Volume 1, Issue 1 | 8/25/11 - 9/09/11 | WWW.THEBLACKSHEEPONLINE.COM
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The
Black Sheep
“A College Newspaper That’s Actually About College” Football season is almost upon us and with it comes all the wonders and joys of fall. The leaves changing colors, a crisp chill in the air and more importantly – tailgating! While your tailgating technique may be perfected, if you know nothing about the team you are tailgating for, well, you might just lose a little of your credibility. Consider this your For Dummies version of everything that has happened over the spring and summer months leading up to opening kickoff for the Hokies. The Staff: Beamer and Co. are very conservative when it comes to making staff changes. Bud Foster (defensive coordinator) and Bryan Stinespring (offensive coordinator) are entering their 25th and 10th seasons, respectively, as part of the staff. With the hiring of Mike London as their head coach, the University of Virginia put a lot of pressure on Beamer to make some changes. Instead of cleaning house, Beamer looked to his very own flesh and blood to instill some passion and vigor into the program. Shane Beamer joins the staff as the new running backs coach and associate head coach. All that is fine and well, but his real purpose will be in recruiting, which is already paying major dividends. Whenever the senior Beamer calls it quits, if Bud
Other stuff
Inside
Ty Hodges wrote this Foster doesn’t take the Head Coaching position, expect the baby Beamer to take the reins. The Team: Let’s take care of the elephant in the room first – Yes, Tyrod Taylor is gone. Let me spell that out for you, G – O – N – E. As much as it pains us all, Taylor graduated and there’s nothing we can do about it. However, in his place comes his polar opposite, Logan Thomas. Tyrod Taylor was small, mobile, elusive and explosive while Logan Thomas is tall, physical, raw and loaded with potential. For the record, when I say that Logan Thomas is big, I mean this fucker is BIG. Coming into the spring practices he was 6’6 and weighed in at 245 pounds. He is now 6’7 and 257 pounds. That is straight up defensive end size. BEAST MODE! The other elephant in the room is the loss of Ryan Williams and Darren Evans. They are gone. G – O – N – E, gone. In their place sprints David Wilson, who most would consider one of the most explosive all-around players in the entire nation. David Wilson is extremely quick and fast, two completely different things. For example, at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Wilson took it upon himself to catch a rabbit by outrunning it. THIS BASTARD CATCHES RABBITS! Wilson is also one of the best return men in the ACC, which will serve the Hokies very well. The offensive line will also be improved this
04: welcome back it’s been too long since you’ve been out
year. The Hokies return four of their starting linemen, so hopefully Logan Thomas won’t spend the season on his back like a hooker in heat. The defensive side of the ball will improve significantly over last year’s season-long debacle. Bud Foster did what he could with such a young team, but this year he returns many talented players who finally have game experience. Jayron Hosley is one of the nation’s best cornerbacks. Period. Bruce Taylor will be an anchor at the middle linebacker position and the WHIP linebacker position can’t get any worse than Jeron Gouvela-Winslow was last season. Either he will step his game up or Alonzo Tweedy or redshirt freshman Nick Dew will take his spot. Bud Foster doesn’t take any shit from such an important position in his defensive scheme. Lastly, on the defensive line, watch out for number 99; he’ll be the one doing to opposing quarterbacks what Bruce Taylor did to UVA’s fake punt formation last year. The Schedule: I hope you’re hungry because Beamer and Co. are bringing cupcakes to Blacksburg this year. The out-of-conference schedule is pathetic, but because of Logan Thomas’ inexperience, I actually commend this move. You don’t throw a first-time starter into the fire against LSU, Alabama, Boise State or any other fresh-meat-
09: Seven Layers of Players We’re talkin’ about dorms here, people.
hungry defense. For your viewing pleasure, coming to Blacksburg this fall will be Appalachian State from the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision). As you might remember, Appy State was the one that upset Michigan in the Big House in 2007. They were the first FCS team to beat a Top 10 FBS team. As you also might remember, though try to forget, James Madison did the exact same thing to Virginia Tech last season. It could be a trap game, but I don’t see Beamer letting that tragedy happen again. But wait, there’s more! If you order now, you will also get the perennial punching bag of the NCAA: Arkansas State. If you want to know more about Arkansas State, go to your nearest toilet, drop a deuce, stand up, pee in the same toilet and then don’t flush. There you go; that’s Arkansas State. The ACC schedule is very manageable this year with the toughest games of Miami, Clemson, Boston College and UNC being in Blacksburg. The hardest road test for the Hokies will actually be Georgia Tech on a Thursday night. It should be noted that the Hokies will have an extra week to prepare for the triple option. So, you should be up to speed on all of the Hokie football news that you might have missed. If you’re still lost or confused, maybe just go watch soccer instead.
13: we interview: sweedish rockers Peter, Bjorn and John!