After Virginia Tech defeated Virginia 38-0 on Saturday, Hokies quarterback Logan Thomas said the pregame focus on the resurgent Cavaliers was a “slap in the face.” Defensive coordinator Bud Foster used the same phrase this week, reacting to the lack of Virginia Tech defenders on the All-ACC first team. So far, the no-respect theme is working out nicely for the No. 5 Hokies (11-1), who have won seven straight. It’s also cause for concern for No. 21 Clemson (9-3) in the ACC championship game on Saturday in Charlotte, N.C.
While Clemson placed five players on the all-conference first team, Virginia Tech had two. When the team was announced Monday, several Hokies players tweeted their discontent.
“It’s hard to believe we didn’t have one player make first-team defense,” Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer mused.
The Hokies have another reason to be motivated: Clemson’s 23-3 victory in Blacksburg on Oct. 1.
Virginia Tech is trying to conjure as many reasons for anger as possible. There is a video circulating of Clemson coach Dabo Swinney’s tombstone ceremony after the victory. It’s hardly an outrageous or uncommon practice. Clemson does it every time it topples a ranked foe on the road. Maryland has a set of tombstones outside its practice facility.
One thing Virginia Tech can’t be upset about is Wednesday’s news that running back David Wilson was named ACC player of the year. But maybe the Hokies can claim he didn’t get as many votes as he should.
– Kevin Dunleavy
