a play!!!

[VPI97]

Give that seven points to the refs. We're getting hosed.

[mauchow]

Give that seven points to the refs. We're getting hosed.

It was a 50 yard TD pass. Prior to the play, yes, the refs... After them, it was VT's own(CB) fault they scored.

[Marmel]

There's the Hokies will have all come to know.

[Eaglesfan27]

I don't think it was the refs who blew that coverage on Bush :)

[GrantDawg]

I don't think it was the refs who blew that coverage on Bush :)
It wasn't Hall either. *ducks*

[Tigercat]

Curious, not looking to start any bitter interconference debates, but is this just an opinion you have developed over the years for the reasons you state, or do you have actual on-field reasons for your belief the Pac-10 is a lesser conference than many other major conferences (actually, I might agree with you if you say which conferences you mean)?

I think the SEC is the most consistent top conference. I also think the Big Twelve is the conference that most consistently challenges the SEC. And it's hard to ignore the ACC right now.

But I would put the Pac-10 up against every conference but perhaps the SEC prior to this season, and maybe not against the Big 12 in one of their best seasons. I would certainly put the Pac 10 up as equals and often better than the Big Twelve when it's not on a high, the Big Ten every year (the Big Ten and Pac Ten, I think, are virtual equals in talent and ability, although their styles are so different), and better than the Big East and ACC through most of those conferences' history, although it should be noted I have high opinions of both of those conferences in the past couple years (also, I am talking last year's ACC, not this year's).

Sometimes I get the impression we're seen as barely better than the Mountain West (with all due respect to that conference), and that frustrates me as a Pac-10 fan. And most of the furstration for me derives from that I rarely see a good, cognizant and well-reasoned argument for why the Pac-10 should be or is so inferior to these other eastern conferences.

CR


I wouldnt have it too far from your opinions. The SEC I would say is consistently better than the Pac-10. The new ACC would be better now, though the old ACC, baring the odd year, would almost always be behind the pac-10. Although I agree that talent wise the Big-10 and Pac-10 are normally pretty close to equals, I just think there are more teams over the years in the Big 10 that have been consistent winners. Probably due to the fact that the Big 10 has slightly better coaching top to bottom. The Big 12 is usually better than the Pac-10 I would think.

If the Pac-10 had better and more consistent coaching top to bottom, they could have been the second best conference over the last decade. Teams like Arizona and Washington and UCLA should just be consistently a lot better than they have been.

[timmynausea]

I guess nobody told the refs about how we're all supposed to be biased against west coast teams.

[davidlando1]

How good is Va Techs TE? He's made some really tough catches tonight.

[GrantDawg]

Ouch, USC scores. 20-13 pending extra point.

[Marmel]

As a rule of thumb, when a college player has a nickname, you cover him, with two guys if necessary.

[GrantDawg]

Reggie Bush catches his third. Good thing they don't have Williams.

[Dr. Sak]

I swear I am going to scream if Gottfried makes the Republican Convention and Reggie Bush comment again. Give it up. On a side note, is it just me or does he sound drunk?

[GrantDawg]

That should be all she wrote.

[VPI97]

Congrats to USC...they had the necessary talent and luck to win.

[Eaglesfan27]

The more talented team won. Good game by VT though.

[Tigercat]

Well I was cheering for VT, but at least I can take solice in the fact that VT lost the game that they scheduled after they broke their contract with LSU. All because they didn't want to go to Baton Rouge as part of the home and home.

I wonder how far Bush can carry the Trojans this year?

[pennywisesb]

I wonder how far Bush can carry the Trojans this year?
All the way baby!

[pennywisesb]

What a game, I'm glad SC's defense showed up in the second half. VT played a great game, but their D seemed to forget about Reggie Bush when it counted.

[Tigercat]

All the way baby!

Its possible, hes one talented bastard. A team with a D that can exploit the USC OL and a secondary scheme good enough to contain USC's few, but very powerfull, options may be able to stop USC. Don't know if there is a good enough D left on their schedule though. USC's offense will keep getting better as the season goes on.

[Eaglesfan27]

Leinart also had a very good game. If the receivers develop some, Bush keeps playing great, and defense plays up to it's ability (which they did in the second half) then USC can go all the way this year.

