By : Ethan Horner
(Photo/Sabri Haidar- The Mojo Network)
The Virginia Tech Hokies (0-1) return to Lane Stadium this weekend looking to bounce back after a disappointing season-opening loss, while the Vanderbilt Commodores (1-0) arrive in Blacksburg hoping to keep their early momentum alive.
For the Hokies, Week 1 was a frustrating start, with flashes of potential overshadowed by inconsistency on offense. Quarterback Kyron Drones will be tasked with stabilizing the passing game and giving Brent Pry’s team more rhythm. The Hokies’ defense remains their strength, but it will need support from the offense to keep Vanderbilt from wearing them down over four quarters.
The Commodores, on the other hand, enter with confidence after starting the season 1-0. Head coach Clark Lea’s squad looked tougher in the trenches and showed they could finish games, something that plagued them last season. Vanderbilt’s quarterback play and ability to establish the run game will be crucial if they want to pull off a road win against a Power 4 opponent.
This matchup sets up two contrasting storylines: Virginia Tech trying to avoid an 0-2 hole that could derail their season early, and Vanderbilt looking to prove their opening win was no fluke by picking up a statement victory in a tough road environment. With Lane Stadium’s atmosphere always a factor, the Hokies will have the crowd behind them—but whether they can turn that into a much-needed win remains to be seen.