October 26, 2021

collegiatetimes.com

October 26, 2021

An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903

C O L L E G I AT E LIVING

In 2020, we broke records and over 4.4 million Virginians voted.

LET’S MAKE HISTORY AGAIN IN 2021.

Go to IWillVote.com/VA to make a plan to vote early or on November 2.

PAGE 2 October 26, 2021

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editor@collegiatetimes.com

In 2020, we broke records and over 4.4 million Virginians voted.

LET’S MAKE HISTORY AGAIN IN 2021.

Go to IWillVote.com/VA to make a plan to vote early or on November 2.

News

editor@collegiatetimes.com

October 26, 2021 PAGE 3

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How Hokies can get involved with voting at Virginia Tech A multitude of university- and student-led organizations have been working to increase student voter turnout.

KAVYA SUNDARAPANDIAN news writer

Although the voting registration deadline has passed for the upcoming general election, the push for civic engagement in this election and future elections has not stopped on Virginia Tech’s campus.

V T Engage: T he Center for Leadership and Service Learning (VT Engage) has been one of the leading organizations aiming to increase voter participation rates among young adults in an effort to educate and involve students in their civic responsibilities.

Jes Davis, the assistant director for leadership and civic engagement at VT Engage,

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explained the civic engagement strides that VT Engage has taken to help increase participation rates. The Hokies Vote Caucus has been one of the many steps taken this year to promote civic participation.

“Our students really are working on developing their own civic leadership skills and how they are also using that programming around other students to help them get involved too,” Davis said.

In addition to the Hokies Vote Caucus, there have been several voter registration tables set up around campus where Hokies can easily and quickly register online to vote by absentee ballot or in-person voting.

Early voting began on Oct. 23. Students in the New River Valley district can cast their ballot for an early vote in the Blacksburg Community Center or in the Montgomery County Building in Christiansburg.

The regular voting date is Nov. 2. The Squires Student Center Ballroom will serve as a polling station from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for in-person student voters registered in Blacksburg.

There are many other resources for students to turn to when handling voting and registration. The Virginia continued on page 4

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PAGE 4 October 26, 2021 continued from page 3

Tu r nout P roje ct a nd Col lege Republicans at Virginia Tech are two additional organizations on campus

collegiatetimes.com that help students get involved with their civic responsibilities.

Even if the voting registration period has ended, there are still many ways to become involved with civic engagement

on campus or in the community. The Virginia Department of Elections keeps updated information on the candidates, voting dates, times and locations that can help keep Hokies

Opinions

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up-to-date on the latest voting news and information. @CollegiateTimes

Bilingualism opens the door to other cultures

B

Knowing more than one language teaches people to better understand different cultures and individuals.

ilingualism, the ability to speak more than one language, is a trait shared by between 60% and 75% of all people in the world.

In the United States, however, this number is far fewer, with only around 20% of Americans knowing a foreign language, according to the Center for Immigration studies. There are a multitude of benefits to speaking at

least one foreign language, and more students should take advantage of the language classes offered at Virginia Tech.

The benefits of learning a second language are profound. Bilingualism is associated with better brain health; for example, Alzheimer’s patients who were able to speak more than one language showed symptom onset

ANISHA KOHLI / COLLEGIATE TIMES There are numeous benefits to being bilingual, Oct. 24, 2021.

up to five years later than their monolingual counterparts, as said by Ellen Bialystok, whose comment is published on BBC’s website. According to a trial conducted by Jennifer Steele, reported in an article by NPR, children who studied foreign languages at school repor ted higher English reading comprehension.

Finally — and arguably most importantly — learning a second language requires immersing yourself in the culture where that language developed, giving you greater insight into how others live and work. This is a sentiment shared byRichard Shryock, Ph.D., an associate professor of French.

“When you’re studying a foreign language, you’re not only learning a language; you’re also learning about another culture, and you’re learning to go across cultures,” Shryock said.

“So many of the skills that you learn in learning one language are transferable to other instances, other situations where you’re encountering someone from a different culture,” Shryock said. “So that’s something that’s very helpful. (It) also is particularly useful in the United States, because so many people are monolingual here, and are not as familiar with other cultures. Foreign language is one way to open up the door to other cultures, and when you open up the door to other countries, (you) open up the door to seeing the world differently.”

We live in a globalized world.

