Michigan football team unfamiliar with Virginia Tech, a surprising Sugar Bowl pick
Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer defended his team's inclusion in the Sugar Bowl: "The people we've been able to beat, they didn't seem weak to me."
AP Photo
Don't know much about Virginia Tech? You're not alone.
No one on the Michigan football team has played the Wolverines' Sugar Bowl opponent. In fact, the schools have never played each other.
Wolverines coach Brady Hoke and his Virginia Tech counterpart, Frank Beamer, have never met.
Michigan hasn't even faced an Atlantic Coast Conference school since 1995, when it beat Virginia. The Hokies haven't faced a Big Ten team since they routed Indiana in 1993.
"I can’t lie, I’m not very familiar with them at all," senior defensive lineman Ryan Van Bergen said about 15 minutes after learning of his bowl fate. "Obviously, I had only about 2 minutes to watch game film (before this interview).
"From the clips on ESPN, they look pretty good."
SportsCenter is about as close as Michigan (10-2) has gotten to the Hokies (11-2) this year.
They actually are relatively similar teams, each relying on fearsome defenses (Virginia Tech and Michigan are tied for seventh nationally at 17.2 points allowed per game) and capable offenses (Michigan averages 34.2 points per game, and the Hokies 28.5).
The unfamiliarity between the teams, though, will require extra game planning for both, a process that won't begin in earnest for Michigan until at least Wednesday. Hoke is out of town until then.
Even if the Wolverines did some bowl prep work during their off time last week, they likely didn't spend it on Virginia Tech, which originally was projected to land in the Orange Bowl, if anywhere in the BCS, as the ACC champion.
When the Hokies were routed by Clemson on Saturday, most experts expected them to fall out of the BCS entirely. West Virginia and Kansas State were the favorites to face Michigan, and Boise State was another possibility.
Instead, the Sugar Bowl tabbed Virginia Tech with the BCS' final at-large pick. The choice has been controversial, since the Hokies played a weak schedule -- they haven't beaten a ranked team and were blown out in their season finale -- and were picked mostly for their draw and Sugar Bowl legacy.
It led noted college football writer Pat Forde of Yahoo! Sports to pen this: "The presence of Virginia Tech in a BCS bowl is an absolute, complete and utter travesty. The Sugar Bowl should be ashamed of itself for taking the Hokies over more deserving candidates Boise State and Kansas State."
Beamer defended his team's inclusion during a teleconference with reporters Sunday night, noting, “The people we’ve been able to beat, they didn’t seem weak to me.”
“Over the years, the Virginia Tech name has gotten to be a very good name,” Beamer added. “Not only this year, but I think over the last several years the name has built up. I think there’s a lot of reasons why you’d like to have Virginia Tech in your bowl game.”
Beamer offered more defense for his team's inclusion, noting Virginia Tech lost to only one team (Clemson, twice) this year, and that Hokies tailback David Wilson was the ACC’s player of the year.
He also mentioned Virginia Tech’s eight consecutive 10-win seasons -- none of which included Michigan, though.
“Until recently, didn’t really think us and Michigan would be meeting in a bowl game,” Beamer said.
Hoke said he never thought about facing Virginia Tech, or the process by which it was chosen.
"If I try to figure it all out, I’d probably get a headache, to be honest with ya," Hoke said by phone from New York City on Sunday night. "I just know they’re a terrific program.
"No matter who we play, it still comes down to, it’s Michigan."
On Jan. 3, it's Michigan and Virginia Tech.
An unlikely pair.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
Blu-dogg97
Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 4:29 p.m.
