![Mike Mcd](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Mike-Mcd.jpg?w=400&h=400&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729193&s=9c3ff8027670a5f79ad898e73a8ae064 400w)
Mike McDaniel
As a first generation Hokie, I can't say that Virginia Tech has always been in my blood, but I can say unequivocally that I bleed maroon and orange now. I graduated from the Pamplin College of Business in 2015 with a double major in accounting and finance, and have parlayed that into a five-year career in government compliance consulting in the Washington D.C. metro area where I grew up. At Tech, I enjoyed going to as many sporting events as I could, playing four years for the Club Golf team, and realizing my passion for writing and creating content.
I have previously written for Gobbler Country on the SB Nation network, Fighting Gobbler for Fansided, InsideTheACC.com, The Tech Lunch Pail, and most recently for Sports Illustrated's All Hokies, where I was the lead publisher.
In addition to writing, I am also co-host of Basketball Conference: The ACC Football Podcast and the Hokie Hangover Podcast covering Virginia Tech athletics.
I'm passionate about Virginia Tech, but also hope to bring an objective and journalistic background to enhance the already fantastic athletic coverage here at Sons of Saturday.
Sometimes You Dig Your Own Grave
Following the latest meltdown at Lane Stadium on Saturday, is the Justin Fuente era at Virginia Tech nearing its conclusion?
The Fan Base Deserves More
Virginia Tech's 32-29 loss to Notre Dame on Saturday at Lane Stadium was another reminder of the fragile state of the Hokies football program in Year Six under Justin Fuente.
![Justin Fuente key play](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Virginia-Tech/Justin-Fuente-key-play.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729564&s=bee03e721728893ae113f4e3cb5b6ff6 630w)
Consistently Inconsistent
Virginia Tech's performance against West Virginia was emblematic of other Justin Fuente-led teams in big games. The Hokies were consistently inconsistent.
![James mitchell](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Virginia-Tech/james-mitchell.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729568&s=c1668972c9324747542bce6a22679999 630w)
With James Mitchell Out, How will Virginia Tech Replace his Production?
With James Mitchell out, how will Virginia Tech make up for his loss?
![BB tech lunch pail](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Virginia-Tech/BB-tech-lunch-pail.jpeg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1711852260&s=3ae169ae7facb623d2f37d9170efa599 630w)
Film Breakdown: Evaluating Braxton Burmeister's Passing Performance Against North Carolina
Virginia Tech quarterback Braxton Burmeister was a big reason why Virginia Tech won the opener against North Carolina. Let's breakdown every throw that he made.
![Keshawn king hokiesports](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Virginia-Tech/keshawn-king-hokiesports.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729569&s=9e2ebb9e1a0e2bca6d747ec615803124 630w)
After a Rough 2021 Opener, What's Next for Hokies Running Back Keshawn King?
Can Keshawn King become a consistent factor for the Hokies in 2021?
![Tar heel blog](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Virginia-Tech/tar-heel-blog.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729569&s=e0918d051035a471b5f99c81b275d47b 630w)
Three Reasons Why North Carolina Could Beat Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is in for a dog fight against the #10 North Carolina Tar Heels on Friday night. Here are three reasons why North Carolina could beat Virginia Tech.
![Kaden Moore](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Virginia-Tech/Kaden-Moore.jpeg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729564&s=a0c9c3812f1dc797ba3f6cc868f2e000 630w)
Starting a freshman at right guard in the opener? No problem for Virginia Tech's coaching staff
Virginia Tech will start freshman Kaden Moore at right guard on Friday against #10 North Carolina. Justin Fuente and Vance Vice are confident it's the right decision.
![Beau Davidson](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Virginia-Tech/Beau-Davidson.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729562&s=6bd5fbea9200f2695b90b90a1f99cfa0 630w)
Virginia Tech Director of Recruiting Beau Davidson Expected to Leave for Texas Tech
Virginia Tech Director of Recruiting is expected to resign from the program and take a job at Texas Tech, a source told Sons of Saturday.
![Belmar Hokiesports](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Virginia-Tech/Belmar-Hokiesports.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729562&s=462f1fc9fa65efeae45e4cb29d6c2f17 630w)
Virginia Tech Football Kicks Off Week Two of Fall Camp
With the second week of fall practice kicking off, Virginia Tech football held media availability on Thursday to give a camp update.
![Dawain lofton](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Dawain-lofton.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704728890&s=1bc0529aa430650a9fb6de1e185a3796 630w)
The Texas recruiting movement disappointed, but freshman receiver Da'Wain Lofton aims to be the exception
After the #TX2VT recruiting movement fell flat on its face, there didn't appear to be much hope. But going into fall camp, freshman receiver Da'Wain Lofton aims to be the…
![Raheem Blackshear](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Raheem-Blackshear.jpeg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729292&s=c6ee8b46d0eb93700f327349764620d2 630w)
With Khalil Herbert gone, Hokies have clear running back plan entering camp
With Khalil Herbert out of the fold, the Hokies have a plan to attack the running back position heading into fall camp
![Tyrell Smith](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Virginia-Tech/Tyrell-Smith.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729566&s=7ee7204391a29475047ddfbf50e5541c 630w)
Virginia Tech Offensive Lineman Tyrell Smith Will Play This Fall for Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech offensive lineman Tyrell Smith will utilize his extra year of eligibility, and will return to the Hokies this fall.