More and more companies are doing business globally. Millions of products

and services cross national borders.

Learning a second language can be a valuable job market skill.

“If students want to be more competitive, they really, really need to learn other languages,” Shryock said. “You take students from any other country and they’re learning two or three, four languages as part of their studies, and also they start earlier and they go to a higher level of proficiency than what we do here in many cases — unless you major in a language or perhaps minor.

So — to be you — no matter where you work, you’re dealing with things on a global level through the internet, let alone through travel and so forth for Americans to be competitive on a business level.”

Studying a foreign language is a small act that can make a massive difference in your life. By doing so, you will be opening yourself up to new countries and cultures, as well as millions of people who you never would have been able to communicate with. You will also make yourself more competitive in the future. Virginia Tech students are fortunate to have a department that teaches 12 different languages and offers degree programs in five. More students should take advantage of this opportunity for the betterment of themselves and the world around them.

MARCUS LEWIS • senior • national security & foreign affairs, international studies

Lifestyles

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October 26, 2021 PAGE 5

The Virginia Tech Housing Fair: Your guide to the perfect home The Off-Campus Housing Fair on Oct. 26 will highlight opportunities for students to get started with moving off campus.

EMILY BURCH lifestyles contributor

Adulting doesn’t always have to be stressful. While it is important to research housing options on your own, you don’t have to do it alone. If you are on the hunt for a new place to live next year, the housing fair is a wonderful resource to take advantage of.

The Off-Campus Housing Fair serves as a guide to help the search for a new home seem less daunting and to support students during their search for the perfect home.

“The housing fair is a great resource for students in their own housing research,” said Sammy Schroen, an international relations major and student employee for the Virginia Tech Off-Campus Housing Office. “We always encourage students to do their own housing research and use us as a supplementary source for help. In that same way, students are taking the initiative to come to the housing fair and talk to all these different housing vendors in one place rather than only being able to gather information from housing vendors over the phone, email or having to drive to their leasing offices.”

A big advantage that students will have from attending the Housing Fair is that they will be able to obtain housing information from multiple different leasing companies and get all their questions answered in one place.

There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when searching for a new home, and as this is a new experience for many students, it is important that they know what questions to ask while talking to different leasing offices at the Housing Fair. Schroen suggests first asking about the type of leasing of the home and whether the price listed is per bedroom (individually leased) or per unit. If it is priced per unit, roommates will have to split the rent, but if it is priced per bedroom, each roommate is responsible for their own rent.

Schroen also suggests asking if utilities, like water and electric bills, are included in the rent, and if there are any other additional fees from factors like pet fees.

For students new to living off-campus, transportation is another important factor that should not be overlooked.

Schroen recommends that students ask vendors about bike parking, if there are nearby bus stops and if there are parking fees or parking passes that residents need to purchase.

Additionally, Schroen advises students to take their time throughout the navigation process for new off-campus housing.

“Don’t feel pressured to sign a lease,” Schroen said. “Take your time to have the essentials figured out, such as budget, utilities, amenities and transportation, so you are able to find the place that best fits your needs.”

Live with up to 7 roommates in our 5 bedroom!

BENJAMIN JUDELSON / COLLEGIATE TIMES The leasing office at The Edge apartment complex, Sept. 21, 2018.

Finding the perfect place may take some time, and that’s OK. There are a lot of elements to take into consideration when looking for a new home.

“Write your essentials down and compare those things to a pros and cons list of different apartments you are interested in,” Schroen said.

Writing a pros and cons list will give you something to look back on after the housing fair to help you evaluate your best options and find the best fit for your needs.

The Virginia Tech Housing Fair serves as a valuable resource for students planning on living off campus. Rather than spending hours making phone calls,

sending lengthy emails and making the trek to different housing companies on your own, you can get all your questions answered right away in person at a convenient location on campus. The Housing Fair this semester will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 26, in the Squires Commonwealth Ballroom.

Be sure to check out Virginia Tech’s Off-Campus Housing in the Blacksburg & Surrounding Area and Off-Campus Housing FAQs for Families sites as additional helpful resources.

@CollegiateTimes

PAGE 6 October 26, 2021

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Off-campus living: What to expect and how to prepare

Moving off campus is a big and exciting step for students.

Here are a few tips and ideas to help you launch into your offcampus lifestyle.

