ACC Opponent Preview

0:45 Welcome back to the boundary Corner podcast. I am Curtis Wilson. I'm Brian seagull buddy. What's up Wednesday night? Hump day. Yes sir. Yes sir. Wednesday night, man. We well, you've made it to the middle of the week. I haven't been working this week on a paternity leave is my wonderful wife. Heads back to work for this school year. Ha, ha. So, but let me just say, taking care of a five month year old five-month-old is Just as morgue if not more work than my usual job. So I'll say that man, I hear you buddy. And in buddy, we have an absolute treat tonight, man.

1:29 Brett ciancia from pick six, previews joins us. All right, bring your bread on now. Bret, how, how are you doing this evening? Hey, Brian Curtis, yeah, thanks for having me on. It's the best time of year right now. Everyone's undefeated optimism is running high and I'm excited to break down the 2021 season for you. Yeah, we're probably more optimistic right now. That will be at any point of the Season, especially kind of how last season shook out for us. And, you know, some of the attrition we've had here and there. So, you know, we're Feeling as good as we will probably feel. But let's see how this goes man. Before we go like into anything.

2:12 With the previews though wanted to talk a little bit about pick six previews and what this is all about and kind of how you got into this. So, like the big question I have is like, I know that, you know, there's been long established Publications, like, Athlon Lindy's feel steel, you got to got into this game in 2012. What was it like, kind of Into that space. That's kind of the underdog. And now, you know, having your publication being the most accurate in terms of the power 5 level. Yeah, absolutely. Well back in 2012, I launched pick six, previews, with my former co founder, Mike the y z it and our claim to fame right away was that we won the accuracy title in 2012. R power 5 predictions were created the most accurate in the country that year, according to Stats and.com, who's great at all.

3:01 These Publications for decades. So it was a one-year Wonder, but then we backed it up again in 13 and again, in 14, and here we are. Now it's my 10th straight year doing it. The first nine have been graded. Number one over that time frame. So, you know, in this is a one-man operation now. So it's just me going up against the big companies, the Legacy Brands, like Athlon, Sports Illustrated and Lindy's and fill steel so to be able to go toe-to-toe with them and beat them all and accuracy is that's been the claim to fame but of course, it really grew through. That's kind of the perfect medium for me to get across my Graphics, my information, my stats, and my opinions.

3:43 And it really has grown organically so it's been a great movement over on Twitter for years now. So and then and lastly, I took it one step further put together a full book. You know, instant download PDF about 200 pages long in 2019 was the first time put that together and sold it. And that book kind of made the Rounds Around the media circles and I was invited to become a high. One voter in 2019. So the ultimate honor there and, you know, it's a, it's an honor. So, here we are now the 10th year and I'll say that. It's definitely the hardest of all 10 having to go through the inconsistencies of 2020. You know, some teams played 4 games, some played 12, you had opt-outs, you had transfers, you had quarantines as you guys know of Genentech, just a lot of quarantine time where certain rosters are hit worse than others at certain times. And then of course, 21 brings this transfer portal. Boom or The rosters are all strictly shook up like never before.

4:41 So this was the hardest one ever. But and real quick though what makes mine a little bit different than the ones you see on news stands as I think balance. I really try and strike a balance between my numbers. I have all my analytics and graphics on the left side of the page, but really putting it back into readable terms. That football fans want to read about because it's boring to read about, you know, Nebraska was point one, two five and X metric. Okay, what's that even mean? So I call head coaches and coordinators and beat writers and try and get the storylines and the coaching schemes, and the program history is all in there. So I really go for the balance aspect of it. Yeah, we picked it up, you know, obviously, when we invited you to come on, we picked it up started. Reading through it.

5:22 I'm not even twenty page into it yet. It is that much information is that much detail. So, Brian, you can attest this with me because we were both looking through yesterday, as we were getting ready for tonight. It is so much information. Action, it is, but you want unbelievable job, man. Kudos to you for the guys out there. Listening tonight and folks will listen in the morning. The podcast, literally, it will be the best. 20 bucks that is the right price, right 18? Yeah. 1800 look, I'm well discount, special Corner discount $18 in for all you guys who are not only just Virginia Tech fans but so many of the college football fans out there but it's not I usually just one game a week.

6:08 I'm usually sitting in here from noon to 2:00 in the morning. We recording late nights. We're watching Pac-12. It is it's unbelievable man. And you know, kudos to you putting together and now even more Kudos without accurate you are. Yeah. Well, thanks, that's that's music to my ears because that was really the goal of the book. You know, picture yourself back in the 2010 2012 area. When I launch this thing, I was getting tired of just hearing about the same handful of teams when you turn on the TV. A or pick up a Sports Illustrated. It was the same handful of programs. It was surface level. It was not in depth. It wasn't actual X's and O's it was drama. So what I wanted to do was dig into all 66 of these programs go, super deep.

6:49 I mean, talking every position group X's and O's coaching schemes and what makes my little different to as I bring in all that history, I have not just five and 10-year Trends but 50-year Trends, 100-year Trends, everything you can the goal is that when you read about a team you're Earning something. Even if it's your own or an opponent. I want you to learn about that team, so I could talk an hour about Kansas. I don't want to bore you but that's kind of, that's kind of the point is that, you know, you got enough Alabama, you got enough Clemson, but there's so much unique tradition and storylines and then college football that want to dig into all of it. So that's great to hear. That's great feedback and thank you for purchasing. Yeah. And the big thing, like when you look at the the analytic side of it, I mean you get that, but I like the way that it's color-coded. It's easier to read be kind of take some of That like, the boring aspects of pouring through data and kind of puts you in a very readable format, and then you've got the, the other part, where it is a very readable breakdown of everything.

7:48 And I like, how you go into the history there as well. And really, it feels like an individual touch with every team. Not just, oh, here. Here's this team. We know all about it. Yeah, it's Virginia Tech. They've got saying, man. All right, let's move on to the to the numbers from last year. Do you? It's a lot of lot of fun stuff to dive in there and I think you really kind of get the, you know, what makes each program kind of unique? Yeah, thanks. Yes. I mean once the season ends in January, I kind of go back and relive the season. It sounds crazy, but I'll go back and listen to team podcast and Conference podcasts. I read every AP game story, the game recaps, just to try and get in the shoes of each fan base in each program and see really what happened because and this is really Rings true in 2020 with all the Extra context that was involved, you can't just look at it. Seems record anymore, there's so much more that goes into it, the week-to-week of it with the quarantines, but more. So just within each game just a fluke Enos or you might have one team out gaining by 200 yards and turning the ball over five times its so fluky.

8:51 So you really have to dig in, if you really want to, you know, I guess get the most accurate picks so that was the goal. That's what I do. It's my process. It's a long process. But but yeah, I'm excited to break down the ACC. For you guys. We appreciated and since I brought up saying man, we got a our buddy tally, that is a certified saying man. Hater hater hater that might be too strong he would prefer to move on from saying man. He's not necessarily a hater so but but it's not up to tally Tally. All right, so guys what we're going to do tonight with Brett is we are looking at all the Virginia Tech's, ACC opponents and Notre Dame, because why not it's Notre.

9:38 But before we get into that, we are going to do a quick word from our sponsors. All right, so we're going to go in order of the way Virginia Tech, please these teams. So let's start out of the gate UNC and Brett you have got UNC heading to the college football playoff. Now, are you seeing this as mostly a strength of Sam? How they do return their full offensive line? Any other components? We're missing, you know, improved defense. What do you? Why are you putting them so high to take Elite after losing really? Therefore, most expensive. I would say explosive. But their foremost, you know, impressive players on offense. Less saying how last year.

