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December 3, 2019
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Media frenzy over vapes ignorant, blind to reality A social media scare has led some to swear against vaping, but the hysteria should be the least of users’ concerns.
A
couple of months ago, I was having a conversation in the cramped hallway of my apartment with one of my roommate’s friends. As a Juul was passed around, we discussed the frequent news stories that spoke of vaping-related illnesses. I opined that, of the problems with vaping, one is that we haven’t had the chance to observe many long-term studies on its effects, since it’s still an emerging market; we are practically the guinea pigs of this new experiment in nicotine delivery. He agreed with me, then followed up with his thought that vaping was probably more dangerous than smoking; something about cigarettes just seemed more “natural” to him. That’s when I felt something was wrong. He, like many others I know or have witnessed on Twitter, had just thrown out his personal vape device. While that didn’t stop him from hitting a Juul in our hallway later that evening, he was still convinced he had turned a new leaf and was moving into the future more health-conscious than before. Yet, still wanting to quench his craving for nicotine, he considered buying a pack of cigarettes. Recent news had spooked him and he would have rather hedged his bets with a vice we knew the effects of rather than one we didn’t, like vaping. But had media “hysteria” skewed his attitude toward thinking something posed a greater risk than it actually did? The media-fueled vaping panic hit its peak in the beginning of mid-September. Major news outlets across the board were declaring that a mysterious, vape-related lung disease was becoming an “epidemic.” At the time the news agencies started to cover the story, six people had died due to this mysterious lung disease. The number has since risen to 47 and counting. What exactly is leading to
these deaths, though? Around the time of the first reports in September, findings pointed toward the chemical vitamin E acetate, a thickening agent used in unregulated, black-market THC vape cartridges. Since then, the CDC has confirmed it as the culprit. Despite there being reports as early as Sept. 6 blaming the chemical agent for the numerous deaths, major outlets still continued to generalize the problem in headlines to all vaping devices. Brittany Shaughnessy, a first-year graduate student in the communications program focusing on media effects in politics, spoke to why she thinks this is. “I think they were framing it in a way that was going to continue the news cycle, ‘vaping,’” Shaughnessy said. “I think they were framing it in a way where people would keep paying attention to the stories as they came out. I think they were purposely framing it in a very broad sort of manner so that when they reveal a development, whether it’s new or not, they’re going to get the ratings; they’re going to get the views; they’re going to get everything they need.” In a media landscape thirsting for clicks, news agencies are also likely to broaden an appeal to fear to encapsulate a larger audience. Shaughnessy also shared communication theories that helped explain the recent coverage. “What Agenda-Setting Theory states is that the media sets an agenda to shape public perception, so by covering these vaping crises and covering them the way that they are, the media companies are sending the message that this is the most important issue facing college students or those who vape, that it could cause potential death … I think it’s agenda-setting at work,” Shaughnessy said.
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It is important to understand the current frenzy we are in presently and to inoculate ourselves against the half-truths and aspects that don’t completely align with reality. Our judgements might be shaded the wrong way if we blindly accept appeals to fear. Harkening back to my anecdote at the beginning of this piece, the person I was in conversation with was under the impression that cigarettes might actually be less harmful than vaping. The CDC still holds the stance that e-cigarettes are less harmful than cigarettes in lieu of widespread concern. Taking on the perception that cigarettes “just seem more natural,” the CDC also reminds us that cigarettes are composed of a cocktail of over 7,000 chemicals, including the likes of arsenic, which is commonly used in pesticides or rat poison, whereas vapes are believed to contain far less chemicals. The panic surrounding vaping created an endless stream of headlines, but concerns seem to have mostly been misplaced. Sure, the death toll related to vaping continues to rise, but the evidence points to the fact that all of those cases pertain to THC vape cartridges sold on the black market, not necessarily nicotine devices –– THC cartridges are what warrant concern.
THC vape cartridges are typically filled with a thick liquid marijuana extract resembling honey called distillate. Although these cartridges are said to contain pure distillate extract, if they are not regulated in legal markets or they are sold on the black market there is effectively no way to tell what is actually in the liquid unless they are brought to a lab. Often, sellers on the black market would add vitamin E acetate to thicken or dilute the extract within the cartridges. Users are taking risks ingesting unregulated products that contain mystery substances, and are losing big. Although the cartridges appeal to many because of their accessibility and lack of smell, making them a hot commodity among dorm residents, using them is ultimately tempting fate. And if you are someone who lives on campus and uses these products just for a convenient way to ingest marijuana, it’s simple; stop.