![Reach for Excellence](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Virginia-Tech/Reach-for-Excellence.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729565&s=12eceac4f360e93807caf5e3e076087e 630w)
Virginia Tech Athletics Launches $400 Million "Reach for Excellence" Fundraising Campaign
The $400 million fundraising campaign is the largest initiative in the history of the Virginia Tech athletic department.
![Fuente 1](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Virginia-Tech/Fuente.1.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729564&s=79d7a0c367f30b79103df26ed27b3914 630w)
Justin Fuente to...Kansas? What?
An internet rumor circulated on Wednesday linking Justin Fuente to Kansas' open head coaching job.
![Ourdailybears](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/ourdailybears.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729838&s=85ac581328c33dda49f69d86bea2af82 630w)
Will Baylor Transfer Charlie Brewer be the Next Starting Quarterback at Virginia Tech?
Charlie Brewer, a graduate transfer from Baylor, could become the second member of the Brewer family to wear maroon and orange.
![Whit babcock](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/whit-babcock.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729963&s=4194249b2ca2342f6857e7a66d39964e 630w)
Blind Faith
Whit Babcock tied his legacy to embattled head football coach Justin Fuente on Tuesday, as Virginia Tech will move forward with Fuente at the helm.
![Hooker against uva](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/hooker-against-uva.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729739&s=a296cb98219c114970c019518bf254a5 630w)
Sons of Saturday Game Picks: Welcome to Hate Week
Can Virginia Tech reclaim the Commonwealth Cup on Saturday night in Blacksburg?
![Dabo](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/dabo_2020-12-05-201410.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729674&s=6854d60bd1ba4f7c271ee577a088059f 630w)
Sons of Saturday Game Picks: It's Clemson Week
It's game picks time! Let's dive into our predictions ahead of the tilt with Clemson.
![Tech Sideline Fuente](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Tech-Sideline-Fuente.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729471&s=fb72692020b544ae8ffd79cc38a4287d 630w)
It's Over
After a debilitating 47-14 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday, the Justin Fuente era is finished, regardless of if he remains the coach or not.
![Hooker cardiac hill](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Hooker-cardiac-hill.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729026&s=5d4c26f409067388850fd01e1f7a6114 630w)
Sons of Saturday Game Picks: Hokies Travel to Pittsburgh to Take on the Panthers
Virginia Tech needs a win desperately on Saturday. Will they get it against Pittsburgh?
![Hooker 247 sports](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/hooker-247-sports.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729738&s=0116eefa1ad9fbd186b9eb11b3ec2d26 630w)
Sons of Saturday Game Picks: Hokies Look to Bounce Back Against #9 Miami
With #9 Miami coming to town, the Hokies look to bounce back and pick-up a much needed home win.
![King](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/king.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729770&s=d33d67860718d8cb44e19b488cbbd983 630w)
Three Reasons Why Miami Could Beat Virginia Tech
Can Virginia Tech beat #9 Miami on Saturday in Blacksburg? Here's three reasons why it might not happen.
![Malik Willis Liberty](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/MalikWillisLiberty.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729174&s=f05275f4a93555735c500fe69f32b3a0 630w)
Sons of Saturday Game Picks: Hokies Look to Cover a Two Touchdown Spread Against #25 Liberty
Virginia Tech looks to cover a two-touchdown spread as they take on #25 Liberty
![Khalil Herbert 247 sports](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Khalil-Herbert-247-sports.jpeg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729129&s=86edc0a58c98f5a6b25749f3de062048 630w)
Sons of Saturday Game Picks: The Hokies Head on The Road in Must-Win Versus Louisville
Virginia Tech heads on the road to Louisville to battle the Cardinals in a must-win game for the program.
![Hooker 247](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/hooker-247.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729738&s=1adb6deb0b9ab921f1243364154d7515 630w)
Three Reasons Why Louisville Could Beat Virginia Tech
Can Virginia Tech drop its third game out of the last four? Here's three ways it could happen.
![North state journal](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/north-state-journal.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729832&s=4e47b138fdbb679ff86e8a5c3eeb95d4 630w)
Virginia Tech Has a Wide Receiver Problem
It became even more apparent on Saturday, Virginia Tech's passing offense is absent, and it may not get better anytime soon.
![HH](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/HH.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729011&s=4f6e6afbf8bdff209984aff8de2e75de 630w)
Sons of Saturday Game Picks: Hokies Look to Move to 4-1 Against Feisty Wake Forest
Virginia Tech heads to Winston-Salem, looking to move to 4-1 with a win over Wake Forest
![Dorian strong](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/dorian-strong.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729685&s=6748cea448bcaa10f8ae4836c6e38f87 630w)
Freshman Dorian Strong Proving to be Another Diamond in the Rough for Virginia Tech
As Virginia Tech has struggled with COVID-19 issues, freshman Dorian Strong has emerged as a reliable defender for the Hokies.
