Dramatic NCAA runs comes to an end

Source: hokiesports.com by Softball

Tech falls to Tennessee twice in Knoxville Regional

Virginia Tech Football: 5 Most Highly Anticipated Games Next Year

Source: Bleacher Report NCAAF

We are slowly but surely closing in on the beginning of the 2012 collegiate football season. In just over three months, football fans around the country will make a pilgrimage to their favorites school's stadium or maybe just to their favorite chair. Fans of the Virginia Tech Hokies will be no different.

Every game during the season counts in college football, but every school and every fan has a select few games on the schedule that they circle. Those are the important games, the rivalry games and the games that can move your team significantly in the rankings.

There are five of these games for the Hokies this season. The following list will identify them and give you a short preview of each.

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Ask another team’s beat writer: Austin Peay

Source: Andy Bitter

Steering away from the conference expansion talk for a second, here's the second part of the Austin Peay opponent preview. If you missed the first part Friday, you can read it here. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

VIDEO- 2014 Guard On VT's Radar - Virginia Tech [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

Hairston talks recruiting - Virginia Tech [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

Preakness winner needs another - www.roanoke.com

Source: Roanoke Times NCAAB

I'll Have Another again chases down rival Bodemeister at the finish line to keep his Triple Crown hopes alive.

BALTIMORE - I'll Have Another had Bodemeister in his sights again, a shot at the Triple Crown hanging in the balance.

Two weeks ago, he ran down his rival and won the Kentucky Derby. This time, the chestnut colt needed to be even more relentless to win the Preakness.

Salem shut down by Howard, Keys (with online-only extras)

Source: Aaron McFarling by Aaron McFarling

SHACKLED: Trent Howard and two relievers combined on a four-hitter as the Frederick Keys beat the Salem Red Sox 1-0 on Saturday in front of a season-high crowd of 4,425 at Salem Memorial Ballpark.

MASTER OF HIS CRAFT: Howard isn’t an overpowering lefty – “I’ll tickle 90 if I’m lucky,” he said – but held the Carolina League’s top offensive club to only one hit over six innings.
A seventh round pick by the Orioles last year out of Central Michigan University, Howard was making just his second start at the High Class A level after going 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA in six appearances at Low-A Delmarva.
“My curveball was better than it’s been all year,” said Howard, who struck out five and walked two. “I’d been having a hard time throwing that for strikes. It’s always had good bite; I just hadn’t had the control there. But it was there today.”

COUCH NO SLOUCH: Howard’s counterpart, Sox right-hander Keith Couch, was nearly as good. The Keys managed just four hits against him through six innings, as Couch struck out five and walked one.
The only mistake he made was throwing back-to-back changeups – and leaving the second one up – in the fifth inning against Keys first baseman Aaron Baker, who clubbed it over the fence in right to produce the game’s only run.

DOWN FOR WHATEVER: Couch’s role with the staff has been fluid since the team added Matt Barnes to the rotation. The Sox are going with six starters during a heavy stretch of games, but Couch also will work out of the bullpen.
“I’ve done both the past three years,” Couch said. “It’s something that doesn’t affect me, and the organization knows that, so they’ll use me both ways. I’ll do anything, as long as I’m pitching.”

LOOSE ENDS: The Sox squandered a two-on, one-out situation in the seventh and Jackie Bradley Jr.’s one-out double in the eighth…Sox reliever Pete Ruiz continues to deliver. He allowed just one hit over three scoreless innings and now sports a 1.31 ERA…Xander Bogaerts went 2-for-4 to lead Salem’s offense…The Sox set a season high for attendance for the second straight night.

ON DECK: The three-game series concludes at 4:05 p.m. today, with Keys RHP Kyle Simon (1-6, 5.05) scheduled to face Sox RHP Brandon Workman (2-1, 3.65). — Aaron McFarling

—

Online only tidbits:

-This is the second straight night this offense has struggled, but that shouldn’t be a cause for alarm. Their two top hitters are lefties — Jackie Bradley Jr. and Travis Shaw — who both took last night off before facing a southpaw who was really on his game tonight.

-The Keys entered this series with the worst record in the Carolina League — and still own it — but some new blood is helping the clubhouse vibe. “I definitely feel like there’s a newer energy with this team,” Howard said. “There’s not a whole lot of quit in here, that’s for sure. And we’re starting to get more and more news guys that are helping to revive that.”

-Howard said he normally works in the 87-88 mph range. Still, you don’t see many guys at this level command four pitches the way he did tonight. He said he normally throws a lot of sliders to righties to try to jam them but didn’t even have to go to that pitch much tonight.

