Dan Dakich expressed disappointment over recent developments in college football, particularly around Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders, and Travis Hunter at Colorado. The team, after a promising start, saw a decline with a 3-9 record and a five-game losing streak. Concerns regarding Deion Sanders’ health have also emerged, contributing to the uncertainty surrounding Colorado’s football program.
In contrast, Virginia Tech’s football team under new coach James Franklin had a strong season start, decisively defeating VMI with a 73-3 victory. The win was celebrated enthusiastically in Blacksburg, marking a stress-free day for the team.
Despite the overwhelming victory, Franklin took issue with a penalty called on the team. Running back Marcellous Hawkins Jr. was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct following his third touchdown, due to celebrating with Virginia Tech’s Corps of Cadets by high-fiving them. Franklin questioned the fairness of the penalty, suggesting the rule against such actions seemed at odds with allowing interaction with military cadets.
“We got a penalty for high-fiving one of our members of the core,” Franklin said. “Not a huge fan. I don’t know why we can’t high-five somebody in the military; it seems somewhat un-American to me.”
The penalty was related to NCAA Rule 9-2, which restricts various celebratory actions intended to draw attention, including holding onto the football post-scoring. The rule mandates players immediately return the ball to officials. Hawkins’ interaction and retention of the ball led to the penalty.
Despite the penalty, Virginia Tech’s impressive performance was evident in their 619 offensive yards, compared to VMI’s mere 83.
Virginia Tech’s notable Corps of Cadets has a long history, established in 1872, and the school is one of the few public universities that maintain an active cadet corps alongside a civilian student life.
Looking ahead, the situation in college football, particularly at Colorado, remains unclear, yet teams like Virginia Tech are making significant strides on the field.