Question & Answer Session with Gobbler Country

by ggggmen08 on Sep 28, 2011 7:00 AM EDT in FUTBAW

This week we were fortunate to be able to have SBNation's very own Gobbler Country trade questions and answers with us in anticipation of Saturday's huge matchup with the Virginia Tech Hokies. The guys over at Gobbler Country do a great job and their site is a great place to get the most informative information about his week's opponent. I highly encourage you to head over there and check them out. I'd also like to thank them for their collaboration on this item. Below are the questions we posed about the Hokies along with answers provided by Gobbler Country editor Casey Richey.

Q&A after the jump....

STS: Help us break down Logan Thomas' performance so far this year. Is he Cam Newton-light? What are his strengths and weaknesses at this point.

I've heard the Logan Thomas/Cam Newton comparison so many times already and I really don't like it. I think the only similarity is their size (6'6-6'7 245) but as far as playing style, the playbook catering to him, and his demeanor on the field, he's a lot different. When he's running, he's not going to make anyone miss like Cam Newton did but he runs people over more along the lines of a Tim Tebow. As far as his arm is concerned, he's got a absolute gun and can get the ball there in a hurry. However, he's struggled with his accuracy downfield and on some passes that he's had quite a bit of time to complete. I think it's more attributable to running the show full-time and as he adjusts he'll improve on that.

STS: I think most people know Logan Thomas has RB David Wilson to rely on in the backfield. What are his options out wide in the passing game?

It seems that each week a different receiver has an exceptional game. Danny Coale is probably the most consistent performer and a favorite target for Thomas (18 rec, 285 yds, TD). Jarrett Boykin is another target and DJ Coles had a bit of a break-out game against Marshall so he may be another player to watch. The biggest threat in the passing game (in my opinion) is Marcus Davis. Davis is 6'4, 228 and can burn corners with his speed, add in a 44-inch vert and he's a big-time threat. Davis had a big performance against App St in the opener but since then he's been a bit quiet, look for him to factor in.

STS: Brian Stinespring, the much maligned former playcaller, is no longer calling plays for the Hokies. How has the offense changed under new playcaller and former Clemson Tiger Mike O'Cain?

No comment.

No, in all honesty it's still a bit of a feeling out process as a fan. I think I like how the two of them are working to implement Thomas' abilities with the run game (read options and the like) but I do not like how rarely O'Cain bounces the speedy Wilson to the outside and instead runs him up the middle into the still shaky offensive line. I've also noticed a tendency to make Thomas throw deep downfield and three of his four interceptions have come on passes over 25 yards. But, like I said, it's still a bit of a feeling out process. The more O'Cain gets a feel for Thomas' performance and the running game's rhythm, the more it will (hopefully) be successful.

STS: Defensively, the Hokies are always stout. But their play has been trending downwards recently. What do you expect out of this group?

I expect them to A.) be at their absolute best and B.) to not sub in second string players at poor times. The second team secondary is lost out there so the first string needs to stay on the field all the time against Watkins and I'd expect him to be covered by Jayron Hosley the whole game. I also expect there to be a lot of pressure on Boyd and James Gayle and JR Collins (both near the tops in the ACC in terms of sacks) should be the #1 priority for the Clemson O-line. As a whole unit, the first string is incredibly talented and very capable of shutting things down completely. Now, whether or not they can come together and perform at their best is the big question for this game. They've shown dominance at times and gaping holes at others so finding consistency is crucial. By far the biggest test of the young season.

STS: Clemson's offense is really clicking. But for this offense to take it to the next level they need find a way to run the ball through the A-gaps, which they haven't been able to do yet. How good are Virginia Tech's defensive tackles? Should Clemson expect to find their inside running game this week?

Antoine and Derrick Hopkins (The Hopki as they're collectively called) are some big fellas at 300lb+ and they're definitely capable of being very disruptive to an offense's gameplan. Although they may not have the stats that some other DTs have, they eat up blocks and allow the backers to get to the ball carrier quickly. That'll definitely be an interesting aspect to watch in the game because the two make plays consistently either by themselves or opening things up for guys like Tariq Edwards or Bruce Taylor.

