Designated for Assignment

Piling it on: Virginia Tech 42, Virginia 13 (FINAL)

2009-11-28T23:34:02Z

The Hokies have continued their dominance in this so-called “rivalry.“ It’s sad that the series is so lopsided, but it will not change anytime soon. ... It must stink to be a senior on this Virginia squad. Outside of the 9-win Gator Bowl season in 2007, there is little to remember when they are older. ... Jameel Sewell just fumbled with 1:45 left, wrapping up the game.

Heading for the exits: Virginia Tech 35, Virginia 13 (4th Qtr)

2009-11-28T23:18:34Z

The Hokies got creative on the last score, fumbling into the end zone. That kept Ryan Williams from scoring his fifth touchdown of the day. ... The question now is how long will Virginia take in announcing that it is searching for another heaqd coach? Sunday? Monday after 5 p.m. so the phones don’t ring? That is the UVa way. I know there will be a ton of reporters hitting refresh on their e-mail until a release is made. ... Also, what will the release say? Did Groh step down, get fired, retire or quit. For $4 million I wouldn’t care, but Groh has pride and may force Virginia to “fire” him.

The final minutes of an era: Virginia Tech 28, Virginia 13 (4th Qtr)

2009-11-28T23:05:06Z

The hokies went to the ground in the third quarter, pounding out 71 yards on just five carries. Virginia knew what was coming and still couldn’t stop it. Sad, but expected after watching a season of this. ... The Cavaliers managed just two first downs in the third quarter and 39 yards. ... The fourth touchdown for Virginia Tech was scored by Ryan Williams. I can just copy and paste that. He has four touchdowns, a feat that he accomplished last week as well. Can a rookie be ACC Player of the Year? Williams is trying.

Fumble fever: Virginia Tech 21 , Virginia 13 (3rd Qtr)

2009-11-28T22:38:39Z

It was an early Christmas present to Virginia Tech from Simpson. The ball was a tad behind him, but catchable and bounced through his hands and off his facemask. For Simpson’s sake, you can hope he has one more play today. If not, he may be forced to look back to that play as the last of his career. ... Virginia Tech scored with ease as Ryan Williams rumbled into the end zone for his third TD of the day. ... At least one coaching candidate is at the stadium today. Bud Foster, Virginia Tech’s defensive coordinator, will likely not get an interview, but would be my selection. Virginia fans would look good in camo and overalls. Plus, it would hurt the Hokies. Is that not important?

Control the clock: Virginia Tech 14, Virginia 13 (3rd Qtr)

2009-11-28T22:22:34Z

Virginia had the ball 18:42 in the first half. The Cavaliers ran 36 plays and gained 200 yards. Virginia Tech ran only 22 plays, but managed 221 yards. Most of that came through the air as Tyrod Taylor passed for 143 yards. Danny Coale, a Hokie wideout, caught three passes for 93 yards. ... Both teams were forced to punt on their first possession of the second half. ... How about Mike London? Yes, Richmond won its first playoff game today. The Spiders beat Elon 16-13 to advance in the I-AA playoffs. It couldn’t happen to nicer coach.

The art of icing your own kicker: Virginia Tech 14, Virginia 13 (Halftime)

2009-11-28T21:48:03Z

The scoring drive covered 10 plays and 53 yards. Better yet for Virginia, the drive wasted 5:45 off the clock. Virginia Tech was only given 40 seconds to answer. That was not enough time, despite a stupid penalty on defensive end Nate Collins for roughing Tyrod Taylor that gave the Hokies one extra play after the clock showed zeroes. . ... Rumor has it that cupcakes will be passed out in the press box at halftime. That got my attention. ...

Wide right: Virginia Tech 14, Virginia 10 (2nd Qtr)

2009-11-28T21:40:12Z

But close only counts in ... well, you get the point. ... By the way, where are the trick plays. Did Virginia lose that page in the playbook? ... Virginia Tech must feel good knowing the passing attack will work with ease against the Cavaliers’ shady secondary today Ras-I Dowling has now been beaten three times for deep throws. That’s not like Dowling. ... So far, Bruce Smith has not been honored. There is still time for that. .

