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VIRGINIA TECH ADOPTS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTO THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Megan Dahn | News Writer
AI is a new adaption to the application process and will use a rubric to evaluate the candidate.
On Aug. 1, Virginia Tech began using artificial intelligence to assist with decisions for the upcoming admissions cycle.
Previously, the admissions process was based solely on human judgment, with two readers grading on a 12-point scale. Now, AI will review applications in place of one human reader. Virginia Tech News reports that the update was made to expedite the decision-making process, following a 10.2% increase in applications for fall 2025 compared to fall 2024.
During the process, AI will use a rubric to evaluate the application as a whole, including test scores, high school transcripts, extracurricular activities, campus visits and any other factors
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To provide the most complete report, a news organization must not just cover the news, but uncover it. It must follow the story wherever it leads, regardless of any preconceived ideas on what might be most newsworthy.
The pursuit of truth is a noble goal of journalism. But the truth is not always apparent or known immediately. Journalists’ role is therefore not to determine what they believe at that time to be the truth and reveal only
previously used to determine decisions.
“Artificial intelligence helps us to read our growing number of essays quicker, with more accuracy and consistency, so that families and students can receive the feedback in a timely manner,” said Virginia Tech spokesperson Mark Owczarski.
Previously, the admission process allocated a four-point difference between the first and second reviewer. If there was a four-point difference or higher, a third reviewer was brought into the process. Now, one reviewer and AI will have a two-point threshold, before a second human reader is asked to review the applicant.
“From four to two means we’re actually going to be more stringent on
making sure the essay is addressing things that we’re seeking it to address,” Owczarski said.
The decision to incorporate AI into the admissions process followed three years of research done by admissions staff and faculty in the College of Engineering. According to Virginia Tech News, the AI reviewer uses internal university resources.
“We’ve got three years of work and study to see how it can help our process, and the assessment of it will begin moving forward with the actual admissions process,” Owczarski said.
Though this is a new adaptation to the admissions process, researchers and the admissions team are going to be checking for consistencies and ensuring that human judgment stays active in decision-making.
will end Nov. 1 for early applications. Throughout this time, the admissions team is going to be monitoring the trends of AI and improving when able.
that to their readers, but rather to report as completely and impartially as possible all verifiable facts so that readers can, based on their own knowledge and experience, determine what they believe to be the truth.
When a news organization delivers both news and opinions, the impartiality and credibility of the news organization can be questioned. To minimize this as much as possible there needs to be a sharp and clear distinction between news and opinion, both to those providing and consuming the news.
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Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor in chief and managing editors.
“It’s the responsibility of the office of admissions to ensure that the process of applying is handled well and handled fairly,” Owczarski said.
The fall 2027 application cycle began on Aug. 1 for prospective students and
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The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, visit reprints.collegemedia.com. The Collegiate Times is a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to provide educational experience in business and production of mass media for Virginia Tech students. © Collegiate Times, 2020. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times.
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16 YEARS LATER: CHILDS-METZLER INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
Abhigna Koochana | News Writer
VT alerts keep students aware of emergencies happening in Blacksburg.
Sixteen years after the murders of Virginia Tech students Heidi Childs and David Metzler, the university still remembers.
On Aug. 26, 2009, 19-year-old Metzler took his 18-year-old girlfriend Childs to Caldwell Fields. Metzler, an industrial and systems engineering major, and Childs, a biochemistry major, were sophomores at Virginia Tech and had been dating for about a year. That day, Childs had called her mom to tell her that she planned to enroll in a pre-med program, and she wanted to discuss it with Metzler when they went out.
Caldwell Fields is a campground in Jefferson National Forest, located about 15 miles from the Virginia Tech campus. It’s a popular spot for Virginia Tech students to visit and camp. The area is heavily wooded and cell service is scarce.
On Aug. 27, at around 8 a.m., a man walking his dog found the two young adults deceased in the parking lot. David was slumped over in the driver’s seat while Childs was lying a few feet away from the car on the passenger side– both were shot with a .30-.30 hunting rifle. Police believe that the couple was attacked as soon as they pulled into the parking lot, sometime between 8:25 p.m. and 10 p.m. the day before they were found.
“I had just seen [Heidi] a few days prior on the Drillfield in passing, but we both said hey to each other. I had to call my folks
to let them know,” said Melissa Caldwell, a Virginia Tech alum and currently a registered nurse. “Then I had to let my siblings know. The Child’s family and my family grew up together. I just remember crying a lot that day.”
Their funeral was held on Aug. 27, with their families burying them side by side. Over 1,000 people attended the funeral. Childs’ and Metzler’s families remember them through the “Heidi Childs & David Metzler Memorial Group,” which is a Facebook group honoring their memory and fighting for justice.
