NEWS
FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS IN THE NEW RIVER VALLEY CONTINUE POST-HURRICANE HELENE
Ayisha Surani | news editor
One death from Hurricane Helene has been reported in Craig County, Virginia.
Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, emerged in the Atlantic Ocean and led to Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declaring a state of emergency on Sept. 25.
The death toll from Hurricane Helene currently stands at 63, and the storm has potentially caused billions in damage according to BBC News.
On Friday evening, one death had been reported in Craig County, Virginia, less than 40 minutes from Virginia Tech’s campus.
Cardinal News published an update at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday regarding cleanup efforts following Hurricane Helen’s passing over Southwest Virginia.
These efforts include free storage units provided to people affected by damaged homes, food and water distributions and
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power recovery from power outages.
Power outages throughout southwest Virginia pursue. Appalachian Power has begun “providing restoration estimates for areas still without power” according to WFXR local news.
On Sept. 28, Governor Youngkin visited Damascus, Virginia, to assess the hurricane’s damage.
“We’re incredibly proud of our brave first responders who have saved countless lives, and we are deeply grateful to those working tirelessly to restore electricity, communication, and food supplies,” Youngkin said in a statement during his visit according to WWBT.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) states on their website that residents affected by Hurricane
reveal only that to their readers, but rather to report as completely and impartially as possible all verifiable facts so that readers can, based on their own knowledge and experience, determine what they believe to be the truth.
When a news organization delivers both news and opinions, the impartiality and credibility of the news organization can be questioned. To minimize this as much as possible there needs to be a sharp and clear distinction between news and opinion, both to those providing and consuming the news.
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Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor in chief and managing editors.
Helene should:
- Avoid wading or driving through floodwaters inside, outside and around your home.
- Use generators safely – keep them outside and far away from your home (video below).
- Clean up safely – wear protective clothing and gear, use a mask and ask for help moving heavy debris.
U-Haul has offered one month of free storage to families affected by Hurricane Helene.
Ongoing information on relief efforts can be found on the FEMA website.
The Appalachia Funders Network announced their Appalachian Helene Response Fund on Sunday, Sept. 29 according to an Instagram post by @appalachians4appalachia. The fund will prioritize the communities most affected by Hurricane Helene. Donations can be made at https://bit.ly/appheleneresponsefund.
On Sept. 28, The Appalachian Studies at Virginia Tech Facebook page posted about local flood relief supply collection efforts, listing the supplies requested for the New
NEWSROOM
River Valley and beyond.
“Folks hit by Hurricane Helene are anticipating needing supplies to help with the aftermath of catastrophic flooding hitting our region,” the post stated. “People are collecting supplies for people in the New River Valley region as well as supplies to go down to the Carolinas.”
Donators were asked to drop off supplies on Sept. 28 and 29 at the Newport Community Center.
Additionally, the First Baptist Church of Rich Creek has offered services on Sept. 29 and 30 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. for “anyone in need of a hot meal, dry space, water, power, encouragement, prayer” according to a Facebook post. Future dates will be posted on their Facebook page if there is continued need for their services.
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FREE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS NOW DISTRIBUTED AT DESIGNATED SPOTS ON CAMPUS
Bethany Lenhardt | news writer
Aunt Flow is a menstrual program for schools that promotes availability of period products.
Through the combined efforts of Hokie Wellness, Period Club, Undergraduate Student Senate, Student Affairs and the Women’s Center, free period products are now available on campus.
According to Student Affairs, there are 41 locations across dining halls and on-campus residences with freshly installed menstrual product dispensers. The exact locations, including room codes, can be found on their website.
Instead of the typical need to insert a coin, these installations are free for anyone: students, staff and visitors alike. If the machines ever run empty, students are encouraged to submit a work order for them to be refilled.
Virginia Tech News says that period products are important to the well-being and success of students because they create a “well-maintained, clean and welcoming environment for all.”
Aunt Flow, a menstrual program for businesses and schools, firmly believes that period products should be available to everyone. Referencing a national research study by Free the Tampon, they claim that “86% of women reported starting their period in public without the supplies they needed.”