STS: A night game in Blacksburg is going to be a really tough test. This game could come down to special teams. Clemson's ST has been far from stellar over the years, whereas VT is known for their ST. Does that hold true again this year?

The kicking has been less than stellar (4 of 7) and the punting...well, Danny Coale got to punt against Marshall so that's a sign. However, the field goal block and punt block teams are deadly. The punt block team is always fun to watch because unlike a lot of other schools, Tech puts first string wide receivers (Davis, Boykin) and DBs (Exum, Fuller) in there to block it. Beamer's philosophy lately has been to put some incredibly fast and strong guys in there and some punt formations just don't stand a chance. Last week they got a hand on a Marshall punt and partially blocked it so hopefully (for Tech fans) they'll all out block one this week. Then again, even if they miss blocking the punt, the ever-dangerous Jayron Hosley is back there to return. Special teams hasn't been as dominant as in years past but with the skill out there it's always a dangerous battle for opposing teams.

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Comments

We have not beaten the Hokies in 22 years

It’s way overdue.

They have not played much of anyone yet, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t any good. Their coach gets more from his players than almost anyone. I think we have the best chance in a while to win one.

Hopefully we don’t kick it away at the start and give a return TD.

by Cristo on Sep 28, 2011 9:27 AM EDT reply actions

Hopefully we will not have to punt very much.

Seriously, our special teams worry me as much as anything, and that could be the difference in this one.

Doesn’t sound like we are going to run it between the tackles very much against VT, but we may be able to make some hay in the passing game, sort of like what we did against FSU. They took away the run and dared Proctor to beat them in 06, but I doubt that works with Tajh. I just hope Tajh stays cool and does not let himself get rattled.

How do Yall think we match up?

"Clemson is coming!" - Stephone Anthony

by Tigerplowboy on Sep 28, 2011 9:43 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Our OL has done pretty well in pass blocking

I think if Boyd is not running for his life that he can hit targets. After 4 games, they have to be concerned about our pass attack.

If we are going to have a chance, we need to keep the pressure on and hope we can force them to punt once or twice. I don’t see out defense doing much to stop their rushing attack. So our D is going to be out there all day. When we have the ball we better score points. So far that has not been a problem. I see them trying to keep the ball and grind out drives so our offense is on the sidelines.

We cannot afford a slow start as in the Troy, Wofford, and Auburn games.

by Cristo on Sep 28, 2011 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm thinking it'll be a two TD game either way

Unless Foster decides not to blitz Boyd, which would shock me, I think one team is going to blast the other.

I would think we’re going to be one-dimensional. So, they’re either going to pound Boyd into the dirt and create turnovers or they’re not going to get to him in time and he’s going to light them up.

On defense, I think they are going to be able to run the ball and have us pretty worn in the 2nd half if we aren’t sustaining drives and getting first downs. So, I think this game has a good chance to be a blowout one way or the other.

"My Boy" List: Chad Morris, Sammy Watkins, Phillip Price, The Bantam Chef, Tully Blanchard, and K.D. Lang

by TheKraken on Sep 28, 2011 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Hosley is good at CB

but he can’t cover everyone.

I dont think they have anyone who can pick up Allen. I think perhaps only UNC has people that can run with Allen.

History tells me their front will be almost impenetrable and picking up pressure will be the true test, along with stopping the run. I don’t know if we can stop their running game.

Shakinthesouthland.com-Clemson sports analysis

Follow Shakin the Southland on Twitter!

by DrB on Sep 28, 2011 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions

this was a lot more humble that the FSU guys last week.

At least they are saying hopefully when can shut you down instead of it being a foregone conclusion. This is going to be a really fun game to watch as long as we show up. Cannot wait.

by Beau Creson on Sep 28, 2011 9:34 AM EDT reply actions

I emailed back and forth with Casey. They are legitimately nervous about our offense, Boyd in particular.

by ggggmen08 on Sep 28, 2011 9:59 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Yes...

