There are certain programs out there who can pull of the classic look better than others regardless whether the shoulder stripes are on top, at an angle (i.e. VT's most recent attempt at incorporating shoulder stripes), or on the sleeve (i.e. Ohio State's jersey). I'm not sure VT was ever a program that could really pull off the look for one reason or another. Maybe it was the choice of school colors (assuming the combination of colors works better visually for certain ways) or VT doesn't really have a long history of incorporating matching stripe patterns on the side of the leg like you see at LSU. If VT does ever decide to incorporate shoulder stripes again, then I definitely prefer the classic look like in your picture than the modern twist. The modern twist reminds me too much of the Pittsburgh Steelers' "Batman" jersey from '66-'67 because it looks like VT is wearing a cape.