Tech Notebook: Taylor questionable for Miami game

BLACKSBURG — Virginia Tech starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor (ankle) has done limited work in practice this week and is listed as questionable for Thursday night’s game at Miami.

If Taylor is unable to play, the likely starter would be senior Sean Glennon, who completed 14 of 20 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown in the Hokies’ 23-13 win over Maryland last Thursday.

“We’ll see (if Taylor’s ready) when we warm up (Thursday),” Tech coach Frank Beamer said.

Tech’s offense put up its best numbers of the season with Glennon at the wheel.

The Hokies gained a season-high 400 yards, including 273 on the ground.

Taylor suffered a high ankle sprain Oct. 25 at Florida State. Glennon suffered a similar injury but was able to come back sooner.

November Reign

With its win over Maryland last Thursday, Virginia Tech improved its November record to 14-1 over the last four seasons.

The Hokies are 13-1 against ACC teams during that span, with the only loss coming to No. 5 Miami in 2005.

Beamer said November success comes down to consistent practice habits throughout the season.

“You’ve had good consistency in how you practice, and if you do that, you improve as you go along, and whatever level you’re capable of being, that’s where you are in November,” Beamer said.

Grimm doubly honored

Hokies junior linebacker Cody Grimm was doubly recognized by Tech’s coaches after his performance in Thursday’s win over Maryland.

“This doesn’t often happen, but he was our defensive player of the game as picked by the coaching staff and he was our special teams player of the game as picked by our coaching staff,” Beamer said. “He just had some big plays all the way around. He’s just got a knack for football. It makes sense to him.”

Grimm, a former walk-on, had seven tackles (five solo), a sack and two tackles for loss. He is now second on the team with five sacks.

More wild turkey?

Tech unveiled its “Wild Turkey” formation Thursday night when tight end Greg Boone lined up at quarterback seven times.

Boone, a 6-foot-3, 280-pound former high school quarterback, handed the ball off twice, ran designed runs four times and looked to pass once before tucking and running.

One of Maryland’s defensive linemen got loose in the backfield and pressured Boone out of passing, but there was a wide-open option down the field.

“The one that he did try to pass, (wide receiver) Danny Coale was butt naked down the field,” Glennon said. “If (Boone) has been able to get that one off, he would have been able to throw it underhand to him.”

So might we see more of the “Wild Turkey” in future games?

“It was different,” Beamer said. “I thought it had some possibilities.”

Glennon even lined up at wide receiver on one of the plays. When asked if he was a legitimate target, Glennon said, “I can’t disclose that.”

“Well, I’m not going to get into that,” Beamer said Tuesday. “You guys are working for Miami, aren’t you?”

You win, Eddie

Glennon said former high school and college teammate Eddie Royal text-messaged him Thursday before the game.

Royal’s Denver Broncos were preparing to face the Cleveland Browns that night as well.

“He said, ‘Let’s both make sure we both make SportsCenter,’” Glennon said. “I guess he made it.”

Royal, who played with Glennon at Westfield High and Virginia Tech, had a 93-yard touchdown catch in the Broncos’ 34-30 win.

Extra points

Kickoff for Tech’s Nov. 22 home game against Duke has been set for 5:30 p.m. It will be televised by ESPNU. … The home team has 3-2 edge this season in Thursday night ESPN games involving ACC teams. … Hokies senior kicker Dustin Keys was named one of three Lou Groza stars of the week for his 3-for-3 field goal performance Thursday night.