I’m not overconfident, but I have hope that we can go there and squeak out a victory.

If you go over and read their blog, their last post from a writer predicted their loss. So I don’t think they’re overly confident either.

Going to be a great game, but either way Sunday I’ll be a lot less anxious. Just might be more happy or more sad.

by ClemsonGrad04 on Sep 28, 2011 10:02 AM EDT reply actions

Wow

Also went over and spent about 20 minutes on the FSU boards. WOW! I’ve only been reading this board this season, so I don’t know this, but after a loss, do we complain constantly and make excuses here? OR, do we analyze where we as a football team made mistakes. (Not the officiating). There was a post with over 1000 comments purely about officiating.

by ClemsonGrad04 on Sep 28, 2011 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions

FSU doesn't respect us

and thus they can’t believe that we could so easliy destory their “Top 5” defense. So they look for other excuses. I too went to their site and left in disgust. As a fan I have repect for all of our opponeants, even if I don’t like them like SC. However, FSU thought this would be the year that they returned to national relavance and while losing to the number 1 team at home didn’t hurt them that much, to see our young team dice their defense, which they bragged about endlessly, on a national stage set them off.

I have a lot fo respect for Va. tech and look for a hard foguht game. However, there are a few of their fans who like FSU point to the past and to their D to completely shut us down Do oyu know that one of them had the gall to say that Watkins was only a September player and won’t play well at all in October….

by D'Arve21 on Sep 28, 2011 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions

Disgusted as well...

Sammy Watkins is and will be a phenom for YEARS at this level and beyond. To come in as a TRUE freshman (he was in high school 5 months ago for goodness sake) and do what he’s done is nothing short of amazing.

I agree. FSU has no respect for us. I just thought I had found a homer-less set of sites that would be free from moronic banter. This site does well to critique instead of blame, and I’m so thankful I finally found it.

The funny thing for me is how every week we improve, and every week the homer fans say they will destroy us, then when we come out on top, it’s all excuses instead of critiquing where THEIR team made mistakes. I hope we repeat this series of events on Saturday.

by ClemsonGrad04 on Sep 28, 2011 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions

Tomahawk Nation was very critical of Bowden during his last few years

and now that Jimbo took over, changed the culture, and recruited at an incredibly high level, the folks over at TN have set their expectations so high that many of them can’t fathom a loss, especially to Clemson. I think the fact that Dabo beat Jimbo also blows their minds.

They do great work over there, but their members do complain about penalties a lot.

The way I see it, there were iffy pass interference calls against both teams. There were holds that were not called against both teams. They hit our punter and our punter fell. That’s a penalty. We brushed their punters leg when running by and he didn’t fall. That’s football.

In my opinion, we gave them a gift TD and should’ve beat them by more.

by ggggmen08 on Sep 28, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Yep.

Agreed. I coach baseball and basketball, and the easiest targets are the officials, but it’s all part of the game. We’ve had questionable calls for years. The funny thing is Toledo took the high road with their officiating mistake (which was HORRIBLE) and proven that it cost them the game. Florida St. just can’t wrap their head around this loss and are looking to crucify someone, but aren’t ready to throw Jimbo yet so they turn to the officials.

by ClemsonGrad04 on Sep 28, 2011 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Toledo took the high road? They petitioned the NCAA & Big East to have the game vacated.

by RazzMcTazz on Sep 29, 2011 1:52 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree

their fans dont respect Clemson on the whole.

Shakinthesouthland.com-Clemson sports analysis

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by DrB on Sep 28, 2011 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions

In their defense, Tomahawk's moderator, Bud, was trying to calm them down

IMO, where TN messed up was hammering home these two points for the past 8 months:

1. FSU recruiting has passed up Clemson (as if that is new) so now FSU will not only dispose of Clemson and VT but, ascend back to the top ranks of college football.

