Roanoke Times podcasts: Recent Episodes
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Tech football reporter Mike Niziolek share their thoughts on Justin Fuente's flirtation with Baylor and how Tech handled the situation. Plus, schedule thoughts and much more. Please note this was recorded before Tech had five players enter the transfer portal on Jan. 22.
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Tech football reporter Mike Niziolek revisit the Belk Bowl, the Lynn Bowden situation, Bud Foster's farewell and discuss what they will remember about the 2019 season.
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Tech football reporter Mike Niziolek discuss Justin Hamilton's big promotion, turnover on the Hokies' staff, the team's Belk Bowl invite and look back at the Commonwealth Cup.
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Tech football reporter Mike Niziolek share their thoughts on a second straight shutout, which Hokies should get All-ACC recognition, Bryce Perkins vs. Hendon Hooker, the keys to Friday's Commonwealth Cup and much more.
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Tech football reporter Mike Niziolek discuss the significance of a shutout, the Hokies offensive line living up to their motto, Saturday's matchup against Pittsburgh and much more.
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Tech football reporter Mike Niziolek share their thoughts on a wild win over Wake Forest, Bud Foster Day, the team's final three-game stretch and more.
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Tech football reporter Mike Niziolek share their thoughts on the team's near upset at Notre Dame, the team's fourth quarter approach, the quarterback situation and preview a huge showdown against Wake Forest.
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Tech football reporter Mike Niziolek revisit Tech's wild win over North Carolina, discuss the team's quarterback situation, struggles after recent off weeks, preview the team's trip to South Bend and much more.
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Tech football reporter Mike Niziolek discuss Tech's two-game win streak, Hendon Hooker's quick start, the Hokies' struggling pass defense and why UNC-Tech is "juice city."
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Tech football reporter Mike Niziolek discuss Tech's embarrassing loss to Duke, the team's lack of identity, a renewed quarterback competition, the fanbase's frustration with Justin Fuente, preview the Miami game and more.
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Tech football reporter Mike Niziolek share their thoughts on escaping Furman, Tech hiring Jerry Kill, areas of concern at the bye week and preview the Friday night matchup against Duke.
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Tech football reporter Mike Niziolek share their thoughts on Old Dominion hanging around against Tech, biggest surprises through the first two weeks and the Hokies' struggles in the run game. Plus, what to expect from Furman.
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Tech football reporter Mike Niziolek share their thoughts on Virginia Tech's mistake-filled loss to Boston College, the team's biggest concerns going into Week 2 against Old Dominion and more.
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Tech football reporter Mike Niziolek share their thoughts on Bud Foster's retirement announcement, the Week 1 depth chart and preview the Hokies matchup against Boston College.
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Tech football reporter Mike Niziolek share their thoughts on where the Hokies stands heading into fall camp.
What are the key position battles? Who are the players to watch? What's the vibe like in Blacksburg? All that and more is in the latest episode of the Lunch Pail Podcast.
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Virginia Tech football beat writer Mike Niziolek discuss the Hokies' loss to Cincinnati in the Military Bowl, 2019 scheduling changes, Trevon Hill's statement and much more.
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Virginia Tech football beat writer Mike Niziolek discuss Frank Beamer's hall of fame career, a wild finish to Virginia Tech's 2018 regular season and the underwhelming bowl matchup against Cincinnati.
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Virginia Tech football beat writer Mike Niziolek discuss the twists and turns of the 100th Commonwealth Cup, where the game ranks in the streak and turn their attention to the Hokies' upcoming showdown against Marshall.
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BLACKSBURG - The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Virginia Tech football beat writer Mike Niziolek discuss a pair of Hokies players leaving the program, if the distractions will hurt the team, preview the Commonwealth Cup and weigh which streak (bowl appearance or wins over Virginia) is more prestigious.
Lunch Pail Podcast Episode 11 Intro (0:00-0:45) Recent transfers a cause for concern? (0:46-9:02) Anything stand out about loss to Miami (9:03-11:05) How will Virginia Tech handle elimination style stretch of games (11:06-17:04) Virginia preview: All about Bryce Perkins? (17:05-21:38) More important streak: UVA or bowl streak? (21:39-32:14) Predictions (32:15-37:39) Pick 3 (37:40-48:16)
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Virginia Tech football beat writer Mike Niziolek discuss the Hokies' disastrous defense, fan complaints about the coaching staff and preview the Miami game.
