College Football Opening Weekend Highlighted by Emotional Atmosphere in Blacksburg
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Great to be back, my computer had been broken for what seemed like forever.
About five months removed from the tragedy on the Virginia Tech campus, the Hokies gathered Saturday for the first time as a community in celebration rather than in mourning. Despite an early interception by junior signal-caller Sean Glennon, the #9 ranked Hokies stormed out of the gates fueled by the emotion of the sell-out crowd and a relentless defense. VT squeaked by the East Carolina Pirates 17-7, but the score was not what defined the ACC favorites on Saturday; it was their perseverance.
The pre-game ceremony left fans in tears when a moment of silence was observed, a tribute video dedicated to the victims and their families was played on the screen, and thirty-two balloons were released. The thirty-two orange balloons signified the thirty-two victims that lost their lives last April 16 th during the bloodiest school shooting in American history. It was a reminder of how something that tragic could happen anywhere, even here in Chestertown.
Although the margin of victory was not what one would have expected, after realizing what the players were going through, it’s easy to understand why the Hokies looked a little shaky (especially on the offensive side of the ball) from jump street. One player told ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews that he thought it was the biggest game ever played in Blacksburg. Andrews said that state of mind was shared by many of the players. "I know I was overanxious," linebacker Vince Hall said. "Coach warned us about it, but how can you be ready for that? It was so emotional" (AP).
On the field, the Hokies struggled against a surprisingly aggressive ECU defense, mustering only 33 rushing yards on 31 attempts and turned the ball over three times. Unexpectedly, the Hokies vaunted defense seemed to have a lot of problems dealing with ECU’s option plays, especially the QB-run option. This is surprising considering future NFL linebacker prospects Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi were roaming the middle of the field. To make matters worse, VT could not attain an offensive touchdown until the fourth quarter.
On a more positive note, the win marked the twenty-sixth consecutive game at home in which Tech beat a non-conference opponent and was coach Frank Beamer’s 199 th win, placing him third among active coaches. They have some work to do before next weeks challenge against a loaded LSU team in Baton Rouge, but Tech showed incredible resolve to do whatever it took to get a much needed win. This win was not just for the team; it was for the student body, the fans, and the community, all of whom are aching to return to their normal lives. In other tragedies such as Hurricane Katrina and September 11 th, many of us turned to sports in order to help pick up the pieces. In Blacksburg on Saturday, it was no different.
Regardless of the score, it was the Hokies refreshingly upbeat attitude, unwavering character, and positive energy that were particularly impressive. With steroids, HGH, shootings, betting scandals, Bad Newz Kennels, and countless arrests dominating the headlines, this story has injected a much-needed shot of optimism into sports media. A feel-good story has been long over due.
What do you guys expect out of Tech this weekend?