here is a copy/paste of Va.Tech's 2011 schedule and results : I like BLUE's chances here.. Sat, Sept 3 vs Appalachian State W 66-13 1-0 (0-0) Sat, Sept 10 @ East Carolina W 17-10 2-0 (0-0) Sat, Sept 17 vs Arkansas State W 26-7 3-0 (0-0) Sat, Sept 24 @ Marshall W 30-10 4-0 (0-0) Sat, Oct 1 vs #13 Clemson L 23-3 4-1 (0-1) Sat, Oct 8 vs Miami (FL) W 38-35 5-1 (1-1) Sat, Oct 15 @ Wake Forest W 38-17 6-1 (2-1) Sat, Oct 22 vs Boston College W 30-14 7-1 (3-1) Sat, Oct 29 @ Duke W 14-10 8-1 (4-1) Thu, Nov 10 @ #21 Georgia Tech W 37-26 9-1 (5-1) Thu, Nov 17 vs North Carolina W 24-21 10-1 (6-1) Sat, Nov 26 @ Virginia W 38-0 11-1 (7-1) Sat, Dec 3 vs #20 Clemson* L 38-10 11-2 (7-1) ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL Tue, Jan 3 vs #13 Michigan* 8:30 PM ET ESPN ESPN 3 Tickets
Sour
Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 7:35 p.m.
they did something michigan couldnt.....beat app st
knotch
Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 3:14 p.m.
until we have an SEC-ESPN National Championship play-off we will constantly have this to complain about. I certainly hope you have a sense of Humor..... GO BLUE
Rufus
Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 6:05 a.m.
I have no clue who will win. Beamer is a great coach; can't wait to watch it.
Sour
Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 2:32 a.m.
You guys are such a joke. You talk about how good of a team michigan is but that had nothing do to with why you are going to this bowl so stop bragging about it. The BCS is such a joke. 3 top 10 teams don't get a BCS game but a team from a terrible conference (MICHIGAN) who didn't play wisconsin or penn state and got NEB,ND,and OSU at home gets to go. Anyone got a starting lineup from the 1901 championship team??
Sour
Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 7:34 p.m.
how many wins would michigan have had with Rich Rodriguez this season?
GoBigBlue
Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 5:52 a.m.
Sour, your name makes your point. I don't think the majority would argue that the BCS is a joke. We as Michigan fans just happen to be fortunate to now have a fantastic coaching staff as well as a huge brand name. The combination of the two is what landed us in this bowl game. The coaches improved the team enough to have a very good season and the brand name and fan base does the rest for the Sugar bowl committee.
Sour
Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 4:11 a.m.
Thanks for making my point
riverraisin
Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 3:31 a.m.
1901 University of Michigan Starting lineup. Read it and weep. Herbert S. Graver Left end George W. Gregory Center Albert E. Herrnstein Right end/Right halfback Willie Heston Left halfback/Right halfback Dan McGugin Left guard Curtis Redden Left end Arthur Redner Halfback Bruce Shorts Right tackle Neil Snow Fullback Everett Sweeley Right halfback/Left halfback/Right end Boss Weeks Quarterback Hugh White Left tackle Ebin Wilson Right guard Any other questions?
Candy
Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 1:43 a.m.
The Hokies? Oh my gosh! The name sounds like a bunch of Brady Hoke groupies!
michboy40
Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 12:19 a.m.
This is the perfect matchup for michigan. There were a host of teams that I thought could beat us handily, this is not one of them!
1st Down
Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 12:16 a.m.
I would have preferred to play Baylor just to see the QB matchup... anyway VT is it... good program but I think we double them up at the end. 34-17
Terry Star21
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 11:35 p.m.
I think this is one of the greatest reasons college football bowls in America are so exciting. You can throw out the records, the stats, the schedule and the teams history - it's all a brand new start. If you ever watch the 'lines' (predictions) by the pro's for the bowl games you will see what I am talking about - they are not real accurate, sometimes 50% or under. This is why college football is exciting, Michigan can prepare for VT's strengths and that's all good - but it all comes down to Michigan playing it's absolute best (no-turnovers) football. MgoBlueForTiM........throw out all the stats, Michigan is the best.
Tim Zick
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 11:20 p.m.
Big Tex If your a Longhorn fan, you must be really upset that you couldn't beat a team that had one of the worst ranked defenses in the country last weekend. We will take our BCS bowl invitation and do the best we can to represent our fine school and conference. Thank you for taking time to worry about us.
Hailmary
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:58 p.m.
Hey Big Tex, it almost sounds like your describing the, Texas Longhorn team let me guess you are a Baylor fan right?
MichiganMan5
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:56 p.m.
