Tommy Bowden's Tuesday Press Conference

by Dan Scott - Correspondent - Tue Oct 24 11:53:18 GMT-04:00 2006

Tommy Bowden Press Conference, Windows Media, (29:53)

WR Chansi Stuckey, Windows Media, (3:57)

Quotes

On the Virginia Tech special teams:

"In the last 10 to 12 years, they've been known as the most productive punt blocking and field-goal blocking team in the country. They give tremendous effort and they get results. I think it still is substantial that they are the top team that gets results in that area."

On the Virginia Tech defense:

"They play a lot more zone than Georgia Tech. These are two completely different schemes. The packages are completely different. I don't think teams will commit nine (to the defensive front), because if C.J. Spiller gets a little room, then he will be gone and so will James Davis. I think they might find different ways to commit eight, and this is an excellent team (Virginia Tech) to do this because they've always been an eight-man front. If we're playing any team that has the ability to give a multiple eight man front looks, I think this is the team to do it."

On preparation during a short week:

"You've definitely got to limit what you do. We're not only cutting practice times, but you are cutting days as well. You do go into the game with a smaller package. That's not always so bad, because sometimes you can execute a small number of things and sometimes you have the tendency with more preparation time to put more things in."

On going back to Blacksburg:

"The crowd is really loud. They generate a lot of noise from what I remember. (Clemson played there in Bowden's first year, 1999) They play a lot of Thursday night games, and their fans are use to it."

On throwing the football:

"Against Boston College, we had trouble running and we threw for 340 yards. We threw for 215 yards against Wake Forest and 194 yards against Florida State. We have shown the ability to throw when we have to, but we prefer to run. I am not concerned about Will Proctor."

On the success of James Davis and C.J. Spiller:

"I think you're always hoping (for success). With James Davis' productivity last year, you have it in the back of your mind (that he will have a great season). You never know about true freshmen coming in and being productive, so we surely did not expect this type of productivity out of C.J. Spiller. I did with James (Davis), because of his season last year."

On the performance of backup offensive lineman Chris McDuffie:

"We're real pleased with Chris McDuffie. He's a talented player. He played defense when he first came hear, so he runs pretty good. He's really produced well, which means he's been paying attention (in practice). To go in there and play that many snaps against that pressure, he played well. I talk to our players about being one injury away from a starter, and in essence every second-team guy is that, and thank goodness he took it to heart and practiced well and played well."

Quick Notes and Quotes from Tommy Bowden's Tuesday Press Conference.

- Va. Tech has the reputation of being the top team in the country in blocking kicks. You can see it on tape. When you get a team that aggressive, sometimes they're vulnerable to the fake. But this year's tape they look to be the same, very aggressive.

- They play a lot more zone than Georgia Tech. Completely different package than Tech.

- Teams put eight in the box against us, but don't think they'll put nine. Because if No. 28 gets a seam, he's gone. Same thing with No. 1.

- Short week means you have to limit what you do. Amount of practice days and time are both cut.

- The thing that helps you in this regard is it's a nationally-televised game, ranked opponent, great environment. That gets them excited.

- Lane Stadium: Crowd will be smaller, but crowd will be loud. They generated a lot of noise the last time we were up there. They play a lot of Thursday night games, and their fans are used to it.

- We've shown the ability to throw if we have to. We have confidence in Proctor. Not concerned in his productivity in the passing game.

- Davis and Spiller: With James' productivity last year, you had in the back of your mind he could have a great year. With a true freshman you never know.

- Davis didn't practice much Monday. Left shoulder is hurt. Kind of tightened up on him. Based on what he did Monday, he's 50-50. Probably a game-day decision. Will probably come down to his pain tolerence.

- Pleased with Chris McDuffie's work. Played defense when he first got here, so he can run. He really produced well, which means he was paying attention. You feel sorry for Roman, but pleased with the way Chris has performed.

- Talked to Roman a little bit yesterday. He wants to travel and still remain a part of the team. He's been around. Player's like him. Well respected on the team.

- I think Chansi is close to 100 percent. He looked good Monday.

- Thomas Hunter getting MRI today. Don't feel real good about him.