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Holden Hall undergoing major transformations The engineering building will nearly triple in size after renovations, which Virginia Tech expects to complete by 2021. BEN WALLS news staff writer
Holden Hall, which houses both Virginia Tech’s Mining and Minerals Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering programs, will nearly triple in size to transform the current building into a centerpiece for learning and research for both departments in the College of Engineering. Construction began at the beginning of the 2019–2020 academic year. The renovations will transform Holden Hall from a 41,000-gross-square-foot (GSF) space into 102,000-GSF building. According to Assistant Vice President of University Relations Mike Owczarski, the construction will replace a “very antiquated, very outdated (and) very small” teaching facility into a facility that is larger, more modern and much more relevant to teaching and research today. In addition, the culmination of Holden’s latest developments will better serve the students and researchers on the Blacksburg campus in the 21st century mining industry, he said. “Holden was built in 1940, so a lot of the technology, the space, the things that you’re teaching and the things you’re conducting research on have changed tremendously,” Owczarski said. “The renovation of Holden Hall will really, significantly improve the teaching and research that goes on in those two departments.” When the renovations are complete in 2021, the single-story on the east wing will be upgraded to a three-story wing, and entire north wing will be demolished to make room for a four-story addition. New labs and computational spaces will be inside these future-developed wings, and classrooms supplied with the latest technology, like A/V capabilities, transmission electron microscopes for observing natural resources and internet connection for combining with other projects all over the world. One of Holden’s features for all students within the College of Engineering will be the addition of the two-story Center for Autonomous Mining and Robotics, where researchers can engage with the discussion
ALEX NAGELI / COLLEGIATE TIMES Holden Hall undergoing renovations, Dec. 1, 2019.
on health and the mining industry. Moreover, students will be able to immerse themselves in an artificial mine and learn from materials supplied by various limestone quarries and autonomous machines that are developed by students in electrical and mechanical engineering. Once automated machines collect materials from the ground and refined, researchers and students will have the opportunity to analyze the samples at the atomic level using the latest technology available. Furthermore, the collaboration between different disciplines taught in the College of Engineering, like electrical engineering, mining and minerals engineering and computer science to solve a common problem will integrate the Beyond Boundaries initiative to have Virginia Tech students learn in more than one area of study. “Today, mining is done very differently with robotics,” Owczarski said. “Students need to learn that, and they need that hands-on experience –– the environment of a mine, and the use of robotics can be done in a safe place right here on campus to give students and teachers a resource that will be relevant for the industry today.” Virginia Tech will continue to have each campus building that is being renovated have a minimum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, which verifies that buildings are environmentally-friendly and energy-saving, which further ensure that these are cost-effective buildings. “(LEED certification is important) as we move forward as a campus and as a community to be sustainable,” Owczarski said. “We have to take care of our
environment as we grow and as we build new facilities. We need to conserve energy; it saves us money and it’s good for the environment.” Going hand-in-hand with the new construction on campus and Beyond
Boundaries, the renovations of Holden and its new features will contribute to the university’s academic mission to become a top 100 global university. “At the end of the project, it is going to be a great resource for our students and for our faculty,” Owczarski said. “It’s the long-term gain we’re really striving for (and) it will be well worth the wait to have a world-class facility that will benefit our students and our faculty.”