Intro (0:00-2:19) What's the defense problem? (2:20-7:20) Should coaches be on hot seat? (8:35-16:20) What do you want to see in final two games? (16:21-24:00) Breaking down Miami game (24:01-27:45) Predictions for Virginia Tech vs. Miami (27:46-31:45) Pick 3 (31:45-40:15)
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Virginia Tech football beat writer Mike Niziolek discuss the Hokies' recent offensive struggles, what went wrong against Boston College and the biggest challenge facing Pittsburgh.
Lunch Pail Podcast Episode 9 Intro - (0:00-0:57) Takeaways from Boston College game (0:58-10:27) How will Virginia Tech's offense attack Pittsburgh? (10:28-12:30) Biggest challenge for Virginia Tech this weekend (12:31-20:54) Predictions for Virginia Tech vs. Pittsburgh (20:55-23:50) Pick 3 (23:51-33:45)
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BLACKSBURG - The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Virginia Tech football beat writer Mike Niziolek discuss whether Virginia Tech's season is on the brink, preview the Boston College game and break down the race for the Coastal Division title.
Lunch Pail Podcast Episode 8 Intro - (0:00-1:05) What happened against Georgia Tech (1:06-7:45) Is season on the brink? (7:46- Previewing the Boston College game (15:01-18:15) Predictions for Virginia Tech vs. Boston College (18:16-27:12) Breaking down Coastal Division race (27:13-33:22) Fun season to cover? (33:23-40:46) Pick 3 (40:47-50:08)
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Virginia Tech football beat writer Mike Niziolek discuss the Hokies second half setbacks against Notre Dame, the team's chances in the Coastal Division and preview the North Carolina game.
If you have any feedback or questions for Aaron or Mike, email us! Look for new episodes on every Wednesday during the season.
Lunch Pail Podcast Episode 7
Intro - (0:00-1:11) What went wrong for Virginia Tech against Notre Dame (1:12-4:53) The atmosphere at Lane Stadium (4:54-5:50) Concern about Virginia Tech's losing streak at home against ranked teams (5:51-10:29) Looking at Virginia Tech's chances in the Coastal Division (10:31-12:45) Previewing North Carolina game (12:46-18:44) Predictions for Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina (18:45-24:24) Pick 3 (24:25-36:17)
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Virginia Tech football beat writer Mike Niziolek discuss the Hokies dominating Duke on the road, the keys to that win and look ahead to Notre Dame
Lunch Pail Podcast Episode 6 Intro - (0:00-0:35 Reaction to Duke win (0:36-4:30) What impressed you more Virginia Tech's offense or defense? (4:31-12:05) Breaking down Notre Dame game (12:06-19:00) Predictions for Virginia Tech vs. Notre Dame (19:01-25:40) Pick 3 (25:41-32:02)
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Virginia Tech football beat writer Mike Niziolek discuss one of the biggest upset losses in Hokies history, what's next at quarterback and take a shot at predicting what will happen at Duke this weekend.
Lunch Pail Podcast Episode 5 Intro - (0:00-1:05) Reaction to Old Dominion loss (1:06-6:50) Biggest surprise about the way Virginia Tech played? (6:51-13:00) Breaking down Josh Jackson injury, Trevon Hill departure (13:01-14:35) Can Virginia Tech bounce back against Duke? (14:36-20:50) Biggest challenge Duke presents (20:51-24:24) Duke predictions (24:25-27:15) Pick 3 (27:16-37:11)
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Virginia Tech football beat writer Mike Niziolek discuss the No. 13 Hokies unexpected layoff and preview this weekend's visit to Old Dominion.
Lunch Pail Podcast Episode 4 - Intro - (0:00-1:55) - Concerns about layoff (1:56-6:30) - Any financial impact to losing game? (6:31-7:40) - What will Virginia Tech do about schedule (7:41-10:00) - Florida State hurting Tech's strength of schedule (10:01-15:30) - Any advantage for Virginia Tech playing in-state competition? -(15:31-18:00) - Previewing Old Dominion game with predictions (18:01-26:45) - Pick 3 (26:46-34:30) - BONUS: Recapping William and Mary game (34:31-44:23)
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Virginia Tech football beat writer Mike Niziolek break down the Hokies' 24-3 win over FSU on this week’s Lunch Pail Podcast. The reporters share their impressions from the game and what it means going forward.
Plus, plenty of discussion on the week’s Virginia Tech football-related news and Saturday’s game against William & Mary.
Lunch Pail Podcast - Episode 3 Introductions (0:00-1:11) What stood out from Monday night? (1:12-3:11) Who was the MVP? (3:12-7:16) What does win mean for Virginia Tech? (7:17-20:55) News and notes (20:56-26:49) Previewing William & Mary (26:50-29:31:19) Young player excited about seeing get some time (if starters are done early)? (31:30-36:54) Predictions (36:55-38:00) Pick 3 (38:01-48:05)
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The Roanoke Times sports columnist Aaron McFarling and Virginia Tech football beat writer Mike Niziolek break down the Hokies' Week 1 depth chart. The reporters also turn their attention to Monday’s ACC showdown against Florida State and make predictions.
