Loefflers Unique OSU Feel
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Maybe don't call him an ringer, but offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler has a unique perspective of Virginia Tech's opponent Saturday, Ohio State. From 2009-10, Loeffler coached the quarterbacks under then-Gators coach Urban Meyer, who's now at Ohio State.
Of course, the settings are different, the athletes are different and Meyer's staff is different. But Loeffler has seen first-hand what Meyer likes to do and will try to do on the field.
Of course, Loeffler also has a good understanding of the environment the Hokies will be playing in at Ohio Stadium. Loeffler played at Michigan from 1993-96 and was an assistant coach for the Wolverines, the Buckeyes' biggest rivals, from 1996-99 and 2002-07. Both experiences could help Loeffler tremendously this weekend.
"We do things very similar to what they do," Loeffler said. "Going to Florida, Coach Meyer was able to teach me a whole different style and a different way of thinking, which was a blessing in disguise. It was great, an unbelievable experience and I appreciate the opportunity that I had."
Loeffler said he also has plenty of respect for the type of program Meyer runs and the type of coach he is.
"He's a great coach in every aspect," Loeffler said. "He's got a great plan, they recruit well, they're disciplined and they play really well. His record speaks for itself. He's an excellent football coach."
And as far as the environment, Loeffler isn't sure his players can comprehend the atmosphere until they're in it. Virginia Tech practiced yesterday with simulated crowd noise blaring over the speakers on the practice field, but it won't quite match what's expected to be a record crowd. Ohio Stadium's capacity is 104,944.
"There's a lot of variables that go into this game," Loeffler said. "You're gonna walk into an environment that you can't hear anything. Communication is crucial. Our guys will play really hard. You've gotta be able to get in the groove of not being able to hear. It's a place that, if you're not careful, you can feel like you're on an island by yourself, just because you can't communicate. Communication is gonna be crucial and like I said, that defensive front is excellent, so we're gonna have to play really hard, play smart and it will be a challenge."
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