Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer talks with reporters on Monday. The Hokies (3-4, 1-2 ACC) host Duke (5-1, 2-0 ACC) on Saturday in Blacksburg.
Q. On Duke and head coach David Cutcliffe
COACH BEAMER: I think David Cutcliffe has done one of the greatest coaching jobs in the country. He knew what he was doing. He had some opportunities to leave there, but he realized what he had. I think Duke the academic reputation nationally and facilities are getting them up today. Recruiting at a great level right now. They have talented kids. They’re a different Duke than when I first came here and when (we) got in the ACC. It’s very much a different Duke. I have great respect for what they’ve done down there. They’re good. Defensively, they play a bunch of stuff in a lot of coverages. Offensively, they take care of the ball, very efficient, great effort. They do a good job. Their punter kicks the ball out of sight. He’s been there for what seems like forever. [Will] Monday, he just booms it. Really a good football team, a solid football team. I used well-coached a lot. It really, really does apply in this case. We have to have great preparation and play great to have a chance to win this one.
Q. On QB Michael Brewer starting vs. Duke
COACH BEAMER: I think he’s experienced. What happened last week effects what goes on this week. I think it’s the right thing to do.
Q. On not meeting his expectations for the season to date
COACH BEAMER: We’re not happy where we are right now. I’m happy with the potential that we have right now. I’ve said all along, we just have to play better. When you look at our wide receivers we have fantastic potential. When you look at our tight ends, we have fantastic potential. When you look at our running backs, we have fantastic potential. Our defense is going to continue to get better. We run exceptionally well. We weren’t counting on two guys who were going to be in the NFL not being a part of that secondary (Kendall Fuller and C.J. Reavis). That’s a setback. Anytime you lose your quarterback, it’s a setback. We have great punters. They’re both young guys. I think the potential for the future looks exceptionally bright, exceptionally bright. It is what it is. We weren’t counting on [Michael] Brewer going down. We weren’t counting on Kendall Fuller going down. Other defensive backs not being here. Everyone has injuries. Some are more critical than others. Our kids are playing hard. We haven’t always played well. If you’re out there and your kids aren’t playing hard and wanting to win, then I’d be disappointed. We’ve played hard just not well enough at times. Certain things have happened that set us back. I’m excited to get back to practice tomorrow and see that we can get better. With young kids with talent, we have a chance to get better.
Q. On whether QB Brenden Motley could still have a role this week
COACH BEAMER: We need to talk about that in our offensive game plan. He certainly gives you something, running and throwing. He had some tough throws the other day. He’s a talented kid. He didn’t have a great day but the previous game he was very good. I have a lot of faith in Brenden Motley. He has real potential as a quarterback. He needs experience and he’s getting it under the gun but he’ll get better and better.
Q. On RB Travon McMillian and the running game
COACH BEAMER: We have some running backs who aren’t getting in the game now but have great potential and great ability. Trevon [McMillian] can outrun you. I think he has a knack for running. He can run tough. He did both of those Saturday. I like Sam Rogers. Usually with Sam, he’s going forward not sideways. He can usually make one or two miss. He can counter the block. I thin those are two really important back that we’re playing right now plus some other if we need them. They need to stay ready. We have more talented guys that are not playing a lot right now.
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