I am really looking forward to this game, it sounds like it should be a good match-up but I do like the Wolverines in this game, look what happend when Va Tech met Tajh Boyd, Denard is a whole different story. I think our D steps up and shuts down their Offense, I like UofM by 2 Touchdowns. IT'S SO GREAT TO BE IN THE BCS AGAIN! THANK YOU SO MUCH COACH HOKE AND TEAM 132, LET'S GO OUT THERE AND BRING HOME THE SUGAR BOWL AND NATIONAL RESPECT!!!
Hailmary
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:44 p.m.
With the current Mich. coaching staff and their proven ability to recruit and coach some of the best college recruits around the country and the UM is an exceptional academic college and draw to young recruits it's no wonder the Mich. state alum, students and players such as Cousins are pointing fingers and complaining. Let's face the truth, this was probably a last opportunity for MSU for some time to come and I don't blame those folks for being upset at themselves, I would be to. Young Mr Cousins had his chance and although he did a great job against Mich. the last 4 years I guess right now he probably is feeling really down and I don't blame him I would be to. So if it helps Mr Cousins, congradulations from a Mich. fan for some solid quarterbacking the last 4 years and sorry you couldn't get it done against Wisconsin. I know that's gotta hurt seeing, "Big Brother" get an exceptional prize but if it's any consolation to you, this Michigan Wolverine fan says to you, Congradulations, you almost got it done.
Hailmary
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:42 p.m.
With the current Mich. coaching staff and their proven ability to recruit and coach some of the best college recruits around the country and the UM is an exceptional academic college and draw to young recruits it's no wonder the Mich. state alum, students and players such as Cousins are pointing fingers and complaining. Let's face the truth, this was probably a last opportunity for MSU for some time to come and I don't blame those folks for being upset at themselves, I would be to. Young Mr Cousins had his chance and although he did a great job against Mich. the last 4 years I guess right now he probably is feeling really down and I don't blame him I would be to. So if it helps Mr Cousins, congradulations from a Mich. fan for some solid quarterbacking the last 4 years and sorry you couldn't get it done against Wisconsin. I know that's gotta hurt seeing, "Big Brother" get an exceptional prize but if it's any consolation to you, this Michigan Wolverine fan says to you, Congradulations, you almost got it done.
rightmind250
Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 3:01 a.m.
Hailmary, Have you read the report on UM's football team graduation rates? UM last in the B10. 69th out of 70 in bowl games. Apparently UM recruits aren't interested in your convoluted idea of academics. Even MSU has a higher APR. If UM doesn't raise their APR they will not be bowl eligible next year. Even if they go 12-0.
Big Tex
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:35 p.m.
Sheesh, they oughta rename this the Cupcake Bowl. Two second-tier teams from their conferences.... YAWN. Mich in particular played a cupcake sked and their "toughest" games were all at home. The only two decent teams they played on the road, they lost. Foisting this "Well, we really sorta do belong, kinda" matchup on the US football fanbase with these two weak sisters is cruel and unusual punishment!
Ben Pargament
Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 6:09 p.m.
University of Michigan: BCS Bowl Eligible (hence going to a BCS Bowl Game) Michigan St.: NOT BCS Bowl Eligible (hence going to the Outback Bowl) I am so sick of hearing these people complaining. Seriously, MSU isn't even eligible. Wouldn't you rather University of Michigan, who is bowl eligible go to the Sugar Bowl so MSU will get some of that outrageous amount of money? Stop complaining and get on with your life. By the way, rough year for all of Texas in regards to football. Better luck next year.
MRunner73
Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 12:12 a.m.
Let's see, much of Texas has been a two year meteorological drought, reminicent of the Dust Bowl years. Regarding football, seems TCU was the only game going last year. Houston was the only hope this year, but hey, they are only a one loss team. Bottom line is: the drought continues in Texas with only a slight chance of rain. Over here in Michigan, when it rains, it pours.
Terry Star21
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 11:40 p.m.
Big Tex...funny stuff there.
Tru2Blu76
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 11:26 p.m.
Lets see now: Texas has three teams in the final BSC standings and so does the Big Ten Conference: but - - ALL three including Michigan are ranked ABOVE all those "terrific Texas teams." Hah! Texans: the people who give true meaning to the term: All hat and no cattle. LOL!
riverraisin
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 11:25 p.m.
