NEWS
IMPORTANT 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION VOTING DEADLINES FOR VIRGINIA TECH STUDENTS
Max Painchaud | news writer
Important 2024 presidential election voting deadlines for Virginia Tech students.
With the Nov. 5 presidential election less than one month away, there are several voting-related dates and deadlines applicable to Virginia Tech students.
While voting in the 2024 election for Virginia residents started as early as mid-September, October is an eventful month for election-related tasks. According to the Virginia Department of Elections, the deadline to register to vote or update voter registration for Virginia residents was Oct. 15. However, people who did not register by the deadline can still vote in the upcoming election by using a provisional ballot anytime until Nov. 5.
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Virginia Tech sophomore Hannah Ranberger, majoring in philosophy, politics and economics, described her voter registration experience. “They offered high school students the ability to register to vote in my high school near Northern (Virginia), so I was registered as soon as I turned 18.”
For Virginia Tech students who are full-time Virginia residents, the last day to request a mail-in ballot is Oct. 25 at 5 p.m. Virginia Tech students who are not Virginia residents can contact or search their state’s department of elections website to find their specific voting deadlines.
“I plan on voting in this election, but
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since we are at school, I had to register for an absentee ballot ... I received a mail-in ballot to fill out here at school, but I may go vote early in my hometown,” Ranberger said regarding how she plans to vote this year.
As described by the Virginia Department of Elections, Virginia resident students who choose to vote early can do so as soon as Oct. 26 and no later than Nov. 2 at their local voter registration office. Certain Virginia counties’ early voting dates may vary. Out-of-state students who choose to vote in person must either vote in their home state or reregister to vote in Virginia.
“I don’t think a lot of my friends are voting, only a few of my friends have mentioned it to me. Being away from home makes it harder,” Ranberger said when asked if she knew whether her classmates and friends were voting.
According to the Town of Blacksburg, Virginia Tech students who choose to vote in Blacksburg, Virginia, whether
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they are from Virginia or not, will vote in Montgomery County. They can vote at the Montgomery County Voter Registration Office for early or same-day voting.
For those voting in Montgomery County, the deadline to register to vote was Oct. 15, and voting lasts from Oct. 21 through Nov. 4, as described by Montgomery County’s Office of Elections. Provisional ballots are available through Nov. 5.
For further information on voting deadlines, each state’s departments of elections provide this information per their state’s policies. All voting for the 2024 presidential election ends Nov. 5 at 5 p.m.
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OPINIONS
PRACTICING UT PROSIM GOES BEYOND THE VIRGINIA TECH CAMPUS
Emily Dorsey | opinions columnist
Practicing Ut Prosim is more than just attending a VT sponsored event; it’s about connecting to communities on a deeper level.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when people hear Virginia Tech? Most of the time it is probably Hokie football, or something related to VT’s athletic department. In fact, searching Virginia Tech on Google produces a couple of academic websites but then immediately provides links to Virginia Tech Athletics and Virginia Tech Football. Whether it be an intangible correlation or an online presence, Virginia Tech promotes and prioritizes their athletic department more than anything else affiliated with the university or town of Blacksburg, which inexplicitly motivates students to focus solely on athletic activities while at VT.
Athletic events at Virginia Tech, especially football, are things many students, alumni, faculty and even kids gather around, get excited for, and attend. It’s one of America’s most popularized, marketed and supported sporting events. Athletic events create a sense of community and possibly over-energize the town of Blacksburg for a couple of days.
According to the University of Washington’s student newspaper, The Daily, “with a lot of things college-related, excitement around football is about being a part of a larger community.”
Don’t get it twisted, being in support of Hokie athletics is great because it brings in profit and establishes bonds between others. However, whether associated with Tech or not, what does this mean for other organizations and opportunities? Students who primarily focus on typical college activities like game days or tailgating overlook impactful opportunities that are right around the corner. There is more to do in Blacksburg that doesn’t revolve around Lane Stadium, Cassel Coliseum or Center Street.
According to National Event Connection, “engaging college events play a crucial role in fostering a vibrant campus atmosphere, offering students opportunities to interact and build lasting
connections beyond their academic pursuits. These events serve as essential touchpoints where students can experience the unique culture and community of their institution, enhancing their overall satisfaction and sense of belonging.”
