What once looked like a straightforward matchup is no longer shaping up that way. A 7:00 p.m. kickoff should have set the stage for a comfortable Hokies win, but circumstances have shifted. What felt like a near-certainty now looks more like a potential one-score battle.
Thursday’s news feed on X opened at a slow pace…
Typically, Thursday mornings bring a steady stream of updates — activity notes, personnel changes, and other details as teams gear up for game day. This week, though, the flow has been noticeably thin. So far, just two official announcements have surfaced regarding preparation, and even the standard game week release is missing its usual link information.
This Weekend’s #25 on Special Teams
Thursday’s update confirmed that kickoff specialist Kyle Lowe will wear the coveted No. 25 jersey this week. Known for his steady ability to produce touchbacks, Lowe routinely pins opponents at their own 25-yard line — forcing them to drive the full 75 yards if they want to score.
Uniform Watch: Sticking With the Home Standard
For those keeping an eye on the wardrobe, the Hokies appear set to roll with their usual home look — maroon jerseys paired with white pants. The helmet choice is less certain; it could be maroon, but occasionally they’ve gone with white. We’ll have to wait until kickoff for confirmation. With the current uniform deal offering only a limited palette, it often feels like the same few colors just get shuffled around.
Hype Check: A Quieter Week
The usual Hokie buzz felt muted this time around. It’s as if a serving of humble pie slowed the momentum, leaving the hype wagon a little emptier than usual heading into this matchup.
No Cupcake Here
Maybe it’s for the best that the hype is low — this isn’t a game the Hokies can shrug off. A near-peer adversary is heading to Lane Stadium, and we have a clear sense of where this team stands in terms of health and capability right now.
Staff Predictions
Bryan Manning
Speaking of minimal hype, it’s been hard to get excited this week. For Saturday’s matchup: ODU’s quarterback is a strong athlete and their leading rusher, but he’s a less-than-stellar passer. The game plan is simple: keep him in the pocket and force him to throw. Offensively, feed the running backs; the offensive line is struggling. Who wins? The Hokies, probably, 27-17.
John Schneider
Last week, things were on track until the start of the second half, when the Hokiemobile hit a major snag. Against a surprisingly strong SEC opponent, Tech’s offensive line faltered by the third quarter, losing both starting tackles. The defensive line, which had kept Diego Pavia in check and even snagged an interception, suddenly lost its balance and penetration. Linebackers missed fills, and the defensive backs appeared almost asleep. With the O-line depleted, the offense barely moved the ball in the second half, managing only a few plays before punting.
This week, ODU arrives at Lane Stadium with an offense that remains largely unknown and a defense that could fare better against a Tech offense more equal in size and skill. ODU’s offense isn’t particularly high-powered, but Tech’s chances of winning have slipped slightly — from a 60/40 favorite to about 55/45. Oddsmakers have Tech at -6.5, with an over/under of 51.5. For a team still considered a Power Conference program, those numbers aren’t inspiring.
If the Hokies play to their potential and limit mistakes, they should win. But if last week’s post-halftime collapse continues, a loss is possible, and such a defeat could essentially derail the season. Ideally, Tech recognizes this reality, rallies, and wins the next two games to get back on track — possibly setting up a chance to salvage the season with a bowl game. Right now, a win seems likely, but it could be close.
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