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Young Democrats and College Republicans at Virginia Tech respond to recent Virginia elections
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Members of these student organizations offer insight on if this election could affect current policies and future elections. ALLEN MURFEE news staff writer
Recent Virginia elections resulted in Democrats controlling majorities in both the House and Senate for the first time since 1994, creating a blue “trifecta” in Virginia government. The College Republicans (CR) and Young Democrats (YD) at Virginia Tech have differing opinions on the outcome, both with ideas and next steps for their respective parties. “This is a very monumental and crucial moment for us just because it’s the first time in 26 years that we have this trifecta,” said Rebecca Trinh, a senior studying political science and president of YD. “These policies and ideas that we’ve been imagining and thinking of can actually become law, which is also very exciting and something we’re looking forward to.” Trinh mentioned policy efforts Democrats are likely to push with full control of the state’s legislature, such as gun control reform, a minimum wage increase, Mountain Valley Pipeline opposition and Equal Rights Amendment ratification. She highlighted gun reform as one of the most important hot-button
issues Democrats need to address, mentioning the May 31 Virginia Beach shooting. While Trinh believes the 2019 Virginia election could be indicative of the upcoming 2020 presidential and congressional elections, A.J. Vail, a junior studying political science and the first vice chairman of CR, disagrees. “I think there’s a lot of middle-ground people that aren’t necessarily voting for him (Trump), but against whatever Democrat wins the primary,” Vail said. “I think, in order to appeal to their broader base, the Democratic leadership has been on a big push to the left. I think they’re, to a degree at least, leaving behind those who lean Democrat or those who are loosely Democrat, which I think is a big swath of the population that has been voting Democrat for years and years and years. They’re not quite ready for someone like Elizabeth Warren who has pushed too far left for them.” With control of the Virginia Legislature, Democrats now have the numbers to push a redistricting process more beneficial for their party, although a 16-person bipartisan redistricting commission has
already been proposed. Trinh acknowledged that some Democrats want their representatives to be partisan with the redistricting process but said a bipartisan agreement is more likely to pass. “I personally think it’s probably going to become more of a bipartisan commission because we do have a majority, but we don’t have a supermajority,” Trinh said. “I feel like the best solution that will probably pass is either a nonpartisan or bipartisan commission to redraw and gerrymander and redistrict.” Vail said a few populous areas in Virginia carry a lot of weight in terms of representation and that he saw Democratic input in congressional district redrawing as a potential issue. Seven of 11 Virginian members of the House of Representatives are Democrats, and Vail said redistricting could increase that number. The flipping of both Houses also increases the chance of Virginia becoming the 38th and final state needed to ratify the ERA. Vail said he worked for former Sen. Glen Sturtevant, a co-sponsor for the ERA, and learned why some Republicans do not support it. “The reason a lot of Republicans are
against it has nothing to with the content,” Vail said. “They’re not against equal rights, obviously –– they’re in support of that.” He explained that people in states where the ERA has been ratified have used it as a foundation to increase abortion availability. “That’s why, in some states, Republicans are against it –– because of that sort of precedent that some people have been able to use the ERA to open up abortion in ways that it hasn’t been opened up yet in Virginia,” Vail said. Both Vail and Trinh encourage voter participation, as voters ultimately prove or disprove the claim that recent Virginia elections are representative of the upcoming 2020 election results.
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PAGE 5 December 3, 2019
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The unofficial Virginia Tech bucket list: Things to try next semester Finished the 1872 bucket list and are still trying to make the most out of your time at Tech? There’s a new list in town. KYLE BASSET lifestyles staff writer
Every college has its own unique list of must-do activities before students graduate. While Virginia Tech does have an official bucket list, there are a number of activities that could do the list a bit more justice. Sure, there are unofficial lists out there that mention the many ways to make your time here at Tech as exciting as possible, but most are outdated and lacking what makes these existing classes unique. Here are some ideas on what every Hokie should accomplish before they graduate. Go on a scooter race Odds are you’ve taken a ride on one of the electric rental scooters on campus. Sure they’re great for when you’re running late to a class and need to make it to that lecture hall across campus quickly, but
have you ever thought about taking it up a notch? Grab some friends, get some goofy helmets and have a nice (safe) race against each other. Shoot your shot in a discussion board assignment Yes, you have to be respectful in the chat and keep things professional when responding to classmates in a Canvas discussion board assignment, but have you ever thought about asking that one person with the great citations and the witty insights out for coffee? Respond politely, and see where things take you. Go Slusher shopping In need of a formal date? Can’t find someone to go with you to your date party? Go to Slusher Tower, start on the first floor and go door-to-door asking potentials to go with you. Meet and greet with each and every student who waited too long to fill
out their housing application and ended up getting stuck in everyone’s favorite “Tower of Terror.” Made it to the top of the tower and you’re still dateless? It’s a sign to go solo, my friend. Get everyone at D2 dining hall to start clapping for no reason Pretend you just got accepted into law school. Tell everyone you won the lottery. Whatever it may be, find a way to make a scene by getting everyone in D2 to stop whatever they’re doing and start clapping for no real reason. Make an appropriate scene in front of all the Sunday brunch couples by having you and your friends get the whole dining hall clapping up a storm and taking the room volume up a notch. Graduate with style You’ve made it to the final stretch of college, but are you truly ready to enter the real world? Do you have what it takes
to “Ut Prosim” your way into adulthood? The world may never know, but regardless, make the best of your time here at Tech with those you care about. Good grades, good plans and good times are all that really matters. All other bucket list official or unofficial check-offs aside, walking across that graduation stage wearing maroon and orange in pride is the ultimate to-do.