“I’ve known Heidi her whole life. She was born a few days prior to my baby sister. She was always smiling and enjoyed life. If there’s anything I’d want people to know, is how she lived and not how she died. She was a ray of sunshine and such a joy to be around,” Caldwell said.
Susan and Keith Metzler described David as steady, quiet and unassuming. He was a gifted athlete, passionate about math and science and like Childs, was a devout Christian.
In the early days of the tragedy, police did not disclose information about the case.
The first piece of reliable information came in March 2012 when the Joint Montgomery County, Federal and State Task Force announced that Childs’ purse was stolen from the scene and it
contained her cell phone, camera, Hokie Passport, Virginia Tech lanyard and a credit card. They also stated that they had DNA evidence in the case that would be used to eliminate potential suspects.
Seven years later, another press conference was held Aug. 23, 2019, announcing that the police department was pursuing new leads related to suspects and DNA technology. They offered an increased reward of $100,000 for any information.
As of now, the case is still unsolved. There is currently still a $100,000 reward for any information regarding the case.
“There were multiple tragic deaths that led me to what I do today. I had a friend’s mom die in front of my house before my eyes when I was 17, lost someone on April 16, 2007, and another friend at 22 to cancer. However, [Heidi’s] death really opened my eyes from myself and towards others and [I] came to the conclusion there is an overabundance of pain in this world and [if] I can change a little bit of that then I’m doing something great with my life,” Caldwell said.
Caldwell also noted how difficult it was as a student in the early days of the crime.
“When there is a student murder like that, please be mindful where you do your outside labs. I had to drive by the crime scene on a daily basis for labs and the crime tape was still up. That was extremely
difficult to see,” Caldwell said.
As a result of these tragedies, Virginia Tech implemented an alert system, currently known as “VT Alerts.” This system is tested twice a year and goes out to every student through emails and phone calls. Students can sign up to receive VT Alerts through its page on the university website.
“I think we have a lot of precautions and safety measures put into place and it’s really helpful. However, I think a problem is that a lot of people might not know about these safety measures,” said engineering student Aarya Ghimire.
For any emergencies, students should call 911. However, for non-emergencies, such as non-life-threatening incidents, students can contact the Virginia Tech Police Department at 540-382-4343. For access to general information from the police department, students can contact 540-231-6411.
For any other safety concerns or additional information, students can contact Virginia Tech Public Safety at publicsafety@vt.edu or go to their office at 330 Sterrett Dr., Blacksburg, VA 24061.
If you have any information regarding the Childs-Metzler case, please call 540-375-9528.
CFA HOSTS OPENING RECEPTION FOR TWO NEW EXHIBITS
The Center for the Arts hosted the opening reception for two new exhibits Thursday, Sept. 4. The reception offered food, drinks and an opening statement from painter Josephine Halvorson.
The exhibits display paintings from four artists: Clare Grill, Margaux Ogden, Dana Frankfort and Halvorson.
The upper exhibit housed work from Frankfort and Halvorson. The Center for the Arts website explained that “their approaches diverge sharply: Frankfort invents language on the canvas, while
Lindsey Kudriavetz | News Writer
An artist panel will be held Thursday Sept. 11 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Halvorson discovers it in the world.”
Frankfort’s art uses chaos and language to invoke messy emotion in the reader. She embraces the difficulty of oil paint and describes her work as “the prettiest mud you’ve ever seen.”
Contrastingly, Halvorson focuses on everyday objects, like sticks, signs and flowers. She is inspired by her hometown in Massachusetts. Halvorson was present at the reception, discussing her art and its meaning with guests.
The lower exhibit showcased work from
Grill and Ogden. Grill uses paint on linen to create unique shapes, often using a monochromatic color scheme.
“My work often borrows from antique embroidery samplers. I like their obsessive handiwork, gorgeous materiality, their somber mood and feminine energy,” Grill stated.
Ogden creates abstract, symmetric and brightly colored paintings using watered-down acrylic paints on canvas.
“The patterned repetition of color speaks directly to my work, especially how
the image evolves when it spins. There’s an eerie beauty to it. It feels very much reflective of nature,” Ogden wrote in her artist statement.
Grill and Ogden will visit the Center for the Arts for an artists panel Thursday, Sept. 11, from 3 to 4 p.m.
ZACH TOP IS BACK AND HERE TO STAY WITH LATEST ALBUM, ‘AIN’T IN IT FOR MY HEALTH’
Samuel Harvey | lifestyles contributor
Lifestyle’s contributor Samuel Harvey breaks down the top five most-streamed songs on Zach Top’s new album.