I wholeheartedly agree that campus events do provide touchpoints for students to better identify with their college and fellow peers. Virginia Tech has wonderful long-standing traditions like 3.2 Run in Remembrance, The Big Event, Relay4Life and more that shed light on important matters. These events bring the Hokie population closer together and provide outlets for many to become involved, even myself.
Yet, outside of engaging in these popularized activities, some pose the question: what is there to do in Blacksburg? My answer would be — everything.
Meghan Weyrens Kuhn, director of VT Engage, provides insight on the importance of connecting through community, how to get involved with organizations off campus and the benefits of being a part of something larger than yourself.
“Our team works to connect people and their passions with places,” Kuhn said.
VT Engage revolves around leadership/ service experiences, civic engagement, food access initiatives and more. Some of what they do is provide support to fraternities and sororities and coordinate Prison Book Club and Period at VT. VT Engage also provides coaching to students through the Office of Learning Partnerships. VT Engage is an extraordinary resource I wish I knew about when I first arrived at Virginia Tech in 2022.
My whole freshman year I was sort of thinking, “okay this is fun, but what else is there?” I went to sporting events, took part in the 3.2 Run in Remembrance and joined a handful of on-campus clubs. I was eager to make a positive impact on the town of Blacksburg and connect with a community that wasn’t strictly ages 18 to 22. Since
then, I volunteer at The Lyric, Warm Hearth Village, Montgomery Animal Shelter and more. I have been able to take my passions of film, animals and meeting new people and apply them to organizations around town. For those who may not know what their passions are, reach out to YMCA at VT or VT Engage and they will be happy to help.
“It’s about putting yourself out there and seeing what there is,” Kuhn said. “You have football and athletics. But how are you getting to know and spending time in the community.”
Blacksburg is chock-full of outstanding organizations, companies and non-profits to get involved in. Students get the gift of living in Blacksburg for at least four years. Learning more about the community and giving back is one of the best ways to spend part of that time. Whether it is volunteering, joining an on or off campus club, participating in town events or just exploring what Blacksburg has to offer outside of athletic or popularized events will change the meaning of what it is to be a Hokie.
There are many benefits to volunteering outside your designated college campus which include benefiting mental health, improving communication skills and broadening perspectives. Yet, the most important takeaway from doing outreach within your town is building a community/ expanding your network.
According to Grand Canyon University, college students can benefit from volunteering in a variety of different ways. Some of these ways include gaining work experience, building resumes and qualifying for scholarships. People overall can aid from volunteering in their communities because it can boost emotional, physical and mental health.
Kuhn explains why being connected to larger communities outside of campus is more meaningful and impactful for students in the long run.
“When you are connected to your community, not just your campus or school community, it feels like home,” Kuhn said. Volunteering or being a part of something larger than yourself provides the opportunity to meet others who share a common interest, work together to create something positive and be able to see that change in your community.
If you are not from Blacksburg, use these four years or more to take your passions and find a community off campus that will benefit Blacksburg, Montgomery County or New River Valley as a whole. Enjoy the on-campus events and organizations, consider other alternatives the next time you attend a VT affiliated event and reflect on how you can practice Ut Prosim outside of campus.
LIFESTYLES THE RISE OF WOMEN IN ENGINEERING
Olivia Ramey | lifestyles staff writer
Female engineers continue to break barriers and inspire the next generation of women in S.T.E.M. at Virginia Tech.
Engineering is a field of study focused on the incorporation of sciences and mathematical operations into building, designing, constructing and solving issues in society. Virginia Tech has a reputation for forming amazing engineers across all the regarded categories, yet we tend to forget the women that paved the way to hold us to these standards.
Acknowledging women in the field
In general, women have had more limitations than other genders when it comes to breaking into STEM fields. It was not until the late 19th and early 20th century that women were given chances to put their knowledge into the STEM workforces and be a part of the breakthroughs that the world was developing. It may be a shock to many to find out that when searching for the “first male engineer” Imhotep, from the ancient Egyptian civilization, is the first recorded civil engineer. Yet, when searching for the first female engineer one will find Emily Warren Roebling. Roebling is attributed for her accomplishments in overseeing the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge in place of her husband.
It is oddto think that society has only really kept track of women’s advancements and given women opportunities to feed their knowledge into solutions for under one hundred and fifty years, comparatively to ancient Egyptian times. Engineering is a predominantly male field of study and work. However, it is important we acknowledge the women of the past and present who are breaking the boundaries in our scientific world.