2. 10 wins are the minimum expectation for this FSU team in ’11.

The lack of respect for The Clemson program can simply be attributed to entering The ACC after Ford was fired and dominating us their first 11 years in the league.

"My Boy" List: Chad Morris, Sammy Watkins, Phillip Price, The Bantam Chef, Tully Blanchard, and K.D. Lang

by TheKraken on Sep 28, 2011 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

FSU will win 10 games in '11.

by RazzMcTazz on Sep 29, 2011 1:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Maybe so, but at 2-2 with a loss to a team they don't respect ...

those are instructions to commence meltdown.

by TheKraken on Sep 29, 2011 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Puntrooskie

Their lack of respect can be traced to that in my opinion. No matter that we beat their asses the next year, they don’t remember that

by PenthouseTiger on Sep 29, 2011 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions

Did you expect anything else?

At least they stopped dropping here.

by Toadkillerdog on Sep 28, 2011 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions

No I just happened to drop in

That is pretty much the expectations. FSU is still a few offensive lineman (with experience) away. There are some good lineman there still, Datko and Sanders. The rest are still pretty young and the offensive line is a weakness.

The running backs are decent so far but there are no Leon Washington or Warrick Dunn types. Mario Pender, incoming is probably the best talent recruited by Fisher there but we will have to see.

More quarterback depth will help. If Trickett were hurt now, it would be Secord and I have no idea if he can play and he is lefthanded. Coker is probably the best prospect of the quarterbacks but he is a pure freshman and is red shirting.

The defensive line is stellar and more DTS are incoming as well as defensive ends. More depth at corner would not hurt either.

Yes frankly I expected to win this game, but Chad Morris was the difference this year. He has a very good offensive game plan. I am not sure he won’t be a head coach somewhere soon. He is good. He attacked FSU the only way Clemson was able to, throught the air. You had 49 rushes for 111 yards and OU about the same. The Malzahn spread is the best way to attack FSU, get the ball in the hands of play makers and he did.

There is some work to do as far as FSU dealing with this type offense. But I agree FSU is not at a level yet of some of the more noteworthy teams of the past. Still all in all I would have liked to have seen what Manuel would have done playing all of the OU and Clemson games and I am sure you would feel the same way if Boyd had missed the Auburn and FSU games.

A casual stroll through the mental asylum shows that faith does not prove anything...Nietzsche

How good bad music and bad reason sound when one marches against an enemy...Nietzsche

by DocHoliday2 on Sep 28, 2011 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Not interested in making excuses...

I was worried that our injuries and lack of depth would cost us this game and they did. Clemson was the better team on the field Saturday and it showed. Watkins is a beast and played like it. Nothing more to say about it IMO. Would we have won if we had our starters? I have no idea and it doesn’t really matter. Looking forward to your game this weekend VT is tough…

by Zerkai on Sep 29, 2011 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Problems.....

Virgina Tech has had problems throwing the ball down the field against some not so great teams. Now lets look at the obvious things here VT has always been a running team with 3 and 4 very good running backs. I belive our keys to success are very simple. I’m not taking anything away from virgina tech they are a very good football team and have some great players on there team but…… With the players that they have they have really struggled in the games that they have played. I know VT has always been all about special teams but i don’t believe thats our cause for concern this week. Our concern should be CAN WE STOP THE RUN!!! PERIOD!!! I feel if we can stop the run we can win this ball game saturday night. Now if VT starts running the ball down our throat well then were gonna be in for a long night b/c thats what auburn did and it opened up there passing game a little bit. I think were gonna have to put 7-8 guys in the box and make Thomas beat us. I think flordia states D was a little bit better than VT’s and we hung 35 on them so i think its gonna come down to weather we can stop the run or not, and getting pressure on Thomas.