ANNE DEEGAN lifestyles contributor

Moving off campus is a big and exciting step for students; however, it comes with new responsibilities and sometimes daunting tasks. Don’t let that stop you from taking action! Here are a few tips and ideas to help you launch into your off-campus lifestyle.

ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES The Chasewood Downs apartment complex, Sept. 26, 2019.

While searching & signing: Prioritize your values. How far are you willing to be from campus? How many roommates do you want to have?

Do you value new amenities or maybe your own bathroom? Have a flexible list of priorities, not requirements.

Find a good balance, and don’t expect a perfect fit.

Stay organized. Frequently communicate with management and the leasing office, as they won’t always give explicit instructions. Stay up to date with forms and signatures and always ask questions when you’re feeling uncertain. It’s important to be proactive and diligent.

Get your numbers straight. Many apartments add on extra, hidden fees such as Wi-Fi and utilities. The number you see on the website may not be entirely inclusive. Call and ask!

™

Check it out. If you can, take the bus, walk or drive to potential apartments.

It’s nice to get a feel for the location, even if you don’t take an official tour.

You don’t want to be surprised about anything on move-in day.

Act fast. The student housing market is competitive. As soon as you make a decision on a lease and roommates (or lack thereof), act on it. However, there is no need to stress. As long as you make steady progress, you’re on the

right track.

Before moving in: Talk to your roommates. Whether you know them or not, reach out and connect with your roommates. Before move-in, you’ll want to establish who brings what and have an understanding of each other’s living habits.

Bring what you can from home.

Living off campus means you’ll need to bring and buy significantly more things. W hether it be fur niture, kitchen supplies, living room decor or household essentials, gather what you already have before breaking the bank.

Set a budget. Unlike on-campus living, you will have extra expenses such as groceries, utilities and gas (if you bring a car). Be sure to factor in and prepare for these variable costs when planning your semester.

Meal plan? Parking pass? Even if you cook, a meal plan or purchasing semesterly dining dollars can be a lifesaver for long days on campus. Also, Blacksburg Transit is reliable and convenient, and commuter parking lots are scarce and far from academic buildings. Therefore, a campus parking pass is not necessary but is sometimes useful. Assess your lifestyle, academic schedule and priorities to decide.

Get excited. Living off campus is fun, different and exciting. This new responsibility brings so many opportunities and unfamiliar adventures. You have lots to look forward to!

@CollegiateTimes

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October 26, 2021 PAGE 7

Thyme is money: Fast and affordable offcamous meals

Want to cook affordable meals off campus? Check out these recipes to satisfy your craving for a home-cooked meal.

ANASTASIA EL-BOGDADI lifestyles contributor

“Your only limit is your soul. What I say is true — anyone can cook,” said Chef Gusteau in “Ratatouille.”

What Chef Gusteau says is indeed true — anyone can cook. While Virginia Tech offers a wide variety of options for students living on campus, those who live off campus may find it easier to cook their own food on days they don’t come to campus or if their dining plan account balance is starting to look a tad concerning. Not only are these meals super easy to make, but they’re also affordable. Ingredients can be prepped ahead of time, and meals can be frozen and stored for multiple days. It’s time to put on your chef’s hat with these four options: Pasta Bolognese I have to say, while I try not to show any bias when it comes to cooking, this one definitely hits home. Bolognese is a favorite in my family. In a large family with lots of kids, bolognese is easy to prepare, and it provides lots of leftovers. My family’s recipe is unmatched and a bit of a secret, but I guess I can make an exception this time. Want to impress your friends with your Italian skills? This Bolognese recipe is perfect (or, should I say, delizioso).

Beatrice’s Bolognese Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of olive oil 1 pound of any pasta (suggested: linguine or angel hair) 2 cloves of garlic (crushed) 1 16 ounce can of crushed tomatoes Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (optional) 1.5 pounds of ground beef 1 onion (chopped finely) Instructions: In a medium-sized pan on medium-high heat, add olive oil and garlic. Continue to stir until the garlic becomes a golden-brown color. Turn down the heat if you notice that

the garlic is cooking too fast; you don’t want to burn it. When the garlic turns golden-brown, add onions and continue cooking and mixing consistently. Add ground beef and, using a spatula, separate the larger chunks of ground beef while it browns.