Big tex is a state fan. He's on mlive spitting his whine all over those boards, as well. Tex cant get over the fact that nobody outside of E.Lansing and his very own basement cares about sparty. Michigan gets the premier bowls because Michigan is a premier team. MSU fan base is so small they have trouble selling their own allotment of tickets. Why would a bowl committee want to lose money on their BCS bowl? Michigan in the Sugar Bowl assures them that they will make a profit. The Outback Bowl, on the other hand, will be a sea of red, with a spattering of green, and a bunch of empty seats.
MikeB
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 11:03 p.m.
Hey Tex, quick question, what does the "Big" stand for. I got some ideas based on your tone but I want to be polite. Are you fan of the 7 and 5 Longhorns? Maybe an Aggie, at 6-6? Perhaps a Texas Tech follower at 5-7?. Talk about a YAWN., Tex
Tru2Blu76
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:18 p.m.
I'm sure that Coach Hoke and his Michigan Wolverines will have the "proper response" to this Sugar Bowl assignment: focus on fundamentals and then start analyzing the opponent (and then, win the game). For Sugar Bowl 2012 ticket holders, the preps must be at least thorough but for the rest of us: it's just a matter of seeing that our cable subscription is paid up. :-) Respect: let us remember that on April 16, 2007 - Virginia Tech was the site of a mass shooting which killed and injured 57 innocent people. Football is fun - great entertainment involving lots of team spirit and loyalties, but I'm sure we Wolverines fans will avoid over-doing it in this situation. This IS Michigan: I'm sure we all agree that this is a good time to display a classy image to the world of college football. Good luck to the Hokies and - Go Blue!
Robert Granville
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:05 p.m.
I don't understand all the confusion and complaining. It's the BCS. Nothing is different this year than it was last year or the year before. The system by which bowl teams are selected is not fair, has never been fair and will never be made fair by public opinion. Money talks.
Terry Star21
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 11:38 p.m.
Please. The BCS selection is so 'yesterday', this article is about the matchup between Michigan and virginia tech. Move on.
Tru2Blu76
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:22 p.m.
Robert: you got that right! Everyone familiar with college football knows this about the 'system' in use now days. As Brady Hoke says: it's a matter of focusing on the things you CAN control and let everything else go.
BlueGator
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10 p.m.
This sort of reminds me of our matchup with Nebraska. Both teams have very similar NCAA stat rankings: Total Offense: UM #34; VaTech #38 Scoring Offense: UM #23; VaTech #55 Total Defense: UM #18; VaTech #12 Scoring Defense: UM #7; VaTech #8 Turnover Margin: UM #24; VaTech #29 There are other parallels in special teams categories. Both teams run the ball better than pass it. Michigan appears to be much more efficient in the red zone. Should be a good game.
MRunner73
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:21 p.m.
Very informative but chiro19 is correct about the B1G strength of schedule, which gives Michigan a slight advantage.
chiro19
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 10:16 p.m.
The only difference between the two schools is their strength of schedule. The big ten is much better than the ACC this year. Michigan has the 20th ranked schedule vs. Vtech is the 40th. It shows when they played against Clemson who has a mobile qb. I think Michigan has the ability to dominate this game if they play like they did against Neb. or Illinois on D! Go Blue!!!
MRunner73
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 9:58 p.m.
The Va Tech match up with Michigan in the Sugar Bowl is a better quality match up. The possibilites of a Houston team, had they won their conference chanpionship game, would been been similar to a Wisconsin/TCU match up, with more to lose than win. A Baylor or KS State match up would have been more dangerous and harder to defend those team's offenses. Granted the system itself is messed up, but Michigan played their way into a BCS bowl with three good wins to close out the regular season. Va Tech was blown out Saturday against Clemson. The coaches of the Maize and Blue now have good tape on how to be as successful against Va Tech as Clemson did. I like the martch up and it is a winnable game.
Hailmary
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 9:23 p.m.
My opinion, this will be an entertaining contest between two quality programs with quality coaches. Mich. got this berth as did Virginia Tech because both teams played their hearts out this year and both are quality schools with a great fan base.