Army’s football players learn during turbulent year there is always more awareness to discover

By TOM SHANAHAN “Awareness, awareness, awareness,” was how TV analyst Frank Broyles, a College Football Hall of Fame coach, described players with instincts. Another kind of awareness, racial, was an additional quality that Army West Point’s players gained as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. The players relied on virtual group phone calls to remain connected upon West Point closing nine months ago at the start of COVID-19 pandemic. At first, they were casual conversations from hometowns…

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Three quick takes from Virginia Tech-Duke

By TOM SHANAHAN COVID-19 COACH OF THE YEAR The COVID-19 impacted college football season needs another award added to the post-season list: “COVID-19 Coach of the Year.” Virginia Tech’s Justin Fuente is the clear front-runner for learning to adapt to the pandemic that has altered nearly all phases of game planning. He's team that had its opener against Virginia postponed is now 2-0. His Hokies took home a 38-31 win over Duke (0-4) Saturday at Wallace Wade Stadium…

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Game-planning and predictions tested through COVID-19 practice limitations

PHOTO: Jalon Calhoun (5) at Virginia. By TOM SHANAHAN College football always has been hard to predict. Outside of No. 1-ranked Clemson and No. 2 Alabama attracting 5-star recruits like lemmings to tip the talent scales, it’s easy to overestimate or underestimate teams. And that’s in a normal season, without a COVID-19 pandemic. All routines – football coaches, like generals, love regimentation -- have been altered. It started with teams missing all or most of spring football. That’s…

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