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Have a slice day: New restaraunt Slice Queen may get a ‘pizza’ your heart Replacing Yassimo, a new pizza joint founded by Angelo Carlone brings flavor to Blacksburg with unique pizza choices. ALAYA BURRILL lifestyles staff writer
One thing Hokies can bond over is our collective love of pizza. From global chains such as Domino’s and Papa John’s to college favorite Benny’s, pizza is definitely a highly sought out food for Virginia Tech students. Yassimmo, an authentic Italian restaurant and pizzeria, permanently closed this year, and to fill the space on South Main Street, a new pizza joint called Slice Queen has arrived. Slice Queen had its grand opening Oct. 14, 2019 and has quickly developed a four-star rating on Yelp. Hunter Withrow, general manager of Slice Queen, met Angelo Carlone, the owner and operator of Slice Queen, four years ago when Carlone was running Angelo’s Pizza in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Carlone changed Rocky
Mount’s pizza culture with his creative pizza flavor menu and ultimately left a mark after leaving Angelo’s Pizza. He then wished to branch out and open an independent restaurant with the concept of a donut shop except it’s Detroit-style deep dish pizza. When a location in Blacksburg opened up, Carlone jumped at the opportunity to immerse himself in a college town where students would be more open and accepting of his unique pizza flavors. The menu at Slice Queen consists of over 10 pizza flavors with compelling names such as Sup Dude, Veggie Voodoo, Dorm Gourm and I’m in Love with the Cocoa. You will not be disappointed by the range of different ingredients on each pizza such as maple syrup, cookie batter, waffles, cranberry glaze and marshmallows. Pizza is not the only thing you will find on the menu; the comically named appetizers, “Munchies,” complete
the menu with wings, mozzarella sticks and subs. “I never thought I would like syrup on a pizza but after trying the Foreign Exchange slice I am now convinced that you can do just about everything with pizza,” said senior computer science major Cristhian Benitez. With dough and sauce made from scratch, cheese from reputable sources and other fresh ingredients, Slice Queen wants customers to know that it is a serious business when it comes to pizza. Not only does Slice Queen want to attract consumers through its pizza but also through the design of its restaurant. When you first walk in there are several community tables, television screens playing Soul Train and paint to decorate a plate or a piece of paper to hang up on the walls. Withrow describes the vibe in the restaurant as very welcoming that emphasizes great hospitality and inclusivity
where everyone can feel like they’re at home. Slice Queen has many marketing investments in the works. One they are the most excited about is the opening of a pizza school on Sundays starting in January, where individuals, couples and friends can learn how to make pizza the authentic way.
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‘Tis the season: The best local shops to start your holiday shopping Need gifts for a fashionista, stocking stuffers for that special someone or presents for the biggest fan in Hokie Nation? We’ve got you covered. Check out these Blacksburg shops to help with your gift-giving grievances. BREANNA KNOTTS lifestyles editor
December –– by this time in the semester, finals are approaching, grades are questionable and crying is casual. If school isn’t stressful enough, the transition into the new month calls for the holiday season. The usual person is happy about this time of year because holiday breaks are forthcoming and you can practically smell the sugar cookies in the oven. But in reality, holiday season means gift season, which can add boatloads of stress when you are tight on money and have extensive family and friends. Now, you might be sweating because gifts can add up and there’s only so many subpar items you can Amazon Prime. But, no need to fret; Blacksburg has cheap options
with staple gifts that can work for anyone. Located on North Main, t.r. collection, owned by fellow Hokie Tom Raub and his wife Michelle, is a local gift store that provides ideal gift-giving ideas for those interested in Blacksburg-related home decor, candles or appliances. The store has the perfect aesthetic that makes you feel at home while browsing through for friends and family. “The holidays are truly magical at t.r. collection. We pride ourselves in offering a vast selection of gift ideas for everyone at every price point,” Michelle said. “Our unique Blacksburg items are always a huge hit for the holidays and serve as sweet reminders of the area. Whether it’s the perfect ornament, a yummy candle or crazy socks, t.r. collection is truly a one-stop shop for everyone on your holiday list.” If you know a special someone who has an appreciation for clothing and art from around the world, Fringe Benefit is the perfect place to find a unique stocking stuffer. Located on North Main, the shop has been serving Hokies for 42 years.
