Cheers and Jeers: VMI

You can’t take too much from the results of a 73-3 win over VMI. From the pregame stretches Tech engaged in absolute domination of a clearly overmatched opponent. Still, James Franklin and the Hokies were out to make a few statements in their opener. The crowd was incredible and the scene was exactly what you’d hope for in a televised season and era-opener.

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The first Enter Sandman of the season College football is so back

The game started with a very smooth and speedy 50-yard touchdown run by Jeff Overton to jumpstart the scoring of the Franklin era and the situation quickly escalated from there. The Hokies out-gained VMI 619-83 and this year’s squad appears more physical, faster, and just all around more engaged compared to last year's team.

BEAMERBALL!!!

Despite the disparity between Tech and VMI’s talent, the Hokies played a sharp game in all three phases. The defense was incredibly aggressive and very effective: three plays on the first drive, negative yards to show for the Keydets. It’s nice to see guys flying to the football and finishing with solid tackles. Two punt blocks including one that landed in the end zone for a touchdown provided some nice red meat for a starving fan base. BeamerBall in its purest form. There were some nice punt returns too. Suddenly, after at least a decade in the wilderness it appears Tech has multiple potential game breakers to return kicks. The offense was keyed by Marcellous Hawkins and Jeff Overton who combined for five touchdowns and nearly 200 yards rushing between themselves. Even linebacker George Balance, wearing number 25, had a great game fitting of the number. I also really enjoy making that a year-long honor. I think that's a great improvement. Plus, while some might roll their eyes out of their collective heads it was refreshing to see a head coach not letting any opportunity to improve go wasted.

It all looked very reminiscent of a dominant wins of a bygone era.

A Whole Team Effort...Literally

Was this game helpful to the program? Well, maybe more than it appears. The result definitely gives a lot of confidence to the team, boosts the mood of the fans who were already extremely excited, and sets the stage for a slightly better opponent next week with some good vibes. The Hokies demanded an extra second at the end of the first half—and unlike Michigan—they were correctly rewarded with the time and another rep. Even when the backups came in they were running the real systems and trying to stack points. The entire gameday operation was smooth and terrifyingly efficient. Hopefully, that will prove helpful as the stakes get more serious. 

There just wasn’t anything for Hokies to complain about after this victory. Enjoy the positive energy and we’ll learn more next week.