Lunch Pail Podcast - Episode 2 Introductions (0:00-2:46) Depth chart surprises (2:47-10:49) Depth chart concerns (10:50-15:18) What should Virginia Tech be worried about facing FSU? (15:19-19:40) Virginia Tech’s advantages over FSU (19:41-24:00) Virginia Tech vs. Florida State predictions (24:01-28:50) Virginia Tech season predictions (28:51-35:00) Pick 3 (35:01-46:00)
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We are relaunching the weekly Virginia Tech football podcast for The Roanoke Times with columnist Aaron McFarling and football beat writer Michael Niziolek. In the debut episode, the two writers discuss the end of fall camp, pick breakout candidates for 2018 and discuss standout storylines of the preseason.
Episode 1 Introductions (0:00-2:40) Biggest question heading into camp? Now? (2:41-13:30) Breakout candidates into 2018? (13:31-19:25) Most interesting things about fall camp? (19:25-24:50) Pick 3 (24:51-34:30) Previewing next week (34:30-39:15)
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It's a surprisingly packed podcast for early June, with the news that Josh Jackson's status is up in the air as the university looks into an academic matter leading things off. We talk about the latest there and how long it might take to reach a resolution. We also talk about the Hokies' recent recruiting success, Tech adding Middle Tennessee to the schedule in 2020 and '21 and Bronco Mendenhall's blunt comments to UVa's Board of Visitors. We close by doing a five-round draft of non-conference opponents we'd like to see added to the Hokies' schedule.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling touch base again to discuss the attrition news in the Hokies' secondary. We talk about the impact of the Adonis Alexander/Jeremey Webb news, who might be next up, how much that changes the ceiling of the Hokies' defense and more. We answer a few listener questions, including who would be on our All-Kicked Off the Team Team from VT's past. Then we do a five-round draft at the end, picking things we would change if we were named to an all-powerful position of sports czar.
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Back by popular demand, Evan Watkins of VTScoop is back on the podcast, talking with Andy Bitter about Hokies recruiting as the summer approaches. We chat about running back Devyn Ford's decision to go Penn State, what that means for Virginia Tech's perception in the state and who the Hokies are targeting now at running back and other positions. We close with some talk about Tech's current commitments, who Evan likes and who other teams might still try to poach.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling hit a lot of ground in this week's podcast, starting out with some recruiting reflection after Virginia Tech saw a couple of big-time recruits in Virginia head out of state (both to Penn State). We talk a little bit about Andy's interview with athletic director Whit Babcock and the firing of long-time softball coach Scot Thomas before hitting some listener questions. We close the pod with a quick three-round draft, selecting Hokies football uniform combinations.
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The day Aaron McFarling has been waiting for is here, with the federal ban on sports betting being overturned earlier this week. He and Andy Bitter talk about what that means for the state and sports leagues in general in the first third of this week's podcast. We touch a little bit on some recent over-under win totals released for the ACC before turning to four-star running back Devyn Ford's upcoming decision, which isn't looking good for Virginia Tech. We close by talking about two Hokies cornerback greats -- Brandon Flowers, who returned to get his degree from Virginia Tech, and DeAngelo Hall, who is probably retiring after a 14-year NFL career.
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Former Virginia Tech offensive lineman Dwight Vick joins Andy Bitter on the podcast to talk about a variety of topics, starting with how relations with football alumni could be improved. Vick talks about his recruitment in the early '90s, the best Hokies rivalries in the old Big East days, particularly Miami, the best and most underrated players he played with and the current state of the program. We also wade into the athlete compensation issue at the end.
