So I guess a lot of my Hokie brethren are upset at what they considered a vicious rant on national TV conducted by ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. As a faithful, but honest, Hokie fan, my response to these folks would be to focus their anger on the lack of execution from our players, the overall lack of discipline on this team, and the stubborness of the coaching staff. Leave Herbie alone!

The guy was dead on right. It stung to hear those words, but it stung because it hit home. It hit home because…he was right. Even beyond that, it was obvious to me that Kirk’s soapbox moment was a sincere show of frustration and disappointment, not a holier-than-thou judgement. He even went as far to say, in an article in todays Roanoke Times (Roanoke Virginia) that Thursday’s sermon was “as emotional as I’ve ever been on the air.”

If only our coaches and players showed the same emotion and pride in the institution….

Herbstreit is the flagship of college football on ESPN. He has unmatched credibility. Does he boost up his Alma mater, Ohio State, sometimes? Sure he does. But I respect him for not trying to glaze it over. He loves his school. He played there. He should. But you know what? He’s pretty damn fond of Virginia Tech as well and he, like me, is getting tired of players that are focused on themselves and coaches that can’t correct the issue.

Thanks, Kirk, for saying what needed to be said.