The Blacksburg Farmers Market, April 10, 2019.
“This gift shop has really unique and affordable things. I went just to look around and I left with perfect holiday gifts for my friends and family,” said sophomore animal science major Lindsay Payne. From hand-carved soaps to glassware and designer clothing, you are sure to find a gift that instantly catches your eye. Matrix Gallery Fine Crafts advertises its American-made crafts, ranging from leatherwork to blown and cast glass, as the perfect gift with the holiday season approaching. “The selection at Matrix Gallery is so broad, and you never know what you will come out with,” said sophomore human nutrition, foods and exercise major Jaclyn Musa. The store is quaint, but busy with a number of arts that catch your eye. Here you can find works from artisans around the United States that can be a great addition to a home. If gift shops aren’t your scene, the Blacksburg Farmers Market attracts vendors selling handmade crafts, flowers,
baked goods and more that could make for a great gift. Located off the intersection of Draper Road and W. Roanoke Street, the square is busy with locals and vendors always looking to invite the public to take a look around most Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. Without breaking the bank, these options offer a range of household items and crafts that add personality to a home and complement your Christmas tree. Gifts from these places can definitely hold more meaning and sentimental value than something you could pick up from Walmart. If you are trying to wow your friends and family this season, browse the shelves diligently and remember to be patient. Gift stores like these have such a selection of distinctive items that you are bound to experience that “Aha” moment when an item screams someone you know if you make a day of it. @CollegiateTimes
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PAGE 7 December 3, 2019
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Virginia Tech secures upset over No. 3 MSU Wabissa Bede made five of his last six foul shots to edge out the Spartans and earn Mike Young his biggest win yet. CLAIRE CASTAGNO assistant sports editor
Head coach Mike Young proved to be the real deal as he coached Virginia Tech past No. 3 Michigan State in the quarterfinals of the Maui Invitational. The team kept its composure throughout the full 40 minutes and above everything, proved it is a tough bunch. After Wabissa Bede was tested at the foul line down the stretch, the Hokies came away with a 71-66 upset this program will remember. Strong shooting from behind the arc was once again the story for Tech. On the game it sunk 48% of its shots, going 10 for 21 with four Hokies contributing from the 3-point line. The Hokies played tough on both sides of the court in the first half, holding a fourpoint lead after 20 minutes of play. It was a back-and-forth half of basketball with 11 lead changes. Virginia Tech was able to get points under the basket; Michigan State guarded the 3-point line tight, knowing 3-point shooting is the Hokies’ largest weapon. All-American guard Cassius Winston picked up his second foul with just under 10 minutes left in the first half and was benched for the remainder. Freshman Rocket Watts came in for Michigan State to facilitate the offense, but he was not able to get the Spartans rolling. Turnovers proved to be a problem; Michigan State totaled 11 at the half, mostly from bad passes and traveling violations. Hunter Cattoor stood out in the paint with a notable layup off a behind-the-back pass from Isaiah Wilkins. He picked up a few more layups and two 3-pointers and continues to prove to be an asset in all areas of play. He came up with 10 points and a couple important rebounds on the game. Virginia Tech continued to bring