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It's a downtime in the football season but we tried to liven things up on the podcast this week anyway. Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling start out by talking about some of the ubiquitous offseason lists that are out there that rank all of the returning starting QBs in the country and the Power 5 coaches. We transition to some reader questions, talking about the top-five games we anticipate this year for VT, who from Tech's history would win a "Hunger Games"-style competition and more. Then we close with another draft, picking things near and dear to our heart (and clogging it): fast food franchises.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling are back to talk about what was an eventful week in Blacksburg, starting with co-defensive coordinator Galen Scott's surprise resignation. We move on to the NFL Draft, where the Edmunds brothers had a historic night and several other Hokies were selected. We touch on the strange bit of animosity out there for Josh Jackson from a very vocal segment of the fan base before we move on to some listener questions about what other ACC programs we'd like to cover, what Devon Hunter's outlook is this year and what's on our bucket list of sports events to attend.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling are back for a podcast largely powered by you, the listener. We start off talking about the NFL Draft and where the Hokies, most prominently linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, might end up going. Then we turn things over to some listener questions, with topics ranging from how strained the relationship is with some football alumni to Hendon Hooker's odds of sticking around at quarterback to if there'll ever be a future NCAA football video game.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling are here to talk about the Hokies' spring game, starting off with our thoughts on Ryan Willis' big day and if there's any way he can challenge Josh Jackson. We hit on the receivers who played, what's shaping up to be a young defense once you get past most of the starters, if Coleman Fox has a role on this team and, of course, spring attendance. We go off on a tangent about Aaron's tweet about sad songs and talk a little spring playoffs at the end.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling get amped for the Hokies' spring game, talking about what Andy saw at the open period of practice on Tuesday. We touch on quarterback Ryan Willis and Hendon Hooker's progression, Silas Dzansi's move up the depth chart, Adonis Alexander's health status, the tight end situation, Jarrod Hewitt's love of Big Squat Friday and, everybody's favorite, the projected spring game attendance. We also follow up on The Masters, talk about baseball's action problem and make probably the only reference to Meat Puppets in the history of sports podcasts.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling discuss all the latest happenings in spring ball for Virginia Tech, which is looking for more explosive plays out of its running backs, a starting five on the offensive line and more reliable play from the cornerbacks. We talk about Michigan canceling its football series with the Hokies and Florida State opening as a 6-point favorite against Tech in the Labor Day opener. We also branch out from Hokies sports to talk a little bit about Villanova's NCAA basketball title, Aaron's near-weekly complaint about instant replay and The Masters.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling are back with spring ball in full swing at Virginia Tech. We talk about Josh Jackson's goals this spring, the outlooks of two other quarterbacks on the roster (Ryan Willis and Hendon Hooker), how Devon Hunter fits in and what the linebacking corps might look like come September. We introduce our potential replacement for the Pimpleton Minute before touching a little bit on the Hokies women's lacrosse controversy. Then we close by giving our thoughts on the Final Four and the start of the baseball season.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling are back from the road after covering the NCAA Tournament last week. It was a short postseason for all the commonwealth's schools. We talk about Virginia Tech's loss to Alabama, if it means the program stalled a little bit and what the outlook is for the Hokies and Buzz Williams next season. We give our thoughts on UVa's historic upset loss to UMBC as 1 seed against a 16, if Tony Bennett needs to change much going forward and, given our colleague's bit of internet infamy, what the proper etiquette is in post-game questions. And we do touch a little bit on Virginia Tech's spring football at the end.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling and I are in Pittsburgh covering the NCAA Tournament this week, so we figured we'd put together a podcast. We talk about Virginia Tech's matchup with Alabama and what a win would mean for the Hokies' program. We touch on Radford's first-ever NCAA Tournament win and how much the Highlanders have enjoyed the last couple days. Then we turn our focus to some key developments as the Hokies start spring ball, namely Caleb Farley and Devon Hunter's position switch and what the quarterback field looks like.
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Andy Bitter talks to an on-location Aaron McFarling this week from the ACC Tournament in New York, a city the country columnist has grown to love over the last couple days. We talk about why Aaron's had an awakening to the Big Apple, the merits/drawbacks of having an ACC Tournament in New York and the Hokies' unlucky draw with a likely Notre Dame matchup. We touch a little bit on Radford making the NCAA tournament and hit on the Hokies at the NFL Combine a bit as well.
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Aaron McFarling and I are back to talk about Virginia Tech's big basketball win against Duke, which all but locks up an NCAA Tournament berth for the Hokies. We touch on Buzz Williams' "Quit cussin'" request, take a look ahead at where Tech might finish in what's are tight ACC standings and rank the NCAA sites the Hokies could visit. We touch a bit on the NFL Combine and the Hokies who will participate in Indianapolis this week before turning to a few reader questions at the end.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling are back for another podcast. We start off talking about the Hokies basketball team's latest win against Clemson and how its tournament chances are looking better and better. We also touch on Louisville vacating the 2013 title, and if that kind of punishment means anything. Then it's listener questions galore, talking about Virginia Tech's chances to ever make the playoff, donut preferences, a Mt. Rushmore of Virginia Tech football, which receivers could step up this year and in what sport is it harder to win a national title: football or basketball.