-Keys reliever Matt Bywater sports a moustache that was the envy of every aspiring adult film star in attendance.

-Bradley also had a walk in addition to his double. He’s hitting .366.

-Tough night for Shaw, who’s still batting .350 after going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. He clearly was disgruntled when he was called out on strikes to end the bottom of the eighth. Several Sox players gave second glances to the umpire pitches ruled to be strikes on the outer half.

-The attendance thing is a good sign. Salem came into this series second to last in the Carolina League in average attendance but has nearly packed this place in games one and two. The weather’s been perfect — something that couldn’t be said for the majority of the home dates before this weekend.

Tech defeated in final regular season game

Source: hokiesports.com by Baseball

Hokies fall to Tar Heels, 6-2

Virginia Tech pounds its way to Regional final

Source: hokiesports.com by Softball

Hokies down Miami 6-0 at NCAA Tournament

Hokies advance out of Bowling Green

Source: hokiesports.com by Golf

Vincent finishes tied for third as Hokies finish fourth

Hawkins, Carter earn Capital One Academic All-District Men's At-Large honors

Source: hokiesports.com

Academic All-District At-Large honors recognizes the nation's top student-athletes

Hokies Keeping Eye On Rising Forward - Virginia Tech [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

SEC-Big 12's agreement interesting, but is it a tipping point in college football?

Source: Andy Bitter

And so college football's Doomsday is upon us. Or it's not. Who really knows? There were mixed opinions in the wake of Friday's news that the SEC and Big 12 have decided to pair off their champions in a "Champions Bowl" (working title) for five years beginning in 2014.

VIDEO: Anthony Barber - Virginia Tech [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

These players should put up big numbers this fall (Yahoo! Sports)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

Certain statistical plateaus will be in reach for these quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers this season.

Plea deal may help Va. Tech kicker return to football

Source: The Virginian-Pilot

BLACKSBURG Virginia Tech kicker Cody Journell will plead to a misdemeanor trespassing charge in relation to an incident from December, his lawyer Jimmy Turk said Friday night, potentially opening up the possibility for him to return to the Hokies.

Virginia Tech Kicker Cody Journell To Plead Guilty To Misdemeanor

Source: Gobbler Country by chicagomaroon

Virginia Tech Kicker Cody Journell To Plead Guilty To Misdemeanor

Suspended Virginia Tech kicker Cody Journell has come to an agreement with the Commonwealth Attorney to plead guilty to a lesser charge than the felony breaking and entering he has been charged with. It appears he will plead guilty to a trespassing misdemeanor instead. The terms appear to involve no jail time or fine, but will require 100 hours of community service.

Journell tweeted Friday night, "First good news I’ve heard in 6 months…I’m so determined to make a mike vick comeback, man I love

Lawyer: Hokies kicker Cody Journell will plead to misdemeanor trespassing charge

Source: Andy Bitter

Virginia Tech kicker Cody Journell will plead to a misdemeanor trespassing charge in relation to an incident from December, his lawyer Jimmy Turk said Friday night, potentially opening up the possibility for him to return to the Hokies. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Hokies on wrong end of pitchers' duel

Source: hokiesports.com by Baseball

Joe Mantiply tosses gem in 2-1 loss to UNC

Hokies down Blazers 4-1 in first round of NCAA Tournament

Source: hokiesports.com by Softball

Two-run first inning enough for Virginia Tech

Hokies down Blazers 4-1 in first round of NCAA Tournamentt

Source: hokiesports.com by Softball

Two-run first inning enough for Virginia Tech

Allan Chaney Cleared By Doctor To Play Basketball Again

Source: Gobbler Country by chicagomaroon

BREAKING NEWS: Gobbler Country is proud to be the VERY FIRST publication on the internet to report that Virginia Tech basketball player Allan Chaney has been cleared by a doctor to play collegiate basketball again. More on this developing story after the jump.

Per Chaney's personal Twitter account, he announced today with this tweet that he has been cleared to play basketball again by Philadelphia, PA cardiologist Dr. Francis E. Marchlinkski. It has not been confirmed by any Virginia Tech officials yet and is not clear if Chaney intends to play

Hokies improve to fifth at NCAA Regional

Source: hokiesports.com by Golf

Vincent in third place individually

ACC in the top 25

Source: ACC Football Blog

My colleague Mark Schlabach has released his post-spring top 25, and the ACC has fared well: 7. Florida State 16. Clemson 23. Virginia Tech 25. Georgia Tech I've got the first three in the same order in my post-spring conference power ranking, but I've apparently got more faith in NC State than Schlabach (and probably a lot of other people). Call it instinct. Call it a gut feeling. Call it Mike Glennon's ability to throw the ball, but I think the Wolfpack have the potential for a special season this year -- more so than Georgia Tech.

