Virginia Tech’s Defense Must Recover to Beat Pitt

 

The state of the program is once again in a phase of uncertainty. A chapter that leaves even the most optimistic fans questioning, “What happened to Virginia Tech football?” We often hear how Frank Beamer’s time has long past, and even the most loyal of fans would defend the legend time after time again. However, last week’s loss to East Carolina finally gave me the realization that even Bud Foster, who I will continue to tell myself is the best defensive coordinator in college football, has me asking “What happened to Virginia Tech’s defense?” Once again, this team leaves many questions unanswered as they enter ACC play. We had a similar feeling last year entering the month of October.

Last year, when Virginia Tech faced Pittsburgh on a Thursday night, there was a sense of optimism that the team had resolved their issues after beating Western Michigan at home and North Carolina on the road. Fans thought our issues were fixable and still had plenty of confidence that at least the defense would hold their own, and we could turn things around. Unfortunately, the team had to prove it at Heinz Field against a conference opponent that has had Frank Beamer’s number for several years.

That Thursday night happened to be a memorable time for me for many reasons. I was in transit with my wife, who was pregnant with our first child. I knew it was going to be a special night. The game was the last thing on my mind that evening, until we made it to the delivery room. My wife, who is also a Hokie alum, knew it was going to be a long night for everyone in the room and asked the nurse if she could turn the Virginia Tech game on. I told her that wasn’t necessary, but deep down inside I was ecstatic. Although, I knew this could come with consequences, we ended up watching the Pittsburgh game in the delivery room. The last thing I wanted to be was a selfish soon-to-be father sitting in a room filled with family and friends sulking because of a football game. If only I knew what was to come.

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