10:24 Yeah. So this one's really getting a lot of attention and I guess rightfully. So it's a team that's outside the top 10 in the coaches poll, I believe they were either 10th or 11th but yeah, this is definitely a roulette ship prediction here but I have UNC winning the Winning the conference and making the college football playoff as an outsider not one of these typical Dynasty programs. There's a lot that goes into this. I mean, first I'll start with recruiting, you always start there, that's a good first, starting point and Mack Brown. He's landed a couple top 15 classes. Now it's these five-star guys, someday some defensive players that are now moving up the depth chart quickly, so it starts there. Secondly, his coordinator hires were very impressive. J. Bateman on defense, he plays that hybrid style, where you have guys, Blending positions and cross-training and it's just great athletes all over the place. But really it's the offense had a chance to interview Phil long ago now for two straight pre-seasons. And this guy's an offensive genius. The way he pairs is air raid passing Concepts on the outsides with a physical downhill, run game in the middle. So it's not your typical air raid on surface level. It's great balance.

11:28 You saw it last year when they put up the two running backs, put up 550 yards against Miami rushing. So, so yeah, so they do have a couple of question marks at this. Possessions but as I dug in a little bit I started to feel better about it because yeah you lose your top two receivers and your top two backs and normally that be enough to Cripple an offense, but they do get back, boat, Corrales who was a 20-19 starter, it's a big 65 Frame. Great in the red zone and then they had Downs as breakout player in the bowl game. He shined in the Orange Bowl against A&M. So there's your starter there and then shock free Brown. He apparently beats the Ami Brown and foot races and practice. Back when they're both playing here. So they while they lose die, on me they still have shot off right there. So a lot to like there at the receiver core albeit a little bit inexperienced and then at running back. I know that's going to be a bigger Duo to replace but they did help the situation by bringing in Thai Chandler, who is fifth all-time in rushing at Tennessee. I mean, this is a guy played 40 games in the SEC. I think he's going to be okay, and bring some some veteran, you know, ability there.

12:33 So those were the question marks from their strengths. I mean, the off, Of line. All five starters are back there NFL size than getting good draft grades, Sam how everybody knows? And by now he's stacked, two straight, like top 10 passing seasons. And he's a Heisman front-runner this year. So it's everything for me, it's recruiting, it's scheme, it's returning experience. And then lastly, the defense, that's kind of the biggest question, mark, on the team and the program. If you look at it only 2020 as a season wide scope, they were about average on defense. But if you now Oh, that lens down in the second half of the season after the bye week. They were top 20. Now, what's the deal with that? Why does that matter? Because all these five stars and young guys, these young recruits, they didn't have Spring ball last year, didn't have summer camp.

13:20 So they were kind of learning on the job in September in games and moving up the depth chart in real time. So once those guys started to break into the starting lineup, it was excellent defense. And all that's back now and 2021. So that's that's where I'm at with UNC now. Am I nervous about Lane Stadium Friday? Of course I am. I was there back in 2008 when Virginia Tech played Nebraska and if you remember that game it was a day game but I kind of got the vibe that it was an electric atmosphere Adama. Can sue had like a ton of tackles and pass breakups and was all over Tyrod Taylor but Virginia Tech held him out of the end zone had that crazy Miracle at the end to win. So long story short, it's gonna be a tough opener, but schedule-wise if they get over the Virginia Tech comp in the opener it's a very manageable. Agile, no Clemson.

14:09 And I think they could rattle off a ton of wins. So essentially, if we don't catch them week one, they should be able to settle in pretty good with some of those new faces. Oh, absolutely. Because from there. It's Georgia, State UVA. If you want pretty low on Georgia, Tech Middle of the pack and to really pour this year and then Florida State transition year. I mean, that's that's a 6 and 0 start, I think if they can beat Virginia Tech Miami will be tough at Notre. Dame will be tough but but not really Then we get to them next on the schedule. I'm selling Notre Dame this year as a program. So yes, a very manageable I think they go 11 and 1 when the coastal and then have a win-win and in scenario against Clemson Charlotte and they have the offensive Firepower to do it. Yeah.

14:52 And Brett mentioned are about them being a meddling defense last year and they truly were, they were, you know, 58 Total Defense giving up, you know, almost six yards per play and then 65th and points per game, giving up 29, but I see your point Brett. What you doing the analytic seeing they got better as the season goes on and I'd have to go back and look at the competition but I'm going to take your word that you expect to see an uptick in that. Let's roll on All right, so Notre Dame. You've got. As you said already, you're selling Notre Dame this year, a lot lower than in a lot of other folks out there looks like Jack cone was just named the starter for this team. What are some of the reasons you've got Notre Dame kind of slotted more of a fringe top 25 team compared to like a fringe college football playoff team where we're used to seeing them. Yeah so Notre Dame they have a great track record the last few years and a lot of respect for what they've built, their under Brian Kelly.

15:52 Playoff appearances. I'm think many programs out there can match that. So my hats are off to what they've done. I think it's a transition year though about to be subtle about I think it's a transition year. The AP poll has him in the top 10, I've got them, twenty fourth nationally. And really what this comes down to is think of what made them strong last year. It was strong quarterback play by Ian book. You really took care of the ball and did enough to win and was clutched in the fourth quarter, all those intangibles so it was Ian book. It was one of the best offensive lines in the Country. And it was a defensive front seven that was nasty. Now, fast-forward, 20, 21, all that's gone. Ian book, graduated four of these offensive linemen are gone and it's all Americans like Liam eichenberg Arron Banks, couple other draft picks, Robert Haynes E. I mean so many guys lost long that offensive line and then the front seven speaking to the defense they lost their coordinator Clark.

16:44 Lee takes over at his alma mater, Vanderbilt and they're going through a coordinator change their so kind of the foundations of what made them special Last year our transition. So I think that early on in the season, their their Prime for an upset victory for Virginia Tech. It's definitely doable and you mentioned Jack cone. Yeah. It's a, an experienced power five starter, but I don't I think it's gonna be tougher than people are picturing to replace the in book. He did so much. You don't think of it as a runner or as a dual threat. But in the pocket, very elusive, it's hard to lay a finger on him. He was mobile enough and I was decisive enough, so I think they lose a lot with him going. I was going to ask was that At one big reason cones coming from the Wisconsin offense, which is really power. Run based play action versus.

17:28 We can remember Ian book, we go back to 2019 and that last Drive Notre Dame. Virginia Tech that sealed the game for them. There were several times he scrambled even though he's not a dual threat quarterback, he had that element. Which definitely improved the offense now. Brett, you did mention Clark Lee, he did move on to Vanderbilt. And one thing that's changed Marcus Freeman comes in over from Cincinnati. Freeman's real popular, Virginia Tech a lot of people certain people think that he could be the next head coach here or they like him as the next head coach here. Now, what does he bring to the Irish? That could really help them mitigate some of these Personnel losses from last year?

18:11 Yeah. Well, Marcus Freeman. He's a, he's a former star linebacker himself from a higher state and quickly surging up the coaching ranks. You're right about that. Now, I admit I don't cover the non a cutie. Team so I'm familiar with Cincinnati. I don't know, the X's and O's on him too. Well, yet what I do know is what he has in. Recruiting has been Monumental to Notre Dame already and just a few months they're bringing in a new caliber of player. They went right into Ohio and stole a five-star Defender from Ohio State. So I think you're bringing a higher tier of recruiting that, you know, that's music to ears for Virginia Tech fans. So you have that, and of course he was part of great defenses with Luke fickle there at Cincinnati, two undefeated teams and and strong defensive play. So yeah.