maximum effort in the second half. The Spartans’ offense picked up, but the Hokies hung with them. Winston was back on the floor, but didn’t put up many points. The Hokies held him to just 7, compared to 17.5 points per game he has been averaging this season. A wide open three from Nolley put Tech up 10 with 4:34 left. By one minute left to play, the Spartans cut their deficit to 1 point, thanks to some clutch perminder shooting. The Hokies had their work cut out for them. Another 3-point shot from Nolley with 48 seconds left made it a two possession game, and Michigan State started to foul. “It was a really good play that Coach drew up and I just came off the screen, executed it; it felt good,” Nolley said. Bede was sent to the foul line three times throughout the remainder of the game. He shot 5 for 6 from the stripe and closed the door on the Spartans with every made shot. Along with Cattoor, four other Hokies scored in double figures. Nolley put up 22 points, P.J. Horne had 12, Bede contributed 11 and Naheim Alleyne shot for 10. Michigan State finished with 16, mainly careless, turnovers that resulted in 20 extra points for the Hokies. Tech’s defense was sharp throughout the whole game and victory could not have been achieved without the efforts of everyone. “Great win for Virginia Tech” Young said. “But we got a lot more to look forward to.” In the semifinals, Virginia Tech will take on Dayton, who beat Georgia 80-61 earlier that day. Both teams will battle to remain undefeated. The game will tip off at 8 p.m. on Nov. 26. @CTSportsTalk
Womens basketball takes down Davidson to remain undefeated Four Hokies scored over 15 points to advance Tech to 5-0 for the fourth straight season under coach Kenny Brooks. DAVIS CARBAUGH sports editor
The Virginia Tech women’s basketball team defeated the Davidson Wildcats 88-68 at Cassell Coliseum on Sunday to improve to 5-0 on the season. The 20-point victory marks the fourth straight season that head coach Kenny Brooks has led the Hokies to a 5-0 start to the season. Four Hokies scored over 15 points in the impressive offensive showing against the now 4-2 Wildcats. Sophomore Dara Mabrey led Virginia Tech with 18 points while gathering six rebounds. As a unit, the Hokies shot 50.7 percent from the field and hit four of their 10 three-point attempts. Both Davidson and Virginia Tech got off to a fast start, with a combined 43 points scored in the first quarter and 91 points scored in the first half. Davidson held an early 6-4 lead as both teams traded buckets early, but the Wildcats never led past that point. The Hokies jumped out to a 27-16 first quarter advantage, with Mabrey scoring 10 of those points. The Hokies struggled to stop Sarah Donovan, who scored eight points for Davidson in the first quarter and finished the game with 25. While the Wildcats kept up the pace a bit better in the second quarter, the Hokies scored 27 points again to take a 54-37 advantage into halftime. Aisha Sheppard and Elizabeth Kitley stepped up in the second quarter and headed to the lockers at halftime with double-digit scoring; Sheppard and Kitley both finished the game with 17 points. The tempo slowed down significantly in the second half, with the Hokies putting up 15 points in the third quarter and 19 in
the fourth. With that being said, Tech held Davidson to 14 points and 17 points in the game’s final two quarters. The Hokies ran away with the 88-68 margin, with the victorious outcome never being in question. Junior Trinity Baptiste was reliable on offense in the second half and she finished the game with 17 points. While the Hokies were dominant on offense, the Wildcats outrebounded them 45-43; Tech allowed 20 offensive rebounds in Sunday’s matchup. This will hopefully be an area that the Hokies improve upon as the season progresses. The Virginia Tech backcourt was impressive today, as it has been all season long. Mabrey and Sheppard have scored in double figures in all five games to start the season. Their stellar play at the guard position is a strength of the Hokies moving forward. Up next for the Hokies is the Daytona Beach Invitational: Tech travels to the Sunshine State for m at chup s aga i n st Belmont and Georgia. The Hok ies face Belmont on Nov. 29 at 1:15 p.m., while the matchup with Georgia the next day is also at 1:15 p.m. Belmont and Georgia are both 3-2 this season.