According to U.C. Riverside Engineering, the engineering workforce is around 16.5% women as of 2023. The number may be shocking to people as society forgets to acknowledge the gender difference in engineering. Engineering is one of the fields of STEM with the slowest rate of increase in women employment. However, if we compare it to the 5.8% rate of employment in the 1980s,we are more likely to see how women are
stepping into the spotlight. It is important to acknowledge this increase and how significant it is that women are more likely to follow through with their passions. Although there is hopefully a greater increase to come and ideally at a faster rate, noticing the advancements of women in engineering is crucial.
Here at Virginia Tech
At Virginia Tech, there has been an incredible increase in women’s technological advancements. Women were first admitted to Virginia Tech in 1921. Ruth Terret was the first woman to earn an engineering degree at Tech in 1925, along with the other first five admitted female students, the majority of which were also in science studies. Thousands followed her. Now there are 12 women in the College of Engineering’s Academy of Engineering Excellence. The Academy of Engineering Excellence recognizes alumni from the engineering college for their hard work and dedication from undergraduate to professional success.
A word from a senior
Abby Decosta is in her senior year of the civil engineering program. As a transfer student, she had her choice of any department that interested her, and she landed on civil because of her interest in sustainability and the revival of U.S. infrastructure.
“I absolutely love the program so far. The civil department at VT offers a very wellrounded education where you explore at least six of eight subdisciplines within civil engineering,” Decosta said. “Through this, I found that I was able to explore what parts of Civil I liked most, which for me have been Structural and Land Development. They also put an emphasis on networking and professional development, with many professors giving opportunities to get involved in real-world projects and research opportunities.”
It is no question that Virginia Tech has a great engineering program that leads
to great opportunities for the future. For Decosta, majoring in STEM has been her plan for several years.
“Ever since I started my education, I always dreamed of being in STEM, whether it was engineering, mathematics or physics,” Decosta said. “I’ve worked hard to be here so I’m both proud and excited to be where I am.”
As a woman in engineering, Decosta knows firsthand of the gender discrepancies and occasional struggles to succeed.
“In my personal experience, I’ve dealt with issues working in group settings with some male students. Sometimes it feels like I have to be twice as loud to get my ideas across and consistently reinforce my words so that I won’t be brushed off,” Decosta said.“Something that was very helpful was seeing female professionals from the field and in the department talk about their experiences and how they overcame obstacles both in education and professional work.”
With all her knowledge, both of civil engineering curriculum and college life, Decosta had some advice to give to female students who are interested in engineering.
“I think the best part of the engineering program here at VT is the resources that it offers. Career fairs, advising, research opportunities and professional relationships are just the first few that pop into my head when I think about all it has offered me,” Decosta said. “I would say now is 100% the time to break into the field. There is no field that women can’t thrive in, and hard work can get you anywhere. Don’t be afraid to voice your ideas and opinions. The field needs more brilliant and innovative minds, so why not give it a shot?”
A special opportunity
Virginia Tech offers many clubs and organizations for female engineers. You may feel outnumbered or scared to push the limits in your field. However, there is a guaranteed place for you on or off campus. One organization to highlight is The
Society of Women Engineers at Virginia Tech (SWE), which offers many services in many categories, like socializing, networkingand providing scholarship to the women enrolled. They are there to empower and educate women in engineering as they participate in service projects and community bonding. SWE is a great chance to take a step in the direction of female empowerment in STEM and have your voice heard while also making lasting connections.
It is important to note that women have not always been able to establish themselves in science and engineering related work. However, women have since pushed boundaries and made their voices clear in the workspace and society may not have been the same if it weren’t for the women in engineering. From the more known names such as Edith Clarke to the female freshman in the engineering program here at Virginia Tech, every woman deserves a chance to build their passion and contribute to the greater good. As we look back with gratitude for those who paved the way and have hope for the future to come it is exciting to see change. Women are fully capable of beating the statistics and stereotypes that may follow them in the STEM field and now is the time, more than ever, to build the community of women in engineering.
GETTING INVOLVED ON CAMPUS AS AN ENGINEERING STUDENT
Anna Payne | lifestyles writer
The life of an engineer is not all homework; read about the hobbies of current Hokie engineers here.
