Virginia Tech vs ODU Preview (9-11-25)
By: Joey Raymond
Headline Photo Credit: Arturo Jones-LMS Network
Blacksburg, VA –It’s another game week in Blacksburg, and the pressure is sky-high for the Hokies. After holding a halftime lead against Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech completely unraveled in the second half, surrendering 34 unanswered points in what can only be described as a disaster at Lane Stadium. The collapse felt eerily similar to the Duke debacle under Justin Fuente — and Hokie fans remember how that story ended. Comparisons to the Titanic or even the Hindenburg aren’t far off. Now, as Old Dominion makes the trip to Lane, Virginia Tech faces a pivotal moment: steady the season, or risk letting it spiral.
And here’s the thing — it’s not just about winning. It’s about how they win. Can the Hokies put together a full four quarters of football? Can they look convincing enough to restore at least some faith that the glaring issues with this program are being addressed?
For Brent Pry, the stakes couldn’t be clearer. Year four is supposed to be the turning point — the roster is his, the system is in place, and excuses run thin. Instead, last week’s collapse raised even more uncomfortable questions about the program’s direction. If the Hokies stumble against Old Dominion, those whispers about Pry’s job security won’t just grow louder — they’ll become shouts. Oddsmakers in Vegas already have him listed as the coach most likely to be fired first this season. It may only be early September, but in year four, patience isn’t just running thin in Blacksburg — it’s nearly gone.
And make no mistake — Old Dominion isn’t showing up just to collect a paycheck. The Monarchs have spoiled Tech’s party before, shocking the Hokies in 2018 and again in 2022. Ricky Rahne’s squad thrives on the underdog role, and they’ll arrive in Lane Stadium fully aware of the chance to pour gasoline on Tech’s already smoldering problems. Quarterback Colton Joseph leads an offense that isn’t afraid to take chances, while the Monarchs’ defense has shown it can generate turnovers and swing momentum in a hurry.
That puts the spotlight squarely on Virginia Tech’s offense, which disappeared entirely in the second half last week. Quarterback Kyron Drones needs to settle in quickly, establish rhythm in the passing game, and lean on the run game to keep ODU honest. The offensive line, too, will be under the microscope after struggling to protect and create lanes against Vanderbilt. Against a scrappy ODU defense, execution will matter more than raw talent.
In the end, this game isn’t just about beating Old Dominion — it’s about proving Virginia Tech can respond to adversity, clean up mistakes, and play with the toughness fans expect from a program with its tradition. A win provides breathing room and a chance to recalibrate. A loss? That would be unthinkable, the kind of setback that could haunt the Hokies all season long and put Brent Pry’s future in serious doubt. Not only that, but Tech doesn’t just need to win — they need to win big, playing a full four quarters of convincing football.
What It Will Take for the Hokies to Win
Virginia Tech’s path to victory is simple on paper but tricky in execution: clean, mistake-free football. The Hokies must sustain drives, protect Kyron Drones in the pocket, and balance the run and pass to keep Colton Joseph and the Monarchs’ defense off-balance. The offensive line has to hold its ground, and the defense needs to generate pressure and limit explosive plays. Essentially, Tech has to play four complete quarters — no lapses, no meltdowns, no second-half disappearances. Convincing execution on all sides of the ball is the only way to calm the pressure in Blacksburg.
What It Will Take for ODU to Pull the Upset
Old Dominion’s upset formula is equally straightforward: force turnovers, create chaos, and capitalize on mistakes. The Monarchs thrive when they can swing momentum quickly, whether through a defensive takeaway or a big, unexpected play on offense. Colton Joseph will need to be sharp and take calculated risks, exploiting mismatches and testing Tech’s secondary. If ODU can make the Hokies anxious, break their rhythm, and exploit any cracks left in the offensive line, the underdogs have a legitimate shot to shock Lane Stadium once again.
Our Prediction
Despite the jitters surrounding Brent Pry and last week’s disaster, Virginia Tech still has the talent and home-field advantage to get the job done. Expect a determined Hokies squad to respond, clean up the mistakes, and control the game from start to finish. Old Dominion will make things uncomfortable and test Tech’s resolve, but the Hokies should pull away in the second half with a solid, 4-quarter performance.
Final score prediction: Virginia Tech 31, Old Dominion 14.