[MrBug708]

USC should be worried as VT isn't that great of a team

[Chief Rum]

Tigercat just did the biggest no-no in Chief's book.

I admit it hasn't been the best topic for me, but I have no reason to think Tigercat is being unreasonable in his opinions. I think it's something we can hopefully have a nice discussion about without deteriorating into conference bitching.


I wouldnt have it too far from your opinions. The SEC I would say is consistently better than the Pac-10. The new ACC would be better now, though the old ACC, baring the odd year, would almost always be behind the pac-10. Although I agree that talent wise the Big-10 and Pac-10 are normally pretty close to equals, I just think there are more teams over the years in the Big 10 that have been consistent winners. Probably due to the fact that the Big 10 has slightly better coaching top to bottom. The Big 12 is usually better than the Pac-10 I would think.

If the Pac-10 had better and more consistent coaching top to bottom, they could have been the second best conference over the last decade. Teams like Arizona and Washington and UCLA should just be consistently a lot better than they have been.

Personally, I think the SEC has been consistently underrated in recent years, after always being one of the top conferences back in the 80s and previous to that. The Big 12 especially has gotten a lot of attention recently that I think makes people forget a little about the top-to-bottom consistency of the SEC. It's not that the SEC always has the best teams, they just have the most consistent, IMO. They also have a ton of tradition and some great rivalries and they can be counted on to produce two or three powerhouse teams every year.

The ACC this year will be interesting to watch. Obviously, their new arrivals completely change the dynamic of football along the Atlantic coast. I'm happy to see you agree with me on the ACC of past seasons when compared to the Pac-10.

I agree on your theory of the Big Ten, too. They do seem more consistent. The same teams--Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State before its recent fall--always seemed on top, with solid upstarts like Wisconsin, Purdue and Iowa always just a shade behind. Carr, Tressel (and Cooper before him), Paterno, Alvarez, Ferentz (and Fry before him) and Tiller are examples of longstanding Big Ten coaches who are proven commodities.

The Pac-10 certainly lacks in that. USC went through a ton of coaches befor egetting Caroll. Washington went through the whole Neuheisel thing. UCLA dropped Toledo. Stanford lost Willingham, and Cal managed to get its coach fired every couple years for the past decade. Even Mike Price, a long time dean of Pac-10 football, finally left.

I do think that could be changing, though. Everyone and their mother loves Mike Stoops at Arizona and Jeff Tedford at Cal. Caroll is up there now with Sabian and the other Stoops as the best head coaches in the country. Bill Doba has made a strong transition from the Price era in Pullman. Current coaching deal Mike Bellotti remains the most underrated, consistent coach in Pac-10 football at Oregon, and Dirk Koetter is beginning to establish himself at ASU. Mike Riley is a proven coach at OSU.

If Stoops is as good as everyone says and Riley returns to his pre-San Diego Chargers form, coaching will look pretty solid here. The Pac-10 really does need Karl Dorrell and Keith Gilbertson to establish themselves, though. If they do, then in two years (assuming Carroll is still at USC), we might be talking about coaching consistency in this conference the way we are in the Big Ten.

I would generally agree that, on average, the Big 12 is usually better than the Pac-10, and their top teams can be really terrific. They are a proven big squad in that respect. Still, I would argue the quality differencebetween the two conferences isn't as wide, on an average basis, as some of our Big 12 posters would have it. I'm still disappointed they don't stand with us West Coasters to work against East Coast bias. :)

One thing I think you should consider, I think, is that the Pac-10 has just 10 teams. All of these other conferences have more than that, especially now that the ACC imported new squads. This means there are more squads to possibly finish among the big time, and the best of those conferences will, on average, tend to be better than in the Pac-10 based on sheer numbers.

Completely agree about UCLA, UDub and Arizona. These have been the traditional powers besides USC in this conference, and they need a return to form to get this conference back to where it should be. If they can do that while newer "pwers" like Wazzu, Oregon, Cal and OSU keep their level of competitiveness, this conference could be brutally-skilled. In fact, we have had that at a number of times recently--one reason the Pac-10 never ends up going anywhere is because we have such tremendous parity, always beating up on each other. Teams don't win through a Pac-10 schedule like they do in many of the other major conferences. Even USC last year didn't succeed in doing it, and they earned a national champ share.