18:52 To be huge. Now, they have some star power. They have to replace with Jeremiah Was to quarter, MOA the All-America winner and Butkus winner, they're gone but there's still plenty of star power of front. So we'll see. But I think overall it's a transitional year both defensively at quarterback offensive line. I think the biggest issue their star power in the backfield Byron Williams and and many grunk wrong jr. They call him Michael Mayer and tight end. So there's definitely some pieces. Is there? They recruit well, but in general, I don't think this is another playoff caliber team or one of their better teams. It's going to be 20 22 for that, okay? Okay. So you think those essentially because that offensive line turned from their biggest strength of one, of the biggest question marks heading into the season. You know, they could get snake bitten by team. Here are there.

19:42 So, with that being said, our friend tally, has a question here. Can VT beat this Notre Dame team this year. I think the definitely beatable Early on in the season. You know, the the the key question for this specific matchup is going to be if you guys can establish the run on that front seven. And, you know, because you're breaking in a relatively new quarterback Braxton Burmeister, I think he was three in one and starts. Last year, we'll call him a part-time starter, but really losing your top lineman and Khalil Herbert there. So, how quickly can that rushing game? Reload can that dominate this new front seven for Notre Dame? A lot of storylines. But if you're just looking at a program by Oh Graham.

20:22 Yeah, they're they're going to be younger newer and in the second game of the year that's definitely going to be at our, I don't know if it's a second game of the year, actually. I keep saying that but it's the fifth, but it's still relatively made October. Yeah, yeah. It's right there before you feel like team start turning Corners yes. So we'll see. Yeah, somebody also mentioned only, I don't know if he I think you saw it Brett, they lose in major bowl games. I like to be in major bowl games. I wouldn't care if we lost sixty three to seven, just getting there. Back-to-back years is an accomplishment in itself for Notre Dame and like you said with Marcus Freeman coming in and now bumping up the recruiting, you're seeing 2022 for them being strong and maybe even further out. So yeah, let's roll on one team that I think it's because you're the coach is a lot of Virginia Tech, fans cannot stand as pit and patent or doozy.

21:17 Now we've seen Kenny Pickett for numerous years. Couple times he's Taurus up. A couple times. He's got in porn up. So it seems like they come and go with. However, Kenny pickets playing, he's a fifth year. Starter usually, we don't say that. Usually a guy that starts that much is in the NFL by now, but he's not. So it's 21 going to be the same or story with Kenny. Pickett, they come and go as he is, or do they have more pieces that might help them improve. Well, college football, it's all about timing. It's all about timing up. Different roster groups and position groups. Really mesh a fool offense and then you got a meshing offense with the defense and it's been inconsistent here in Pittsburgh where in 20 16 through 18, they had solid offenses but nothing on defense. Finally in our duties defense clicked in 2019, but the offense fell out.

22:07 So it's very inconsistent even within the offense will just focus on that for now. Yeah, fifth-year Kenny ticket, he's got better skill, Talent around them at receiver and running back, then he's had. But then at the same time, the timing again, the offensive line goes through a transition with for Carter's gone and they're their All-American caliber. Jimmy Marcy, the center is gone. So while you pick up some extra pieces and at the skill spots, he's going to have less protection. And he's already went through a couple injuries last year, so, you know, you got to think about his Blind Side and him in the pocket. He's not the most mobile guy. So while you pick up better skill, Talent offensive line is transitioning now, so, it's just timing. So that's that's the office.

22:49 Let's talk about the defense a little bit, a newly returned production from guys, like Keyshawn camp and collage it can see but the pieces that they lost were pretty heavy producers on that last year and then including the you know the opt-out that they had, you know, will they be able to reload this defense or will there be some Growing Pains this season? Yeah this was kind of a key to my ACC Coastal protection where I'm a little bit lower on Pittsburgh than most I'm kind of selling this defense. Right now, they lose like you had mentioned to all Americans. Along that defensive line, Richard Weaver and Patrick Jones, both gone. And that third guy, that was also gone with Jalen Twyman. So, so much star power gone up front, but it doesn't end there.

23:30 It's also in the backfield, the secondary that all-conference always CC pair of safeties, Paris for demarre. Hamlin. They're both gone. So it's quite a Reload. They have to go through this time around now. It was great that he finally click that defense in 2019 they matched in 2020 or Allah or at least came Close in 2020, but I think you're in for a transition. So, all that together with the, the offensive line question, can you pick it? I don't know why the fifth year compared to the fourth of the third of the second would be the year that everything clicks all of a sudden, right? So, you know, that's kind of a hedge their, but yeah. So, I have Pittsburgh middle-of-the-pack, 45th nationally, but tied in fourth in the coastal. All right, let's get out of the pit territory. They do have to play in Lane Stadium. This year, not Heinz Field.

24:16 Thank goodness for us. Basically house of horror for the Hokies yellow seats. Oh yes. The osce's and really since I do it back, when we were younger, you know, in college and stuff and we could not win at Heinz Field for some reason and the tradition continued less 2016 when we play Fade ball and petting our dues, he lost his mind on the sidelines, which is a whole nother story, and One of those fun things to watch. Now let's go to me. A team that has been struggling the last couple years para que. You know, they bring back a lot of production from last year that production did not produce a lot of wins or anything last year. And you know, I mean, does another year of seasoning really help this team or is it just I mean what do you see for them? And is it is any hope there?

25:08 Well now that we're five years into the Dana Beaver, Dino babers era, sorry. Dino babers era would starting to look that 2018 was the outlier and start to look like that was somewhat of a fluke season. Of course, Syracuse has been a losing program for really about 15-20 years now. They had a rare Ten win season, popped out of nowhere. And it's been back to the back to the usual bottom of the barrel ACC program and you can really be traced through spots first quarterback. That's the easy one. Once Eric Dunn's, you left, there was a transition there was Tommy DeVito. He was banged up and now they have a Mississippi State transfer Garrett Schrader and they're a little bit more Mobility to the skill set. But still, I think you're learning the post Dungey era is, is a tough offense to come by, but really sides. We're back.

25:58 It's really the entire problem. This this program is offensive line. It's just continues to be a destructive unit to their offense and the entire team, they allowed thirty eight sacks last year and 11 games only Kansas had more. I mean, that's bottom of the barrel nationally and and what that means is it gives no time for intermediate passing or vertical passing. So on passes 10 plus yards down the field, Syracuse completed just 23% of them. So it's just it's an offense, that's completely stuck. Chuck and, and limited by that offensive line. So, yes, they have starters back, but until that line shows me anything. I mean, you got to keep them last place in the conference and lucky for the Hokies. We don't get have to go to the Carrier Dome, which has been notorious a getting snake been there for the Hokies for whatever reason.

26:48 It seems like, we like a, like, a lot of teams, they just come out flat for that game. So getting them at home, I think is going to going to be good going along with with some of those other. Or just overall struggles that they had last year I think carried over this year. But let's talk about Dino babers a little bit more because this kind of, you know, to me this kind of has a feeling of a make-or-break campaign for him is that you're thinking as well or, you know, do you think he gets another couple years to try to right the ship? Yeah, I think that it might have run its course by now, I think it was an interesting higher bringing this air raid past heavy concept up to the Northeast. You know, I'm based out of Pennsylvania and I know anything north of me and they're not throwing the ball around. So to see that kind of Texas style offense, come up here was unique and it clicked for in 2018, it even clicked a couple times before that.