With the release of his 2023 hit album, “Cold Beer and Country Music,” Zach Top became the symbol of a new wave in country music. The album revived the twanging electric guitars and heartfelt storytelling synonymous with the 1990s country era. His initial year of success concluded with a New Male Artist of the Year award from the Academy of Country Music. Despite this accolade, critics and fans alike questioned how long this craze would last and if Top was simply a one-hit wonder. His response — sophomore album “Ain’t In It For My Health,” released on Aug. 29.
When speaking to fellow country star Dierks Bentley on a recorded conversation for Spotify, Top stated, “It wasn’t a one-hit wonder thing. The first album, people liked that and whatnot, but this one, coming back around, it was like ‘hey, here’s an interesting thing from my background and let’s lean into that a little more.’”
Top began his career in music as the frontman of his family’s bluegrass band. These roots are evident in nearly every track on his latest album, “Ain’t In It For My Health”. Here is a breakdown of Spotify’s top 5 moststreamed songs off the album after one week.
“Good Times and Tanlines” holds the crown for most-streamed song on the album so far at 14,517,774 streams. The song’s bounding electric guitar riffs and upbeat
vocals give the mood of a summer day out on the lake. Top’s smooth delivery of lyrics, such as “FM on, coolers on the ground / Dig through the ice and pass ‘em around / Waitin’ on the hot sun to go down/” are reminiscent of ‘90s hits like “Chattahoochee” by Alan Jackson. Anyone looking for a cheerful summer song should definitely check out this track.
With 10,374,119 streams, “South of Sanity” sits at second. This sorrowful ballad illustrates the crumbling of a relationship while on tour. Top’s dissonant acoustic guitar licks and a crying fiddle immediately set the tone for imminent heartbreak. The lyrics paint a clear picture of a man torn between staying home with his lover or venturing out on the road doing what he loves.
In his conversation with Bentley, Top mentioned his admiration for country legend George Strait. This influence is center stage in “South of Sanity” and draws parallels to Strait’s 1996 track, “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” which has similar lyrical themes. Fans of George Strait will easily gravitate to this song.
Ranked third with 798,707 streams, the album’s opener, “Guitar,” is an ode to Top’s relationship with his music career and how it’s driven by pure passion. The chorus boldly states, “I ain’t in it for the money / If I was, I’d do something else / I ain’t in it for the
fame / I damn sure ain’t in it for my health.” Even behind the vocals, bluegrass guitar runs manage to create a voice of their own throughout the song. If country fans are new to Top, this track is the perfect introduction to his personality and signature bluegrass sound.
For those looking for a honkytonk anthem to sing with friends, track number four on this list has you covered. With 793,000 streams, “Splitsville” uses vivid lyrical imagery and a mournful steel guitar to transport listeners to a fictional dive bar. Top’s vocal tone is steeped with regret, but when he reaches the chorus, his voice gains more power. “Welcome to Splitsville / Home of the lonely members of the heartbroke club / When you’ve tried every turn and every turn’s led straight downhill / Welcome to Splitsville.” The chorus serves as a rallying cry to any heartbroken listener. Top also reflects on his own heartbreak in the second verse, injecting some touching storytelling. “Now, we’re so far gone past that fork in the road / Looks like there ain’t no fixin’ it now.” This track is bound to have you either shedding a tear or drinking a beer.
Finally, at number five, “Between the Ditches” has attained 766,211 streams. Top flexes his songwriting ability by serving listeners a metaphor for living life. He compares his life’s challenges and trajectory to struggling to keep a truck on the road,
“between the ditches.” In the bridge, Top ultimately expresses content for this lifestyle, knowing those he loves support him: “There’s a woman that loves me / A few good friends there for me / And a mama that thinks the world of me.” The track serves as another reminder that Top is confident in his own identity and place within the genre of country music.
Overall, “Ain’t In It For My Health” serves as a statement of permanence to fans of country music. Top’s music is more than just a tribute to ‘90s country. It continues to tell new and thought-provoking stories woven into the celebrated and respected sound from a prior era.
Although the album does not stray far from what we are used to hearing from Top, it still delivers raw and authentic storytelling, earning it an 8/10 rating. “Ain’t In It For My Health”is available to stream across all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music. @COLLEGIATETIMES
BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIPS FOR THE STUMPED STUDENT
The Back-to-school season comes with its ups and downs. Luckily, the lifestyles staff has some advice. lifestyles section staff
Two full weeks into the 2025-26 school year, Hokies feel a range of emotions. For some, Labor Day was the perfect amount of rest, but for others, doors reopened to an academic slump. The lifestyles section has some advice for students to stay motivated this semester.