![Sam hartman](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/sam-hartman.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729880&s=91c36faff6782355efbce6c0ed6151f2 630w)
Three Reasons Why Wake Forest Could Beat Virginia Tech
Wake Forest has an offense to contend with this Saturday. Do they have enough to upset the Hokies?
![Herbert ncstate](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/herbert-ncstate.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729730&s=cb4aa6e2a2b6b97548a367ef46b7c3cb 630w)
Sons of Saturday Game Picks: Hokies Look to Rebound Against Boston College
After a disappointing showing last Saturday, can the Hokies rebound at home against Boston College?
![Phil jurkovec](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/phil-jurkovec.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729846&s=b24ed47a97eeb58d94180be4d940ec55 630w)
Three Reasons Why Boston College Could Beat Virginia Tech
Phil Jurkovec and the Boston College Eagles come to Lane Stadium on Saturday to square-off with the Virginia Tech Hokies. Here's three reasons why the Eagles could pull off the upset in…
![Vt football](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/vt-football.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729944&s=b62365bd7e8f2ae3a990ce265fa8e862 630w)
Sons of Saturday Game Picks: Hokies Look to Beat UNC and Move to 3-0
It's the biggest game of the year for Virginia Tech thus far, as the #19 Hokies travel to Chapel Hill to take on #8 North Carolina.
![Samhowell](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/samhowell.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729881&s=a66295e365be7261c9c83dd51e1a4d21 630w)
Three Reasons Why North Carolina Could Beat Virginia Tech
In a game featuring two up-and-coming programs in the ACC, here's how North Carolina can knock off the Hokies on Saturday in Chapel Hill.
![Khalil Herbert vt athletics](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Khalil-Herbert-vt-athletics.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729129&s=afda665b3ea0d2c4fcffdaeb65994511 630w)
Postgame News and Notes from Virginia Tech's 38-31 Victory Over Duke
The Virginia Tech Hokies survived a 38-31 barn-burner against the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday afternoon in Durham. Here's everything you need to know following the victory for the…
![Vt duke bleacher report](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/vt-duke-bleacher-report.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729944&s=81ff0d4070962b3e7d9310e81819754a 630w)
Sons of Saturday Game Picks: Hokies Look to Move to 2-0 as They Travel to Duke
After a strong start to the season last week, Virginia Tech looks to build on the momentum against Duke.
![Chase brice](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/chase-brice.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729664&s=04afd0de84778b2b05b0b878ffd88c8c 630w)
Three Reasons Why Duke Could Beat Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is a heavy favorite against Duke this Saturday, but that doesn't mean that the Blue Devils can't make this game competitive
![Fuente and Burmeister](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Fuente-and-Burmeister.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704728955&s=a6f5be993e1aaa34e975e73196d155d5 630w)
Hokies Victory Over NC State Renews Trust in Culture Built in Blacksburg
Virginia Tech's season-opening win over NC State got the Hokies off to a 1-0 start. But the outcome was about much more than that. It was about culture.
![Justin Fuente](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Justin-Fuente_2020-09-29-010714.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729120&s=9587581cccfbc408f88d21f698c52dac 630w)
Justin Fuente and the Hokies Ready to Turn the Page to Duke
Justin Fuente and the Hokies are ready to turn the page to Duke after an emphatic 45-24 victory over NC State on Saturday.
![Tayvion Robinson](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Tayvion-Robinson.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729470&s=1eed3e3f53043614e3467ac6bc664c8e 630w)
Postgame News and Notes from Virginia Tech's 45-24 Victory Over NC State
Virginia Tech beats NC State 45-24. Here's everything you need to know about Tech's 1-0 start to the 2020 season.
![Hooker](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/hooker.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729739&s=a843eecddb60a364932dded8c5811401 630w)
Sons of Saturday Game Picks: Virginia Tech Hosts NC State in Season Opener in Blacksburg
It's time to preview our inaugural Virginia Tech football game picks as the Hokies open the season against NC State on Saturday in Blacksburg.
![Ford](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Ford.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704728950&s=61f3dd4066c91dc6db2ab28d2f64bbf7 630w)
Thursday Night Football is an Isaiah Ford Homecoming in Jacksonville
Former Virginia Tech wide receiver Isaiah Ford will take the field on Thursday night against the Jaguars in a homecoming affair for the Jacksonville native
![Ncstate1](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/ncstate1.png?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729827&s=7bcfb8927478a36d973c68b761a5e427 630w)
Three Reasons Why NC State Could Beat Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech opens the season against the NC State Wolfpack on Saturday night in Blacksburg. Here's three reasons why the game may not go well for the Hokies.
![Middle tennessee](https://craft-sonsofsat.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/middle-tennessee.jpg?w=630&h=473&q=80&fm=webp&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1704729810&s=be546ae0d789627bc6ab335ef38e8cc5 630w)
Army 42, Middle Tennessee 0: It would have been nice to play the Blue Raiders
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders were originally scheduled to play Virginia Tech on September 19th. After seeing how bad they were in the opener against Army, it's a shame that game will no longer take…