27:40 And it's some of those first years. I think they had Virginia Tech and they beat Clemson, the one year. And he was known for his big locker room, you know, celebrations and you know, an emotional guy, it was going well, but since that Peak That 10-win season, it's been straight downhill and last year was just really an Isabel. So now with starters back, you know, if you don't see progress in the win column or at least offensive line wise, that'd be that'd be grounds to me, move on. Now, he's made a couple changes. He went with the unique defense, going with that rare 335 base defense. So I credit him for, you know, he's creative, he's trying to make things click up in the Northeast, which is kind of a dead zone for college football, so we'll see. But I think you got to get some more wins in the win column to be safe.

28:26 Yeah. It's at it. I mean, one of the things I think we look back on Syracuse, you know, they had a run of of a good while they're where they were a really quality program and it's been very hit-or-miss, kind of, since the early 2000s. So absolutely, they were, I mean, from the mid 80s into the early 2000s. I mean, it, 110 10 games, multiple times, they went to multiple big bowls and then after McNabb and the Miss on Vicks, Probably one of the biggest things that ever happened to Syracuse was missing recruiting Michael Vick in 98. It was down to Syracuse in Virginia, Tech Brett, they missed em and it seems like after that they fell off but let's move on to further south and let's look at Georgia Tech um you know Jeff Collins had a hell of a thing to do when he arrived at Georgia Tech, it's rebuilding a roster from the Paul Johnson cut your knees out. Flex loan option offense.

29:22 Yeah, I said it, I'm Landing it too many guys have gotten injured whether you like it or not, you know. But they returned Jeff Sims. Jeff Sims amazing athlete, you know, and had good consistent, recruiting classes, not great, but good, getting some talents in the door, is this the season? We finally see them. Maybe take a step up or you see in them kind of metal. Yeah, I think you're in for a pretty big step forward in the win column at least. And, and for what it's worth, you saw a step forward from his first year, 19 to second year 2020. Although it didn't show up in the win column, but statistically analytically watching them, they were certainly improved in 2020. It's just with the shortened season, no, non-conference the record didn't show it.

30:10 So I think you're going to get the wind boost and more performance boost its returning production on both sides of the ball and that comes from a it's the Dividends are paying off finally, from playing such a young roster. In 2019, the biggest transition I call it. The biggest program transition since Nebraska went away from the option, back in 2004 when they went from the old. I, you know, I formation option. Frank solich to build Callahan's NFL, west, coast passing offense. So and with that, you know what they did here. Similarly, moving away from Johnson's flexbone, option. Yeah, it's going to take multiple years to recruit positions. You never recruited before. Tight ends, they didn't have Single tight end. It was all a backs and see backs and be backs and fullback.

30:51 So yeah, it's a heck of a transition. Now to his credit, he's done everything right. Jeff Collins, he's really rebranded them as Atlanta's team. He's made them seem cool to the recruits in the area. He loves Atlanta. I had the chance to interview him before the 2020 season, and you could just hear it through the phone. His passion for Georgia Tech, he brought a Waffle House cart to practice. That was a big deal on Twitter and wasn't all just smoke and mirrors heel and the top. T5 recruiting class, which is their highest in, I think, 15 years there. So it seems like it's heading in the right direction this year, you'll get all those dividends paying off, they think they found their quarterback there with Jeff Sims. You mentioned them Jameer Gibbs.

31:31 Also in the backfield, he hits the whole really fast and brings that kick return speed. So there's a lot to like it's veteran, finally, and there now three years into this transition. So time to collect some wins. Yeah. And when we look back at 2020, We usually do in the season, we do like a weekly kind of pick against the spread and Georgia Tech was the one that kept stinging me every week because they'd have a good game I'd be like, okay I'm a little bit higher on them. I think they're gonna put some consistency in there and then they go out and fall flat the next week so I think maybe getting some more You know, little little more seasoning there might help them but you know, let's talk about their defense a little bit because they did seem to have a propensity to give up some big plays last year.

32:17 Is there anyone on that roster that looks poised to take a step and help them on that front? Yeah, I mean first off it's it's interesting to think about because in that opener, remember last year, they opened up against Florida State at the time we thought that this was a legit Florida State team and you had Georgia Tech holding on the 13 points playing like crazy. So, So I thought, wow, what a transition. It looks like this. Georgia Tech defense is for real and then fast forward a week. They give up 700 yards, the UCF and then we start to learn the hey, Florida, State isn't the only Florida state? They're pretty bad. So, it was all about First Impressions and they've worn off now. So, with that said, though, nine starters are back that's good for 20th, nationally and returning production on defense. So that's usually a pretty reliable indicator of a year-to-year Improvement.

33:02 So yeah, he runs a 425 base scheme, Andrew thakur and all five. Is it Baxter back? So you have experience in the secondary. They also added Kenyatta Watson. It was a top 150 recruit. They're from Texas. He was pushing to starve. It was a crowded Texas, secondary. So he's in adding some, you know, some almost five-star Talent there. So, yeah, we'll see. I mean there's there's transfers coming in. I think they also added an all-conference USA player from Old Dominion, so yeah, we'll see if it clicks. There is one big vacancy at linebacker, losing tackle machine. David Curry. But, you know, although he gobbled up a lot of tackles, maybe didn't have the athleticism to make the, you know, the all-acc teams and such.

33:43 So yeah, look at just overall a ton of production back and you want to see now that that translate into progress on the field and in the number. So at now first step is there. I'll see if they can execute. So this is the first big road conference game for Virginia Tech is this kind of that trap game a team that on paper, we probably should win but with With some of the things that their steps they're taking forward and then playing at home and being the first road test is that something that could kind of come back and bite us? Yeah, well when you look at programs in the ACC Coastal, Georgia Tech might have the biggest variance, the biggest most volatility of outcomes. I mean if you don't think of it as a stock, I mean, they could they could Skyrocket with all this experience and all those close losses, now converting to wins and they can take care of the ball.

34:33 Turnovers have been bad. Those things tend to even out out. So they could click and become really a top 25 caliber team or of course, they could stay where they are and in that three wind territory and it just so happens that the returning experience has a ceiling on it and they're kind of stuck in the in the three win land so they could do anything. They're very variable I have them tied with Pittsburgh their forth but I could see them going. And any direction really see, Braun writing right there. Brett, make no bets or anything towards Georgia Tech this year, the class. And the same volatility. So we're going to clone we're going to move onto another away game.

35:14 A Friday night game up at BC. You've already said it in. You've already put it out there. You said, build, your kovitch is a program changer for BC. Obviously, they haven't had this sort of potential quarterback talent in close to 15 years, last being met Ryan. So, tell us. Why do you think he is the one to lift the PC out of the six to? Seven win doldrums. As it seems like it's been forever with them between Adagio and haffley. Yeah, he really wasn't program changer. This was a big-time deal. Landing him through the transfer portal from Notre, Dame. The obvious, is that a starting quarterback. He's putting up a ton of yards and breaking records but more so it kind of unlock the transfer portal for Boston.

35:57 College it made it a destination to other five-star. Enforced our recruits were I should say transfers because after jerk evict made the move over five star receiver. Jalen gill from Ohio State five-star safety. Jaden Lars would be from Florida State. They both came to chest. Also, he kind of was the first Domino to fall, and of course, it helps that he backed it up, right away on the field, just four of those. First five games were 300-yard passing days. That's a PC record. That's from, from a school that has a Heisman winner. Doug Flutie NFL owners. Matt Hasselbeck, Matt, Ryan. So he made a huge, instant impact. But really, what makes me excited about Boston College, this year is the receiver core.

