Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock, meeting with Virginia Tech's Board of Visitors, had a message, and boy, it was a dire message at that. It was one that should open a lot of Hokies' fans' eyes, but not be all that surprising.
Babcock's presentation, which last over an hour, certainly opened some eyes about the current state and future of Virginia Tech athletics. Babcock told the BOV that the school needs a budget of $200 million if they are going to compete in the ACC with the top programs. This year, it's at $144 million.
According to David Teel of The Virginian Pilot, Babcock said, "If we don’t radically leap forward now, we are likely sealing our own fate for years and generations to come." He also mentioned, if steps aren't taken now and they "don't radically leap forward now," they risk "falling into irrelevance."
Look, anyone who has paid attention knows what a dire situation it is right now for the Virginia Tech athletic department in terms of trying to compete, and if things don't change soon, real soon, then Babcock is correct. We'll see what happens.
Dorian Strong one of the lone bright spots for Bills
Things didn't go well for the Buffalo Bills in a 38-0 loss to the Chicago Bears, but former Virginia Tech defensive back Dorian Strong had a very good night for himself. He finished tied with Jordan Hancock with eight tackles. On the offensive side, wide receiver Stephen Gosnell had one catch for 11 yards.
Gosnell has been impressing in camp for Buffalo in terms of finding a roster spot after signing as an undrafted free agent, while Strong, picked in the fourth round of April's Draft, continues to make the case to earn more playing time for the cream of the crop in the AFC East.
Bhayshul Tuten highlights Jaguars running game against Saints
Former Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten scored his second preseason touchdown in as many games against the New Orleans Saints in their 17-17 tie. Head coach Laim Coen was happy with Tuten and the other Jags backs.
“I was pleased with the way that we're coming off the ball up front, I know it wasn't their starting defense playing,'' said Coen. "But we did move the ball the way you would expect them to against anybody's second unit, but Tank [Bigsby] and [Travis] Etienne [Jr.] both had some really nice moments. So did [Bhayshul Tuten] and LeQuint [Allen Jr.]. I thought all four of those guys actually had some really nice moments.”
Tuten continues to impress in his first NFL training camp and will be part of Jacksonville's offense, even if it's limited, this season.