Add salt and pepper. Cover for 30 seconds at a time, then continue folding it until the ground beef has completely browned. Add in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes and stir the mixture. Cover on low heat and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and is warm to the touch. Taste and adjust if needed. Turn off the heat and cover until mealtime. Boil your pasta, and simply reheat the bolognese when ready. Top with parmesan and enjoy!

BLT The BLT is one of my favorite types of sandwich. Not only are BLTs delicious, but they’re super fast to make and perfect for an on-the-go meal.

Sometimes when I’m in a rush, I’ll make a BLT and wrap it in foil — perfect for later! You can get as creative as you’d like with your BLT (sometimes I like adding avocado to mine), and because the ingredients are inexpensive, you can spend a little more on the bread, depending on what you favor.

Here are the ingredients you need: Ingredients: 2 slices of white bread (any) 1 beefsteak tomato (season with salt and pepper to taste) Iceberg lettuce 1 tablespoon of mayo 2 slices of bacon (buy it precooked to save time) Chicken Noodle Soup Whether you’re looking for an excellent meal when it gets bitterly cold or something to get you through the Hokie plague, chicken noodle soup is perfect. This soup recipe can actually be put in the freezer in an airtight container, and when you’re craving it next, all you have to do is turn a pot on medium-high and thaw the soup. Here’s my go-to chicken noodle soup recipe from Food Folks And Fun. Sidenote: The provided list of ingredients has been modified.

Ingredients: 32 ounces of chicken stock 1 shredded rotisserie chicken 3 cups of noodles (suggested: butter noodles or even rice) 3 celery stalks (chopped) 1 large carrot (diced) 1 yellow onion (finely diced) Salt and pepper Lemon juice 1/4 cup of chopped parsley 2 bay leaves Instructions: In a large pot on medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil, finely diced onions, and chopped celery. Allow onions and celery to cook, mixing consistently for about five minutes.

Add chicken stock, carrots, chicken, noodles, salt and pepper, lemon juice, parsley leaves, and bay leaves. Cover and leave on medium heat, allowing the mixture to cook for 25 minutes.

Noodles should be soft when the soup is ready. Taste and adjust as needed.

In a small bowl, crack eggs, add a splash of half-and-half (or milk), and add salt and pepper. Whisk until combined. Spray a pan on medium-high with cooking spray, and add desired vegetables (and meats if applicable). Be sure to cook onions first. Stir until they’ve browned a bit, then add spinach.

Continue mixing vegetables until they’ve sauteed and turn the heat to low. Add egg mixture over vegetables; be sure the mixture covers the entire pan. Cover until the top of the egg is cooked. Add cheese and fold one side of the egg to the other side. Cover again for 20 seconds (or until the cheese is melted). Turn heat off and omelette is ready for serving.

These meals are great ways to ensure that you’re saving money while enjoying a home-cooked meal off campus. Many of the recipes use the same ingredients, meaning you might only have to go to the grocery store once for the entire week for a variety of meals. It’s time to say goodbye to cereal three times a day and hello to home-cooked meals.

Omelettes Craving a hearty breakfast to fill you up for the day, but feeling unsure of your cooking skills? Omelettes are perfect. Ingredients are inexpensive, and if you’re on the go, food prep and cooking take less than 10 minutes.

You can add basically anything to your omelette, giving you a variety of options, whether you’re looking for a good breakfast option or even a quick dinner. I’d highly suggest using a spinach, onion and bacon combo.

Ingredients: 2 eggs Cooking spray, butter or oil (whatever you have on hand) A splash of half-and-half or milk (my secret ingredient to making the omelettes fluffy) 1/4 cup of diced onions 1/4 cup of spinach Any cheese (suggested: cheddar or a three-cheese blend) 1 slice of bacon chopped finely (optional) Instructions:

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Sports

PAGE 8 October 26, 2021

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WOMEN’S SOCCER VS. BOSTON COLLEGE The Hokies hang on to their ACC Tournament chances in their final home match.

RIDGE WILSON sports staff writer

Emma Pelkowski scored from the right corner in the 21st minute, which proved to be the difference for Virginia Tech in a 1–0 victory over Boston College (7–9–1, 1–8–0 ACC) on Sunday afternoon.

COURTESY OF HOKIE SPORTS

The Hokies reached 10 wins and stayed within striking distance for the ACC Tournament by beating the slumping Eagles in its regular season home finale. The top six teams in the conference qualify for postseason play. Clemson, who already beat Virginia Tech (1–-5–2, 4–3–2 ACC) this season, occupies the sixth and final spot heading into the last week of the regular season.