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This is a potpourri podcast, with Aaron McFarling and Andy Bitter talking about the Hokies basketball team's topsy-turvy week, first with a win at Virginia, then with a blowout loss to Duke. We discuss Virginia Tech's NCAA Tournament outlook as it comes down the stretch. We hit a little bit of football, touching on signing day, some on Tech's recruiting ceiling and the upcoming NFL combine. And we offer a few baseball thoughts at the end, as the Hokies prepare for a season with a new coach and an upgraded stadium.
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With the regular February signing day upon us, we branch out on the podcast this week. Andy Bitter is joined by Evan Watkins of VT Scoop to talk about Virginia Tech's 2018 signing class. We discuss several big targets that the Hokies will try to close in the next week, including what's the latest on Dax Hollifield, before going back to review the kind of talent Tech signed during the early period.
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We try a little something new on this week's podcast. We start with the latest Hokies news, talking about the men's basketball team's big win against UNC, Travon McMillian's transfer destination, Tremaine Edmunds' draft stock and one of Virginia Tech's new football slogans. But then we answer some listener questions, ranging from how Tech is ever going to recruit a top-flight RB with its current approach to Shane Beamer's new gig at Oklahoma to what we think is the best episode of "The Simpsons."
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling keep things going in the offseason, starting off with Andy's reaction to the Vikings having something good happen to them in the playoffs for once. We quickly shift to Virginia Tech, talking about the release of the 2018 schedule and Tremaine Edmunds' draft stock before revisiting the over-unders that we did in August. We close with some Hokies basketball talk and NFL championship game predictions.
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It was a lively podcast this week, with the Edmunds brothers' decision to turn pro breaking halfway through. We re-cut that part as seamlessly as we could to talk about what impact that'll have on the Hokies' defense next season.
But we start out the pod talking about the national title game, Shane Beamer coming oh-so-close to getting a ring and Frank Beamer's selection for the Hall of Fame. We wrap it up with a look at some of the way-too-early 2018 rankings that have the Hokies, some basketball thoughts by Aaron and then try to answer the big question of who was the better set of brothers at Virginia Tech: the Fullers or Edmundses?
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After a too-long hiatus, Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling are back for another podcast. We talk about the Camping World Bowl outcome, Josh Jackson's performance in that game and all season, our thoughts on the Hokies' 2017 season as a whole, NFL decisions to be made by some underclassmen, the big week that this will be for Frank and Shane Beamer, Tyrod Taylor and the Bills making the playoffs, the College Football Playoff championship and more.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling return for what could be our last podcast before the bowl game. We talk about Travon McMillian's decision to transfer, Vance Vice's connections to Oklahoma State and the upcoming new early signing period. Then Aaron goes through all 39 bowl games to give you his gambling tips, guaranteed** to produce plenty of rubberband banks for your holidays.
(**offer not guaranteed)
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In this jam-packed podcast, Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling take a first look at Virginia Tech's Camping World Bowl matchup with Oklahoma State. We veer into talking about Justin Fuente's statement after his name popped up on the coaching carousel, talk about the final College Football Playoff rankings and finish by playing America's favorite game with the ACC bowl matchups, "Juice or No Juice."
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling wrap up the Hokies' regular season by briefly going back to talk about Virginia Tech extending its winning streak to 14 against rival UVa. Then we get into the meat of things, debating whether or not the coaching job Justin Fuente did was more impressive in 2016 or '17. We hit on the All-ACC teams, talk a good deal about the boundless bowl scenarios for the Hokies and expand a little more on the College Football Playoff rankings and how we think championship weekend might play out.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling come at you a little early this week because of the holiday. We review that crazy finish in the Pitt game and talk about some decision-making down the stretch before turning our attention to the UVa game. We talk about Kurt Benkert's ability to keep both teams in the game, Tech's mounting injuries, the Hokies' offensive struggles, why high schools didn't feel compelled to move off Friday night to avoid an overlap, who we think will win and more, including Tyrod Taylor's bizarre temporary benching.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling are back for a very somber podcast for a variety of reasons. First, safety Terrell Edmunds is out for the year after undergoing shoulder surgery. We talk about his possible replacements. We then hit on the Georgia Tech loss, looking back at some of Justin Fuente's decisions, the offense's struggles, Josh Jackson and Cam Phillips' role in it and what the Hokies have to do to turn things around against Pitt. Sadly, we also bid adieu to the Pimpleton Minute.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling are back after a fun trip for them to Miami but a not-so-fun one for the Hokies, who have to regroup after being eliminated from Coastal contention by the 'Canes. We talk about what Virginia Tech's still playing for, the offense's shortcomings in Miami, Tech's travel woes coming back, Brandon Facyson's return to Georgia this week, what it's like preparing for an option offense and perhaps the most thrilling Pimpleton Minute in the history of the podcast.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling have their suntan lotion ready for this week's trip to Miami. In this week's podcast, they recap their Halloween experience last night and touch briefly on the Duke win before turning all of the attention to this week's critical Coastal clash against the Hurricanes. They talk about if Miami is as good as its unbeaten record (spoiler: it's not), Tim Settle's improved conditioning, the defensive numbers for Bud Foster's crew and Justin Fuente's name coming up in coaching rumors.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling are back to discuss Virginia Tech's blowout of North Carolina and what the Hokies can take away from that rout. We talk about Greg Stroman's punt return prowess, Justin Fuente's displeasure with Cam Phillips speaking for him, the UNC academic truthers and the pitfalls of social media, how Duke has done this year, areas for improvement on the offense, Coleman Fox, Halloween and more.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling are back talking Hokies after the bye week, starting off with what a rough go of things North Carolina has had this year and why. We delve a little bit into UNC getting off with no punishment from the NCAA for its years of academic fraud, then turn to the game itself, including the fact that both teams have Australian punters. We close with some second half over/unders to the Hokies' season.