Aunt Flow also claims that one in 10 women in the United States experience period poverty, making the issue
OPINIONS
STAY SHADY AND ALWAYS WEAR
Sarah Leberknight | opinions columnist
Every day, hordes of students venture out into the big, bright world, starting early in the morning and trekking across the Drillfield and all over campus. Everywhere underneath the sun, really. Students bemoan the rain and greet the sun with glee. And without sunglasses. Very rarely do you see anyone wearing sunglasses on campus — it’s jarring when you see someone who actually is. But the reality is that everyone should wear sunglasses, in both clear and cloudy skies, because the sun is not your friend. It might feel nice but it’s actually singeing your eyeballs. The solution is right in front of your eyes. Sunglasses are eyeballs’ sunscreen, and they double as a great fashion accessory so you can stay protected in style. Most everyone knows that you shouldn’t look straight into the sun, but that’s not enough to keep your eyes protected — that’s why sunglasses exist. At the most basic level, sunglasses are an ultraviolet (UV) light shield: they are built to oppose the sun’s UVA and UVB rays from damaging your eyes. They aim to keep your eyes healthy and can be a preventative measure against serious eye issues like cataracts. So, sunglasses really are like sunscreen for your eyes.
They also help protect your skin. The skin that surrounds your eyes is fragile and naturally gets
particularly relevant at university. Period poverty, defined by a piece in the Journal of Global Health Reports, is a “lack of access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, waste management and education.”
SUNGLASSES
Sunglasses offer more protection and benefits than you may realize.
lots of sun exposure due to its location on your body — protecting it is critical. Wearing sunglasses shades the eyes and also the skin around them, fending off skin cancer risks and other irritations. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be wearing sunscreen. The more protection you wear, the better off you’ll be.
Sunglasses’ protection extends beyond light damage, too. They also decrease eye strain, as your eyes don’t have to work as hard to adjust to drastic lighting changes. Your eyes do a lot of work, so give them a break! Digital eye strain is an increasing problem these days thanks to the heavy use of technology and time spent viewing screens, but that doesn’t mean that regular eye strain isn’t a problem. If people wear blue-light glasses to help with computer screens, they should also definitely invest in a pair of sunglasses to protect from the natural enemy of the eyes: the sun.
Sunglasses can also operate as physical shields to keep detritus out of your eyes. Grime, particles and miniature insects may not be super visible problems, but they won’t be a problem at all if they’re being stopped by your shades. Sunglasses also redirect wind out of your eyes, which is especially helpful if it’s a windy day or if you’re a biker. I can attest from personal experience that the wind
in your eyes as you’re cruising downhill on a bike is a serious problem because you can’t see. No more teary eyes or clouded vision with sunglasses — college students have enough to cry about as it is. Wind should not be one of them.
If you pick up a pair of polarized sunglasses, you won’t have to worry about glare either. Polarized lenses decrease glare, which is particularly helpful while driving. Especially while driving in a college town like Blacksburg, where distractions are increased by massive, unpredictable student populations.
Sunglasses shouldn’t just be worn on sunny days either. They’re needed every day. Just because it’s cloudy and the sun is nowhere to be seen doesn’t mean it’s not there or cannot damage your eyes — UV rays can still affect your eyes through the clouds. Sometimes cloudy days are even brighter than clear skies because the whole sky is a blinding white blur. Sunglasses aren’t exclusively a cute accessory you pull out for summertime and put away for the rest of the year. Unlike seasonal exclusives like sweaters or flipflops, sunglasses are a versatile, 365 days a year accessory.
Not only are sunglasses a major boon for your eye health, but they also happen to be the
most stylish protective accessory on the market. The style options for shades are nearly endless. Frame shapes have a massive range, from classic aviators and funky cat-eyes to sporty wraparounds and typical wayfarer. Color options are available for both frames and lenses, in any color you can imagine. And even lens finishes, including mirrored and gradient. There really is a pair of sunglasses for everyone out there — it’s just about finding the perfect style for your face. Maybe even have a few pairs to make sure you have a set of shades to go with every outfit. An outfit that looks good and is good for your health is obviously the best one.
Clear skies or clouds, sunglasses are everyone’s best friend. They’re good for your eyes and even your skin, and they make for a great fashion accessory, too. Grab a pair of UV-protective shades from Target or Walmart and keep them in your backpack or next to your keys or wherever you’ll remember to grab them. Slide them on every day before braving the sun and your eyes will be forever grateful.
PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES: MORE THAN JUST WORDS
Mohib Amjad | opinions contributor
Presidential debates reveal different sides of the candidates and help inform your vote.
