Bitter: 10 Things I Think I Think So Far About Hokies Preseason Camp

Andy Bitter

Senior Staff Writer

August 19, 2026 70

Ethan Grunkemeyer is the presumed starting quarterback for Virginia Tech this year. (Jon Fleming)

Many years ago, Sports Illustrated NFL writer Peter King perfected the weekly notes column.

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2026 Preseason Football 10 Things I Think

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70 Comments

GO_HOKIES_GO August 23, 2026 at 12:38 AM

One would think that the way the NFL is using multiple TE’s and getting very creative with both formations and routes that trend would trickle down to the college game, but I will believe it when I see it with the Hokies. You must be getting old if you are concerned about the crowds at Target due to the return of students in a college town….
11hokie August 22, 2026 at 6:25 AM

Andy, fantastic article. One of your best so keep it going! Saved this for my early Saturday morning read before the family wakes up. I suggest maybe dividing the season into quarters and providing us additional articles just like this as the season moves along. Really good work my friend.
1. 11hokie August 22, 2026 at 6:29 AM
  
  Oh and please, for the love of everything holy, let’s get Under Armour in here!!
HokieSapp August 20, 2026 at 8:15 PM

Yes, I was always liked Peter King’s articles and I love it in Hokie form. Also, I rewatched the Wire a couple of years ago and thought it still held up also.
middletennhokie August 20, 2026 at 5:26 PM

Fall is approaching, Andy is writing, football is around the corner. All's right with the world.
DrMaroon August 20, 2026 at 12:21 PM

Probably pretty clear by now, but this is a great format. Please keep it going (if legal doesn't get a phone call.....)
Matthew-Shaughnessy August 20, 2026 at 11:28 AM

Andy, great column. I just joined as a subscriber this week because of you plugging this column on the pod. I used to read all your Roanoke Times stuff before they tried to steal your twitter. You excel in the vibe-style articles – like your five thoughts articles you (used to?) do. So, I wanted to ask: what's the vibe around the schemes? Do you get the sense that the coordinators will be able to implement the scheme they want to implement and see success with it in year 1? Enough deets on the Jimmy's and Joe's, now tell me about the X's and O's.
1. Will Stewart August 20, 2026 at 3:51 PM
  
  Oh, Andy still does Five Thoughts .... :) https://techsideline.com/tag/five-thoughts
HokieEngineer22 August 20, 2026 at 11:12 AM

Just pass along I also like the format
HokieRob August 20, 2026 at 8:45 AM

Looked at Nike's stocks lately? It's not the same company it was back in the day. Name is great...but doesn't have the wham it once had.
1. 3TechFanz August 20, 2026 at 9:30 AM
  
  I'd love UnderArmor, but they are lower budget I believe now too. Bubble has popped.
3TechFanz August 20, 2026 at 8:29 AM

The Wire is top-3 HBO series for me, slightly behind Sopranos and ahead of Band of Brothers. Even the quirky season 2 at the docks is a good season. Awesome writing and storytelling in every second.
FCGOBBLER August 20, 2026 at 7:38 AM

"Target is probably like Fallujah right now" is one of the funniest sentences I've ever read on TSL.
namibiahoke August 20, 2026 at 3:49 AM

Matt Damon could have used Chambers arms!
jeffryedvm August 20, 2026 at 2:09 AM

Great column Andy! I've been through The Wire at least 5 times. My advice to those who have yet to watch it is to put down your phone and pay attention. I still pick up on details that I missed before...
watermanmr August 20, 2026 at 12:16 AM

Love it (like the Cal article)… like reading Mike Royko again.. never leave Andy!
Hokiefan73 August 19, 2026 at 10:33 PM

Awesome article Andy keep those coming please! Go, Hokies!🏈🏈
extremehokie August 19, 2026 at 9:21 PM

Was in Target today with my freshman son. It was as bad as you imagined.
BrewThruHokie August 19, 2026 at 8:57 PM

Great article this should be a regular thing
1. bruceacook August 23, 2026 at 4:23 AM
  
  Definitely!!! Love this format. 🏈
George Baylor August 19, 2026 at 8:25 PM

Andy well done. Agree with your assessment of the LBs & S's as the weakness of the "D". However, wonder how good our "new" DC will do, he doesn't have the stars he had a Penn St. VMI game is a disgrace, it is not VPI/VMI of my era, VT63.
Riverguy August 19, 2026 at 8:22 PM

The Wire was really good. Breaking Bad was even better (especially if joined w/ Better Call Saul).
1. VT4FR August 23, 2026 at 10:20 AM
  
  👍👍
Cheesehokie August 19, 2026 at 7:35 PM

Good piece, Andy! I'll start by saying now that you're watching The Wire, you need to buy a nail gun 😂 As for the Hokies, football games are mostly won in the trenches, and at QB. The OL needs a lot of work and the DL looks good on paper. No one's found the dental records yet from last year's burnt-up DB's. Hopefully QB play will be significantly improved but a relative lack of mobility at that position is concerning. And so is the schedule. Keep up the good work!
Satkins August 19, 2026 at 7:16 PM