Emma Duncan, lifestyles editor
My advice from last year still stands: Take advantage of everything around you. From advisors, professors and peers, to Student Leaders, Cook Counseling professionals and roommates, you are never alone at Virginia Tech. There are university programs created to encourage well-being,
connect students with furry friends, solve food access issues and provide support during emergencies. When you begin to struggle, don’t wait until you’ve reached your limit to ask for help. Reach out early and often.
Ella Winterling, lifestyles assistant editor
Whether you’re starting freshman year or senior year, going back to school is exciting but always an adjustment. Give yourself grace and time to adapt to the college environment. If you find yourself overwhelmed, take some time to watch your favorite show, listen to continued on page 5
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your comfort song or talk to a trusted friend or family member. College is a busy and exciting time, but don’t forget to devote time to the things that you love.
Benjamin Gozzi, lifestyles staff writer
Remind yourself that no one expects you to be perfect so early in the semester. Even if you’re feeling as if the world is crashing down on you and you think you’re going to fail all your classes … breathe. The winding journey of fall semester is just getting started, and you’re going to be great.
Aidan Mason, lifestyles staff writer
Be social! Join clubs, meet new people and be open to anything. College doesn’t just have to be about academics; your mental health will be much better if you take breaks from your homework. There are so many clubs out there; at least one will be a good fit for you.
Bailey Miller, lifestyles staff writer
Find good study spots outside of your
dorm or apartment. Separating living and working spaces helps so much with productivity and overall happiness. Try looking around academic buildings, such as Pamplin Hall, Torgersen Bridge and Classroom Building. Most have tables or empty rooms you can use, and they are less crowded than the library.
Cat Pizzarello, lifestyles assistant editor
Coming back to campus can be quite a culture shock. As exciting as it is to be a part of all the hustle and bustle, take time to prioritize your own alone time and self-care. It’s completely fair and necessary to have some quiet moments to yourself. In terms of academics, make a master sheet of all your assignments; it will save your grades and your sanity.
Milana Waller, lifestyles contributor
Be authentic! Let yourself figure out what appeals to you. You’ll attract the type of people who appreciate you for who you are when you’re truest to yourself. Authenticity acts as a natural
filtration system and makes it easy to find people who understand you and will connect you to other like-minded people.
Abby Davis, lifestyles contributor
Coming back to campus and academic life can be motivating yet daunting. It’s tempting to jump right into studying and locking yourself away for the upcoming year, but it’s important to distribute both your time and focus. Virginia Tech and Blacksburg as a whole offer a wide range of activities that take the student mindset away from book blindness to the typical fun college life.
Anna Payne, lifestyles staff writer
Managing your time properly is crucial in college. Make time to hang out with your friends, work a job or participate in extracurricular activities. However, college is about education, so it should be a priority. Don’t wait until 11:50 p.m. to turn in an assignment that is due at 11:59 p.m. Make a schedule that works for you and have a consistent relationship
with it.
Samuel Harvey, lifestyles contributor
Celebrate the small victories. Did you make a healthy, filling breakfast in the morning? Good job! Did you answer your intimidating professor’s question in class? That’s a win. When you celebrate the small achievements each day, it can help you stay focused and motivated to strive for bigger goals. All victories are worth celebrating, no matter how big or small.
Hunter Grove, lifestyles contributor Remind yourself that other students are in the same boat as you. Everyone can feel anxious coming back to school, so it’s important to remind yourself that worrying is perfectly normal. Focus on your own well-being and take a moment for yourself every now and then.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WRECKERS?
Emma Duncan | lifestyles editor
It’s been almost 20 years since ‘Stand Still, Look Pretty’ was released. Why haven’t The Wreckers released new music?
Everyone has songs from their childhood that live rent-free in the back of their mind. Personally, “Leave The Pieces” by The Wreckers is that song — specifically the lyrics “And it’s alright, yeah, I’ll be fine / Don’t worry ‘bout this heart of mine / Just take your love and hit the road.” It’s pure nostalgia.
In the early 2000s, this song was broadcast in every direction: on the radio, MTV and YouTube. During the week of Aug. 19, 2006, “Leave The Pieces” peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100™ chart. Nowadays, some listeners, like myself, are reintroduced to the track through auto-generated queues and old playlists.
That being said, The Wreckers are a classic example of a one-hit wonder. In 2025, their 2006 hit single had 27 million streams on YouTube Music. Their next biggest song, “My, Oh My,” has only 1.7 million streams on the platform, and their other songs steadily decrease in streams from there. This trend continues on Spotify, with “Leave The Pieces” measuring 44.2 million streams, followed by “The Good Kind” with 7.5
million streams.
So, why did The Wreckers disappear from the music scene? Why did the first track on their debut — and only — album, “Stand Still, Look Pretty,” flood the music scene while their other songs fell flat?
Band members Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp combined their longtime friendship and musical talents to form a country duo in 2005.