Nov. 5, 2024 won’t just be any regular day; history will be made when the 47th president of the United States of America is elected. In a time when it feels like the whole world is on fire, from the IsraelPalestine War, Russia-Ukraine War, the global economy, the housing crisis, rising economic inequality, global warming, the refugee crisis and constitutional crisis; the new president will have a lot on their plate to solve in a concise amount of time. Voting isn’t just any other activity; as citizens of the United States of America, your vote determines the quality of life for more than just you. We live in a post-Cold War era in which the U.S. is the sole superpower still reigning. Therefore, every country eagerly awaits the positive outcomes of this election season. We must take our vote seriously and choose our leaders wisely. But how do we judge who to vote for? You can either keep track of all the candidates’ public messages and actions or watch the presidential debates to get a gist of their ideas and what part of the spectrum they belong to.
Public discourse has always been a progenitor for mobilizing people towards a common goal. Greek philosophers deemed civic engagement essential for true democratic societies. In a time when we need strong social and cultural change aided by intellectual development, any impediments in the way of public discourse must be eradicated. Currently, former President Donald Trump has ruled out any opportunity for another presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.
The U.S. has a rich history of conducting public discourse and our debates have always been a center of attention and motivation for other democracies to look up to. The Lincoln-Douglas debates are highly revered by political scientists all around the world and deeply respected by political leaders everywhere. Even other than the quality of discourse, just the fact that a good presidential debate is the difference between winning or losing your election should be a good enough reason for presidential candidates to take these debates seriously. The 1960 Kennedy-Nixon debates caused Kennedy to win because of his calm and charismatic demeanor even
though Nixon was the public’s favorite.
During the 2000 Gore-Bush debate, President Bush’s “regular guy” appeal tilted the scales in his favor significantly.
But the benefits of presidential debates aren’t only for the candidates. These debates aid us in more subtle ways. Firstly, you become informed about your choice of candidates. You not only get to understand the thought behind their policy agendas, but you also get to see their body language. When you hear a thought straight from the source, it helps you understand it better.
According to a senior professor at UCLA, students are more likely to retain information when it is taken in socially. After the speech, listening to unbiased analysts’ thoughts on the debate helps you realize all the complexities of the debate that we as laypeople wouldn’t understand, aiding us in picking our candidate.
Good oratorical skills are generally
linked to good leadership traits and it has been proven that good leaders draw public attraction and affection. If a presidential candidate can’t impress you with their speech in 40 minutes, then that candidate might not be worth your vote. In the moments of spontaneity during the debate, a candidate’s true thoughts and ideas are tested and his leadership style is revealed.
One of the most notable benefits of a presidential debate is that it opens the door to transparency. This means that candidates are expected to explain their opinions on pressing issues in a public setting. There is no teleprompter or a written speech, only real exchanges with both the opponent and the moderator.
Candidates have no option but to directly tackle the grievances and issues of the country. Be it health care, foreign policy, economy or climate change, both candidates need to share viable solutions
to every issue. This gives voters the power to ensure that the candidates live up to their commitments and views. With their words on-record, you can judge their past actions and if their statements align with their actions. Whether you can trust that person with the lives of eight billion people depends heavily on if they talk the talk and walk the walk.
During a campaign, debates are one instance when people feel thoroughly involved in the democratic process. Debates stimulate public discourse and invoke people to listen to the candidates and express their views. During the KamalaTrump debate, you could walk down any residential hall at Virginia Tech and hear the same sound of the debate from almost every room.
continued on page 5
ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES
A Virginia Tech student wears an “I Voted” sticker after voting on super Tuesday, Mar. 3, 2020.
continued from page 4
This translates into the emergence of an active political culture, encouraging the populace to perform the responsibilities of a citizen.
Watching the debates makes people aware of their civic duties and participation in the upcoming elections.
The U.S. has an amazing history with presidential debates, but this ‘debate decline’ has been fueled by things like election rigging scandals, former presidents getting arrested and now only one presidential debate in the election campaign. Where has the 180-minute Lincoln-Douglas debate or the 240-minute Kennedy-Nixon debate tradition gone? We as a society have been deteriorating now that just 90 minutes of debate is thought by the candidates to be enough to persuade their voters. We need to step up and demand these candidates
to be open to public accountability and show us their true colors so we can judge who is on the right side.
There has been little-to-no discussion on the problems of Gen Z. Nobody talks about how we have suffered mentally from all the garbage that has been thrown at us in the form of all the problems aforementioned. But this begs the question, does Gen Z even care about these debates? Did they even watch it?