Friday mailblog

Source: ACC Football Blog

It feels like forever since I've done one of these. Wait, it has been ... Nathan in Kingsport, Tenn., (Currently in Panama City, Fla.) writes: Welcome back HD!! I wanted to ask your opinion on the future schedule of Virginia Tech. They have received flack in recent years for taking a break from playing tough OOC opponents and playing a "cupcake" OOC schedule. However looking beyond this season, the Hokies will play Alabama in '13, Urban Meyer led Ohio State in '14 and '15 and Wisconsin in '16 and '17.

Big-Time 2014 LB Also Looking At Offense - Virginia Tech [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

Most important game: Duke

Source: ACC Football Blog

Our series taking a look at the most important game on the schedule this year for each ACC school continues today with Duke. For those of you just tuning in, this is a look at which games will reveal the most or have the biggest impact on the 2012 race. Duke Most important game: Sept. 29 at Wake Forest Why it’s important:If Duke is going to go bowling, it HAS to be able to win the winnable games, and this is definitely one of them. This has been one of the most entertaining series in the ACC.

Morris: Canes not worried about NCAA

Source: ACC Football Blog

Miami quarterback Stephen Morris said he and the players aren’t concerned about the highly-publicized NCAA investigation that is still looming over the program. “Today was the first day I’ve been asked about it, and I told everybody, ‘We’re not worried about it at all,’” Morris told ESPN.com in a telephone interview. “I haven’t thought about it until today, when everyone was asking questions about it.

ACC's lunchtime links

Source: ACC Football Blog

The FSU chatter seems to have died down a bit today ... Not before Bobby Bowden had a chance to weigh in, of course. His message? Stay in the ACC. The new 'lost helmet' rule could create some controversy. There was a standing-room only crowd for the funeral of former Miami AD Paul Dee. Hokies' beat writer Andy Bitter took an in-depth look at opponent Austin Peay. Former Wake Forest defensive end Nate Bolling is now throwing his weight around in NASCAR.

Cowboys Coach Breaks Down Danny Coale (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

Note: Not including Rivals' premium sites, do not copy/paste and or repost this column outside of Rivals.com, particularly on message boards, chat rooms and e-mails, as it is a direct violation of copyright laws. Thank you.

Ultimate ACC road trip: Week 2

Source: ACC Football Blog

Welcome back to the ACC’s ultimate road trip. In case you’re just joining us, this series is your ticket to each of the best games in the ACC every week. These are the games that -- if you had the money and the time -- you would want to be at this fall. The season is still a long ways off, but here in the blogosphere, we’re already into Week 2: Schedule: Saturday, September 8 Maine at Boston College Ball State at Clemson Duke at Stanford Savannah State at Florida State Presbyterian at Georgia Tech Maryland at Temple Miami at Kansas State North Carolina at Wake Forest NC State at Connecticut Penn State at Virginia Austin Peay at Virginia Tech My choice: North Carolina at Wake Forest Why: The nonconference lineup is a dud?

My 2 Cents

Source: Tech Hoops by Niemo

Eff’em.  Eff Dorian Finney-Smith and eff Montrezl Harrell.  That’s my stance.  Like associate AD Tom Gabbard said, if they don’t want to be here, I don’t want them.  I love Virginia Tech… a lot.  I realize it has some negatives, and some negative people, but it is a beautiful campus with an outstanding fan base, [...]

ACC post-spring power rankings

Source: ACC Football Blog

Now that spring practices are over, it’s time to re-evaluate the ACC pecking order for 2012. There wasn’t much change at the top from the pre-spring power rankings, but Georgia Tech did get a slight bump, along with two teams on Tobacco Road. Here’s a look at the latest ACC power rankings: 1. Florida State: The Noles’ defensive line should be one of the deepest and best in the conference, if not the country, and they’ve got an outstanding quarterback in EJ Manuel.

Friday: Whatdya have? Whadya have? Plenty of options for your local sports dollar

Source: Aaron McFarling by Aaron McFarling

Forecast calls for 70 degrees and clear at game time. Niiiiiiice.

In the immortal words of every employee of The Varsity: “Whatdya have? Whatdya have?” You’ve got your pick:

-The Salem Red Sox are back in town tonight, and they return from their seven-game road trip in first place in the Carolina League’s Southern Division. One of the top performers so far this year has been outfielder Shannon Wilkerson, who has thrived after getting an everyday job in his return trip to Salem. Full story on Wilkerson here.