Engineering is one of the biggest reasons that students worldwide attend Virginia Tech. Roughly one-third of Virginia Tech undergraduate students are enrolled in an engineering program. While college’s main purpose is to receive an education, it is also a time for self-discovery and exploration, which can be accomplished by participating in activities outside of your major.
“As an engineering student, you should have an outlet that’s not engineering,” said Tristan Nguyen, a freshman studying engineering. “You develop personality through those things whether it be hiking or doing marching band.”
Having an outlet outside of engineering also gives you a break from the difficulties of those programs.
“Math is tough and it’s tiring,” said Jessica Seymour, a senior in mechanical engineering with a minor in visual arts and society. “I don’t know how I could do it without having something else that’s just on the opposite end of the spectrum to balance it out.”
Seymour has been interested in art from
a young age. Although she knew she would pursue a career in engineering, she knew she wanted to keep art in her life. She is starting a full-time job after she graduates creating 3D modeling of buildings at a construction company. This career combines her major with her passion.
“I don’t think you necessarily have to choose one over the other,” Seymour said. “I think it’s just about trying to find the best way you can combine the two to make you the happiest.”
Any of the engineering programs require students to take anywhere from a minimum of 15 credit hours to 18 credit hours a semester, according to the Virginia Tech registrar check sheets. Balancing four to five demanding classes can be overwhelming and throwing extracurriculars into the mix can be even more stressful. However, being busy is worth it for Nguyen so he can be a part of Bamboom Dance Crew, a hip-hop style dance group and Shidae, a Korean-op focused dance group.
“When it comes to engineering and dance
and everything in general, it’s very taxing, mentally,” Nguyen said. “Putting both on the same mind is really hard when there’s no middle ground.”
However, Nguyen thinks students should still try to do both engineering and something you love, no matter if it’s difficult.
“Engineering is more like a tool, it’s not like an activity,” Nguyen said. “I think an outlet helps me because you need a break from all the hard stuff and that’s what dancing [for me] is all about.”
Caroline Koelsch, a sophomore at Virginia Tech studying civil engineering, thinks that one’s education can benefit from interacting with people and environments outside of your major.
“I think, at least in engineering, you can get pretty wrapped up just doing work all the time,” Koelsch said. “Sometimes, you forget that you need to have a life and hobbies and see people. Then you just end up getting really stressed.”
There are over 800 different student organizations on campus, according to
Student Engagement and Campus Life. GobblerConnect is an online resource that helps students get involved in clubs of any niche interest. For Koelsch, this is how she found the Sunset Chasers.
“When I was a freshman, to destress, I would go on walks all the time,” Koelsch said. “Then I was like, ‘They probably have a club for this,’ and then I found it.”
Even if you are not currently involved in a club or organization, it’s never too late to put yourself out there and try something new. Whether it be art, music, working out or playing Mario Kart, there is a place for every person on campus to de-stress and make college feel a little more like home.
“The thing about Bamboom that I really love is the family aspect of it,” Nguyen said. “Being able to come in after a long day like, ‘Hey man, how’s it going?’ ‘Good, let’s leave that off to the side for now, let’s work on dance.’”
@COLLEGIATETIMES
SPOTLIGHT: A LOOK AT ENGINEERING CLUBS AND TEAMS AT VIRGINIA TECH
Benjamin Gozzi | lifestyles staff writer
Lifestyles staff writer Benjamin Gozzi takes readers on a tour through engineering extracurriculars.
Of the 31,035 students currently enrolled as undergraduates at Virginia Tech, a staggering 33.1% are engineers according to Virginia Tech’s Student Facts and Figures. Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering, which boasts an equally astonishing number of undergraduate students each year, provides Hokies with a range of disciplines that any student can succeed in. Since its establishment in 1872, the college has become a mainstay in Tech history and continues to push the boundaries of engineering in the 21st century.
Much of what makes the engineering program so dynamic is what it provides outside of the classroom. When students aren’t grinding through another 8 a.m. calculus II lecture or preparing for a thermodynamics
midterm, Hokies can obtain hands-on experiences that both impress future employers and connect like-minded individuals in the engineering field. In this year’s edition of the Engineering Issue, we take a look at a sample of clubs and teams engineers can get involved in.
Student Engineering Council at Virginia Tech
The Student Engineering Council at Virginia Tech is a fully student-run organization dedicated to serving students in the College of Engineering. The committee aims to foster a professional and social network for students across all engineering disciplines through both treasure and time.