36:38 It's the best they've ever had. They have Zay flowers back, he's all ACC caliber. They get Kobe white back from injury. People forget about him, but he was incredible a couple years ago, he's back. So that's a heck of a one-two punch. I just mentioned five star Guild there. He's going to be their third option might even move up higher than that. So, this is the best, you know, receiver core they've ever had at a program that is usually just been a power Run game. So that very veteran offensive line, everyone's talked about them. So the question becomes pain to defense making up gains. Can they be strong enough to hold leads again? Of these teams and can be see. Finally get out of that seven win range. They definitely have the capability to do it. So I know last year, Boston College seem to get kind of snake bitten by the the athletic quarterback. Are they going to do anything this year to kind of limit, explosive plays from that position? And are they trying to do anything? Like is what they do is that going to give them kind of create holes and other parts of that defense if they gets a smaller at the linebacker position? Yeah, that's exactly right.

37:44 So one move they already made. Is that they moved? I already mentioned him. Jaden, Lars would be the 5 Star safety from Florida State. They moved him down the line backer. So, getting him into the box, that's kind of trading size for Speed there in the middle, tier the defense, Jeff haffley. I mean that defense is area of expertise, he's a defensive coach defensive coordinator, he was the coordinator on Ohio State's 2019, that was the best defense in the country had Chase young, there's eyes and candidate so he's a proven mind. Chance of interviewing him to and just like Jeff Collins, very passionate about Boston College and building this thing off. It's another younger coach younger head coach. But, yeah, I mean that this is his strength that side of the ball. So I think that with him there they should be improving on defense. You would think so?

38:29 We'll see if they can defend better against the running quarterbacks because, yeah, those guys gave them troubles, Brandon, Armstrong last year across them handed hooker when he was in for Virginia Tech, they couldn't stop him either. So, that was definitely the The the Achilles heel. So this one back to back with the Georgia Tech road trip and then a trip up to Chestnut Hill, you know, what do you think the Hokies are able to pull off to? And on that trip? Yeah, that be impressive because while I think you'll be pretty much favored Over Georgia Tech. I think the PC games more of a toss-up to me. In fact, I have them ranked, I think either right next to each other, 33rd and 34th overall, Virginia Tech and BC. So that's really a coin flip game. So you come out of there, too and oh, that's that's solid. I mean, You know, so yeah, and to road trips, no less. And I know they're smaller, programs smaller schools. But given the right occasion, both the Stadium's can be rocking.

39:24 I was actually up in DC when they play Clemson a couple years ago and hosted College GameDay. And although it only seats about 40,000 that place because b,c return a punt return for a touchdown and take the lead that place was one of the loudest, I've heard, I mean, the, the roof came off of that place. So, in the right environment in the right setting, it can be intimidating. So we'll say, yeah, they don't they don't quite have the numbers there. But they definitely have a great atmosphere and that can definitely be intimidating for opponents sometimes. Yeah. Great atmosphere. When it's when they're packed on, ask you a real quick question and do a little you know hypothetical here if you put jerk of itch on Notre Dame how many places higher would you have another name this year? Wow. That I like it. I like it the ball definitely hot me obviously higher I would take him over Jack cone instantly. Yeah I'd probably have them talk. Team now there's still enough questions that I'd still it doesn't settle my opinions about their offensive line going through its transition, the coordinator change on defense. So I would still shy away from top 10 for them but a lot closer than number 24 I currently have them. So yeah it's a great hypothetical. Yeah.

40:33 So probably closer to that you know 11:45 range that I guess some other folks have them. Yeah I can see I can see that. I mean he has you know some of Ability there. He's a really big kid. He doesn't go down, easy, kind of reminds me of of Roethlisberger in his in his college days. So, Yeah, I could definitely see that being a step forward. So let's move on to Duke. What this team is just not returning, very much production from last year and they were in a very good football. Team. Last year either was last season, kind of a not an anomaly for the cutcliffe error or is this kind of a sign of things to come, you think?

41:20 Well, yeah, it's been a steady decline since they won the coastal. Vision. And last year was by far the worst. And when you dig into it a bit, there's a couple things, I mean, first his passing attack, I think was more cutting-edge earlier in the decade or the middle of the decade, but it's kind of gotten a bit stale and predictable, so schematically, I think they're kind of stuck in the mud, but really, it was turnovers. And I know that every fan base complains about that and you hear that from everybody. But, but no statistically this was the most turnovers by any FPS team not just power Phi, but all of FBS since 2012. So, You're talking about worse than a decade turnovers. So, yeah. And it was a combination, their turnover margin of offense, giving it away like crazy, you know, their quarterback threw the most pics of me in the end of in the entire country but then the defense couldn't take the ball away so you know that combo obviously is a bad recipe.

42:13 So yeah. It was his worst year ever at Duke and it looks like they're on the decline is a program back to their historic mean they're as a below-average program. All right, so I'll puts a similar question. I want to ask would babers, you know, to the store, cool nature of Duke. I mean, you go back for a 15 year stretch. They averaged two wins. They had one winning season from whence /, left in, 89 up until cut Cliffs winnings, first winning season. In the mid-2000s, it's his job safe until he decides to retire because Juke has been so bad and at least he's made them somewhat relevant. Pulling off some wins, making a bowl game here and there. Or is it?

42:54 Or is it Buster? Is it they say we've got a we can't look on the Pastoral. We got to continue to try to at least make a bowl game every year. Yeah, I kind of get the sense that given their program context, and how it's so basketball Centric and kind of anything that football is kind of icing on the cake. I hate to think of it that way, but if you try and get into their shoes as a, as a school and an alumni base, that's how I kind of see it and the way that he brought them to Great Heights in a crowded conference and A power five conference and wanted to Vision. I think that he has a much longer leash than the average coach and maybe even just can go out and his term. So I don't think it'll be a dramatic firing or a, you know, a Black Monday, whatever they call it on the the day after rivalry weekend.

43:39 So it'll be on his own terms. I think barring anything like a winless season or a scandal, but he's done so much for them as a program that I think the, he gets a call shots. And when he heads out, Yeah, not just delivering wins to a program that isn't used to it, but he's definitely seemed to be a very ambassador of Goodwill for the ACC. I think most of the coaches enjoy cutcliffe. So I think that that might play a role as well and just, you know, his history overall it seems like they want to they probably won't move on unless he gets really bad like you were talking about there. Yeah. I mean, everyone from Robinson's coaches to Media members.

44:20 Do they look like there's guys who aren't anywhere near the Duke Market, but they try to get cutcliffe only because he's such a good guy to talk to. Now, the one thing I told Brian as we were discussing yesterday, and I'll throw this at you, cut Clips is in his mid 60's, so he's probably got five to seven years of coaching. Do you think it could be one of those things where he maybe wants to leave? Maybe go be an offensive coordinator at, you know, a top 15 school where he knows I'm going to get Talent. I can create new Concepts because they what you will, what he did between Tennessee and Ole Miss and Dugal offensively. He wanted Ole Miss in June. He has an above 500 winning percentages at those two schools.