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We've reached the midway point of the season and the Hokies' bye week. In this episode, Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling recap Virginia Tech's not-always-pretty win at Boston College, where the young receivers stepped up. Then we take a mid-year look at the Hokies, with a glance ahead at what's left on the schedule and a sizing up of the Coastal Division race before we hand out offensive, defensive and special teams MVPs so far.
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The big Clemson game has come and gone, but we dedicate a good portion of the podcast to it. Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling talk about just how good the Tigers are, how much better the Hokies needed to play, how Josh Jackson handled the moment, how serious Joey Slye's struggles are, what Justin Fuente's hangup is with running back mistakes and more. We also turn our attention ahead to Boston College and what, if any, trap the Eagles can be for the Hokies just before the bye week.
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No need to beat around the bush this week. Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling jump directly into this week's titanic showdown between No. 12 Virginia Tech and No. 2 Clemson. We talk about how big this game is in Hokies history, the huge challenge Tech will have against the Tigers' defensive line, the challenges Clemson's running game presents, just how good of starts Tremaine Edmunds, Cam Phillips and Josh Jackson have gotten off to and what it would take for the Hokies to knock off the defending national champs.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling just try to go 1-0 this week, starting off by talking about the Hokies' impressive start to the season, including a 64-17 dismantling of ECU last week. We also hit on the dynamic passing combination of Josh Jackson to Cam Phillips, the defense's quick turnaround, Adonis Alexander's situation, the night start for Clemson, the chances ESPN's College GameDay comes to Blacksburg, the ODU matchup and more.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling talk about the Hokies' so-so win against Delaware, the offense's relative struggles, the defense's shutout and the Pimpleton Minute before the podcast takes a turn. The Tavante Beckett arrest news broke in the middle of the pod, so the tenor changes there. We follow that up by talking about the third/fourth quarter chant lameness before turning our attention to ECU and if the Pirates are really as bad as their record indicates.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling have all sorts of stuff to talk about from the West Virginia game in this podcast. We chat about Josh Jackson's impressive debut, Cam Phillips living up to his No. 1 receiver billing, what Bud Foster thinks of all the yards the defense gave up, how special teams played a big role in the win and more, including, obviously, the Pimpleton Minute. We also touch on how awful FedEx Field was, go into a few of Andy's choices in this week's AP poll and finish by taking a sledgehammer to the Hokie Pokie tradition.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling are ready to kick off the season in this podcast, starting with a lengthy chat about what the Virginia Tech-West Virginia rivalry used to be and the curse of FedEx Field. We jump into a depth chart discussion and talk about Josh Jackson as he's about to make his first career start at quarterback before closing with some over-unders on the Hokies' season.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling chat about Frank Beamer's honorary captaincy vs. West Virginia, where Virginia Tech is in the polls and if that means anything in the preseason, contrivances of coaches that annoy us, Travon McMillian and the running game's outlook, Brandon Facyson's health, a few freshmen updates, Colt Pettit's weight loss, Sinbad's upcoming appearance in Roanoke and which top 10 teams we think have the potential to be flops.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling talk at length about the Hokies' decision to make Josh Jackson the starting quarterback for the season opener against West Virginia. We dive in to what made Jackson the choice, AJ Bush's possible role, Hendon Hooker's outlook, how Quincy Patterson could affect things next year and much more.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling are back with a podcast, resuming it now that preseason practice is underway at Virginia Tech. We talk about the offense's outlook, Caleb Farley's injury and what it means for the receiving corps, Deshawn McClease's opportunity, scheduling philosophy, team mottos, Tech's place in the Top 25, the Hokies' over/under on wins and, of course, betting odds on who starts at quarterback.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling get together before their final week of vacation to discuss a little football. In this episode, we chat about what took place at the ACC Kickoff, from the Hokies' outlook in Year 2 to Cam Phillips' dapper attire to the West Virginia opener. We touch on the predicted order of finish for the ACC (this was recorded Sunday, but it was obvious where it was going) and close with some thoughts about the controversy involving Michael Vick's upcoming induction into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame.