Branch was an established singer-songwriter at the time, having won a Grammy in 2003 for “The Game Of Love,” a collaboration with Santana. Branch released three solo albums before The Wreckers formed.
Harp grew up in a musical family, singing and writing songs from an early age. In 2002, she released her debut album “Preface” at age 19. She didn’t release another solo album until 2010, but the eight years in between weren’t lost. During that time, Harp sang backup for several other artists, including Branch herself. Harp is featured on Branch’s third album, “Hotel Paper,” which sparked conversation about
becoming a duo.
“Stand Still, Look Pretty” was released May 23, 2006, by Maverick Records (now transferred to Warner Music Group), one year after the band formed. While “Leave the Pieces” was a clear success, the rest of the album didn’t perform poorly either, reaching the top five on numerous country music charts in the United States and climbing all the way to the number one spot on the United Kingdom Country Chart.
The success of their first album became a catalyst for recording more songs. Branch actually wrote and recorded a second album, finishing it by February 2008, but no other projects were ever released under the name The Wreckers. The music industry and thousands of fans waited in confusion for three years. In 2011, Branch gave an exclusive interview to The Hollywood Reporter explaining the split.
“It wasn’t something that Jessica and I saw coming, and we had both been writing material together and separately for the next Wreckers album, planning on going down that road and making
another Wreckers album, having a lot of success,” Branch said. “Then we decided we weren’t going to work together anymore. And I was sitting on all this Wreckers material, living in Nashville and that’s where my head was at. So I thought, ‘I’m going to record this myself and make this country record.’”
Six of those songs became “Everything Comes and Goes,” which Branch released in 2010. The album proved she was not a pop-rock artist experimenting in the country genre, but instead a true, multifaceted singer-songwriter. Branch recalled feeling at home in the country music scene.
As mentioned before, Harp also released an album in 2010, called “A Woman Needs.” With eleven songs, this was her second and final album. Also a country release, it’s unknown whether any songs from this album were meant to be performed by The Wreckers.
For the last 15 years, neither Branch nor Harp has been consistently present in the music world. Not because they weren’t talented or didn’t enjoy creating continued on page 6
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music, but they wanted something different. Both artists had children and wanted to focus on being good mothers.
In February 2023, Bobby Bones hosted their sixth annual Million Dollar Show to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Wreckers sang “Leave the Pieces,” and Branch also performed a solo set.
Months later, the duo appeared on
an episode of The Bobby Bones Show to revisit their split and share recent updates.
“Jess [Harp] and I had plans to get together and just write and hang out and catch up, and then this thing called COVID happened and put a damper on our socializing,” Branch told Bones.
Although the pandemic has settled out and the world has returned to a state of normalcy, The Wreckers remains a
thing of the past.
As we approach the 20th anniversary of “Stand Still, Look Pretty,” it could be prime time for The Wreckers to re-enter the country music scene. With the folk and Americana subgenres receiving praise from mainstream country music fans, thanks to Sierra Ferrell and The Red Clay Strays, The Wreckers might receive similar reactions. If not for their new music, at least for their nostalgia. Until then, “Stand Still, Look Pretty” is definitely worth a listen.
SPORTS
DISASTROUS SECOND HALF COSTS VIRGINIA TECH AGAINST VANDERBILT
Dylan Tefft | Sports Editor
Virginia Tech was gashed in the second half of its 44-20 loss.
Virginia Tech football looked prepared, fluid and, at times, triumphant in the first half of its home opener against Vanderbilt on Saturday. The game’s second half couldn’t have been any more different.
The Hokies (1-1) gave up five unanswered touchdowns to the Commodores (2-0) in the game’s last 30 minutes to fall 44-20. Tech led 20-10 before the second-half onslaught that saw it surrender 307 yards and net only 21.
“We came out of the locker room and played poorly, couldn’t stop the run, couldn’t get off the field defensively,” said Tech head coach Brent Pry. “Also some chunk plays that were obviously hurtful, and we couldn’t get anything going offensively. They compounded each other.”
Saturday was an opportunity to rewrite narratives that gnawed at Tech coming into the year. First, Diego Pavia and the Commodores beat the Hokies in last season’s opener, setting the tone for a tumultuous 2024 season. Taking Vanderbilt down could’ve sparked a Hokies team that, on paper, looks less talented than last year’s. More broadly, Tech had a shot at their first non-ACC Power Four win for the first time since 2017. Even more broadly, they hoped for their first win of the year.
