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Florida State coach Willie Taggart believes Virginia Tech players faked injuries to slow tempo
By Jake Rill
Published:
There were numerous occasions on Monday night that several Virginia Tech players were slow to get up after big plays for Florida State. And Seminoles coach Willie Taggart doesn’t think that’s a coincidence.
During the ACC Coaches’ Teleconference on Wednesday, Taggart was asked if he thought it was intentional, and he didn’t shy away from calling out the Hokies players.
“It happened too often, so it’s hard not to,” Taggart said on the call. “It is what it is, I guess it’s part of football now. That’s all I can say.”
Florida State fans noticed when it happened, as fans loudly booed as Virginia Tech players were continually slow to their feet. Hokies coach Justin Fuente said that the heat had an effect on his players and denied that they were faking injuries, according to ESPN.
“Going into the game we were severely concerned about our ability to handle the humidity and the weather, just coming from our climate,” Fuente said. “We had some issues with it throughout the game. At halftime numerous guys getting IVs and getting treatment so they could finish out the game. …
“My answer is we had numerous issues with cramping and guys battling through bumps and bruises and nicks and things they were fighting through.”
Virginia Tech won the opener at Florida State, 24-3.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