by Craig Whitmire on Sep 28, 2011 10:42 AM EDT reply actions

Time for Steele to earn his paycheck

Against Va tech. I’ve heard that he can finally pull out his favored D and showcase our, at least on paper, impressive LBs. i look for Steward and Anthony to get in more if the starters don’t pan out. I have faith in our run D. Auburn is a team that like us uses a lot of misdirection, Va tech is much more simple. They want to run the ball down our throats. However, FSu tried the same thing last week. They committed to the run and we stuffed it. It’s all about penetration and our D line should be able to at least, stand up their O line and have our LB take on their RBs. We’ll see though.

by D'Arve21 on Sep 28, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Our DB's vs there QB

Now D’Arve21 i think its safe to say that clint trickett was a very good down the field the passer and was on point with the passes. Do you beleive that Thomas is as good as trickett was? And do you believe that we can handle thomas down the field ball if we bottle up the run

by Craig Whitmire on Sep 28, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions

One thing about Trickett is he was back-up QB....

Back-up QB’s don’t usually practice with 1st string WR’s. The thing that helped FSU, imo, was that they had so many starting WR’s out, so Trickett was throwing to receivers that he practiced with all year long. Kept hearing Greene’s name all day long….I definitely think this was a big factor in his having such a monster day passing.

by greenvandal on Sep 28, 2011 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions

Thomas has a bigger arm, but isn't as accurate

And he is definitely more mobile and could really hurt us with his legs. He reminds me of Terrell Pryor when he runs. Not necessarily shifty, and doesn’t always look like he is moving fast, but he is a long strider and can pull away from guys.

by ggggmen08 on Sep 28, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions

No i don't

I don’t believe that Thomas will be better than Trickett but that’s becuase Trickett played extremely well. and FSu’s running game has been nonexistent all year so they had to rely on it. Va Tech. has a great running game and that’s where they’ll ry and mke their money. If we stop that then they’re done. Thomas has not yet proved to me that he can thread a needle and make the impressive throws that Trickett did against us.

by D'Arve21 on Sep 28, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Right. Do what Bud did to us in 2006. Load the box and dare Thomas to beat us with his arm.

by RazzMcTazz on Sep 29, 2011 2:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Half-Agree

Special teams has got to be corrected. A blocked punt returned for 6 is probably one of the biggest momentum changers in football. It means their D just shut you down (a momentum builder in itself), then they scored without giving your D a chance at redemption. That punt team has got to be fixed ASAP. And also if D Wilson and Hosley are returning kicks we have got to tackle. If a run oriented team has to consistently drive 70-80 yards you can get a stop sooner or later. If they are driving 55-65 yards its much easier for them to get in FG or scoring range.

But I do agree we have to stop the run. I’m looking forward to seeing our base LB package and the young guys should be chomping at the bit. I see them as two caged up tigers just waiting to be turned loose. Hope I’m right!

"Just because you've had 2 or 3 good games doesn't mean anything right now. It's not the first 3 games you're going to be remembered by." - The Chad

by scgreatest803 on Sep 28, 2011 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm not worried about our recent losing streak to VT...

and I’m not looking at our past failures anymore. This is a completely different team than in years past. I’ve seen several players say there is something different about this year’s team but they can’t quite put their finger on why it’s different. I’ll tell you what’s different about this team. Chad Morris. This guy has come in here and is changing the losing culture of this team right before our very eyes. He doesn’t put up with bull shit and he demands more from our players. I have full confidence in The Chad (can you tell I like this guy yet?). I don’t think we’re just going to stroll into Lane stadium and come out with a win. If we win, it will be because we fought hard and earned it. But at least I feel like we always have a chance to win with this offense. Sammy is unstoppable and I’m confident he will do well. I’ve gained a lot of confidence in DA this year and he presents a matchup problem to anyone he faces. The person who worries me most for this game is Tahj. He’s definitely been improving every week. I’m worried though because I’ve seen he has a tendency to get a little excitable and emotional. I just want him to enter the game with a cool head and not let it affect him if he makes a mistake.

by MST3King on Sep 28, 2011 1:50 PM EDT reply actions