The Hokies struggled early to generate pressure on offense, as the Eagles played with great energy defensively to start the game. Ultimately, the Hokies outshot the Eagles 15–11, and goalie Alia Skinner saved all six shots on goal from Boston College to preserve a much-needed win.

The Hokies will hit the road on Thursday, Oct. 28 to play Syracuse in its final regular season game.Virginia Tech will need to win and have both Clemson and North Carolina lose to qualify for the ACC Tournament beginning Oct. 31.

@CTSportsTalk

LAST-MINUTE LOSS TO SYRACUSE SENDS HOKIES DEEPER INTO A HOLE Hokies’ season in turmoil after third-straight loss.

CLAIRE CASTAGNO sports editor

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Another game, another loss for the Hokies. However, this one came in a heartbreaking fashion, not a blowout. Syracuse defeated Tech at home 41–36 in the last 24 seconds of the game, thanks to a 45-yard touchdown pass from Orange quarterback Garrett Shrader to receiver Damien Alford to put Syracuse up late.

“That’s a tough way to lose a ballgame.

I hurt for our players, just because of the effort, the exertion they put out there today,”

said head coach Justin Fuente.

There are some upsides to this loss, though. True freshman running back Malachi Thomas had a breakout game with three rushing touchdowns and 153 rushing yards. The Hokies also totaled a season-best in rushing yards with 260 yards. Although it was a high-scoring game, the defense came up with big plays, but could not stop the Orange when it mattered most.

From the very start, it was clear that Virginia Tech’s game plan had not changed.

The first drive was very rush-centered, aside from the 22-yard reception from quarterback

editor@collegiatetimes.com RECAP / page 8

Braxton Burmeister to tight end Drake DeIuliis for his first career touchdown.

Syracuse ran a similar offense, and Orange star running back Sean Tucker was on display with a big 20-yard run and a 28-yard touchdown run to tie the score. After the first two drives, it was clear that it would be a long game of defense and rush attacks.

On Tech’s next drive, a 30-yard catch from Burmeister to Tayvion Robinson where he was initially ruled down made all the difference. Burmeister ran the ball on the next snap to put the Hokies on the 4-yard line, and Thomas covered the rest to put Virginia Tech up 14–7 a minute into the second quarter. The score marked Thomas’ first career touchdown.

For a good portion of the second quarter, neither team could get much going on offense. Neither coaching staff deployed many pass attempts, and defense started to tighten up on both sides.

That is, until just under two minutes left in the first half. Syracuse gained 98 yards on its drive to score a touchdown, but the PAT was blocked Beamer Ball-style, and Dorian Strong ran all the way to the house for two points.

To start the next drive, Raheem Blackshear rushed 38 yards for his longest of the season, but John Parker Romo had to kick a 48-yard field goal to end the drive with a score. Virginia Tech’s red zone defense showed its strength at the end of the half and Syracuse settled for a 19-yard field goal that kicker Andre Szmyt missed. Earlier this season, Szmyt became the Orange’s career leader in field goals made. The Hokies were up 19–13 with a promising first half performance on both sides of the ball.

collegiatetimes.com Syracuse regained the lead early in the fourth quarter after a 3-yard quarterback keeper from Shrader on a drive that took six minutes. However, Thomas continued to show out in his breakout game and rushed 45 yards to put the Hokies on Syracuse’s 20-yard line. Being down one, red zone opportunities could not go unscored for Tech. Romo put the Hokies up two with a field goal.

After a strong defensive position from the Hokies, Thomas was back at it. He broke away for a 47-yard touchdown run to make the score 36–27 with 5:36 left in the game, giving Tech a bit of breathing room.

However, Syracuse answered quickly with a touchdown from Courtney Jackson, and it was a two-point game again with 2:28 to go.

The Orange had a shot at it with a minute to go, and while the defense seemed strong for a good portion of the drive, it let the 45-yard touchdown pass through and the game was over. Virginia Tech tried for the Hail Mary but was unsuccessful. “[Shrader] made an incredible throw, got hit right when he threw it and dropped it right in there,” Fuente said.

With the loss, Virginia Tech falls to 3–3 and 1–2 in the ACC. The Hokies have another shot at victory in Atlanta, Georgia, on Oct. 30 against Georgia Tech (3–3, 2–2).