Off to the races: Virginia Tech 14, Virginia 10 (2nd Qtr)

2009-11-28T21:25:25Z

I knew Williams was good. I didn’t know he had the burst that he showcased. I guess I needed to see it in person. It is odd to watch the difference in how Virginia’s tailbacks run and how those from other schools attack and run with authority. ... The Hokies’ scoring drive covered 46 yards in just four plays. It started with great field position because the Cavaliers are awful on covering punts. Where have we heard that? It is the 12th game and they still can’t tackle on special teams. ... Virginia just punted again. The Hokies have 8:38 to add to their lead. They may do it twice at this rate.

Here comes the Hoo-Cat formation: Virginia 10, Virginia Tech 7 (1st Qtr)

2009-11-28T21:03:16Z

Virginia had its drive stall at the 16-yard line when Jameel Sewell overthrew Kris Burd in the right corner of the end zone. That set up a 33-yard field goal by Robert Randolph. The youngster pushed it through from the left hask mark. The walk-on is now 16 for 17 on the season on field goals. Not bad for a guy that is not good enough to kick PAT attempts. ... Sewell has 91 yards rushing already and we are still in the first quarter.

Answering the call: Virginia 7, Virginia Tech 7 (1st Qtr)

2009-11-28T20:57:00Z

It appears that Virginia Tech wants to go after cornerback Ras-I Dowling. It worked. Dowling was toasted twice on deep passes. ... What’s the deal with shaking your keys on big plays? It seems rather Hokie. Plus, it drives me bonkers.

Simply Sewell: Virginia 7, Virginia Tech 0 (1st Qtr)

2009-11-28T20:50:26Z

The drive covered 10 plays and 73 yards and took just over five minutes. In addition to several rushing attempts for Sewell, fullback Rashawn Jackson and wideout Vic Hall got into the mix. ... The stadium is packed today, but it would appear that half of those hear are wearing maroon. At least Virginia will get some of the money back it will lose to buyout Coach Groh tomorrow.

It’s all over but the crying: Clemson 34, Virginia 21 (FINAL)

2009-11-21T23:26:03Z

Virginia tried harder than I expected, but Clemson is that much faster and stronger. That is why they will be playing next month. ... It is interesting that Virginia’s players really could block out the Groh Must Go or Groh Is Gone talk and still play for 60 minutes. One would think that it would wear on a 20-year-old kid. That’s a lot of pressure and Groh did, in fact, give the young men a free education.

First down is found: Clemson 34, Virginia 21 (4th Qtr.)

2009-11-21T23:17:24Z

Sewell may have moved into third place all-time in passing yardage. Not bad. ... Vic Hall saw some snaps in the Wildcat Formation. It was not that effective, but I would have loved to have seen that for one play against Maryland or Miami. Just one play.

In search of a first down: Clemson 34, Virginia 21

2009-11-21T23:10:48Z

In the third quarter alone, Virginia managed just 16 yards on its seven plays. Wow. Blame it on the injury to Mikell Simpson or the decision to play Perry Jones and not Rashawn Jackson, but a blind squirrel can find a first down in 20 minutes against Clemson. ... There was an amazing ceremony at halftime to honor veterans from the various wars. The former soliders (and some active) were allowed to walk onto the field in groups. It was moving. Clemson does so many things wrong, but that was stellar. ...

Wireless works, UVa does not: Clemson 34, Virginia 21 (4th Qtr)

2009-11-21T22:45:38Z

Clemson, the ACC Atlantic Division Champ, has more speed than any team that I have seen this season. That’s saying a lot after watching Southern Miss, TCU and North Carolina. I am actually excited to watch the Tigers play Georgia Tech for a spot in the Orange Bowl. ... Virginia tailback Mikell Simpson, after a stellar first half, has not played this half. He has a large ice pack on his right knee/thigh and looks doubtful to return. To think, I was looking forward to talking to him after the game. That looks doubtful, too.