Virginia Tech fans couldn't help but feel depressed two Saturdays ago. They were after all 28 point road favorites over winless and in-state foe Old Dominion. Not only did they not cover that spread but they were beaten straight up and by two touchdowns. While this loss was embarrassing and also depressing, this feeling shouldn't be anything new for those who root for the Hokies.
Flashback:
It's Saturday, September 11, 2010. The Hokies who were preseason ranked in the top 10, had just lost to 3rd ranked Boise State on Monday in an emotional back and forth game. While disappointed with a loss Frank Beamer’s team still was 13th in the country and could easily get back in the conversation for a BCS championship game. They welcomed in Football Championship Subdivision James Madison to Blacksburg. Then the unthinkable happened for Hokie fans 31 point underdog James Madison shocked the Virginia Tech 21-16. It marked only the second time ever a ranked team had lost to an FCS team. (Michigan, of course, being the first) All would not be lost for the Hokies that season as they were able to shake off that horrible and embarrassing 0-2 start to come back and win the ACC. Eventually went to the Orange Bowl losing to Jim Harbaugh and Andrew Luck led Stanford.
Back to 2018:
Now 8 years after the schools worst loss in program history. Third-year Head Coach Justin Fuente gets his turn to right the Hokies season. It looks like he's off to a good start, as the maroon and orange-clad Hokies were able to knock off 22nd ranked and previously unbeaten Duke in Durham last Saturday. Ryan Willis who replaced injured starter Josh Jackson has given the Hokies a more consistent passing attack. Now this weekend Fuente can put a stamp on his biggest win in Blacksburg to date. The 6th ranked Notre Dame Irish come to town with lofty expectations. If Virginia Tech can pull this upset off they automatically become the favorites once again to reach the ACC Championship as the Coastal representative.