With over 300 individual partners and
involvement in over 100 engineering organizations, students looking to make a connection should turn to the Student Engineering Council (SEC) first. SEC often reaches its students through outreach events such as “E-Week,” where students compete in a week-long series of engineering games and the recent Engineering Exposition that was hosted in Squires Student Center.
Those interested can learn more about the SEC through their Instagram (@secatvt) or by contacting the organization itself at secdoo@ vt.edu.
Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech
Women and gender minorities involved in electrical and computer engineering at
Virginia Tech should consider joining Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The organization, which was recently formed in January 2024, aims to raise the voices of women in fields that are more traditionally male-dominated.
“WECE addresses the isolation that many women and gender minorities experience in electrical and computer engineering,” said co-founder and president Amari Henderson. “By creating a strong, inclusive community, we provide a space where members can share their experiences, find mentorship and build confidence.”
The group prides itself in its work via meaningful partnerships that not only advance students’ professional careers but gives continued on page 6
students connections to thrive academically. Those interested in WECE involvement should head to their Instagram page (@vt_wece) for more information on events, study sessions and general body meetings.
The Psi Gamma Chapter of Theta Tau
Theta Tau is one of many co-ed engineering fraternities located on Virginia Tech’s campus. The organization focuses on a tripod of Service, Profession and Brotherhood in its work for over 50 current brothers. Theta Tau was originally founded at the University of Minnesota in 1904 and has since grown to a brotherhood of over 40,000 members across over 90 chapters. Involvement in Theta Tau enables connection to future employers and increases the possibility of landing an internship as seen on their Instagram page (@vt_theta_tau).
Virginia Tech is also home to a large number of design teams that compete in local, national and global competitions. While many of the teams recruit exclusively at the beginning of each academic year, it’s important to know what is out there for the future.
DBF: Design, Build, Fly at Virginia Tech
Design, Build, Fly (DBF) at Virginia Tech focuses on building a fully operational remote-controlled plane to compete in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Design, Build and Fly competition sponsored by Raytheon and Textron. Spearheaded by chief engineer Calvin Siemers and project manager Will Durham, DBF is open to all majors but is primarily compromised of students studying Aerospace Engineering. DBF has found massive success since its inception in 1995. Currently, the team is ranked
fourth best in the world and recently won second place in 2018 competition. Much of the success can be attributed to the way DBF is organized, as the design team is comprised of seven sub-teams that all have their own goals and deadlines (Aerodynamics, Stability and Control, Electronics and Propulsion, Systems, Structures, Computer-aided Design and Manufacturing). As one of Tech’s oldest and most successful design teams, DBF continues to prepare for competition as they enter their 29th year on campus.
BOLT at Virginia Tech
While design teams such as DBF take to the skies to flex their engineering muscles, members of Battery Operated Land Transportation (BOLT) elect for an approach that keeps them on the ground. Comprised of mostly mechanical, electrical and computer engineers, BOLT
focuses on developing high-performance electric motorcycles for competition in the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) eMotoRacing series. The team has continued to find success throughout its existence, going as far as winning the North American championship in 2012 and placing second in an AHRMA event in 2017. The group has about 50 members and is housed in the WareLab at Virginia Tech.
The engineering organizations, clubs and design teams listed above are purely the tip of the engineering iceberg. For more information on what Virginia Tech has to offer, students can find over 100 groups on GobblerConnect that can all contribute to an engineering experience unlike any other.
SPORTS TUTEN BREAKS SPIRITS AND RECORDS AS VIRGINIA TECH ROLLS BOSTON COLLEGE, 42–21
Dylan Tefft | Sports editor
Bhayshul Tuten’s 266-yard performance broke Virginia Tech’s single-game rushing yards record.
286 yards and four touchdowns. No, that’s not the box score for an entire offense. That was Bhayshul Tuten’s totals in the Hokies’ 42–21 win over Boston College on a chilly Thursday night in Blacksburg.
Tuten’s 266 rushing yards against the Eagles awarded him sole possession of Virginia Tech’s single-game rushing yards record — replacing a Darren Evans 254-yard performance in 2008. Boston College had no answers for the Hokies’ star halfback. Not even a murmur.
“He’s a dog,” said Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry. “He’s finally healthy. He was confident, and he looked fast … Once he gets out there in the open, he’s hard to catch. I think he’s a special back.”