I live in a residential hall at Virginia Tech inhabited by people belonging to Gen Z. To test how indulged Gen Z is in politics, I conducted a poll by hanging a board in my residential hall with the questions: ‘did you watch the presidential debate?’ and ‘do you care about the presidential debates?’ The results suggest that 45% percent of the respondents did watch the debate and out of them 50% care about the presidential debates.
We are seeing more and more dissociation of people from politics. Research suggests that Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to demand solutions to issues pertaining to social justice, such as racial equality and global warming, which are often overlooked in traditional debates. This could explain why young voters are less likely to participate in debates and discussions regarding politics compared to older voters, as they feel that the discussions do not address their priorities. This could point to a bigger problem in our political system, that politicians are not “relatable” to the newer generations. No mainstream politician is actively working towards their demands, which is why we need more debates so candidates can be understood better. Their viewpoints can be seen and criticized, so the country can actualize its future goals.
All in all, as we are headed towards the
LIFESTYLES
November polls, we must understand that presidential debates are more than just political theater; they are one of the rare occasions when political actors are called for real-time accountability for the nation’s problems and how they plan on fixing it. As Barack Obama once said, “Democracy requires accountability and accountability requires transparency.”
In a world filled with uncertainty, these debates empower the electorate to expose themselves to the candidates’ actions under duress, their expositions and their reactions to counter ideas. We need to remind ourselves that democracy works properly when candidates’ actions are held to account at every step they take. Let us speak through our votes, let them be cast for the good of a common future. They do not make the U.S. a democracy. We do.
@COLLEGIATETIMES
A GUIDE TO EATING AS AN OFF-CAMPUS STUDENT: FALL SOUPS
Anna Payne | lifestyles contributor
Lifestyles contributor Anna Payne discusses some delicious dishes to make at home this season.
There is a significant contrast between living on-campus with access to top-ranked dining halls and living off-campus, where one must provide for one’s well-being. College is difficult enough with full course loads, student jobs and extra-curricular activities. Often, well-being is sacrificed while being a busy student; however, there are easy ways to prioritize healthy eating habits:
Meal prepping
One of the most difficult challenges off-campus students face is determining when and what to eat. Virginia Tech offers an off-campus dining plan, but while the plan is useful, it might not be best for all. Sometimes, nothing feels better than a home-cooked meal.
Meal prepping is planning food ahead of time; this includes grocery shopping, cooking and storing. Meal prepping decreases food waste, saves time, money and energy, and de-stresses mealtimes (so you can stress about homework instead).
Simplicity is key
Dishes are a nightmare; no one wants to clean more dishes than necessary. Finding recipes that require minimal dishes and, in some cases, only one, is convenient. Low-effort, one-pot meals that store easily and taste great as leftovers are ideal. Finding recipes that require fewer ingredients often is the best. Bonus points if you already own the ingredients that a recipe needs. The less effort you physically put into preparing and cooking a meal, the more effort you can save for other parts of your student life.
Treat yourself occasionally
Cooking is not always possible and that is okay! Some days are better than others and you can’t always prioritize cooking a meal for yourself. A meal out with a friend, a loved one or yourself is perfectly understandable; budgeting money out of your weekly grocery allowance is a great way to make sure you have extra money for those hard days. Always check in with yourself and figure out what
works best for you every day.
Best soups for the fall season
For those eating off-campus, soups are a great option-simple ingredients, low-maintenance on dishes and easily plannable. With the arrival of the fall season, it’s the perfect time to bring out a slow cooker or Dutch oven and let a delicious soup simmer all day, ready to enjoy during the chilly evenings. Here are some ideas for soups you can make at home:
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Loaded baked potato soup is a reinvention of the classic loaded baked potato. The recipe has a potato base, which creates a fulfilling meal; however, if you are not a fan of thick soups, this one might not be for you. The recipe is also dairy-reliant, so if you are lactose-intolerant or have other aversions to dairy, alternative milk products may be preferable. The bacon is also a completely optional add-in, depending on preference.
Tortellini Soup
Tortellini is a type of pasta that can be stuffed with meat, cheese or both. The best part of tortellini soup is it is considered an “everything but the kitchen sink” soup, meaning that whatever you want or don’t want is personal preference. If you have some vegetables that are about to go bad, this soup is a great option to utilize them.
Thai Pumpkin Soup
Now, this wouldn’t be soups for fall without a little pumpkin. Pumpkin puree, like tomato paste,is a perfect creamy base for soup. Thai red curry paste adds a little kick to the soup, and you can easily control the spice level.
