The Fork in Virginia Tech's Road
Virginia Tech was robbed on Friday night by both the referees and themselves. At 2-3, how will they respond?
Without question, Virginia Tech played their best game of the 2024 season on Friday night.
It wasn’t enough.
The Hokies’ 38-34 loss to No. 7 Miami on Friday night dredged up all the past horrors of cheering for Virginia Tech. Despite Tech’s most complete performance of the season, the Hokies once again left the field in defeat.
It would be easy for Virginia Tech to lose this game twice. The players, the coaches, and the fans had a win stolen from them by questionable officiating, capped off with the heavily criticized decision to reverse a Da’Quan Felton touchdown as time expired.
As infuriating and mind-boggling as the officiating was, it’s not why Virginia Tech lost.
Brent Pry is likely kicking himself for two crucial decisions — leaving time for the ‘Canes to score before halftime, and passing on three points in the third quarter after an interception presented the Hokies with an easy scoring opportunity.
The first decision is a prime example of sloppy game management, a trope that has plagued Pry throughout his career in Blacksburg. Kyron Drones was sacked at Miami’s 40-yard-line, leaving the Hokies with a fourth-and-10. Rather than letting the clock wind down and then deciding whether to kick the field goal or not, Pry panicked. He called timeout with 25 ticks left on the clock.
John Love nailed a 57-yarder, putting the Hokies up 10. Tech should have been able to take that lead into halftime. However, a short kick off, a 34-yard return, and a pass interference put Miami within field goal range. Andres Borregales answered with a long field goal of his own, trimming the lead back to seven.
Pry’s final diastrous decision came on fourth-and-3 from Miami’s 10-yard-line. Tech led Miami 27-17, meaning a field goal would force Miami to score two touchdowns to go up by one.
However, a touchdown would put the ‘Canes in a 17-point deficit. Pry gambled, but did so by trying a fake field goal. The play was blown up immediately in the backfield, giving Miami all the second-half momentum they needed to take the lead for the final time in the final period.
Pry’s mistakes overshadowed what was an otherwise strong effort. Tech clearly came prepared, forcing a quick punt and scoring on their first possession. The Hokies rallied multiple times and forced Heisman hopeful Cam Ward into his worst game in a Hurricane uniform.
But in the end, poor game management, over aggressive play calling, and perhaps conference officials, were too much to overcome.
At 2-3 and following one of the most debilatating losses in recent memory, Virginia Tech’s players and coaches must make another decision. The Hokies have come to a fork in the road, and must now decide whether or not they will save their season.
The Hokies must avoid losing this game twice. It’s common for teams to follow emotional letdowns with poor performances. Virginia Tech cannot revert back to their previous bad habits — starting slow on offense, not finding an offensive identity, and giving up explosive plays on defense.
Instead, Tech must take the other road. Facing a regular season West Coast trip for the first time in school history, Tech must instead play angry. They need to channel their anger and frustration and build on the progress they displayed against Miami.
There’s reason to believe that might happen.
Brent Pry is known for being a hopeful, optimistic man. It’s rare that Pry shows negative emotion to the public. However, Pry showed something different on Friday night. In his postgame media availability, Pry was clearly incensed. Pry looked as angry as I’ve ever seen him.
For his sake, and for the sake of his coaches and players, Pry needs to spread that feeling of frustration. Desperation can be a tremendous motivating factor. As losses mount in his third season, perhaps Pry is feeling some of that desperation.
If his players can feed off that, perhaps the Hokies can get over the hump and play to the level that everyone knows they are capable of. If they do, they can get back to even in ACC play and set their sights on something greater.
Nice article Ricky.