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After nearly a month's hiatus, Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling have enough to talk about in another podcast. In this episode, we hit on a variety of topics from Andy's wide-ranging interview with Whit Babcock last week, from Virginia Tech's financial to what's next in Cassell Coliseum and Lane Stadium. We also go a little in depth on Fox Sports writer Stewart Mandel's tiering of the Power 5 programs and where the Hokies fit.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling sort through everything about the Hokies who were selected (and some who weren't) in last weekend's NFL Draft, talking about Jerod Evans, Chuck Clark, Bucky Hodges, Sam Rogers and Isaiah Ford in detail. We also touch on ESPN's post-spring ACC football power rankings, which have the Hokies ninth.
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Spring ball is over and Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling are here to wrap it all up. We talk about our takeaways from the spring game overall, then focus more specifically on the showings of Caleb Farley, Hendon Hooker, the other QBs, the defense and more. Then we shift gears to the NFL Draft, where Isaiah Ford, Bucky Hodges, Jerod Evans, Sam Rogers and other Hokies hope to hear their names called the next couple days.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling talk about what could be gleaned from the Hokies' open practice this week, with thoughts on Caleb Farley, the quarterbacks and defensive backs, then we turn our attention toward what we'll be looking for in the spring game. We also touch on the ACC's return to Charlotte for the football title game, the Stagg Bowl's departure from Salem and Aaron's impassioned defense of comedian Brian Regan.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling have a lengthy discussion about the quarterbacks after finally getting to talk to them this week. We also hit on the FSU opener on Labor Day in 2018, some extra Justin Fuente contract details and North Carolina's ridiculous legislative posturing with the ACC. We finish with a discussion about how good of a comedian Louis CK is.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling talk about Justin Fuente's new contract with the Hokies, the wide receiver situation, what's expected in Brandon Facyson's senior season and more. Then we turn our attention to all the big spring sporting events taking place this week -- the Final Four, Major League Baseball's Opener, The Masters, etc. -- playing everybody's favorite game, "How Excited Are You?"
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling are back for this very spring-like edition of the podcast. We talk about the early goings-on at Hokies practice, touching on the new Australian punter, Justin Fuente's concerns beyond quarterback, observations from a workout last week, defensive end depth and Tech's odds within the ACC. We also touch on the start of the MLB season and the Final Four at the end.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling are back in studio to first wrap up some NCAA Tournament talk about the Hokies -- briefly chatting about the ACC's postseason belly flop -- followed by a whole lot of spring football. We discuss what Justin Fuente hopes to get out of the next month of practice before getitng to some big questions at key positions.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling are back for more basketball talk, taking a look at Virginia Tech's return to the NCAA Tournament after a decade's absence. We preview the Wisconsin matchup in the first round, take a look at a possible date with Villanova in Round 2, step back to look at the bracket as a whole and give some upset/Final Four picks. We also touch on Tyrod Taylor heading back to the Buffalo Bills.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling hit a milestone with the Roanoke Times' 100th sports podcast, and we branch out a little to talk some basketball. Aaron's in Brooklyn for the ACC Tournament, and he talks about the traditionally North Carolina-hosted event heading north of the Mason-Dixon Line for the first time. We also touch on the Hokies' chances, both in the league tournament and the NCAAs, then transition to some NFL Combine talk at the end.
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Andy Bitter is joined by former Virginia Tech All-ACC defensive lineman and NFL veteran Darryl Tapp this week. Tapp, who is heading to the NFL Combine this week as part of an NFLPA externship, talks about his experience at the combine, how he handles being a veteran in the NFL, how much longer he'd like to play, the highs from his time at Virginia Tech and more.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling have a pu pu platter of Hokies talk, hitting on some offseason football topics, from a spring outlook to offseason workouts to impactful historic plays. Then we transition into some other sports, talking about the details of Whit Babcock's contract extension, wrestling coach Kevin Dresser leaving for Iowa State and the men's basketball team's NCAA hopes.