Undeniably, college is hard. Prioritizing your mental and physical health can be challenging. Taking the time during your busy week to prepare simple meals saves a lot of time and gives you the opportunity to focus on other things.
THE BEST COZY TV SHOWS TO GET YOU IN THE MOOD FOR FALL
Ella Winterling | lifestyles contributor
As the chilly weather begins, settling into the couch for a comfort show can become a favorite pastime.
It’s nearing that time of the year again when the leaves change, pumpkin spice is on every coffee shop menu and cable knit sweaters come out of storage. With changes in weather, food and wardrobe also comes a shift in the shows we gravitate towards.
This autumn, grab a blanket and light a candle to accompany some cozy TV shows that will put you in the mood for the changing season.
Gilmore Girls
“Gilmore Girls” is perhaps the show most synonymous with the fall season. The show follows Lorelai Gilmore and her 16-year-old daughter, Rory, as they deal with work, school and relationships in their small Connecticut town. From the New England foliage in the theme song to the stylish cold-weather wardrobe, this comedy-drama encompasses all the qualifications for a perfect watch this autumn.
Smallville
This show follows a young Clark Kent, a.k.a. Superman, as he navigates high school while learning more about his powers and his past. “Smallville” has elements of science-fiction, mystery and crime, as well as all of the perfectly cheesy plotlines and romance one could hope for from a teen drama. Taking place in the
fictional town of Smallville, Kansas, the show boasts charming farmhouse sets, a picturesque main street and nostalgic early 2000s costumes that will make you want to join Clark and his friends for the fall season.
This Is Us
The Emmy-winning show, “This Is Us,” is a drama about multiple generations of the Pearson family as they deal with relationships, loss and their complicated family dynamics. The show’s emotional, yet hopeful storylines make it a warm and binge-worthy show. The Thanksgiving and Halloween episodes will pull on your heartstrings while creating a fall atmosphere.
Cheers
This classic sitcom follows the charming and quirky employees and regulars of a Boston bar. “Cheers” has plenty of jokes, friendship and romance that make it a funny and lighthearted watch. The set, complete with nostalgic memorabilia and wood and brass accents, creates a comforting environment great for the chilly and blustery days to come.
The Good Witch
“The Good Witch” is a Hallmark comedy-drama about Cassie Nightingale, a mother and
business-owner who may or may not be a witch. The show focuses on Cassie, her daughter and the residents of Middleton, a small midwestern town. The spooky and mysterious, yet fun and wholesome show is a great choice for horror-averse viewers who still want to get in the mood for Halloween this autumn.
Only Murders in the Building
Starring comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short, and the multi-talented Selena Gomez, “Only Murders in the Building” is about three residents of a New York apartment building as they use their true crime obsession to solve a murder. The show actually takes place largely during the fall season and establishes a cozy and spooky ambience great for October.
Friday Night Lights
In the award-winning show, “Friday Night Lights,” head coach Eric Taylor leads one of the best highschool football teams in Texas. The show deals with family dynamics, teen relationships and, of course, the pressures that come with maintaining a great football team. The small-town setting and nostalgia of cold, stadium-lit Friday nights create a solid formula for a show to watch this fall.
Anne with an “E”
This show is an adaptation of the classic novel, “Anne of Green Gables.” It follows Anne as she is adopted and adjusts to life in rural Canada. In “Anne with an ‘E’,” the titular character comes of age and learns about friendship, love and injustice. The period TV show has a comforting, romantic tone and seasonal episodes, making it a great show to start this coming autumn.
High Fidelity
Based on the movie and novel of the same name, “High Fidelity” is about Robyn Brooks, the owner of a struggling record store in Brooklyn, New York. Through the show, Brooks comes to terms with her past heartbreaks and meets potential future love interests, with the backing of loveable, supporting characters and a great soundtrack. “High Fidelity,” both comedic and engaging story is a good option to watch in fall with its New York setting and vintage, eclectic aesthetic.
Whether it be a lighthearted sitcom or investment-worthy drama, try out one of these shows to provide a little comfort on the rainy or blustery days this coming fall season.
@COLLEGIATETIMES
BLUE RIDGE MUSICIANS FIND A HOME AT GLENCOE MANSION
Emelia Delaporte | lifestyles editor
Various Appalachian music genres are being showcased monthly at a historic museum in Radford this fall.
Just across the train tracks from the New River in Radford, tucked away up a long driveway lined by stately trees is the old Glencoe Mansion. If you come on the first Friday of each month this semester, you may be lucky enough to hear some bluegrass music.