-The Scott Robertson Memorial golf tournament opens today at Roanoke Country Club. The question is, will the word’s No. 1-ranked girls golfer be playing in it?

Sizzling Adam Jones leads the O's into D.C. tonight.

-The NCAA Division III national softball championships open today at Moyer Sports Complex. Berman features pitcher Kelly Higbie of Roanoke College, which plays at 6:30 p.m. tonight against Tufts. (Tufts beer for me, Tufts beer for you, I’ll have a Tufts, you’ll have one too.)

-A four-hour drive could get you to Nats Park, where it’s an Interleague battle of teams with a combined record of 47-30: Washington and Baltimore. Game’s on MASN at 7.

CORNY (NON-TORTOISE) JOKE OF THE DAY
Bob was in trouble. He forgot his wedding anniversary. His wife was
really angry.

She told him “Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the
driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in 6 seconds AND IT BETTER BE THERE !!”

The next morning he got up early and left for work. When his wife woke
up, she looked out the window and sure enough there was a box
gift-wrapped in the middle of the driveway.

Confused, the wife put on her robe and ran out to the driveway, brought
the box back in the house.

She opened it and found a brand new bathroom scale.

Bob has been missing since Friday.

NAME THAT TUNE
-This puppy could last all weekend:

The spark of plow to rock is now the only fight I’ve known
And the songs of victory that they sang don’t help the seeds I’ve sown
‘Tis wickedness and self conceit that is the bane of man
So the farmer and the land compete
As God’s first reprimand
There’ll be a day that Blue and Grey
Will hear the trumpets blow
And they’ll dance around like ol’ John Brown
On the long end of a rope
They’ll dance around like ol’ John Brown
On the long end of a rope

Signee Update No. 4: Christo Kourtzidis - Virginia Tech [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

GUARDIAN: Crooks Still Learning - Virginia Tech [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

Better know a '12 opponent: Austin Peay

Source: Andy Bitter

The blog's look at the Hokies' 2012 schedule continues today with Austin Peay, Virginia Tech's yearly game against a team from the Football Championship Subdivision. If you missed the Georgia Tech previews, there are links at the bottom of this post. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Kickoff times announced for some Tech, U.Va. games

Source: The Virginian-Pilot

The ACC announced game times Thursday for the early portion of the 2012 football schedule, all of its Thursday night games and the league title game. There were few surprises for Virginia Tech. The opener on Labor Day at Lane Stadium against Georgia Tech already had been set for 8 p.m. It will be televised by ESPN.

Hokies fall at North Carolina

Source: hokiesports.com by Baseball

Tyler Horan hits 15th HR of season in loss

Hokies eighth after first round of NCAA Regional

Source: hokiesports.com by Golf

Vincent tied for fourth individually

Most important game: Clemson

Source: ACC Football Blog

Our series taking a look at the most important game on the schedules this year for each ACC school continues today with Clemson. For those of you just tuning in, this is a look at which games will reveal the most or have the biggest impact on the 2012 race. Clemson Most important game: Sept. 22 at Florida State Why it’s important: Both teams have legitimate chances to win the Atlantic Division title, and this game should produce the frontrunner.

Video: Top 20 roundtable -- Florida State

Source: ACC Football Blog

"College Football Live's" panel of experts preview South Carolina's upcoming season.

UVa Insider, the column: QB issues tend to resolve themselves

Source: Tech, UVa Insiders by Doug Doughty

Upon hearing that Virginia had taken a football commitment from Ocean Lakes quarterback Corwin Cutler, here’s the first comparison that came to my mind: Miles Gooch. Some people are wondering why Virginia has added a seventh potential quarterback to its scholarship ranks, just as they might have asked why head coach Mike London signed four [...]

ACC game times announced

Source: ACC Football Blog

The ACC has announced game times and TV networks for all home games for the league in its first three weeks of the season, as well as for all of its 2012 Thursday night games on ESPN and all of national television games confirmed to date. The 2012 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game, which will be played Dec. 1 in Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., will be nationally televised by either ABC, with an 8 p.m. kickoff, or ESPN at 7:45 p.

Video: Most to prove in the ACC

Source: ACC Football Blog

After repeatedly failing to live up to the hype, Florida State has the most to prove in the ACC this fall.

Track & field qualifies 37 for NCAA East Preliminary Round

Source: hokiesports.com by Track & Field

Hokies to compete in Jacksonville next week

Hokies, Austin Peay set for afternoon kickoff Sept. 8

Source: Andy Bitter

The ACC announced a 1:30 p.m. kickoff for Virginia Tech's game Sept. 8 in Lane Stadium against Austin Peay. The game will be broadcast online on ESPN3. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook.