This week, The Chronicle’s Daniel Carp spoke to The Collegiate Times' Sports Editor Jacob Emert about this weekend’s contest between Duke and Virginia Tech.
The Chronicle: We all remember what happened last year when Duke went up to Virginia Tech. The Blue Devils jumped out to a 20-0 first quarter lead before the Hokies stormed back and scored 41 unanswered points. How is that game sticking in Virginia Tech's mind heading into this week's game?
Jacob Emert: Last year was a rough year for Virginia Tech, obviously, and I think last year they had that attitude that they were going to walk into a game and just walk all over teams. That game, in particular, I know they were down 20-0 and things just kind of shifted. This year they know that nothing is going to be handed to them, per se, so they are going in with a chip on their shoulder attitude. Even though they're now ranked 14th in the BCS, they still don't think they're getting the attention they deserve because of games like that last year, because of games where they didn't live up to expectations. So now they're going into games with the attitude that they need to fight for each win, rather than just be handed it.
TC: After a loss to Alabama in the season-opener, the Hokies have been on an absolute roll. How do you assess this team's confidence?
JE: It's a tale of two stories, really. The Virginia Tech defense, no matter what year with Bud Foster, is always going to be confident. They knew going in that they would have the ability to do some of the stuff they've been doing—top five in the country in all these defensive categories. The offense is there too. Logan Thomas last week said that he knew when they brought in Scot Loeffler—the new offensive coordinator—and a couple of the new coaches, it wasn't going to be the kind of thing that just clicked right away. They knew it was going to take time. So the fact that the defense has been able to keep them going and give them that learning curve, the defense has provided the offense with a little bit of shelter.
TC: When you look at this Virginia Tech defense, what is it about them that makes them so good?
JE: I think it is both the scheme, the athletes. Jack Tyler, the middle linebacker, was talking about how Bud Foster is the best defensive coordinator in the country because he has the ability to change his system. He can adjust on the fly. When Virginia Tech played East Carolina the Pirates marched down the field and scored a touchdown on the first drive and they didn't find the end zone again. They just have talent at every position, whether it's the defensive line, the linebackers or the secondary, everybody is doing their job and trusts that Foster will put them in the right spot, so they're not trying to do too much.
TC: Last week, Duke did something similar to Virginia that Virginia Tech did to the Blue Devils last season. Have the Hokies acknowledged that growth?
JE: Whether it was the Duke-Virginia Tech game last year or the Duke-Virginia game this year, I don't know if the team is directly acknowledging that as much as the fact that they realize that it is always a dog fight. The thing with this offense is, they are not going to be up 25 points on anybody. They're fighting for each win rather than cruising to each win.
TC: Finally, give me a score prediction for Saturday's game.
JE: I'd say Virginia Tech wins 24-10. I think they're playing well right now. I think the offense is coming together and the defense is playing at a level that will help them control the game.
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