From the sidelines
Marty Gordon
Virginia Tech’s backward slide on the football field has fans scratching their heads.
Four months ago there was plenty of hope, but that has all changed. The hype train had built up this year’s Hokie football team as one of the top ones not only in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) but in the country.
But the cup of joy has emptied quickly. Now, fans and members of the media are asking what happened.
Five major things have:
One, the defense has not played consistently all season. There have been games with lots of effort, and then there are others whether fans wondered what unit was on the field.
Second, the quarterback position continues to be questionable. QB1 Kyrone Drones just hasn’t gotten the job done. His backups haven’t done much better. Again, the hype train has failed fans.
Third, the offensive play calling has caught the attention of the national media. Or should we say the lack of play calling has caught their attention. The Hokies came into the season with a very crowded and talented receiving room. But the group has not touched the ball for most of the year. In addition, the Hokies have not been throwing the ball down the field and in most cases no more than 10 yards. That too has been limited.
Fourth, small mistakes like too many of the same jersey numbers on the field have drained team’s confidence. The question is whether this team even believes in its own self.
Fifth, the Hokies are not getting mad at the losing. Neither the coaching staff nor players are expressing anger, which could lead to more momentum on the field.
This team is looking for its own identity. They do not seem to know what or who they are. Thus, all of this is trickling down to the fanbase.
Now, everything for this season comes down to this week’s game against UVA. Both teams need a win in order to have enough wins to play in a bowl game. If it is UVA, then the Hokie fans will be lost. The Virginia Tech program is on a downward spiral, and even a win against its state rival might not cure the ache of the fanbase.
Changes need to be made, but where does Coach Brent Pry start.
In addition to playing for a bowl berth, many of the coaches will be playing for their own life.
Hokie fans are starting to grow restless.