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PAGE 8 December 3, 2019
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Virginia Tech loses heartbreaker against UVA, gives up Commonwealth Cup after 15-win streak The Hokies took on the Cavaliers in Charlottesville in a back-and-forth battle for a spot in the ACC Championship game and a chance to go to Miami for the Orange Bowl. ROBBY FLETCHER sports editor
It’s a loss that’ll be ingrained in the memories of the Hokie faithful for a long, long time. After the 39-30 stunner that saw Virginia (9-3, 6-2 ACC) put an end to Virginia Tech’s (8-4, 5-3 ACC) streak of 15 consecutive wins against them, head coach Justin Fuente, along with most of the players at the podium, were practically speechless. “Our kids will remember this one, I think,” said defensive coordinator Bud Foster. “I talked to them about a rivalry; it’s when two teams win, not just one.” The team’s speechless nature is understandable when looking at what was on the line in this game. It wasn’t just a rivalry game for the sake of bragging rights, it was also the deciding factor in who would not only get a shot at No. 3 Clemson in the ACC Championship, but also a chance at this year’s Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. UVA quarterback Bryce Perkins was the star of the show on the first drive, though it was more with his legs than his arm. His 70 yards rushing on the first drive alone helped convert two third downs and eventually led to UVA’s first score, a 39-yard RPO, that brought the Wahoos to a 6-0 lead after the missed PAT. Perkins would help provide the Hokies with their first score as well after he was picked off by safety Chamarri Conner on a third down that saw fellow safety Divine Deablo hit Perkins as he threw. Quarterback Hendon Hooker would drive the Hokies down from their own 44-yard line to the UVA 3-yard line where the team’s drive would ultimately stall out. Kicker Brian Johnson’s 21-yard field goal would bring the UVA lead down to 6-3 with 3:26 left in the first quarter. Perkins would respond with yet another rushing score, this time for 67 yards, on a short third down that brought UVA’s lead to 13-3 in the first quarter. Perkins would end up causing fits for coach Foster’s defense all game, eventually beating Tech as both a passer and a runner; he
finished with 311 passing yards and 164 rushing yards with his rushing total being a career high. The Hokies would be able to add three more with another short Johnson field goal, but they ultimately went into the half down 13-6 with the Wahoos looking like the better team. The Hokies managed just 149 yards of offense and failed to get much of anything going on the ground. Virginia Tech would respond to a mostly uninspired half of football from the offense with a four-play, 75-yard drive capped off by a 34-yard touchdown run from Hooker in the second half. Hooker went untouched on the RPO and gave Tech a tied ball game, 13-13. The touchdown would end up shifting the momentum completely, with UVA punting after a three-and-out headlined by an unnecessary roughness call that backed them up into a third-and-22 situation. The Hokies responded with another fantastic drive, this one an eight-play, 71-yard drive that ended in a 1-yard run by running back Deshawn McClease to put the Hokies ahead 20-13 for their first lead of the game. The rushing attack was huge, with contributions by McClease, Hooker and freshman Keshawn King. Virginia was able to respond on its next drive with a touchdown from wide receiver Billy Kemp IV for a 25-yard touchdown to even things back up, 20-20. They were able to get there from a deep ball from Perkins to wide receiver Joe Reed on a pass that went for 42 yards early in the drive. That tie wouldn’t last long, as Hooker put the Hokies back in front with a gorgeous 62-yard touchdown to Turner to make it 27-20 after the PAT. Hooker’s bomb of a throw was right on the money and sent the Hokie fans into a frenzy with 48 seconds left in the third quarter. Virginia continued to respond to Tech’s offensive success with another gametying touchdown early in the fourth quarter, this time from running back Wayne Taulapapa. With the game tied up 27-27 with 13:30 left in the fourth quarter, the Hokies responded with a 47-yard
field goal by Johnson, a career long for the kicker, with 10:58 left to play. The Hokies took advantage of good field position at their own 43 after a strong kickoff return by King. It was then that UVA really took control. After a 25-yard Brian Delaney field goal and another Hooker interception, Virginia marched down the field on yet another drive with just under five minutes to play and got another Delaney field goal, this time from 48 yards out, to take the lead. Though Tech still had all three of its timeouts and 1:23 left to match Virginia’s field goal, the offense folded under the pressure. Virginia recorded three sacks in three straight plays, one of which was a fumble recovered in the end zone by
defensive tackle Eli Hanback to make it a 39-30 score with 1:01 left. The result stood, and as the game ended, thousands of Virginia fans rushed out onto the field in celebration of one of the team’s biggest wins in school history. The loss will sting for a long time, even more because of what a win would have entailed, but players like Hooker are using this loss as a learning experience. “I’ve just got to move on, play the next play and go back to the drawing board,” Hooker said. Virginia Tech will now await the announcement of its bowl game in the coming week as Virginia goes on to play the Clemson Tigers on Dec. 7. @RFletcher_VT
ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES Rayshard Ashby (25) and Jarrod Hewitt (5) slam into UVA’s Bryce Perkins (3), Nov. 29, 2019.