None of it happened against Vanderbilt. Instead, the game — and the mass vacating of Lane Stadium midway through the fourth quarter — seemed to show just how far Tech lags behind a solid
Power Four team like the Commodores. They’re the kind of pesky opponent that shuts out a meandering first half out and turns it up to 100 in the second. Vanderbilt’s rushing attack — featuring Pavia and running backs Makhilyn Young and Sedrick Alexander— came out of the locker room with a seven-minute drive that ended in a Young touchdown to make it 20-17 Tech. Receiver Tre Richarson fired off a 21-yard rush the play before.
The Hokies responded by going three-and-out.
On the Commodores next series, despite committing three flags, they executed a five-minute drive that saw a single third down: A third-and-7 at Tech’s 26 yard-line. Pavia found Richardson for a 26-yard score on that play to go up 23-20.
Tech went three-and-out.
But it wasn’t over just yet, nor was it after the Commodores rushed for 46 total yards on their next drive — they averaged seven yards per rush all night — to nab another touchdown, this time Alexander for 18 yards on an up-the-gut run to make it 30-20. It did seem over, however, when Alexander hit the end zone again on the next Vanderbilt drive to take a 37-20 lead.
“We came in, our number one priority was to stop the run,” said defensive lineman Immanuel Hickman. “That’s what we were supposed to do. That’s what we preach and practice. Tonight, we didn’t do it. Seven yards per carry is
mind blowing.”
The Hokies only had more than one yard in the second half because backup quarterback William “Pop” Watson and other reserves gained 20 yards when the game was long out of reach.
Vanderbilt sent out backup quarterback Blaze Berlowitz at the end of the game, who found tight end Eli Stowers for a touchdown to cement the final 44-20 score.
The first half fell somewhere far different on the spectrum of football games. It was actually competitive.
Tech got the ball first and looked fiery. A series of scripted RPO, option and quick-pass plays made for troves of chunk yardage and successful early drives. The Hokies’ offense deflated at times when a touchdown was in reach, leading to 27- and 28-yard field goals from John Love in the first half, but they still managed a pair of touchdowns.
On the first — at the end of the first quarter following cornerback Quentin Reddish’s first career interception — Drones found Ja’Ricous Hairston for his first career touchdown to make it 10-0 Hokies. Before that, Drones willed Tech upfield with 27- and 17-yard rushes.
The Commodores responded with a 54-yard touchdown from Pavia to tight end Brycen Coleman, but Tech’s defense rebounded the next chance it got.
Defensive lineman Immanuel Hickman forced an Alexander fumble to give Drones prime field position for another rushing touchdown
After one of Love’s field goals, the score was 20-10 Hokies going into the half. As soon as the game resumed, though, the Commodores took advantage of injuries to Hokies offensive linemen Montavious Cunningham and Johnny Lynch to pressure Drones and completely flip the script. On defense, the Hokies were gashed by Vanderbilt’s mobile, option-heavy style.
Off to an 0-2 start in a make-or-break year — and an embarrassing result in a make-or-break game — signs point to Pry being on the hot seat. That may be, but all Tech can do now is look to next week, and disregard the rapture that may be on the horizon.
“I’m not,” Pry said when asked if he feels pressure surrounding his job. “I tell the players to block out the noise. I learned that a long time ago. It’s not my first time in situations like this. The expectation was to get a win, I get that… There’s a lot of season left, and I’m still excited about what we can do.
Old Dominion comes to Lane Stadium Saturday, Sept. 13 at 7:00 p.m. ET.
GRADING THE HOKIES AGAINST VANDERBILT
Andrew Migliozzi | Sports Staff Writer
The Hokies’ backfield averaged 3.7 yards-per-carry.
Offense
Quarterbacks: C-
Kyron Drones looked terrific on the first drive, leading Virginia Tech to a lengthy 15-play, 64-yard drive that ended in a field goal. He completed 17 of his 29 pass attempts for 134 yards, zero interceptions, and ran OK on the ground for 37 yards and a score. After a solid first half, the offense seemed to stall, showing flawed play calling from offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery. The concern for Drones remains his inaccuracy; through two games, he has completed just 50% of his attempted passes.
Running Backs: D
This group as a whole ran just OK on Saturday night. As a team, the Hokies rushed for 114 yards and scored once on the ground — via the aforementioned Drones run. Redshirt junior Marcellous Hawkins led the unit with 28 yards on nine carries, but the Hokies’ rushing attack lacked explosiveness for the second consecutive game.
Redshirt sophomore Jeremiah Coney had a couple of nice runs for 25 yards, but, overall, Vanderbilt’s defensive line halted Tech’s rushing attack, which disappeared nearly entirely as the second half progressed. With the Commodores controlling the line of scrimmage for the majority of the game, Tech’s backs could not provide any balance or relieve pressure on Drones. The absence of a usually depended on rushing presence meant the Hokies were forced to throw down the stretch, a weakness of which Vanderbilt took full advantage.