Deep in the fourth quarter, Tuten’s rushing total sat at 243 when Pry seemed to retire the senior tailback for the night, sending out Malachi Thomas instead. Tuten, who had no clue that 11 yards separated him from history, was notified by his teammates, who then mobilized to put him back in despite the Hokies’ sizable lead. The gravity of the moment triumphed over Pry’s desire to
preserve his star, so he allowed three more carries that awarded Tuten 23 more yards. 266.
“It was a special moment for me,” Tuten said. “Just the whole team rallying around, cheering me on, giving hugs. I mean, it’s a brotherhood, and that’s why I came here. I definitely do appreciate that.”
“We normally don’t like (sending players out when blowouts warrant resting),” Pry said.
“But a school record in a place like Tech, where there’s been so many great running backs. He was deserving of his performance.”
At 14.8 yards per carry, Tuten produced a highlight nearly every time he touched the ball — the most notable came with the entire field ahead of him. The Hokies defense — in typical “bend-don’t-break” fashion — took advantage of an Eagles fumble inside the 10, turning a prime scoring opportunity into a way-back offensive possession.
carnage to come.
By his 63-yard — and fourth — touchdown in the final quarter, he had exhausted Boston College so thoroughly that even sprinting safeties couldn’t grace him.
Boston College’s run defense is typically no joke. Its 3.1 yards per carry and just two total rushing scores in six prior games gave the Eagles reason to be confident against Tech’s backfield. Then it ran into a post-bye week, newly healthy Tuten.
“Every game is a special game, I just felt a little better today,” Tuten said. “We had a bye week. I felt great throughout practice. I took the knee brace off. I felt fast. I felt good. I felt fluent. And you know, I just came out and balled today, and that’s what we needed.”
As if his plethora of ground yards wasn’t enough, Tuten caught a 20-yard touchdown to put a bow on Tech’s 28–0 first half. Quarterback Kyron Drones’ scramble towards Tuten was the tailback’s sign to wheel upfield.
The now-receiver blitzed his defender, and Drones — with space to run — fit a ball right into Tuten’s body.
threw it this time,” Tuten said. “When I saw him release it, I was like, oh, snap. I just made a play for the ball, and it worked out.”
Despite a first half that was nothing short of dominating, the Hokies refused to win without at least a few self-inflicted challenges.
As an answer to Boston College’s first touchdown, Drones tossed a head-scratching interception that looked as if the Hokies QB thought Eagles’ corner Cameron Martinez was his teammate.
Given the ball just 29 yards out from the end zone, the Eagles earned their second touchdown with ease. On the first play of Tech’s next possession, Tuten fumbled away a 10-yard rush to give BC an 18-yard path to points 20 and 21.
With an 11-yard rush to kick off the drive, Tuten led Tech away from danger. With his subsequent 83-yard mad dash to the end zone, Tuten stunned the defense and gave his team a 21–0 lead. That was only a taste of the
Another lack of response from the Hokies struck a familiar worry in Lane Stadium’s crowd. Boston College began a pivotal one-score drive, which found itself deadlocked at a midfield 4th and 1.
Eagles running back Kye Robichaux met Jaden Keller well before reaching the sticks.
continued from page 5 continued on page 7
“He normally doesn’t throw (that), but he
continued from page 6
The turnover on downs sapped Boston College’s momentum, empowering the Hokies’ return to first-half form for the rest of the game.
“It’s a lesson learned,” Pry said of his team’s response to the Eagles’ 21-point quarter. “Teams can drive into your red zone. That’s where you got to blow up and
find a way to get stops.”
Tuten and Ayden Greene combined for 49 rushing yards in three plays to extend Tech’s lead to two scores, then a Dorian Strong fumble recovery on a muffed BC field goal gave way for Tuten’s 63-yarder.
Antwaun Powell-Ryland once again dominated, picking up four sacks in the
win. His tenth sack came in the third quarter,marking the first double-digit sack season for a Hokie since 2005. He picked up another in the fourth, tying the national sack lead with 11.
“I’m the best edge rusher in the nation,” Powell-Ryland said.
Virginia Tech will return to Lane Stadium
next Saturday, Oct. 26 for a matinee match with Georgia Tech at 12 p.m.
@CTSPORTSTALK
GRADING THE HOKIES: VIRGINIA TECH VS. BOSTON COLLEGE
Thomas Hughes | sports staff writer
Scoring the Hokies in their 42–21 victory over the Eagles.
