Changes in College Football and Virginia Tech’s Recent Game Controversy

Dan Dakich expressed concerns over the current state of college football, particularly after the struggles faced by Colorado’s team. Last season, with Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter led by Deion Sanders, the team was compelling to watch. However, their record of three wins and nine losses, including a five-game losing streak, points to deeper issues, possibly related to Deion’s health. Dakich believes these factors have diminished the sport’s excitement.

In a more victorious note, Virginia Tech made headlines with a significant win against VMI, securing a 73-3 victory. The James Franklin era started on a high note in Blacksburg, although Franklin had a minor grievance with the officiating. Despite leading in such a decisive game, Franklin took issue with a penalty against his team.

“We got a penalty for high-fiving one of our members of the core,” Franklin stated, questioning why celebrating with military personnel could be penalized, describing the rule as “somewhat un-American.”

Before the match commenced at Lane Stadium, Franklin was seen greeting fans during the traditional “Hokie Walk.” However, the focus soon turned to the controversy during the game.

Virginia Tech running back Marcellous Hawkins Jr. was sanctioned for unsportsmanlike conduct after his third touchdown. He celebrated by engaging with the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. The incident highlights the strict enforcement of NCAA’s excessive celebration rules. Players must avoid drawing excessive attention with celebrations, and are required to return the ball promptly to an official after scoring.

Despite the penalty, the Hokies dominated with 619 yards while limiting VMI to a mere 83 yards. The penalty occurred because Hawkins held onto the football during his interaction with the cadets, which may have contributed to the official’s decision.

Virginia Tech’s Corps of Cadets dates back to 1872, one of the few remaining public universities with both an active cadet corps and a civilian campus approach.