Know The Enemy 2025: Virginia Tech Football
In Hoke vs. Woke we find kinship in a beleaguered fanbase across the country
On this week’s Know The Enemy we speak with Billy Ray Mitchell of the Sons of Saturday podcast. Maybe it’s anecdotal, but Tech fans have proven to be a lot of fun and good sports. I’ve enjoyed this week with the Hokies, and wish their fans all the best after Friday’s business is handled.
1. How are the vibes post-coach in Blacksburg?
To be honest, after the NCST game (which was a rather surprising W), it has been a relief knowing that much needed change is coming to the program, while also tuning in or driving down on the weekends to watch (as we always will). I think most fans have shifted their hopes and excitement to the basketball court, which we all are hoping will have a special season. Speaking for myself, given the roster currently, the difficulty of the rest of the schedule (especially NOV) and the situation — any win at this point the rest of the season is a bonus.
2. What are your expectations for the rest of the season? Is the interim someone the fanbase would accept as the next HC?
Zero complaints about the interim. He was handed a terrible hand. Has been here for just over 8 months and has an absolute skeleton crew. Again, at this point — any W is a welcomed, but realistically a bonus.
3. Defensive player to watch on Friday?
Ben Bell - really solid player who also is reckless and can make some pretty infuriating decisions
Caleb Woodson - Really talented linebacker. Will be at or around the football every single play.
4. Offensive player to watch on Friday?
WR Ayden Greene. Has been a bright spot this year where offensively there haven’t really been any. Can make acrobatic catches but often is doing so out of bounds. Honorable mentions are WR Terion Stewart who has been hurt, and TE Benji Gosnell who doesn’t get featured nearly enough.
5. How do you see this game going?
You all are hard to predict, because it’s boom or bust with the bears. You’ll look like world beaters for a quarter or two and just completely shut it down after that. You’ll beat a really solid Minnesota team and then get smashed by SDSU. I predicted VT 20-17, but if you go up 14+ at any point, I am not sure we can recover from that. It is an offensive struggle for us and a pretty difficult watch tbh.
6. What does Cal need to do to win this thing?
Play football competently for 4 quarters. Harness the energy of Lane Stadium out of the gate and take the crowd out of it as the game goes along. If Tech is in a position to win this game at the end, the crowd will be a huge factor in deciding the game ESPECIALLY with a young QB like Sagapolutele
7. Whom would you most like to punch in the face?
Not sure I have an answer. But. On the subject, watching our team this year at times has felt like getting punched in the face.
8. If you had to pick any song for the Hokies to take the field to that isn’t Enter Sandman, what would it be?
Interesting question. There is no correct answer to this. My only thoughts on the matter is one that Hokie fans have been saying for years. The program and brand has to become more than just an entrance and a song. That is what it has become and serves as right now. Some have even called for the entrance to be tabled. I think that is extreme, but running out with all that energy, juice, and epic-ness to get railroaded by not just Duke, Vandy, and Wake…. But also ODU?! It has to stop. One day it will.
Wanted to thank you reaching out and allowing us to be a part of this article! Experiencing the Calgorithm in all its glory has been truly awesome. You all have been a great add to a conference that needed some fan bases with juice. Great stuff. Hope you kick UVA in the teeth next week!
Some spots to eat and drink if you’re in Blacksburg today:
Bars: Tots - get a rail, Sharkeys - Long Island ice tea * add sprite * , Hokie house - orange or maroon effect
Donuts: Carroll Lee
Dinner and drinks: Bull and Bones
Breakfast: Bo jangles
Get into stadium plenty early for pre game.
For more VT flavor, here is a preview pod from Billy Ray and the guys for tonight’s game:
I liked the Billy Ray pod. Go Calgorithm. Gotta get home and watch the game. Go Bears!