On an electric Thursday night under the Lane Stadium lights, the Virginia Tech Hokies (4-3, 2-1 ACC) defeated the Boston College Eagles (4-3, 1-2 ACC), 42-21. Here’s how the Hokies graded out against the Eagles in the battle of the birds.
Offense:
Quarterbacks:B+
Though tonight wasn’t quite the “Drones Strike” Hokies fans desire, Kyron Drones did what was needed of him. He had a relatively quiet night, throwing for 164 yards on 77% completion and his longest throw was just 20 yards. However, his excellence on the ground —which included two rushing touchdowns— boosted his grade tremendously. However, Drones’ mistakes — an interception in the third quarter and a fumble in the second — showed why the Hokies still need more consistency from their quarterback. Despite preseason hype as a dual-threat quarterback and darkhorse Heisman contender, Drones has yet to fully live up to expectations.
Running Backs: A+
Bhayshul Tuten shredded the Eagles defense for a program-record 266 yards. Tuten averaged an astonishing 14.8 yards per carry, hitting paydirt four times–– three on the ground and one off a Drones throw. The highlight of the night was a two-play drive that ended with Tuten taking it to the house for 83 yards and a touchdown. The only blemish on Tuten’s dominant day was a fumble forced by Eagles edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku — a top-5 NCAA sack leader — in a third quarter where it seemed that nothing could go right for the Hokies. Even so, the NFL-bound Tuten has once again proven to be the engine that powers the Hokies’ offense.
Wide Receivers:
A-
The receivers took a backseat tonight, as none of them scored touchdowns. The five Hokies touchdowns came from Drones (two rushing) and Tuten (three rushing, one receiving). No receiver cleared 50 yards, but Stephen and Benji Gosnell, Jaylin Lane, and Da’Quan Felton consistently helped the Hokies gain yardage, especially in the first half. Overall, the receivers came out of Lane Stadium having done what was needed.
Offensive Line: A-
The offensive line — though banged up — effectively protected Drones, only allowing one sack. Tuten received excellent run blocking which contributed to his record night. While the offensive line occasionally left Drones vulnerable outside the pocket, these moments were far and few.
Defense:
Defensive Line: A+
Antwaun Powell-Ryland once again proved to be the Hokies’ defensive glue. His four-sack performance — which caused Thomas Castellanos to lose 25 yards and resulted in three forced fumbles — was crucial in flipping momentum for Tech. Powell-Ryland also recorded all his tackles unassisted, showing his dominance on the defensive front. Keyshawn Burgos and Kelvin Gilliam Jr. also pressured Eagles quarterback Castellanos into a colossal first-quarter fumble — Gilliam forced the fumble and Burgos recovered the ball. The play led to a Drones rushing touchdown that put Tech up 14-0 and kept momentum high for the Hokies. The defensive line excelled and should aim to carry this momentum into its pivotal game against
Georgia Tech.
Linebackers: A
The linebackers also had a standout game.Jaden Keller had an explosive game, as the redshirt junior came up big with 10 tackles, while Caleb Woodson contributed nine tackles of his own — one and a half being for a loss.Going forward, however, the group will need to work on containing both RB and QB rushing attacks. Running back Turbo Richard and quarterback Castellanos combined for 122 yards on the ground, a whopping 73% of the Eagles’ rushing yards. If the linebackers can limit versatile run games, they will be an even stronger weapon to the Hokies’ arsenal.
Defensive Backs: C
With shades of their performance against Miami, the defensive backs struggled to stop the air attack. Though Mansoor Delane was able to stop most of what came his way — racking up nine tackles — the group allowed two receiving touchdowns in plays where the Eagles’ receivers were wide open. Delane’s nine tackles in addition to Dorian Strong’s fumble recovery were bright spots for the Hokies’ defensive backs, but the group needs to start forcing their opponent’s receivers into more mistakes and incompletions. The game against Miami warned of how a good quarterback-receiver duo can carve up the Hokies defense, and that issue has persisted.
Overall:A-
Virginia Tech has hit its stride, but concerns remain. The Hokies allowed Boston College to close a 28–0 gap to just one score in the third quarter but managed to rebound. If Virginia Tech can play like
it did in the first half, the possibility for an ACC championship berth still exists — as long as the right teams lose.Tech still needs to clean up its mistakes, especially with penalties (nine for 88 yards), third down conversions (two of nine), and possession time (Boston College led in all four quarters). Upcoming pivotal games against Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Clemson, Duke and UVA will test this squad. Tech made its potential known against BC, but the Hokies will need to be more consistent in their upcoming games.