Kickoff is at noon.

“I have no doubt in my mind that we’re going to bounce back next week,” Thomas said.

BRIAN SIPPLE / COLLEGIATE TIMES

TUESDAY HOROSCOPES TAURUS, OCT. 26

Shrader made some big plays for the Orange coming out of the half, including a 21-yard touchdown run. Szmyt made the PAT to put the Orange up 20–19 early in the second half. Burmeister began to open up his passing game in the second half, but he was not the most accurate and the Orange had solid coverage. Shrader started to get passhappy as well, but did not find much success either.

With 9:14 left in the third quarter, Robinson returned a punt to give the Hokies excellent field position, and a 26-yard gain from Tré Turner put the Hokies in the red zone. Thomas scored his second touchdown of the game to put the Hokies up 26–20, a dangerous position to be in.

October 26, 2021 PAGE 9

Everyone will understand your costume this Halloweekend. Even if it is very strange, you should still wear it. Embrace your inner Rocky Horror. As Mercury is no longer in retrograde, this month will do wonders for your GPA. Your pumpkin will not be smashed this weekend.

CAPRICORN, OCT. 26

You will find materials for a last minute Halloween costume and it will look very hot. Body paint is your friend. No black cats will cross your path — if they do, make sure to pet them otherwise you will have severe conflicts with your roommates.

Editor’s note: These horoscopes were written with satirical intent @CTSportsTalk

PAGE 10 October 26, 2021

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GRADING THE HOKIES: VIRGINIA TECH VS. SYRACUSE Hokies’ offense and defense receive some unflattering grades following their last-minute loss against the Orange last Saturday.

ANANYA KANUPARTHY AND THOMAS BRAY sports staff writers

Offense Quarterbacks: C The Hokies suffered an avoidable loss of 41–36 against the Syracuse Orange following a devastating setback to the Pittsburgh Panthers the previous week.

Braxton Burmeister passed for only 177 yards, coming in at significantly less yardage than the Syracuse quarterback’s 236. While Burmeister did not play at his worst, he was

unable to secure more points with a fourth quarter touchdown that could have put the Hokies in a place for a set victory. \Burmeister played well enough to keep Virginia Tech in the lead up until the very end of the afternoon home game and was unable to follow through with a win after sustaining the advantage for so long.

Running Backs: A The running backs were the star of the show this Saturday, with Malachi Thomas and Raheem Blackshear shining with 151 and 78 rushing yards respectively. Thomas was able to score three touchdowns, helping

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to put the Hokies in the lead until the last minute of the fourth quarter. The offensive line created blockades against the Orange defense and holes for them to weave through, allowing Thomas and Blackshear to be the real MVPs of the game.

Wide Receivers & Tight Ends: C Tré Turner, who usually explodes on the turf, was not in a situation with many opportunities this game. The junior running back only had 12 receiving and 19 rushing yards, a stark contrast from numbers like 102 receiving yards and one touchdown from the matchup against the Richmond Spiders.

Tayvion Robinson, the sophomore Hokie wide receiver, was in the same situation this game, but he served as the leading receiver with 57 yards in Lane. Robinson did not score a touchdown, but his yards on field were close to what he normally puts up.

Offensive Line: BThis week, the offensive line was able to block the Syracuse defense better and provide openings for Burmeister to pass and running backs to rush through the line of scrimmage. However, when it came to ensuring that the Orange would not score, the offensive line was unable to stop them, ultimately leading to the third home loss in a

row for the Hokies and a losing record of 3–4 for the season.

Defense Defensive Line: D For the second week in a row, the Hokies’ front four was dominated. Apart from the fact that it failed to record a sack, the defensive line also played a pivotal role in surrendering an unacceptable 314 rushing yards. Ultimately, games are won at the line of scrimmage.

Linebackers: DComing into this game, Dax Hollifield and the crew knew that they were going to have to limit star running back Sean Tucker.

Not only did they fail to do that, they also allowed Syracuse quarterback Garrett Shrader to pick up 174 yards on the ground.

When a defense allows 7 yards per rush, it’s almost impossible to secure a win.

Defensive Backs: CAlthough Virginia Tech’s defensive performance was subpar, the secondary still remained somewhat unruffled. Although they gave up 236 passing yards, they still remained active, finishing with six pass breakups.

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