45:04 Do you think you could see him sort of, I want to leave because I want to go chase one more National Title like I did at Tennessee. Yeah, it's an interesting hypothetical there. Of course, he made his, his big start at Tennessee. I don't know, at that age and at that point your career, you've been a head coach for so long. I wonder if they'd be willing to give up the reins and get more into a coordinator role. I don't know. I don't know how that Works. The head coach can, sometimes get away with being a CEO type coach in the recruiting world. Having the coordinators, be the Grinders. And so I don't know if you want to get back into that role. It's impossible for me to know. I had some personal thing with him, so I don't know, it's interesting, but I kind of I think that this is his last stand and hopefully, make a bull push. Get drunk with Gatorade and ride off into the sunset, but we'll see you never know, her coach cut, we really hope so. All right, so big one.

45:57 One near the end of the season. This rivalry really 25 years in the making in the early 90s, it was a brawl between Miami and Virginia Tech. Miami is returning, a ton of talent from last season, especially on offense. Is this season is the season for this team really on how well, Gary, Kings ACL holds up. Six months later. Well, without the Eric King all bets are off. I mean, I don't think they have a chance at anything without him. That's really been the one position group, maybe along with offensive line but definitely quarterback. That is held them back during the Manny Diaz era and sneers the for that too.

46:40 So what he brought immediately when he transferred in from Houston was not only stability of quarterback but highlight plays like a Human Highlight Reel passing throwing, I mean passing and running dual threat and people think about is running mostly but pass. Eyes. He's got the Miami all-time record right now for completion percentage about Bernie Kosar. So he's excellent in both sides of the game without him. Yeah. I mean, I don't know where they go. They have a couple guys right now or were in Spring ball battling it out with Tyler Van Dyke and Jake Garcia. But this guy special dear King. So he was probably the biggest one man addition out there and power 5 along with their coordinator. Rent Lashley who turned around and offense, it was really stuck in the mud.

47:23 The last couple of years, really made them. Powerful offense is power spread offense that he brought in it clicked. So a couple issues that might hold them back are at receiver. And I know that returning production-wise yeah they're all returning starters and have stats but if you watch them and check out other analytics and drop rates, they were some of the worst drop rates out there. They got to improve on, catching the ball and and setting up King for Success. Now they do add in Charleston, Rambo who started two seasons at Oklahoma. That's that's a massive transfer portal win. And lastly though, so the defense has been a strong point for Miami for years and I think that will continue, but they are going through a coordinator change with Blake Baker gone and they also lose a ton of Firepower along the defensive line, especially the rush Edge and defensive end spots losing Jalen Phillips, Quincy Roche, and Greg Russo, all of the NFL.

48:18 So that's some Firepower gone from the pass rush. So we'll see how all that comes together. I want to ask you real quick on a bronze. Got something to ask about the defense but I'm looking at the time frame of Dirac Kings ACL tear, I'm a 49ers fan but just so, you know. So I carry last year was Nick Bosa. Tearing his ACL week to Nick Bosa just started getting in pads this week. He's almost a year out. He's going to go against Alabama, week one. I mean, From you're looking at it analytically, if they know he can't run how much does it hinder that offense from doing what it can do?

49:03 It's huge and and picture this too, if you're going against you give Nick Saban eight months to prep for you know. Your king is in handcuffs and can't run. That's just that's unfair. So yeah and then when you break down Alabama not to get you know we're getting like a second effect here but real quick their defense first this year and that that past rosters, incredible Alabama that front sevens nasty. So yeah, that's a bad formula for Miami. So let's talk more about the defense then because you know you talked about the explosive guys that are gone from that defense from the pass rush The Edge position, they get most of their secondary back though will they be able to generate enough pressure on the quarterback to actually maximize that experience? They have on the back end So, I think they will it won't be as incredible as last year.

49:55 They were one of the best sack teams out there in tackles for loss, but I will say that schematically, that's what they're going for. One of my stats, I run as my - play percentage and what that means is just tracks, how often a defense is making plays in the backfield or at the line of scrimmage. And it's somewhat stylistic where some teams will, you know, Blitz a ton to try and create havoc in the backfield and might get burnt more and long yardage plays in the back side. But but long story short, Right under Manny Diaz. This team is always in the top 10 of my - play right there, an aggressive style defense. It's attacking and you know, that was before, Blake Baker, got here is coordinator and I think it'll continue now that he's gone. It's more a man, he dies things.

50:35 So they're going to try for it now. Can they hit home enough? We'll see, because that's three. Legit NFL was going from that pass rush but they recruit well here, as you guys know, one of the best in the conference, top 15 nationally. So there's probably guys that are ready to step up. Up. And I think the secondary will hold it down while that pass rush comes of age because they get a five star in from from UGA, Tyreke Stephenson comes in. They have Bubba, Bolden, who is incredible last year all-conference, caliber safety, they're coming in from USC, so, and then, yeah, tons of guys IV I'll bleed. So, yeah, we'll say, but there's lots of like while that pass rush gets its footing, What you're telling me you might be a little bit of a struggle down there in South Beach. When the Hokies take a trip down there it wasn't only a king's healthy with without King and all bets are off. Like I said, so we're going to learn a lot Week 1 against Alabama.

51:34 All right, so we're going to move from one rival to another. UVA closing out the regular season for the Hokies. Yeah, they played well down the stretch last season, but they did lose convincingly to the Hokies at Lane Stadium to close out their season. Do you have kind of a stock rising, or a stock falling grade on this season heading into 2021? So not only because I'm on a Virginia Tech's show, but in all honesty, I have them as a downgrade this year, I had them six in the coastal and Without of 65 power 5 teams. So yeah, I don't see, I don't see them bouncing back towards, you know, fighting for a conference or title Crown again. Now to his credit.

52:19 Brandon Armstrong was great, he filled in for Bryce Perkins that role that do it all role in. Mendenhall's an offense, you know shouldering a ton of carries in the Run game accurate passing. So he was fine. It's just been from there. I don't see many other pieces of what would be a ranked team or a conference Contender start in the backfield. They really Acted to a traditional running game. Usually teams have a feature back or a couple guys. Put the running backs, don't do much for them there and then it receiver they lose a couple key pieces Du Bois and Joe read are gone and the breakout freshman. The 67 lateral Davis? Breakout star, he's injured. So there's I think a lack of Firepower on offense and then you know you lose a couple stars on defense to and really the past defense has been what's held them back for about a year and a A half. Now I have the stats all in the book but you can see it clear decline their Midway through 2019 and it's been terrible. Passing defense sense.

53:17 So yeah, so it's funny when you look at Virginia Tech the last three years, the Hokies have lost, 23 in state teams, Liberty Old Dominion and UVA. But I'm if you ask some alumni, I wonder which one they're more upset about it, since it might be that you VA. So I think you'll defend the Commonwealth cup again for another year. Make it what 16 out of 17 or something crazy. Yeah, that'd be nice to see you again. We did not like the common look up leaving Blacksburg in 2019. That wouldn't definitely stung. And I don't think we necessarily want to say UVA is our Benchmark in terms of whether a season is successful or unsuccessful. But we definitely want to keep that that cup at home every year.

54:01 So yeah, we'll see. I the big thing I. This is kind of a little bit of an inverse of What we were dealing with, with Miami. You hit on a little bit with the secondary being pretty weak for UVA, you know, they also lost two of their best pass rushers from last season. Are they going to be able to generate enough pressure on the quarterback to hide? What is objectively and awful secondary. Yeah, I don't think so. It's kind of one of the major factors have been having them so low. I think if you look at some of the other preseason magazines out there, they have UVA. Higher than six, probably in that fourth or fifth or even third range. But I've got them down at six because of that star power gone from the linebackers and Edge Rush positions. And just in general the secondary it was I think it was Bryce Hall when he went down to injury in 2019 that pass defense really collapsed and it continued again in 20 and I don't know why it would change all of a sudden 2021 with those stars in front of them gone.

