Following a narrow 31-28 loss to Duke on Saturday night, Virginia Tech’s football team finds itself at 5-6, needing a win over Virginia at Lane Stadium this Saturday to secure bowl eligibility. The season has been a challenging one for the Hokies, who entered with aspirations higher than merely reaching a bowl game.
This marks the second consecutive year Virginia Tech faces a win-or-go-home scenario against the Cavaliers to extend their season. Last year, the Hokies dominated in Charlottesville, cruising to a decisive 55-17 victory by building an early, insurmountable lead. Now, head coach Brent Pry once again faces the challenge of rallying his team for a must-win game, though this year, mounting injuries have added to the difficulty.
What this week means for Brent Pry
Brent Pry is entering a pivotal week in his third year as Virginia Tech’s head coach. A loss to Virginia and a 5-7 record would be a significant setback for the program, especially after the progress made over the last year following the Cavaliers’ defeat. With high preseason expectations, including whispers of being a dark horse for the expanded College Football Playoff, failing to secure a bowl bid would be a major letdown for both the team and its fanbase.
The mood around the program is far different this year. Last season, a victory over Virginia symbolized a critical step forward in the rebuild, laying a foundation with key player retention. This season, expectations were loftier, and the team has fallen short of those hopes. Despite this, Pry faces the challenge of holding the team together amid mounting injuries to secure a critical sixth win. Player availability will likely remain uncertain until kickoff, but the coaching staff is preparing accordingly.
Pry’s record in one-score games has drawn scrutiny, but Saturday’s rivalry matchup carries extra weight. Last season, the Hokies executed a flawless game plan to rout Virginia, and they’ll need similar precision this time around.
Regardless of the outcome, Pry’s job is secure—and for good reason. He’s shown his ability to recruit effectively, particularly in the transfer portal, and has made significant inroads in Virginia, a critical recruiting ground. Pry understands the stakes of this rivalry, both for the program and for himself. Expect a well-prepared Hokies team ready to compete under the lights at Lane Stadium.
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