Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin spoke to the media Monday morning following the Hokies’ 51-28 loss at SMU over the weekend. Virginia Tech plays host to Stanford on Saturday, Nov. 14 at a sold-out Lane Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on the ACC Network.
Head Coach James Franklin
Opening statement:
“I want to address Veterans Day. Few places in college football have the connection with the military that we do. Between the Corps of Cadets and all of our connections over a long history at this university, that we pay respect to the men and women who serve our country. Hopefully, we do a great job in honoring them in how we play. Disappointed in our play on Saturday night. I think [SMU] played extremely well. At the same time, we have a standard and an expectation in how we operate and do things, and that was not up to that standard. Like I mentioned after the game, ultimately I’m responsible for that and take total responsibility for that. We’re back to work in getting those things improved and fixed. Not going to allow one performance to overshadow the progress and positive strides that we have taken. But we need to continue to do that. We need to continue to make strides while also eliminating and fixing some of the issues and challenges we’ve had all year. Stanford presents a significant challenge, but also an opportunity. That’s one of the things that’s great about college football. As bad as you feel after the last result, you have an opportunity to get back out there and fix it, and get this taste out of our mouth, and our fans’ mouth, as quick as we possibly can. Stanford creates some challenges. I’ve got a lot of respect for Stanford. I’ve got a lot of respect for (Stanford General Manager) Andrew Luck and how he goes about his business, and the professionalism and class he always exudes. NFL staff, a lot of NFL experience on their staff. High-profile quarterback who’s playing at a high level right now. Some guys we’re going to have to be prepared and ready for.”
On what makes Stanford's passing attack so effective:
“Well, I think a couple of things. First of all, when you talk about (Stanford Head Coach Tavita Pritchard) background in developing quarterbacks and what he’s been able to do throughout his entire career. You’re talking about (Stanford quarterback Davis Warren) who was a highly recruited guy out of high school. Everyone in America recruited him. Big-body guy, strong arm, is able to make all of the throws. I think they’ve done a really good job with their personnel on the perimeter as well as their tailbacks and tight ends. These guys have NFL backgrounds. They know how to cause conflict. They know how to attack zones, identify man and then run man-beaters. They have a sophisticated system, and they’ve got a high-level, veteran quarterback who’s had a lot of different experiences in his college career and is putting all of it together now. I know Andrew Luck is the GM, but I still think having someone like that in your building with that type of experience is valuable. It’s all starting to come together for them.”