Think things are rough in Blacksburg? Try living through football season in Charlottesville.
If you’re a Virginia Tech fan, you’ve probably grown used to seasons filled with more frustration than joy over the past decade or so. But there’s always one silver lining to look forward to—Thanksgiving Weekend—when the Hokies typically come out on top.
Over the past 21 years, Virginia Tech has dominated the rivalry with Virginia, winning 19 of those matchups. The Commonwealth Cup returning to Blacksburg has almost become an annual tradition.
At the moment, both programs are in rebuilding mode under Brent Pry at Virginia Tech and Tony Elliott at Virginia. As part of its yearly tradition, Athlon Sports anonymously polls ACC coaches for thoughts on each team, and this year, several didn’t hold back in their criticism of the Cavaliers.
Some ACC football coach takes shots at Virginia and Tony Elliott
Some coaches didn’t hold back when talking about Virginia, throwing pointed criticism at a program that finished 5-6 last season and had a shot at bowl eligibility—only to fall flat in a 37-17 loss to Virginia Tech on Thanksgiving Weekend. That win was Tech’s sixth, earning them extra practice time and a bowl game berth.
“These guys are in trouble, and most everyone expects there to be a staff change at the end of the season or earlier,” one coach said.
Another added, “This is a team you never really worry about playing. They lack discipline, and they have no real identity. The parity in this league is increasing, and it will be really hard for this program to make a sharp turn up.”
Sure, Virginia Tech has its own issues. Brent Pry opened with a 3-8 season, followed by back-to-back 6-6 records. Last year’s shortcomings even led to three assistant coaches being let go. No one’s ignoring the challenges in Blacksburg—but it’s clear the outlook in Charlottesville might be even bleaker.
The quotes may be anonymous, but they’re undeniably sharp. Like Pry, Tony Elliott is heading into a critical year at the helm in Charlottesville, and if things don’t get better, those anonymous jabs might prove prophetic. That said, if Virginia turns it around, those same comments won’t age well. Interestingly, coaches had more positive things to say about Pry and the Hokies. One thing’s for sure: the next Commonwealth Cup could carry major implications for both programs.