55:05 So yeah. And then when you look at it I also like to look in between the Season, you know, first half second half second half of this season 2020. They were one of the worst defense is in America, so and I know that everyone's got context with injuries and all kinds of stuff, weird 2020 stuff, but there's not enough there for me to see a complete overnight change. Got you? I want to say you, did you predict the 2019 UVA Coastal? When? Because of the Perkins factor? I did not. I don't think I can give you. I'm trying to go to memory banks, but, you know, but clearly, you know, they're they're the defense, the back end, looks terrible and obviously, I'm assuming what for them to be to that.

55:54 Fourth, the third rain, maybe fifth range burning Armstrong has to put Bryce Perkins like you know, numbers up and that's something you're not seeing. So you know which as a Virginia Tech fan, that's good for sir. Certain family members in mind. They don't like to hear that. So we're, hey, I just being real, man. All right, before we get into Virginia Tech, one more question to ask you, what is the one ACC we haven't mentioned here, not on our schedule, not Clemson. But we need to watch out for like early season, watch a few of their games, because you feel like they have a chance to really do something this year. So, not opponent that knocks out UNC in Miami and not Clemson. So I think, Next in line, we have to be NC State. This is a team that I have right near the top 25. 26 nationally, second in the ACC Atlantic and what you have with NC State under Dent Dave Turin.

56:49 He's produced a lot of NFL players has been kind of stuck at that 9 win range, but this time around everything's clicking, where you have second year coordinators, remember this to this time last year there was no Spring ball no summer camp and he went with a double coordinator, change bringing in, Tim back on offense and Tony Gibson on defense with a rare three. 35 scheme. So with no install time, they actually still did pretty well. In both coordinators are great, the offense and defense both Rose. Now, you get the double dividend of all returning production and returning coordinators and second-year bonus schematically. So I think the sky's the limit for NC State and they can really collect some wins every position group looks out. When you break it down, there's not many holes here.

57:31 So I look for them as a legit top 25 caliber team and, you know, possible for an upset. Are there depending on where they're flying? Yeah. And now, the vet came over from Texas, Gibson came over from West Virginia and obviously they've got to Virginia Tech, coaches and Charlie Wiles. And Brian Mitchell at the corner position. But I'll ask you a question because really referring to really their defensive side. They bring all, but one starter back, but when a starter is like a Liam, McNeil High NFL draft pick, highly productive player as you were looking into making your decisions how much? Does that go into when it's one guy?

58:12 But he is essentially all-acc, All-American, top draft pick. How does that go into when, you know, you know, analyze this data you have? Yeah, it's, it's important. I mean, not all returning, starters are equal, not all, you know, not all graduating seniors are the same, but yeah, that's one big hole, but 10 starters around, and we're back and not just that but they hit the transfer portal really. Well, in fact, it was part of State who they rated Got a couple starters, these aren't backup. Guys, these are veterans starters and even small conference caliber players bring in Cory Durden from their defensive line and Cyrus fagin in the secondary. So while you have 10 starters back you add to basically starters from Florida State and and more so than that.

58:57 It's like I said it's them having their second full year in the scheme, a real offseason, a real spring to learn it. The 335 it's not your normal base defense like, you know, everyone's for 3 or 3 4. So, Going to this one, they needed that extra year of coaching so it's going to go a long way for him and yeah of course McNeil's a huge loss but overall full profile. I like what they have here. Yeah and bave Doran in 2020. I mean some people thought he was knocking on the hot seat there and then all of you know he has a pretty good campaign has a really good offseason and getting some guys in the portal and now they're they're essentially gearing up to you know, potentially Noise this year. So that's a big big switch in just you know, 12 12 months there for them.

59:45 Yeah, for sure. And one last note that recruiting profiles really improved to they had some some record-high classes for their context back in 18 and 19. So those High classes, they're coming of age of starters so to fill McNeil's void there and nose tackle. It's not just one. But three, four stars are all battling for that nose tackle spot and then during the added. So yeah, so everything's kind of coming into into fruition here. This is year to really break through in the win column because that's been kind of what's hold held him back. They've produced a ton of NFL players, but the win-loss record is nothing to be proud of. So far against Power, five teams that finished with 9 wins or more, he's Owen 22.

1:00:25 So, you got to start winning some notable games, and I think this is the year to do it. All right, so now that we've touched on every other opponent, the the Hokies have this year, let's talk about the Hokies themselves a little bit. You know, the big one. Is on offense. We're looking at the metrics and just the overall production that Khalil Herbert generated last year was pretty ridiculous and losing a couple pieces on the offensive line. How do you think Virginia Tech goes about? Replacing that production in 2021. Yeah, it's going to be tough because that running game was so dominant and really the offensive line as a unit in the running game was they were road graders or whatever the term is for that. I mean, it was impressive.

1:01:08 I've christened aerosol here and All-American. Honors was a first rounder that, you know, it's hard to replace that. And now of course, the seat of Smith and tenuta they return. They're getting high grades themselves, but to lose such a big piece like that are saw and the running back there Herbert. That's really the engine of that offense last year, so definitely question marks there the other transfer from that cycle, I believe was, was Blackshear from Rutgers, but I think that he was moving over to slot receiver. He's a different type of Runner than Herbert. So, Definitely a question mark for me in the Run game and we'll see about that passing wise. It was a battle Burmeister and hooker of course, hooker leaves for, I think it was Tennessee.

1:01:50 So it's fully burned, my sister's team. This year, we didn't see too much of them. I think I said earlier he was three and one is four starts and there wasn't much to statistical variance between when Burmeister was in, and when hooker was in sometimes, when I look into it, I look at which games each quarterback started and played in trying gray than that way. But But they were pretty similar outcomes when neither guy was in. So so yeah. Big question mark here. This will say a lot about Fuente the way that he can kind of transition from a great rushing attack and see if they can make gains in the passing attack now. Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. Raheem Blackshear is a guy that my partner here at Portland through things at the PD will put the way they used him. The video we had from Rutgers in the highlights. It was like this is a hybrid, got you have to use in multiple ways.

1:02:38 How are you? Jim was incorrect, the coaching staff actually came out owned it that they were putting too much on and last year which we like to hear. So hopefully that changes. Now I'm going to flip the defense because as you just said it, how dominant the running game was last year. Let me say you something, and you and it's and you can you painted a picture perfectly in the magazine? We were best, especially on defense, you know, in just about every category, it did show flashes at times. And in certain games, it looked like, well, this looks like a bug. Foster lunch pail, you know defense Do you think that breaking in a new defensive coordinator in the covid era? On had a big impact on those numbers?

1:03:20 And how much did Improvement? Do you predict for this defense come the 2021 season? So, first off, when I look at all these 66 programs and 2020 was so weird. All these different sides storylines and everything, all this extra context but Virginia Tech's defense is really the poster child of that. They had it all. Unfortunately it was The coordinator change and not just any coordinator of change, but replacing an all-time coaching Legend Bud Foster after some 30 years there along the sidelines. So massive transition there with no prep time. Then you had what you thought would be an All-American guy with Kaylin Farley. So he opts out, you had the opt-out factor now and that was that was new in 2020.

