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VT Football vs. ODU – Game 1 Tonight – What To Look For

By Rick Alder

Sep 25, 2021; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Braxton Burmeister (3) throws a pass against the Richmond Spiders during the first quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ryan Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Braxton Burmeister (3) throws a pass against the Richmond Spiders during the first quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ryan Hunt-USA TODAY Sports /
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WHAT: Virginia Tech Hokies Football vs. Old Dominion Monarchs

WHEN: Tonight – Friday, September 2, 2022

WHERE: Tech begins their 2022 football season on the road in Norfolk, VA at S.B. Ballard Stadium

TV: ESPNU @7:00 p.m.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: The first game of the Brent Pry era is tonight, as the Hokies take on the ODU Monarchs in Norfolk.  This will be the fourth game between these two teams in the last few years since ODU became an FBS program.  In the previous three games, Tech has gone 2-1, but the 2018 loss in Norfolk still stings after several years, as well as being looked at as the beginning of the end for the Justin Fuente era.  The Hokies are looking to start the season strong, but the Monarchs will be a tough test to start the Pry era.

For Old Dominion, beginning their own new era in the Sun Belt Conference, the offense will be a strong point as the team returns 10 starters from last year’s squad.  Eyes will be on returning quarterback Blake Wolff, a big and experienced player who will lead the offense, along with wide receivers Ali Jennings and Jordan Bly (son of former NFL player Dre Bly and current assistant at North Carolina).  The Hokies may have the toughest time with tight end Zach Kuntz, a 6’8″ transfer from Penn State who is a likely NFL draft pick.

For the Hokies, there are many questions that will start to be answered tonight. Quarterback Grant Wells is on board to lead the offense, and hopes to give the Hokies stability at a position that has had much turnover in the last 4-5 years.  However, it is not yet clear what kind of offense will be run by new offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen.  Will Wells be allowed to sling the ball downfield? Will Tech go back to the power run game highlighted on the successful teams of the Beamer years? How will a new offensive line fare against the Monarchs defense, and will the line begin to show the ability to come together and gel in Game 1? The Hokies’ secondary should be a strong point on defense, lead by Chamarri Conner,  but questions remain on that side of the ball as well.

Hokie Nation is excited to have football back, and to welcome Coach Pry to the Virginia Tech family.  ODU will be a strong test, and could be a strong win to kick off the 2022 season if the Hokies can pull out a victory.  Answers to the above questions will start to come in tonight, as the speculation ends and a new era in Virginia Tech football begins.

Come back tomorrow as we break down the good, the bad, and the ugly of Game 1.  Go Hokies!