Photo by Grant Pearrell

Look, these people from ODU are nuts. I don't really have a point to make about that, I just wanted to say it because it's funny and true. ODU came in and played hard thinking they had a chance to win. Based on recent history, this wasn't the most outlandish take but no one told them about the new Sheriff jangling his spurs. James Franklin got an ideal result for the most part. The Hokies won comfortably but played sloppy enough in the second half that he can still rip into them without seeming like a needless hard ass.

For me personally, this weekend was my birthday game which is something I consider sacred. It's the game each season when I make the most unreasonable demands of those around me and they at least politely pretend that I'm being normal. I've always shared it with the modern version of the Hokie Bird, which made its debut September 12, 1987 which was the day after my second birthday. I assume the bird stays youthful and fit by feasting on the blood of opposing mascots, which gives me an idea for an exciting new business...

Cheers

This game featured an absolute peak "ball don't lie" moment after Keon Wylie fumbled at the goal line on his way to an appointment running the stadium steps Sunday morning. On the very next play the Hokies forced another fumble and Tyson Flowers picked it up for the competent scoop and score. This is all somehow far more entertaining than if Wylie had just hung on to the ball in the first place.

Sickos Committee
@SickosCommittee

ODU FUMBLES VT GETS A SCOOP AND SCORE BUT THEY FUMBLE BEFORE THE GOALINE AND ODU RECOVERS ON THE VERY NEXT PLAY ODU FUMBLES AND VT GETS A SCOOP AND SCORE Just had to make this combined clip and Video via @TheCW_Sports

The one thing the ACC does better than any conference is its replay review system and the publicly viewable process to anyone watching on TV is fantastic. I honestly can't think of of an ACC review I've disagreed with since they've began showing the officials as they work through the process. And before you ask, the Tech-Miami Hail Mary fiasco was in 2024 while the transparent review started August of the following season. Probably not a coincidence. You're welcome conference.

Photo by Grant Pearrell

The Hokies showed really outstanding execution across the board. There were cool play designs and sequencing yes, but just much improved execution across the board. It's easily the most noticeable change in this program year-over-year. The pure baseline competence of the team is much higher. While it's early in the season there appears to be an increased level of confidence as well. I can easily see a scenario last season where Wylie's turnover leads to a series of unfortunate events including a quick ODU touchdown and an hours long fight to the finish that never should have happened in the first place. This group seems better at just shaking things off and rebooting.

Not to beat a dead treadmill horse, but watching Ethan Grunkemeyer after several years of Kyron Drones is just such a revelation. I'd honestly forgotten what accurate, efficient quarterback play was like. And it's not just Drones. The Hokies have lacked a signal-caller like this for many, many years. As good as some of the throws and decisions have been, I'm equally if not more impressed by Grunk's ability to move in the pocket or scramble just enough to open up a better throw. Plus he goes through his progressions!

Jeers

Thom Brennaman is so laughably terrible at his job which would be fine if I didn't have to hear from him. He's just blatantly incorrect most of the time and it's not the standard announcer stuff. He's always loudly yelling things like, "I'm not sure he got there!" while multiple officials are clearly signalling to move the chains for a first down. He doesn't even seem to know the rules of football which makes sense given his baseball background. Still, it's an insane look and really hampers the CW broadcast which I otherwise consider better than ESPN's. That entire network only exists these days to promote gambling apps and sleeveless weirdos on their platforms.

Final Thoughts

Two games in, two solid to exciting victories. The opponents weren't anything crazy but that's not the point. For a program that couldn't seem to walk more than a few feet without stepping on a rake, cartoon style, in recent years this is a welcome breath of fresh air. The offense finally has a passing attack and the defense is flying to the football in a way that makes Bud Foster sing. Now we all head to Maryland. I'm looking forward to seeing some of you folks in person in College Park. It's always a harrowing but delightful experience walking through a real-life group chat.