Receivers/Tight Ends: C-
The receivers and tight ends were a mixed bag against Vanderbilt. Ten different players caught passes, showing that Drones can spread the ball around which is a positive one can say. Junior Tucker Holloway led all Hokies in receiving with two catches for 43 yards. Senior Donavan Greene notched a lone catch for 22 yards.
Overall, the Hokies’ receivers played
average. Junior tight end Benji Gosnell chipped in with a few short receptions, but none of the pass-catchers could consistently create separation from defenders or provide a reliable outlet for Drones when the pressure continued to mount. In the second half, the production almost fully vanished, leaving the Hokies with no explosive threat at all.
Offensive Line: C+
The offensive line was able to open a few holes for the running game and allowed Drones decent time to make the necessary throws he needed to make. He was able to burst open on one play for a 27-yard rush. One particular concern was that Drones was sacked three times and took some big hits on passing plays. Vanderbilt’s defensive front controlled the trenches in the second half, and Tech’s line had no response. The Hokies’ inability to sustain blocks or dictate the tempo was a key factor in the offensive collapse.
Defense
Defensive Line: D+
The defensive line seemed to struggle a lot more on Saturday than it did last week against South Carolina. The Hokies finished with zero sacks and struggled against Vanderbilt’s rushing attack. The Commodores tallied 262 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground, while averaging 7.1 yards per carry. They consistently gave up push at the point of attack and while individual lineman occasionally had flashes with tackles for short gains, the lack of consistent penetration allowed Vanderbilt to stay ahead of the chains all night. Dualthreat quarterback Diego Pavia looked comfortable; he rushed for 61 yards on 11 carries. The line’s inability to generate pressure also meant that Pavia had a lot of time to operate in the pocket, further stretching Tech’s defense.
Linebackers: D
The Hokies’ linebackers were active but overwhelmed. They had numerous missed tackles, an issue dating back to
on September 7th, 2025, in Blacksburg,
the South Carolina game. Junior Michael Short led all defensive players with 11 tackles and junior Caleb Woodson had nine — the only bright spots for the struggling linebacker corps. Vanderbilt was able to create many gaps allowing for some explosive runs.
In coverage, the unit also struggled to contain Vanderbilt’s backs and tight ends on short routes contributing to sustained drives. Vanderbilt ended up going 5-for-7 on third downs and totaled 23 first downs.
Defensive Backs: C-
The secondary was tested a lot less than the front seven were, though it still allowed 228 yards in the air. Sophomore Quentin Reddish provided the lone bright spot with an interception in the first quarter, but, outside of that play, Virginia Tech’s backs allowed Vanderbilt to toy with them. Brycen Coleman notched a 54-yard touchdown grab and Tre Richardson grabbed a pass with one
hand for a touchdown. Tackling in the open field was very spotty, leading to a lot of extra yards after catches and runs. While they torched through the air, the defensive backs failed to provide any momentum-shifting plays that would have aided the front seven.
RILEY THOMPSON / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones (1) prepares to collide with Vanderbilt
Virginia.
BE PROACTIVE: GET YOUR FLU SHOT BEFORE FLU SEASON
Jenna Mason | Opinions Editor
Getting your flu shot is important for the protection of yourself and others during flu season.
Fast forward to mid-January — you’re lying in bed with nausea, a fever and the chills. You’re missing your first few classes of the spring semester due to being bedridden because your friends gave you the flu. You think back to late September and wonder how this would have ended differently if only you had been more proactive. Well, you’re in luck, because now is the prime time to hurry over to your closest pharmacy to schedule your 2025-2026 influenza vaccine, commonly referred to as a flu shot.
What actually is the flu? The flu is “a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.” Common symptoms include a fever, chills, muscle or body aches and a runny or stuffy nose. It’s highly contagious and overall not a fun experience for anyone.
The flu has been going around since the 1918 influenza pandemic, the “mother of
all pandemics.” Since then, vaccines were developed in the 1930s, and it is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to get one each year. That being said, there are still plenty of people who don’t get the protection they need. According to the CDC, the United States has had between 9 million and 41 million cases of influenza illnesses each year from 2010 to 2024.
Why should you get your flu shot? The obvious answer would be to prevent you from getting the flu; although, it’s also to prevent you from spreading it to people you live with.
As a college student, you’re constantly on the move: classes, dorms, apartment complexes, jobs and going home for holidays are all part of your agenda. During the flu season, every time you leave your house is one more opportunity for you or someone else to be infected with influenza.
Flu season in the U.S. usually ranges from October to May, with December through February having higher cases. Due to this, it’s important to time when you get your flu shot for maximum protection. Getting the flu shot too early can result in not being fully protected the entire flu season. Studies have shown that the effectiveness of the vaccine can wane over time, estimating a decline of 8-9 percent each month after being vaccinated. Furthermore, people over the age of 65 have shown a higher percentage of decline per month.
