Epic or *fail*

In a matter of days, the Hokie football program will be put to the biggest test of its entire existence.
Even as I write it, it sure does sound like hyperbole. But in reality, it is anything but that.

Once again , the Hokie Nation finds itself standing at the precipice. In this day and age of blue tooth and wifi hot spots, the most noticeable difference of the ever-changing landscape of college football is its ever-evolving fan base. We need to look no further for change than the recent upgrades to Lane Stadium: a mega enormous video board and new cell towers for stronger signals for internet access during games. Two things that were not overly important (or in existence) to the average fan 10 years ago, let alone, back in the ancient times of pay phones and Sony Walkmen. The biggest element of continuity of a program along with wins and losses is the program's image. Specifically, the image as perceived by its most vested constituents, current and future students. More than alumni, students are integral in perpetuating a program as a whole in contemporary culture.

Over the past 2 decades, Virginia Tech has undeniably and keenly catered to its students' needs and helped redefine what a successful college football program is all about. In seemingly countless ways, the Hokie football program has become the model for college football. The upgrades to facilities, recruiting, and every operational aspect, the program has been enormously successful and in some ways unprecedented.

So with all this success, and so much positive energy generated by this nationally recognized powerhouse of a program, why does one game matter? The answer, sad to say, is the old, what have you done for me lately? dilemma. Speaking in commodities, the product known as college football has a 2-4 year shelf life. This is not to say, that a loss this Saturday will shut down football forever. In reality, it could go essentially unnoticed- an even more alarming notion. But, a strong alumni presence does wonders, just ask Penn State fans. After all, the Hokie program has solidified itself in one of the strongest conferences in the country, along with the security blanket of an extended TV contract. However, a lopsided loss this Saturday will disenchant a student fan base now faced with a whole season of six lack luster home opponents, no Thursday night game, and the harsh realization of a national championship being an impossibility. To the average student, at 0-1, hopefully it won't, but it could be conceived as the the start the second straight 'unsuccessful' season of Hokie football (something that was simply unthinkable 2 years ago).

All this being throw out (not up) here, every single ounce of me is primordially craving a HOKIE win, but, in the realistic event of a loss, it would only be disappointing if the general perception is a lack of caring, by players, coaches, and especially, fans. Of course, I do not believe this will happen and it is hard for me to even imagine it. However, I was a student during 2-8-1, and I went to home games. It would be unfortunate if fans, especially students were ever exposed to that again. All I can say to that is: GO HOKIES! It will be nothing less than EPIC if we #BEATBAMA!, and it can ONLY be tragic if we dont play (and cheer) our hearts out! Wherever you may find yourself in the HOKIE NATION! We are HOKIES. We are Virginia Tech!

Pat Hannigan
Class of 1994