In our heyday, the games in Lane were just more exciting. And there was more of a connection between the students and the team. The team was very vocal on how much impact the fans had, it was a "12th man" feeling, not just a spectator there watching. The connection and feeling like you were involved more than just watching was what kept the students coming in large numbers, and staying. An example being the 62-0 drubbing given to Syracuse once - the Syracuse QB remarked how crazy it was being 62-0 in the 4th Quarter, and nobody left.

VT's fans aren't bought in like that anymore. The days of anything can happen, scores on defense and special teams, not wanting to miss it so staying for the whole thing, and a more powerful emotional connection to the team are gone. Not saying it can't be reignited, but the magic of Lane has definitely waned.