Addie Levy, a Southwest Virginia-grown musician now based in Nashville, came up with a vision for an intimate concert series in January of 2024.
“I was inspired by a house concert series in Wilkes County called the Key City Sessions. They have a beautiful way of making a really intimate room and making it feel like the crowd was there not just to watch the show but to be a part of it,” Levy said. “That brought the idea to me of, we don’t really have anything like that up in Radford.”
Levy grew up in Pulaski County, playing bluegrass
and old-time music. To have a concert series in Radford that would emphasize the musical culture in the area’s history seemed to be a no-brainer. She described Appalachia as a melting pot of beautiful music.
Annyce Levy, Levy’s grandmother, is a member of the board of directors of the Glencoe Mansion, which is currently a museum and gallery. Levy grew up going there for historical camps and other programs. This close association made the venue a perfect match for her performance idea.
According to their website, Glencoe Mansion in its earliest iteration was the home of former Confederate general Gabriel C. Wharton. The home was completed in 1875. Its modern museum focuses on historical preservation and education, as well as displaying local art.
While not quite as old as music in the Appalachians, the mansion has been around long enough to see the formation of more modern genres associated heavily with the region. Through the Glencoe Sessions, these genres have come home to play.
“We’ve got a bluegrass group, we’ve got an old-time group, we’ve got some blues and then we’ve got more of a jazz and swing kind of thing,”
Levy said. With this, she refers to the four bands being highlighted this semester — one on the first Friday of each month, from September through December.
FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge is also partnered with Glencoe Mansion in sponsorship of the Glencoe Sessions to help Levy bring her dream to life.
FRIENDS is a non-profit organization with a mission
of bettering Blue Ridge communities through volunteerism, education, conservation and more.
While the first Glencoe Session has already passed, there are still three to come. Bluegrass band Pythagoras from Johnson City, Tennessee, will be playing in October. Old-time musician Earl White from Floyd, Virgina, will play in November. The final Glencoe Session, held on Dec. 6, will be Levy’s own band, Domino.
“I think it’s time we start showcasing our music that we have in this area,” Levy said.
For more information about the Glencoe Sessions, please visit glencoemansion.org/events. Tickets for the sessions may be purchased at https:// www.blueridgejamboree.com/.
SPORTS
WARD’S REMARKABLE DRIVE, HEARTRENDING RULING LEAVE HOKIES RAVAGED
Thomas Bray | sports editor
Virginia Tech was inches away from victory over No. 8 Miami.
Virginia Tech (2–3, 0–1 ACC) showcased the firepower that had many buzzing in the preseason but ultimately fell short in a gut-wrenching 38–34 loss to No. 7 Miami (5–0, 1–0 ACC).
After a vintage drive from Cam Ward put the Hurricanes up 38–34 in the final minutes, Brent Pry was a touchdown drive away from the biggest win of his head coaching career. He almost got it.
Kyron Drones’ end-zone heave to Da’Quan Felton in the closing seconds was initially ruled complete, sparking celebration among the Hokies’ players and coaches. However, after review, it was deemed incomplete, keeping the Hokies out of the end zone as time expired.
Though the game ended in disappointment for the Hokies, Virginia Tech initially set the tone.
“I just thought we came out punching and with a mindset that we’re going to go be the team we can be,” Pry said.
The Hokies had star quarterback Cam Ward under duress early, as Cole Nelson sacked and stripped him on the first play from scrimmage. Just three plays later, Drones found a wide-open Benji Gosnell for the game’s opening points —a textbook example of complementary football.
However, the lead was short-lived. Ward quickly orchestrated a five-play drive, culminating in an 18-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Arroyo that leveled the score.
After an early Drones interception, Miami’s high-octane offense struck again, scoring two touchdowns in just eight plays. On a 4th-and-1, Ward fooled the entire stadium with a play-action pass, finding Arroyo, who ran it all the way in from 43 yards out.
While Ward made magical plays throughout the game, his turnovers provided the Hokies with opportunities. With a chance to extend their lead, Ward was intercepted by Mose Phillips, who returned the ball to around midfield.
Virginia Tech’s playmakers also shined
in the first half. Shortly after the turnover, Bhayshul Tuten bounced off a few defenders on a 55-yard run to tie the game at 14.
“Tugboat” Tuten has had at least one 20-yard run in each game this season. It was a back-and-forth affair, but that was the last lead Miami held until the final moments.
