Final Hokie Scrimmage Shows Adjustments Still To Be Made
by Neal Turnage
August 26, 2006

In the third and final scrimmage of the preseason, the Virginia Tech football team looked exactly like it did going into the fall practice.  The defense was stout, special teams made a big play and the offense looked like it still needs tweaking.  Thank goodness for Northeastern.

The offense looked sluggish for most of the time, but who could blame them?  The effects of Monday’s manhunt, the built-in stress of the first week of class and the 90-degree heat combined would be enough to make anyone lose a step or two.

“It was kind of dragging,” said Coach Beamer of the offense. “I didn’t feel the tempo. 
Maybe it’s just the time of year here. But next week is game week.  We’ve got to look at this, make decisions and crank it up on Monday.”

Not to mention they were up against Bud Foster’s defense.  Four different players, Brenden Hill, Kam Chancellor, Jake Patten and Purnell Sturdivant, intercepted passes with Sturdivant’s going 45 yards for a touchdown.  Nekos Brown forced a fumble that was recovered by Jonas Houseright.

"Going against our defense is hard, too,” noted Beamer. “We're moving around and we've got some good players on that side of the ball and they can make you look bad. You can be a good player and look bad. I think we've made progress on offense, but we've still got to keep working."

Brett Warren finished with nine tackles on the day, leading all defenders.  Sturdivant had six tackles, while Houseright and William Wall both had five.  Noland Burchette turned in 1.5 sacks.

Linebacker Vince Hall felt that the defense’s relentless pressure would benefit the offense on game days.  “We’re trying to bring them up to the level of competition they’ll see this year.  Every offense goes through its ups and downs. We just know that when we put forth our best effort, we’re going to bring them up to our level.”

He also acknowledged that there still is room for defensive improvement.  “We feel pretty good right now, but Coach Foster says to never be satisfied with what you do out there.  They ended up scoring on us on the goal line so I know (the coaches) are going to say something about that.”

Starting quarterback Sean Glennon was solid but unspectacular, turning in an 18-of-32 passing performance for 189 yards.  He hooked up with Eddie Royal for a 12-yard touchdown pass but also threw one pick.

The battle for the number two spot at quarterback may have been inadvertently decided when Cory Holt banged his throwing hand hard on a teammate’s helmet.  X-rays were negative and he will not miss much practice time, but the resulting bruise may affect his ability to grip the ball comfortably.

Holt was 2-of-7 for 11 yards passing with one interception.  Ike Whitaker also struggled, going 6-of-11 for 25 yards with two interceptions.  Despite their struggles, Beamer was optimistic of his two backups’ abilities.

“Ike just makes some things happen. We’re going take a look at that.  And Cory, thank goodness it’s not broken but he’s probably going to be out for a while.”

Beamer did rule out the possibility of moving Greg Boone from tight end back to his original position as a quarterback. “He’s got a future and can really help this team at tight end.”

Josh Hyman led all receivers with four catches for 44 yards, while Royal, Branden Ore and Josh Morgan caught three each. Elan Lewis led the Hokies in rushing with 26 yards on seven carries with a 5-yard touchdown against the first-team defense. Ore rushed six times for 24 yards.

Brandon Pace kicked field goals of 23, 22 and 51 yards and Jared Davelli booted one through from 36 yards out.

Chancellor, a true freshman, is quickly making a name for himself. Not only did he intercept a pass, but he also managed to break through and block a Nic Schmitt punt.  He blocked one in the Thursday practice as well.

“He doesn’t play like a freshman,” said Beamer.  “He’s mature; he’s got football sense.  I kinda like that guy.”

When asked if he was leaning towards putting Chancellor on the field for more than just special teams, Beamer replied, “I’d say it’s a heavy lean.  We need to be good right now.  Guys who can play are going to be out here next Saturday.”

Holt was not the only Hokie to suffer an injury in the scrimmage.  Starting guard Ryan Shuman injured his right wrist.  Head trainer Mike Goforth said X-rays showed a very slight fracture but no playing time will be lost.  He said Shuman would likely wear a cast during practice as a precaution.

The next task for the team will be to review the film of today’s practice, finalize the depth charts and begin game-week preparations for the opener against the Div I-AA Northeastern Huskies Sept. 2.

The kickoff for Saturday’s game in Lane Stadium is set for 1:30 pm.  The game can be seen live on the web through ESPN360 or heard on the ISP Radio Network.