Instant overreaction!!

[Coastal Gamecock]

1. VT, w 30 portal players, is much better than last year, especially defense
2 Offense looked sloppy, and maybe intentionally simple to open season
3. Our D is freaking FAST, but left a lot open on coverage
4. We have a handful of elite athletes who can take over games
5. Overall a great but sloppy win over a team I think is gonna turn out to be an above average ACC team

 

[The Reel Ess]

1. VT, w 30 portal players, is much better than last year, especially defense
2 Offense looked sloppy, and maybe intentionally simple to open season
3. Our D is freaking FAST, but left a lot open on coverage
4. We have a handful of elite athletes who can take over games
5. Overall a great but sloppy win over a team I think is gonna turn out to be an above average ACC team

I would call that a very level-headed reaction, especially #3. It was a must win and they won and covered. I would add that our OL is not good. A special guy at QB is what we feature.

 

[ScWildthing61]

O-line needs to get it together and fast! Or Sellers isn't gonna make it thru the season.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Agree on #3. I don't want to say we were lucky b/c it's part of the game, but VaTech had quite a few open receivers that either dropped the ball or the QB just missed. Better teams will hit those plays.

Sellers was uneven, but flashed what he can do with some very impressive plays. Considering how he started Game 1 last year and how he progressed, hopefully he makes the same kind of progression this year from a much better starting point.

 

[The Reel Ess]

Agree on #3. I don't want to say we were lucky b/c it's part of the game, but VaTech had quite a few open receivers that either dropped the ball or the QB just missed. Better teams will hit those plays.

Sellers was uneven, but flashed what he can do with some very impressive plays. Considering how he started Game 1 last year and how he progressed, hopefully he makes the same kind of progression this year from a much better starting point.

Defenses' fear of a special QB can make the difference for our OL and run game. But the OC needs to be measured and balanced with his play calling.

 

[18IsTheMan]

The middle of the game was obviously very frustrating, bookended by some dynamic plays to start and finish the game. However, last year we struggled mightily and very nearly lost to a bad Sunbelt team. This year we struggled for a good bit of the game and won by two scores against a team from the ACC, so we’re starting off from a better spot this year anyway.

We will definitely have to play better, but Beamer’s teams have shown they can improve as the year goes on.

 

[adcoop]

I would call that a very level-headed reaction, especially #3. It was a must win and they won and covered. I would add that our OL is not good. A special guy at QB is what we feature.

Judge was out most of the game and we had sort of a revolving door at Boundary Corner. Even True Freshman DeMarcus Lesvh got a few snaps there. I thought Cisse was good. There receivers just made a couple great catches on him. He was in Phase pretty much all game. With that said, thought the secondary had the weakest game of all the defensive units. Defensive Tackles and Linebsckers were surprisingly sound. Really excited about JayR and Justin O. They were flying all over the field. JayR got to excited trying to run that pick out. That set up the safety , but you have to expect some errors from a guy in his 1st start.

 

[Gamecock Jacque]

The first 15 scripted plays went very well. Then they kind of had nothing. The post to Harbor was a good call.

 

[treyno2722]

Unfortunately, our O-line is not good. The scripted plays on the first drive went great. It looks like we are going to have to use the dink and dunk method which isn't a bad thing, doesn't the NFL do it? I just don't think LaNorris will have enough time to be a drop back passer. I say use the crap out of our TE's. Overall a pull away win against a physical ACC team.

 

[gamecock stock]

Unfortunately, our O-line is not good. The scripted plays on the first drive went great. It looks like we are going to have to use the dink and dunk method which isn't a bad thing, doesn't the NFL do it? I just don't think LaNorris will have enough time to be a drop back passer. I say use the crap out of our TE's. Overall a pull away win against a physical ACC team.

We have ranked 120th+ in sacks allowed in each of the previous 2 seasons. We allowed 4 sacks last night. The more things change, the more they stay the same. What do we teach these guys in practice? I don't get it. Could they protect Sellers against a line of grandmas? I'm not sure Sellers would get through unscathed in such a game. I looked over at Tigernet to see their reaction to our win. Someone commented that Sellers would not get through the season without injury. I think we saw what happened when Sellers went down against LSU last season.

 

[gamecock stock]

I've said this before and I'll say it again: Clayton White is one of the best Defensive Coordinators in the nation.

 

[Thunderstick]

O-line needs to get it together and fast!

This is a recurring theme (for decades).

 

[Uscg1984]

Agree on #3. I don't want to say we were lucky b/c it's part of the game, but VaTech had quite a few open receivers that either dropped the ball or the QB just missed. Better teams will hit those plays.

That is true, but those same receivers made a couple of circus catches that were well defended. I think it mostly evened out.

 

[Harvard Gamecock]

Agree with all with the exception of # 1.

