Nightmare in Blacksburg | An Atypical Trap Game
Monday, October 26th, 2009I know what you’re thinking…”An atypical trap game…what the hell Brad? The Tarholes are 0-3 in the ACC and playing in Blacksburg on a Thursday night!” You’re right, but allow me to continue.
Normally a trap game consists of a team playing in let down mode after a big win. They brought up such intensity for the previous week’s big game, that they’ve got nothing left in the tank emotionally to continue at that level of play. So a team that’s “riding high” will actually play down to their next opponent’s level.
That is not the case with the Virginia Tech team. They may have let down, but that is from Georgia Tech taking away their season’s hopes of a National, or even ACC, title. I would expect them to bounce back and play at a level good enough to contend with anyone in the country–except for the sleepiness they may have gained coming off of a bye week. The Hokies should play well, in an attempt to redeem themselves on the national stage, but I don’t think this will be a dominating performance.
The trap part kicks in when you consider UNC’s situation. They’re 0-3 in ACC games in a year that they were expected by many to win the Coastal Division. They just had a nationally televised game stolen from them by the Semi-noles–a game where they were leading by double digits at halftime and made FSU look like a lost puppy dog.
Everyone is going to pick the Hokies to win.
I can’t imagine the mentality that UNC will have coming into this game. They’re beaten and bruised, but not broken. They’re embarrased but not demoralized. Unfortunately for the Hokies, they’re going to stand back up and play like it’s the last game of their season. Either Virginia Tech will stand up and play with them or this may end badly for the Hokies.
Tailgating will commence in the early afternoon on Thursday at 205 Kent Street. Come join us!
Gobble away, friends.