The Hokies took control in the second quarter, effectively neutralizing Ward with relentless blitz packages and timely sacks. Drones and the offense were firing on all cylinders, marching down the field in five plays, capped off by a reverse to Jaylin Lane, with Drones serving as the lead blocker on a 20-yard touchdown.
Virginia Tech led 21–7, quieting Hard Rock Stadium.
Brent Pry’s defense continued to make stops, with Caleb Woodson registering a sack on Ward late in the first half to end a Miami drive.
After two trips to the red zone and a 43-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, Miami traded field goals late in the second quarter after John Love nailed a 58-yarder.
The Hokies led 24–17 at the break.
Tuten and the Hokies’ offense picked up where they left off, returning from halftime with a successful pitch to the senior, who gained 11 yards to open the second half. Tuten averaged 7.4 yards per carry on the day, recording his fourth straight game with at least 115 rushing yards.
However, after a Stephen Gosnell catch that moved the ball to the Hurricane 43, the Hokies’ offense stalled. The next three plays consisted of two runs to Malachi Thomas, which gained just a yard each, and a Drones scramble for two yards. Nevertheless, Love came on and drilled a 52-yard field goal, his second of the day.
Facing a 10-point deficit, Ward drove Miami down to the Hokies’ 24 before another costly mistake. Looking for Xavier Restrepo just outside the end zone, Dorian
Strong broke up the pass, leading to a Kaleb Spencer interception. The Miami transfer returned his first career interception 77 yards before being hawked down by Arroyo.
The extra effort from Miami’s tight end proved to be pivotal.
With the ball at the Miami 17 and a fresh set of downs, the Hokies squandered their chance to tack on more points after a failed fake field goal attempt.
After this blunder, Ward led his team down the field again, capping off an 89-yard drive with a 17-yard rushing touchdown.
The fourth quarter was filled with offensive fireworks. On Virginia Tech’s first drive, Drones connected with Benji Gosnell on a broken play to kick off things, before eventually finding Aydan Greene in the end zone.
The 10-point deficit didn’t rattle Ward. He led a methodical Miami drive, which included crucial scrambles, culminating in a short touchdown pass to Cam McCormick.
Trailing 34–31, Ward had a chance to take the lead after a three-and-out from the Hokies. His final drive resembled that of a surefire Heisman candidate. On this career-defining drive, Ward connected with a defender on his back on fourth down and that wasn’t even the least probable play.
Later in the drive, he evaded two Hokie defenders, chest-passing it to his tight end, who took it 26 yards to the one-yard line.
The drive encapsulated the Hokies’ season thus far. They had the game in their hands, but let it slip away.
As remarkable as Ward’s final drive was, Pry and his staff were a ruling away from a career-defining moment of their own.
On their final drive, Drones connected with Lane for a 7-yard pass to move Virginia Tech to their own 32-yard line. He followed up with a 6-yard completion to Stephen Gosnell for a first down, and a short pass to Felton, along with a scramble, pushed the
ball to the 43-yard line.
Facing a 3rd-and-5, Drones hit Gosnell again for 8 yards, advancing into Miami territory. After a 7-yard toss to Tuten and a near-miss to Ayden Greene deep, Drones scrambled for 12 more yards, reaching the Miami 30 with 3 seconds left.
Virginia Tech’s final chance at victory was erased. Drones’ last-second pass to Felton, which had initially ignited the Hokies’ sideline, was overturned after review.
“During the review process of the last play of the Virginia Tech at Miami game, it was determined that the loose ball was touched by a Miami player while he was out of bounds, which makes it an incomplete pass and immediately ends the play,” the ACC release said.
This 38–34 loss serves as the tough pill to swallow for Hokie Nation. Pry’s 1–10 record in one-score games looms large, with Virginia Tech painfully aware that they are just a few key plays away from being undefeated.
The slow start against Vanderbilt, missed downfield chances versus Rutgers, and the overturned Hail Mary will linger in the minds of fans, casting a shadow over a season defined by what could have been.
The Hokies (2–3, 0–1 ACC) will look to regroup and get back to .500 as they head west for a crucial matchup with Stanford on Oct. 5.
GRADING THE HOKIES: VIRGINIA TECH AT MIAMI
Thomas Hughes | Sports Staff Writer
Scoring Virginia Tech A to F following a gut-wrenching loss to Miami
In an emotionally charged game that ended on a controversial call, Virginia Tech (2–3, 0–1 ACC) lost a back-and-forth nail biter to conference rivals Miami (5–0, 1–0 ACC), 34-38.