VT is a lower tiered ACC team projected to finish 11th in the league.
A nice win in a neutral setting, but VT won't be near the test as the rest of schedule.

 

[Cackmandu]

Agree with all with the exception of # 1.

VT is a lower tiered ACC team projected to finish 11th in the league.
A nice win in a neutral setting, but VT won't be near the test as the rest of schedule.

It will be interesting to see what they do with Vandy!

 

[Tngamecock]

Lol….this thread should just be preserved for all opening games. After Old Dominion last year you would have thought we would never win another game.

 

[Tngamecock]

Agree with all with the exception of # 1.

VT is a lower tiered ACC team projected to finish 11th in the league.
A nice win in a neutral setting, but VT won't be near the test as the rest of schedule.

Lower tier projected…..that’s why games are played. And we were going to be last in basketball year before last and Bama was going to demolish FSU. VaTech is a different team this year. Like Holtz said….u bring a different team to the field every week.

 

[kidrobinski]

Va Tech wasn’t bad at all; pretty stout in several areas. Their qb choked down the stretch.

 

[Harvard Gamecock]

Lower tier projected…..that’s why games are played. And we were going to be last in basketball year before last and Bana was going to demolish FSU. VaTech is a different team this year. Like Holtz said….u bring a different team to the field every week.

You're attempting to elevate VT to a level to meet your own agenda. VT is just not that good of a squad, and before the game most on here
had them labeled as lower level and we would/should handle them easily. Now inexplicabley they are a pretty decent opponent ?

Not buying it, not buying it at all.

(We took care of business, let's leave it at that and move on)

 

[kidrobinski]

You're attempting to elevate VT to a level to meet your own agenda. VT is just not that good of a squad, and before the game most on here
had them labeled as lower level and we would/should handle them easily. Now inexplicabley they are a pretty decent opponent ?

Not buying it, not buying it at all.

(We took care of business, let's leave it at that and move on)

‘Most on here’ are not exactly pro level analysts. I agree with TN.

 

[LonesomeRooster]

Someone mentioned scripted plays. Does that mean we are not very good without a script? That concerns me.

 

[Harvard Gamecock]

‘Most on here’ are not exactly pro level analysts. I agree with TN.

This same argument can be applied to the "VT is a different team this year"

As I said earlier "We took care of business" Be happy with that and let's move on

 

[PrestonyteParrot]

Positives
No TO's
No TD's given up - Defensive front 7 looks good but defensive backfield needs work
LS has carried over from the end of last year
Harbor has improved
Dink pass to the TE - run it until they stop it!
Special Teams

Negatives
OL is very weak in the middle which limits LS from throwing deeper passes - need to throw deep to Harbor more often
Offensive play calling needs some innovation - excluding 1st drive. Can't be predictable and easy to game plan for.
Defensive backfield needs to learn to play the ball - they were in position for the most part, but putting a hand on the ball is a must!

 

[Freddie.B.Cocky]

O-line needs to get it together and fast! Or Sellers isn't gonna make it thru the season.

Can't fix an O-line in one season. We are going to have to live with what we have.

 

[Go Gamecocks]

The first 15 scripted plays went very well.

Gotta stay vanilla. Can't let UGA see what we got.

 

[HI Cock1]

Agree on #3. I don't want to say we were lucky b/c it's part of the game, but VaTech had quite a few open receivers that either dropped the ball or the QB just missed. Better teams will hit those plays.

Sellers was uneven, but flashed what he can do with some very impressive plays. Considering how he started Game 1 last year and how he progressed, hopefully he makes the same kind of progression this year from a much better starting point.

He flashed everything we saw last year with his legs. One super pass to Harbor that was all about elite speed. The two overthrows that Sellers had under pressure are a major cause for concern. That was his problem last year, and they cost us several interceptions. We were fortunate tonight that they fell to the turf.

 

[Cockofdawn]

That is true, but those same receivers made a couple of circus catches that were well defended. I think it mostly evened out.

Agreed a couple of those long balls were exceptional catches. I do think VT will be in top 6 of the A-sh-she. They have a good defense and amazing receivers.

 

[gamecox4982]

Sellers would be better if moved out of the pocket

 

[18IsTheMan]

That is true, but those same receivers made a couple of circus catches that were well defended. I think it mostly evened out.

True

 

[USCEE82]

Sellers would be better if moved out of the pocket

What pocket? Pocket implies some form of protection.

 

[sclawman77]

Can't fix an O-line in one season. We are going to have to live with what we have.

Hoping Sarratt gives us improvement at left guard when he is able to play but we shall see.