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Andy Bitter is joined by special guest Shayne Graham, the recently retired NFL kicker. They talk about Graham's 15-plus seasons in the NFL, life in a cutthroat business like pro football, his memories with the Hokies, including the game-wining kick against West Virginia in 1999, what's in store for him next and much more.
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Aaron McFarling is back from his 40th birthday bonanza in Atlantic City, and he and Andy Bitter catch up on three weeks worth of news. We bounce around to several subjects, talking about the Super Bowl, Michael Vick and Shayne Graham's retirements, signing day and the Hokies' 2017 class, Marshawn Williams' retirement, next fall's schedule, Frank Beamer's hockey and basketball adventures and more. We also take a few listener questions at the end.
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Andy Bitter is joined by special guest Jason Stamm of The VT Zone to talk Hokies recruiting. We talk about the job Justin Fuente and his staff has done in its first full year, Devon Hunter's big commitment and what it means from a perception standpoint, who might pick Virginia Tech in the upcoming week, who might be sleepers in the class and more.
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After Aaron McFarling recounts his harrowing mishap on a zip line, he and Andy Bitter discuss Frank Beamer's new role on the College Football Playoff selection committee, some departures on the Hokies' roster, the addition of nine mid-year enrollees, what Tech's outlook is nationally in 2017, our thoughts on the Antonio Brown Facebook Live incident and who we think will make it to the Super Bowl.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling return to talk about Monday night's College Football Playoff championship game, Brandon Facyson's decision to return for his senior season and the A.J. Bush addition in the quarterback battle. We finish it up by revisiting the over/under picks we made just before the start of the season.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling talk briefly about the Hokies' Belk Bown win, then turn the discussion to the NFL departures of Jerod Evans, Isaiah Ford and Bucky Hodges, who'll fill the offensive void left behind, what'll happen with the running game and Aaron's lagging bowl picks. At the end we talk a little bit about the College Football Playoff championship between Alabama and Clemson.
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Andy Bitter and Mike Barber wrap up the season by looking back the Hokies' colossal comeback in the Belk Bowl, discussing the defense's aggressive second half, the offense's eventual onslaught and how we'd grade Justin Fuente's first season in Blacksburg. Then we talk about some of the NFL Draft decisions for some Hokies, including Bucky Hodges, Isaiah Ford and, yes, Jerod Evans.
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Aaron McFarling and Andy Bitter are back to preview the Belk Bowl between Virginia Tech and Arkansas. We talk about the Hokies' opportunity to move the ball against the Razorbacks' porous defense, Vinny Mihota's injury and what his absence means for the defense, plus more. We also hit on the most recent Wakeyleaks news, with Shane Beamer's involvement, before Aaron wraps up his bowl picks in the final 20 minutes
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling talk about Virginia Tech's role and resulting fine from WakeyLeaks, the Hokies' recent success in bowl games, what might be next for RB Shai McKenzie and our thoughts on a couple of star running backs skipping their bowl games. Then A-Mac will give you his winners for the next week of bowl games.
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Aaron McFarling and an under-the-weather Andy Bitter are back to talk about more All-ACC teams, where Bucky Hodges and Isaiah Ford might fit if they enter the NFL Draft, Virginia Tech's recently unveiled "Drive for 25" initiative, the absurdity of Wakeyleaks and Alan Thicke's untimely passing, Then Aaron gets into Part I of his guaranteed-to-be-profitable bowl guide, making picks for the first week of games.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling talk about the Hokies' narrow ACC title game loss to Clemson, where Tech needs to play catch-up, what 10 wins would mean for the program this year, how the Hokies got to the Belk Bowl and what's in store from Arkansas. Then we play the game taking American by storm: Juice or No Juice? A look at the ACC's bowl slate.
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Andy Bitter and Mike Barber take a look back at the Hokies' ACC championship game loss to Clemson, talking about how competitive Tech was, how disappointing the outcome was because of that, where the Tigers had a major edge, what surprised us about the Hokies, Orlando in general and a little bit about the upcoming Belk Bowl against Arkansas.
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Andy Bitter and Aaron McFarling chat about a variety of football topics, including some quick thoughts on Tech's win against UVa. the All-ACC voting, Jerod Evans' snub, the bits of disrespect out there this week for the Hokies, how to (maybe) slow down Clemson's juggernaut offense, the ACC title game in general, Logan Thomas' NFL position switch and more.
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Andy Bitter and Mike Barber talk about the Hokies' domination of UVa in the regular season finale, Sam Rogers' big day on and off the field, the offense's balance, the Cavaliers' mind-boggling QB rotation, Tech's strong secondary, All-ACC teams, the upcoming Clemson matchup in the ACC championship game and more.
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