Offense
Quarterbacks: C+
Kyron Drones improved from previous games but struggled in comparison to Miami cousin Cam Ward. He completed 19 of 33 passes (57%) for 189 yards. He added 52 rushing yards, second only to running back Bhayshul Tuten. While turnovers were less of an issue, he threw one interception off a deflection to Miami’s Mishael Powell and tended to underthrow his passes to his receivers. Though Drones was better and was able to be a rushing threat, his passing wasn’t as impactful as it needed to be. The junior still has work to do to meet preseason expectations.
Running Backs: A+
Once again, Tuten was the lifeline of the Hokies offense. Tuten carved up Miami all night and while he was not able to hit paydirt as much as last week, he rushed for 141 yards on 19 carriers and outgained all other rushers in the game. Backup Malachi Thomas was unable to make a significant impact as he lost seven rushing yards. Overall, Virginia Tech outclassed Miami in the run game this week.
Receivers: C
The receivers improved, scoring two touchdowns, one each from Benji Gosnell and Ayden Greene, but missed multiple key opportunities. Stephen Gosnell dropped a critical pass in the third quarter in the red zone, while a throw to Greene that bounced off his hands led to an interception. While better than last week’s performance against Rutgers, the group couldn’t match Miami’s 343 receiving yards, with six of their players surpassing 30 yards and three over 50. Virginia Tech’s 188 receiving yards must improve next week against Stanford. Getting Ali Jennings back will be crucial for this group to find their rhythm.
Offensive Line: B
The offensive line was better than last week but left room for improvement. Like last week against Rutgers, the O-line looked somewhat uncoordinated, but Drones was able to compensate. Unfortunately, still without Layth Ghannam, the Hokies need to hope that their O-line can avoid further injuries, and this game didn’t help matters, as Braelin Moore went down early. The O-line gave Drones enough time to either throw or run out of the pocket, as Drones was sacked only once. As the Hokies’ O-line gets healthier, Drones should be able to find more security and time to throw.
Defense
Defensive Line: A-
The Hokies showed improvement over last week despite Miami’s 165 rushing yards. Virginia Tech’s defense managed more pressure, with Antwaun PowellRyland and Aeneas Peebles each recording a sack, and forced Hurricanes quarterback Ward into three sacks and two interceptions. The defensive line still needs to tighten up the line and force opposing quarterbacks into more mistakes, but this is a great sign.
Linebackers: C-
The linebackers struggled to match their production from Rutgers and ended up with lower total tackles. Caleb Woodson couldn’t replicate his performance from Rutgers and instead ended with four tackles, with one being for a loss. Outside of a fumble recovery, Sam Brumfield was invisible with only three tackles while Keonta Jenkxins only picked up one. The linebackers also allowed a costly rushing touchdown from Ward in the fourth quarter, who converted on a key third down to lift the Hurricanes to within three points of the Hokies. Kaleb Spencer aided this unit tremendously in the third quarter by intercepting a Ward pass and carrying it 77 yards. Though the linebackers were able to outperform Miami’s, they couldn’t perform up to last week and allowed Ward to convert a key momentum-shifting touchdown.
Defensive Backs: F
The defensive backs struggled mightily in this game, allowing Miami to rack up 343 passing yards with Elijah Arroyo, Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George accounting for 207 yards. Miami displayed a balanced attack, with ten different receivers catching passes. It wasn’t all bad for the Hokies’ DBs, as safety Mose Phillips picked off a Ward throw to return 33 yards, but the Hokies’ DBs had fewer tackles, gave up more yardage, and allowed four crucial receiving touchdowns, including a costly score from Arroyo in a three-play drive that took less than a minute, as well as a potential Miami touchdown that was ruled off due to a flag. As they look ahead, reducing opposing teams’ receiving yards will be crucial, with Stanford giving Virginia Tech a slightly easier opportunity to do so.
Overall: B-
Virginia Tech showed more flashes of their true potential by coming out early against a tough Hurricanes team, but ultimately couldn’t secure the win. While the final call was controversial, the Hokies could have avoided that situation altogether, as opting for a fake FG on a key fourth down cost them a potential victory. Once again, Virginia Tech’s inconsistency left them in another “what-if?” game. There is room for improvement, but the groundwork is there for a successful season. Nearly upsetting the ACC favorite is promising, but this was a winnable game for the Hokies.
Virginia Tech heads on another road trip next week, as they play Stanford at Stanford Stadium.
IMAGE COURTESY OF HOKIESPORTS