I think it's a down year for us this season unfortunately. This is sort of a rebuilding year, I think, for many teams. Next year, the conference could really be something, though.

CR

[MrBug708]

Just waiting to get Urban Meyer or Steve Spurrier at UCLA

[cthomer5000]

Spurrier is probably going to be mentioned at a million schools this year.

[ISiddiqui]

Damn... it seems like y'all missed the BEST part of the game. That was the "Behind the Scenes" thing they did on ESPN2 about the game. Basically they showed the game live, but along with what was going on with the producer, director, sideline reporters, etc, as the play was on going. It was freaking awesome... Hell, even though it was a close game, I watched most of it as 1/4th of the total TV size because I was paying attention to the producer and director yelling instructions about which camera to use and yelling to announcers telling them to say things.

[Chief Rum]

Damn... it seems like y'all missed the BEST part of the game. That was the "Behind the Scenes" thing they did on ESPN2 about the game. Basically they showed the game live, but along with what was going on with the producer, director, sideline reporters, etc, as the play was on going. It was freaking awesome... Hell, even though it was a close game, I watched most of it as 1/4th of the total TV size because I was paying attention to the producer and director yelling instructions about which camera to use and yelling to announcers telling them to say things.

Yeah, Ksyrup mentioned before. I watched it for a bit, and thought it was pretty neat, too.

CR

[Noop]

Reggie Bush = The Truth. He is their best player all around.
LeDale White = Best Runningback. This kid is going to be a Top-10 pick for the pro's...

With that being said Virgina Tech got screwed by those SEC refs plain and simple. USC I don't think is going to run thru the Pac-10 anymore because Washington State, Oregon and Oregon State could upset them. But great game game that got my blood pumped for next week.

[Chief Rum]

Reggie Bush = The Truth. He is their best player all around.
LeDale White = Best Runningback. This kid is going to be a Top-10 pick for the pro's...

With that being said Virgina Tech got screwed by those SEC refs plain and simple. USC I don't think is going to run thru the Pac-10 anymore because Washington State, Oregon and Oregon State could upset them. But great game game that got my blood pumped for next week.

Oregon doesn't play USC this year, and Wazzu and OSU are less likely to upset them than Cal, I think. Wazzu lost a lot to graduation, and so did OSU, plus they lost Erickson.

That said, I generally agree with the thinking they may fall sometime in their Pac-10 schedule (hopefully December 4).

CR

[Cuckoo]

USC really picked it up in the second half. In the first half, they did not look like a national champion team at all, even though it's the first game of the year. I do think VT got screwed on some calls, but overall, they played a nice game and looked much better than I thought they were.

As for USC's schedule, it looks pretty weak to me. The Pac-10 is weaker this year than it has been in the past, and with the exception of Cal, USC shouldn't have that much trouble. They're shakier than I thought they'd be, though, with several question marks they'll have to address to go undefeated.

[MrBug708]

PAC-10 is stronger than it was last year

[Cuckoo]

PAC-10 is stronger than it was last year

I don't really follow the Pac-10 much so this very well may be true, but wouldn't you also say that it's weaker than a few years back when Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, Washington State, and UCLA were all legitimate top 25 or just out of the polls type teams?

[The_herd]

Could ESPN run the George W./Reggie Bush thing any further into the ground?

[MrBug708]

I don't really follow the Pac-10 much so this very well may be true, but wouldn't you also say that it's weaker than a few years back when Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, Washington State, and UCLA were all legitimate top 25 or just out of the polls type teams?

Indeed, but the PAC-10, as a whole, was probably the weakest last year as it had been in years. Most teams were very young, with the exception being USC and WSU.

[SunDevil]

"Could ESPN run the George W./Reggie Bush thing any further into the ground?"

Your forgetting about ABC and the broadcasts of the Trojans on Saturday's......

[ISiddiqui]

USC really picked it up in the second half. In the first half, they did not look like a national champion team at all, even though it's the first game of the year.

True dat. In the 2nd half it was almost like they said screw throwing to these recievers and let's just through to Bush. Man, those recievers were aweful. They'll miss Williams more than I thought they would!