1:04:03 So you lose him, then you lost multiple starters and the rotation was thin and there was all these quarantines, remember early in the season on the broadcast they were Like 25 players are out tonight. So just every single storyline 2020 related possible hit this defense. So also say that I think you're in for a physical Improvement in 2021, it can't get worse, because you have a second-year bonus with the coordinator. It's a more normal offseason. You're not going to have opt-outs in August and and now you have some, some more proven pieces within this scheme. So, yeah, it's going to get better. It was just really fluky season last year. It specifically to this defendant Yes.

1:04:44 Yeah, we were watching it. There were some moments that just seemed like it looks like they just didn't have enough preparation time, particularly kind of that in moment in, in the Liberty game after the, the time out during the blocked field goal and, you know, not not recognizing that. Hey, if they get another eight to ten yards there in makeable field, goal range and not, you know, a wing and a prayer. And just there were there were little moments like that. That throughout the year that just they were head-scratcher. So hopefully some more of this seasoning and actually you know it sounds like J Hamm wanted to simplify some of the concepts that he was trying to put in last year.

1:05:27 Some of that probably is is a little bit of trial and error and some of us just okay. Well I've actually got time to refine what I want to do here and kind of get back to the nuts and bolts of what this defense did. Well last year, we read your picks Seek reviews. The, the 2021, you know, you say that there's some enough bright spots on the roster to put us a put the Virginia Tech Hokies as the clear cut number 3 in the coastal. But you said that there's a gap between us and UNC in Miami which kind of makes sense based on their roster makeup and things like that. What Catalyst, if any could allow a Virginia Tech to capture the coastal in 2021, I think a legitimate passing attack will be nice to get to get going.

1:06:13 You want to see that want to see a more balanced attack but really the defense I think the defense is number one concern right now. Just given all that yardage up last year and points and just think of the old regime Virginia Tech teams that were competitive winning 10 games making orange bowls. It was it was the always defense first and I think I put this in the book to wear. If you could have paired the 2020, rushing attack with some of those great bud. Sturdy fences, you're talking Conference Championship, but timing is everything, and it kind of just, you know, it just so happened to align with the weaker defense. But yeah, I agree with what I wrote that there are bright spots here. So speaking to the defense, specifically guys like Jermaine Waller, I mean he and Farley were the best corner, one of the best corner Duo's in America in 19 and you had Farley opt-out and while there was banged up so you get Waller back.

1:07:02 Dorian strong was a bright spot as a true freshman so that might be your next Duo there. You also add A two-year SEC starter. We tied the alien safety to your starter, they're transferring in. And then another thing is you know some guys are playing a little bit out of position, I think I read. So getting Dax hollifield to move back inside more of a natural fit for what he was recruited towards. So little adjustments like that little tweaks and then a whole year extra in this new scheme and new coordinator, that might be enough to flip some of these Gamers oats because it was very odd. God, I've been doing this ten years. The see, Virginia Tech not with a winning record, and not in a bowl game. I know that's, you know, repetitive for you guys to hear, you've probably talked about it for eight months.

1:07:46 But, you know, from a, from a national scope, you just always pencil in Virginia Tech, 48 wins. That's just a given every year. So you want to start to get back to that, you want to start to be handling the in-state teams, and some of the teams below you in the, in the coastal. So, you know, building blocks baby steps first. But you got to get back to the bowl season. Yeah, this is the first season that Virginia Tech hasn't gotten that kind of courtesy, AP Top 25 vote. Even if we don't, need end up making the the 25 we weren't in that others, receiving vote category. So, definitely the, some of the luster rubbed off last year and hopefully they can recapture some of the magic we're used to this year. Absolutely Brandon in breath.

1:08:30 Thank you for you know, everything tonight and but as far as Virginia Tech goes, the one question I have and you talk about the passing attack, but can they now since they've settled on Braxton Burmeister super athletic guy? I don't know if you saw this the other day, had a mph of like 22.8, so obviously speeding you want to see the passing attack but obviously with the elements of Burmeister running is that one of the biggest keys to elevating the passing attack. Don't, there's no way they can bring it back to seven point, seven yards per carry like, you know, Herbert last year. But if they find between Jalen Holston Keyshawn King in the variety of running backs and attacks.

1:09:15 Averaging 6 per carry, is that better ways with the guy who's now been in a system multiple years to actually Elevate that attack. I could see it and and specifically with Justin Fuente here for years he couldn't have, there was no returning starter at quarterback. It was always one year guy or a half season guy, so I'm remember being excited coming into 2019 to have Ryan Willis. What we thought was a second year starter and when that didn't pan out, it was handed hooker. And I thought last year, okay, this will be a second year starter and that didn't pan out. So, I want somebody to go through a fool, you know, second season and just see the kind of games that can be made now. It has.

1:09:55 Is that lettuce is in the quarterback? I wonder if once he gets back to some of his old roots, that old quarterback Veer that he used to run at ECU on those successful, you know, Rose Bowl wins and and undefeated Seasons when they were still in the Mountain West. So, yeah, you want to use some quarterback run, get him involved. If he's that quick because that brings don't, you know, that'll draw attention from the secondary and pack more guys, into the box AKA open up some Lanes on the outsides because that might be a relative strength. As you have your top three receivers back. Robinson and Turner, and obviously James Mitchell over the middle. So yeah. So play that Advantage. We'll see. I mean, I wrote this. I said there's a lot to like this bright spots everywhere. It's just, you know, with a norm or normal season. I'm excited to see the gains.

1:10:40 They make awesome. Brett we again, I really appreciate your time here tonight. Well, before we wrap up, Brett, you know, go ahead and give your Twitter account website where people can go purchase this and pokefans. The boundary corner is stomping or on the stump of this. By this preview guide, it is well worth the money spent. Yeah, well, thanks to the praise. Thank you for purchasing, and of course, thanks for having me on. It's been great, connecting with so many Virginia Tech fans on Twitter followers, and other podcast shows, it's a lot of great media down there, so I appreciate the work you guys do. And so, yeah, it's pick six previews.com and on there I have a couple sample pages so you can see what we're talking about with the The level of detail that, you know, the infographics on the left sides, my Trends, my data, but then the readable story lines on the right side of the page and really deeper die than you're going to find anywhere else. So, sample Pages testimonials are up there. I just got a huge one from ESPN's. Chris palika, the bear, the bear, that was a great one there.

1:11:45 Yeah, it's up there on Pixies freebies.com. And then on Twitter, if you're a Twitter follower, it's at pick six, previews. All spelled out and you'll get fresh content every day. There. Well soon. What Brett best of luck this season? Hopefully, you know, definitely this time next year, we want to have you back on for another preview. Maybe we catch up with you after the season and we can sort of do some deep diving of you know, as your statistic and as your models look you know what came to fruition what was different so you know will definitely be connecting with you. Hopefully have you back on some time in the offseason? Yeah, for sure guys.

1:12:28 Any time and keep up the great work, we'll be in touch on Twitter. Appreciate it. Well, that's is going to wrap up this episode of The Boundary Corner podcast. I'm Curtis Wilson. I'm Brian Sigler. Visit our website at boundary corner. Be t.com to listen to all of our episodes while you're there. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and subscribe on your, on our YouTube account and your favorite podcasts orson's going Spotify, Amazon, and apple podcast, if you are looking to join the Hokie Club, And help achieve the Reach For Excellence campaign. Please visit boundary corner, he t.com forward slash giving to get started as always we let our buddy Jason long from down in the New River Valley. Play us out, catch him on Spotify and apple music. We thank you for listening.

1:13:13 And as always, let's go okay's.