On the other hand, waiting too long to get your flu shot allows for a higher risk during peak months of flu season. This is especially due to the fact that the flu vaccine can take up to two weeks to go into effect and build immunity. Timing is an important part of getting your flu shot, but it’s never too late to get protection; however, the longer you wait,
the higher your chances of getting influenza are.
Just remember, when you think about where you want your health to be in the upcoming spring semester, make sure to think about the potential of getting the flu. Think about those 5-7 days of being basically incapable of doing anything, causing you to miss classes and coursework and putting you behind. Think about how you’d rather feel one second of pain from a needle than a week’s worth of endless suffering of flu symptoms. Think about getting your flu shot before the flu gets you.
@COLLEGIATETIMES
SABRINA CARPENTER AND THE CORONATION OF A NEW ERA
Mohib Amjad | Assistant Opinions Editor
Sabrina Carpenter brings a new sense of self to her “Man’s Best Friend” album.
Biting back with boldness and disco flair, on Aug. 29, Sabrina Carpenter dropped her seventh studio album, “Man’s Best Friend.” Released almost a year after her breakthrough, chart-breaking album “Short n’ Sweet,” she has cemented her status in pop-music royalty. Laced with her iconic social commentary and cheeky innuendos, this album may signal that Carpenter’s future is one full of glitter, introspection and symbolic provocation.
Carpenter started working on “Man’s Best Friend” right after she wrapped up “Short n’ Sweet.” Describing the recording process as “slow and steady,” she channeled the creative energy that came with her breakout success, taking inspiration from other artists such as Dolly Parton, ABBA and Donna Summer. This approach ensured the songs weren’t rushed and had their own unique identity. Carpenter viewed herself as evolving and trying new things while improving her old style. She channeled emotions like loss, emotional turbulence and exploring identity, while blending humor, honesty and hooks — the perfect balance of levity and sincerity.
This album is interesting because the pop
element shines through very brightly, but the mix of disco-pop, synth-rock and R&B makes it much more diverse. This is something that the producers of this album, Jack Antonoff and John Ryan, show their artistic prowess through. From live instrumentals to orchestral swell, making sure that it remains authentically a Sabrina Carpenter album by letting her personality shine through proves how much of a powerhouse this duo is.
Critics praised the ambitiousness by stating that this album is a “stunning craft.” We can experience Carpenter’s sonic evolution as the songs range from dance floor bangers to slow, high-emotion, tongue-in-cheek ballads; hence, Times of India described this album as “a party for heartbreak.” Variety claimed that this album, “one of the year’s best pop records, and almost certainly the funniest,” was an ode to how the producers ensured that Carpenter’s character would shine through.
The album also showed a side of Carpenter where she uses humor as an artistic anchor. One example is the lead single, “Manchild,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. On the surface, it implies a somewhat
immature critique of partners. The lyrics and delivery transform a mediocre diss track into something that is truly, and refreshingly, fun. “My Man on Willpower” as well as “Sugar Talking” take modern romance to heated levels of absurdity, then “Tears” and “House Tour” dive into hypersensitive themes but don’t lose the straggling emotion.
The track “Man’s Best Friend” retains the sharp lyricism, storytelling savvy and emotional candor that fans have come to expect from Carpenter; they are also exposed to an upgrade in style. Carpenter seems to be leaning deeper into her pop theatrics from the quirky self-assuredness of “Espresso” in 2024 to the new album’s disco polish and playful retro, which gave a flamboyant edge.
Both “Short n’ Sweet” and “Man’s Best Friend” tracks serve as the foundations of popular singles, but the latter carries a heavier, more textured influence of irony and wit.
Though the album edges around politics and recession music, it does connect to an overall feeling of societal exhaustion and political chaos. Carpenter’s “Manchild” was an outlier because of its unfiltered emotion
and pop polish, which was why it was touted as the highlight of Spotify’s “least danceable and lowest-energy summer” in 2025. In that regard, the album provides a self-reflective escape. It is a piece of music that soothes listeners during a period of uncertainty.
The release of Carpenter’s “Man’s Best Friend” contains hilarious yet bold tracks that are fun yet sophisticated. The album balances heart and humor while experimentation and accessibility seamlessly mesh. Carpenter chooses to offer joy, emotional honesty and her unique humor in a time when uncertainty defines everything.
The focus, however, is on her ability to redefine a pop star in 2025: someone who shifts the conversation around the hits. If her breakthrough was “Short n’ Sweet,” then her coronation is “Man’s Best Friend.” Its profound effects and bold sound, in addition to her captivating and bold career, make this album a great start.