 

[The Reel Ess]

Judge was out most of the game and we had sort of a revolving door at Boundary Corner. Even True Freshman DeMarcus Lesvh got a few snaps there. I thought Cisse was good. There receivers just made a couple great catches on him. He was in Phase pretty much all game. With that said, thought the secondary had the weakest game of all the defensive units. Defensive Tackles and Linebsckers were surprisingly sound. Really excited about JayR and Justin O. They were flying all over the field. JayR got to excited trying to run that pick out. That set up the safety , but you have to expect some errors from a guy in his 1st start.

They showed our DL who was 320+ that just broke through a double team and crushed the runner. He quietly lined up for the next play. Since the transfer portal I haven't bothered to learn the entire roster every spring. But that's something we haven't seen much here.

 

[Tngamecock]

You're attempting to elevate VT to a level to meet your own agenda. VT is just not that good of a squad, and before the game most on here
had them labeled as lower level and we would/should handle them easily. Now inexplicabley they are a pretty decent opponent ?

Not buying it, not buying it at all.

(We took care of business, let's leave it at that and move on)

Not elevating anyone to anything…..it’s simple truth. You’re putting more faith in talking head polls with agendas. Espn has an agenda. Tx is #1, Arch is Heisman favorite. Bama is #8, etc. The media has wanted Miami to be relevant again for 15 years. They rank them high and watch them slide out by season’s end. This year they may have gotten it right.

So everyone panic all you want. The line was 7.5, we won by 13. It wasn’t Old Dominion…I am excited about this season. Call me crazy….

Lastly, be leary of the term “most peope” or expert

 

[18IsTheMan]

You're attempting to elevate VT to a level to meet your own agenda. VT is just not that good of a squad, and before the game most on here
had them labeled as lower level and we would/should handle them easily. Now inexplicabley they are a pretty decent opponent ?

Not buying it, not buying it at all.

(We took care of business, let's leave it at that and move on)

Not elevating anyone to anything…..it’s simple truth. You’re putting more faith in talking head polls with agendas. Espn has an agenda. Tx is #1, Arch is Heisman favorite. Bama is #8, etc. The media has wanted Miami to be relevant again for 15 years. They rank them high and watch them slide out by season’s end. This year they may have gotten it right.

So everyone panic all you want. The line was 7.5, we won by 13. It wasn’t Old Dominion…I am excited about this season. Call me crazy….

Lastly, be leary of the term “most peope” or expert

It's just too hard to tell at this point. Is FSU THAT good or is Bama THAT bad? Is Arch THAT bad or is OSU's D just THAT good? Are we not that good or is VaTech improved? The answers will shake out over the coming weeks.

I think VaTech looked fairly decent. Their QB looked pretty good. We did not seem to play particularly well on offense for much of the game but the D played pretty well throughout, a lot of bend but don't break. Only allowed 3 FGs on the game.

We didn't look like a playoff team, for most of the game, but looking around college football, there weren't a lot of dominant performances by teams who weren't playing creampuffs. All things considered, we looked rusty and have plenty to improve on, but we won by 13 points on a neutral field.

 

[Lurker123]

It's just too hard to tell at this point. Is FSU THAT good or is Bama THAT bad? Is Arch THAT bad or is OSU's D just THAT good? Are we not that good or is VaTech improved? The answers will shake out over the coming weeks.

Let's be honest, it doesn't really matter. They could be 0-6 or 5-1 mid season and no one on this board is going to care.

I will say, that last year when Vandy beat them, it was supposed to be a win over an ACC frontrunner. And VT ended 6-6, then lost a bowl to finish with a losing record.

 

[cockyferg]

Va Tech wasn’t bad at all; pretty stout in several areas. Their qb choked down the stretch.

THey dropped several first down passes that could have really hurt us. We didn't look that great in the secondary. We will get torched by LSU.

 

[18IsTheMan]

THey dropped several first down passes that could have really hurt us. We didn't look that great in the secondary. We will get torched by LSU.

That part was concerning to me. Granted, drops and overthrows are part of the game, but VaTech had receivers getting very open pretty regularly. A very good QB would have torched us. Thankfully, that flaw in our game was exposed in a win. I hope it something fixable and not a fatal flaw that comes to rear its ugly head against better teams.

 

[92Pony]

It will be interesting to see what they do with Vandy!

I bet Vandy smokes them.

 

[Cockofdawn]

I bet Vandy smokes them.

I think not. I know the Vandy QB is good, but i think VT has more than Vandy..

 

[will110]

You're attempting to elevate VT to a level to meet your own agenda. VT is just not that good of a squad, and before the game most on here
had them labeled as lower level and we would/should handle them easily. Now inexplicabley they are a pretty decent opponent ?

Not buying it, not buying it at all.

(We took care of business, let's leave it at that and move on)

I think it's too early to have any idea how good or bad VT is.

Before Saturday, did anyone think FSU was any good? Did anyone think Alabama was bad?

Week one in the portal era is the first data point, there's a long way to go and teams will change significantly as the season progresses.