It’s a tough reality to acknowledge, but it may be true as the 2024 season unfolds for the Hokies and head coach Brent Pry.
The 2024 Virginia Tech football season has fallen short of expectations. Even if the Hokies manage to win their final two games against Duke and Virginia, followed by a bowl game victory, finishing 8-5 would still feel like a letdown given the high hopes entering the season.
With a 5-5 record heading into their second bye week, Virginia Tech faces more uncertainty than clarity as they aim to secure bowl eligibility against either the Blue Devils or the Cavaliers. On the other hand, Virginia sits at 5-4 and needs just one more win to become bowl-eligible, with upcoming games against Notre Dame and SMU before facing the Hokies at Lane Stadium on November 30.
It appears that the two programs are on diverging paths as the season wraps up. Virginia, not expected to be in this position, is making a push for bowl eligibility, while Virginia Tech was supposed to be in contention for the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. Instead, one must ask: is Virginia’s rebuilding process progressing faster than Virginia Tech’s?
Is Virginia football’s rebuild coming along quicker than Virginia Tech’s?
Based on initial impressions, the answer might seem like a “no,” but a closer look at the numbers and outcomes suggests there might be a case for it.
The Cavaliers are fresh off a 24-19 victory over then-No. 23 Pittsburgh on the road—a significant Top 25 win under head coach Tony Elliott. Meanwhile, Brent Pry has struggled in such matchups, holding a 0-4 record against ACC Top 25 opponents over the past two seasons, and his teams have yet to secure a victory in those games. Aside from their competitive performance against Miami on September 27, Pry’s squads have largely failed to stay competitive in these marquee matchups, including contests against Florida State, Louisville last year, and Clemson this past weekend.
Elliott has achieved more this season with a road win over a Top 25 team than Pry has in his three years leading the Hokies. Additionally, Virginia boasts a narrow one-point win over Wake Forest (31-30) in Week 2, while Virginia Tech has consistently struggled in close games. Pry’s record in one-score games stands at 1-11 over three years, and in four of their five losses this season, the Hokies either led or were tied at the two-minute mark in the fourth quarter.
Virginia Tech’s struggles this season are undeniable. Despite making progress in rebuilding in areas like state recruiting relationships, the transfer portal, and recruiting success, Pry has not yet translated these gains into on-field strides.
So, is Virginia’s rebuild ahead of Virginia Tech’s? There are arguments on both sides, but one thing is certain: Elliott and the Cavaliers are making progress faster than many Hokies fans would like.
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