Virginia Tech will host Georgia Tech next in Lane Stadium on Oct. 25.
VIRGINIA TECH VOLLEYBALL NARROWLY LOSES TO UNC
Virginia Tech women’s volleyball lost to North Carolina (14–2, 6–1 ACC) in three sets on Friday, Oct. 18, at Cassell Coliseum. The game’s outcome does not represent the Hokies’ (7–10, 1–6 ACC) hard fight and impressive defense, as all sets were lost by a margin of four points or less.
“I think with every game we get closer and closer to where we want to be,” said graduate student Leandra Mangual Duran. “That gives me a lot of hope and security in this team.”
The Hokies started the first set with strong offense, headlined by a series of aces and hard-to-control hits. Sophomore Hailey Pearce led the offense with a myriad of kills to gain momentum.
Defense was prioritized through the beginning of the first set, anchored by Duran. The team rotated in multiple defensive specialists to assist the fifth-year libero, including junior Sierra Cates and freshman Ece Yildiz.
Junior Jordan Hallman had a stellar performance, blocking attempted kills to keep Virginia Tech close in the set. Paired with the offensive power of Pearce, redshirt junior Jasmine Robinson and freshman Belle Patrick pulled the Hokies ahead in the middle of the set.
However, the back-row defense was repeatedly taken advantage of, as the Tar Heels continually found holes and kept the Hokies on their toes. The shaky defense allowed UNC to pull ahead late in the set.
The offense kept pushing, with a huge kill by Pearce to tie the set. However, the first set ultimately came down to defense, and the Tar Heels won 28-26 by poking holes and finding weaknesses.
“We do a really good job of getting to the ‘red zone’, which is when we hit 20… we just need to do a better job executing.” Duran said when asked about the closely scored sets.
The Hokies went into the first set with the intention to pound UNC with strength and kills. The beginning of the set was a power struggle between the teams, with Robinson’s strength leading the team. Defense was an issue on both sides. However, Duran stayed strong with stunning saves and digs to keep the Hokies
Lindsey Kudriavetz | sports staff writer
The Hokies fell to the Tar Heels despite holding leads in all three sets.
in each play.
Both teams experienced continuous errors, including shanks, tips off the fingers and a struggle to control the ball.
Virginia Tech began to focus on their front line, with an emphasis on power and blocking. Robinson continued to shine with both blocking and kills, supported by Pearce and junior Viktoria Wahlgren. Blocks are what kept the Hokies strong through the set.
The team was working together, with kills from Robinson and Pearce, followed by more blocks from junior Sarah Malinowski and Hallman. Teamwork allowed the Hokies to regain the lead and force UNC into a timeout.
The Tar Heels came back with energy and force, capitalizing on a lack of communication and control in the Hokies back line.
The set came down to the wire again. However, UNC was victorious again and able to win the set, 25-23.
The third set started with a defensive
approach from the Hokies, with Wahlgren moving to the back line. The shift was supported by blocks from Robinson and Malinowski, and they were anchored by Duran.
Pearce was able to intelligently read the Tar Heels defense and pound them with kills. However, offensive moves were read by UNC late in the game. The Hokies struggled to keep up with the consistent force that the Tar Heels were serving.
Hallman and Malinowski continued to be a strong blocking duo in control of UNC’s front line. The back line continued to struggle defensively.
Pearce and Robinson were the Hokies offensive stronghold, and forced UNC to make mistakes. However, the Tar Heels found holes, and read the ball better than Virginia Tech. The set ended 25-21.
“I honestly think we handed them the game whenever we reached 20,” Duran said. “We just gave them a bunch of points and that’s what shot us in the foot.”
Pearce led the team with an impressive
15 kills out of the team’s 32 total kills. Blocking was a team effort, as Robinson (6), Hallman (5) and Malinowski (4) all contributed. Wahlgren led with 27 assists and Duran had a game-high 10 digs.
The team played Duke in another ACC matchup on Sunday, Oct. 20 in Cassell Coliseum at 4 p.m.
RILEY THOMPSON / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Virgnia Tech Hokies right side hitter Hailey Pearce (3) recovers after a long volley, Oct. 10, 2024.