Monday Afternoon Press Conference Recap: Ohio State

Frank Beamer, Michael Brewer, Kendall Fuller and Chase Williams all spoke to the media about what they saw during last week's game against William & Mary, and shared their thoughts about the upcoming battle against Ohio State.

The defense had a very solid outing against William and Mary, but the Tribe did have two big plays in the first half, a 40-yard run off a direct snap to running back Mikal Abdul-Saboor and a 43-yard pass to receiver Tre McBride. Are big plays a concern against Ohio State?

"Big plays are definitely something we want to eliminate," said Williams. "Can't win games giving up big chunk yards like that. But, we had a couple missed assignments, some things we hadn't seen before.

"We knew when we came out after that turnover that they were going to take a shot, a deep shot. And we were a little bit slow getting lined up and a little frantic on what the call was going to be defensively, and what personnel they were in. So, that's something that we're going to work on during the week and definitely improve upon for the future."

There was more than a little talk last Monday about the possibility of Tech overlooking the Tribe as the matchup with the No. 5 Buckeyes loomed large the next game. According to the guys on defense, it's simply business as usual again this week.

"Coach Foster, coach Gray, coach Beamer, they always stress about whatever game is next is the most important game," Fuller said. "And we always talk about what's important now, so you know for us we knew we had that big game second against Ohio State, but we were always focused on William and Mary, knowing that we had to get by them first. So I think now, it's just looking forward to [the Buckeyes], getting prepared."

"We try to treat every opponent the same," Williams said. "Every game is a big game, it's the most important game because it's the next one we're going to play. But there is a little bit in the back of your mind going up to such a historic stadium, such a big stadium, going up to Ohio State. But like I said, we try to treat every opponent the same."

Saturday was the first time anyone not directly affiliated with the team was able to see Michael Brewer play for the Hokies. While most thought he looked quite sharp, Brewer isn't satisfied just yet.

"It was pretty good, you know, it's a starting point," Brewer said. "Obviously I'm not where I want to be yet, this team's not where we want to be yet, but we shouldn't be where we want to be. You know, you've got to have that gradual climb throughout the season, each game, week-to-week. That's what the good teams do."

It seems like Brewer and offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler are a match made in understatement heaven.

Another thing new to Tech fans was the up-tempo pace ran by Brewer and company.

"Being in the shotgun and playing fast, you saw what it did to our run game," Brewer said.

"We were able to get big chunk plays when the defense wore out. I don't know what we'll do this week, you know we haven't discussed the game plan yet on whether or not we'll go no-huddle, under center, what we'll do. It's a mystery to everybody, as well as me, until tomorrow or tonight, but we'll have a plan and we'll stick to it."

Something that also stood out on Saturday was the lack of speedy sophomore receiver Carlis Parker, who didn't play a down. Beamer addressed Parker's situation briefly.

"Yeah, you know he's got some issues, some personal issues at home. We're trying to help him in any way we can, and we'll see where this thing goes. But we're here for him and I think he knows that, and he's just got to get through some things, some personal issues."

Beamer said later that Parker wouldn't be at practice if they had it today.

As for your Trey Edmunds update of the day, Beamer said that they were going to try to give the running back some reps at the end of the game, but that Edmunds' leg was giving him some problems and that he's not back to where he was a year ago.

One last note, receivers Demitri Knowles and Deon Newsome rotated as the kick returner next to J.C. Coleman last Saturday. I asked him if we could expect that to continue, but it sounded like Beamer thought there was more of an issue with their blocking.

"Yeah, you know I haven't really talked to Shane about that," Beamer said. "I think what's more important than who's deep is that the people up there right in front of them get movement. Get going and move people, not get stalemated like we did last week. And I think that's the key issue, is to create space and not get blocked right back in, you know, stalemated. That's going to be an emphasis for us."