Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer talks with reporters on Monday. The Hokies (4-3, 1-2 ACC) host ACC rival Miami (4-3, 1-2 ACC) on Thursday night in Blacksburg, Va.
Beamer Opening Statement I think we are about to play a very good, capable and talented Miami team. They are very athletic. They have Duke Johnson, who didn’t play against us last year, but he’s a very good player. Their defense is No. 24 in the country, so it’s another challenging game.
Beamer on switching up O Line We had some foul ups in there on our snap. [David] Wang is a little more consistent in snapping the ball. Caleb [Farris] is a good player but we’ve got to get the snap right. I think Wyatt Teller looks the part. He’s tough. He doesn’t only try to block but he tries to bury you. I like that toughness in there a lot.
Beamer on Marshawn and Chase He’s (Marshawn) doing well. I’m not saying he’s going to play, but he’s doing better. Chase is getting better but I think he’s doubtful for this week.
Beamer on play clocks I was going off of what some people were telling me. I need to stay out of the clock business. It’s in very capable hands. We need to look at the clocks to see how much time we have left. Brewer thought he was on schedule. We’re learning from it and we’ll get better.
Beamer on Joshua Stanford He was on the scout team and spent a lot of time with Coach [Mike] Gentry. A couple of guys got nicked up: both Isaiah Ford and Cam Phillips. We’re giving him an opportunity to get back in there and work a little bit.
Beamer on Miami games in past I think we have a great respect for Miami, the type of program it is and the type of athletes they have on the team. I think that respect helps us play well against them. I think that’s the situation.
Beamer on defending QB rushing I think when you look at it, a lot of the time is who is it you have around you. When you have a good, quarterback, good running backs and good receivers like Pitt that opens up trying to cover everything. He runs well enough so he took advantage of it. Anytime you can get an athletic quarterback, you need to get him because it’s a great equalizer. I think Miami’s QB is a special kid too.
Beamer on night games I’d say I’d rather try to slow the players down then speed them up. I hope our fans will be here and ready to roll. A Thursday night game in Blacksburg is a special situation.
Beamer on selling out Our fans help us win. We need their help here on Thursday night. Beamer on Miami defense Disruptive. They’re athletic. Look at them. Everyone can run and you look at guys chasing the ball. I think they’re a very good and talented football team.