If u like something with a western flare I highly recommend “The Son”. Loved it. I’m gonna check out The Wire.
mdriver August 19, 2026 at 6:38 PM

Andy, thanks so much for your usual incredible artcle on what is going on in VT football- can't tell you how much I appreciate your amazing insights. But I do have to let you know that your prediction of a 7-5 season will be wrong. We will definitely beat either Pitt or Cal or both of them. I'm putting my money on 8-4. Still scratching my head as to why we are playing VMI- like you said that is so 1980's. And being from Harrisonburg originally, I'm still sad that we chickened out on the JMU game which would have at least given us a chance to reassert VT being #1 in the Commonwealth. Plus I wouldn't have to listen to all my JMU buddies' crap about us cancelling the game.
804Hokie August 19, 2026 at 6:37 PM

Love, love, love this. I remember King's "I thinks" and enjoyed them as well. The Wire has always been my top show, Sopranos #2, then BB. I've only watched each the one time. I'm going to rewatch The Wire now after reading this. I'm going to read Sepinwall as I go as well. Thanks.
GonzoBonzo August 19, 2026 at 6:29 PM

Not meant personally but John Prine might reply "I don't think that you know that I think you don't know" (from Humidity Built the Snoman, Sunshine tore him down)
1. spudman August 19, 2026 at 7:29 PM
  
  Love it
VX-23 Hokie August 19, 2026 at 6:15 PM

OK - Gonna watch The Wire for the first time. Great column format - keep it coming!
OIG Hokie August 19, 2026 at 4:50 PM

I watched The Wire for the first time just this year. Loved it. I still think Breaking Bad wins out, but it’s close.
Jarhead274 August 19, 2026 at 4:48 PM

Great piece Andy. I've been a Hokie fan since the Miles Stadium days with Frank Mosley. My daughter is starting her freshman year at ODU. This should be an interesting year at our house.
1. Repugnance4wvu August 19, 2026 at 8:44 PM
  
  Miles Stadium! Very Cool! I bet you have a lot of great memories.
2. mcannaday August 19, 2026 at 8:51 PM
  
  Math looks off. I am 66 and I played in Lane at least 12-15 years after Miles Stadium. My dad played in early 50’s. My daughter is 39 and I started late having kids.
3. jfhokie August 20, 2026 at 8:17 AM
  
  Wow if you remember Miles Stadium and have a daughter that will be freshman at OSU you did some serious work in your 50's
VT Ken August 19, 2026 at 4:48 PM

Keep 'em coming!!
grg August 19, 2026 at 4:38 PM

Great show. Wife can't tolerate the language. True of lots of shows now, of course.
chagerma August 19, 2026 at 4:26 PM

As much as I wish I had time to watch an hour long show with any kind of consistency, I may just try to start. The only show I've rewatched is Entourage.
HokieJB August 19, 2026 at 4:02 PM

Andy, you are the gift that keeps on giving. So readable, and informative. May you be long among us.
jeff4vt August 19, 2026 at 4:01 PM

I like it - make it a permanent article!
Jobushokie August 19, 2026 at 3:45 PM

How can I “Like” this article? Does me typing “Like” count?
hokie0611 August 19, 2026 at 3:42 PM

Love the format. Peter King's column was a must read on Monday afternoons once upon a time. I imagine the newsroom stuff in season 5 of The Wire must resonate with you
1. Andy Bitter August 19, 2026 at 3:47 PM
  
  I liked it. I know some people didn’t. Scott Templeton is the worst.
  1. theposey August 19, 2026 at 4:49 PM
    
    So interesting to me that the actor who played templeton produced the movie “Spotlight” which was about the Boston globe breaking the Catholics church scandals
    1. Andy Bitter August 19, 2026 at 6:22 PM
      
      Scott Templeton won an Oscar for best screenplay!
PFHokie August 19, 2026 at 3:42 PM

You lack the Peter King pompousness. Wow, I'm surprised that's a word.
1. Andy Bitter August 19, 2026 at 3:46 PM
  
  I had no coffee takes, either
HokieR August 19, 2026 at 3:34 PM

I'm with you re: The Wire. Incredible acting. First gig for some real talent. Sadly Michael K Williams is gone. Heck, even one of my favorite musicians, Steve Earle, had a bit part.
NY Hokie1 August 19, 2026 at 3:26 PM

Great format Andy - please keep it in the rotation!
1. gemrooty August 19, 2026 at 3:29 PM
  
  +1
FijiVT August 19, 2026 at 3:22 PM

Love the format and I always read King. His obsession on TV was the Sopranos. That too, for the most part, still holds up today too.
1. Andy Bitter August 19, 2026 at 3:48 PM
  
  I rank The Sopranos second. Breaking Bad third.
  1. FijiVT August 19, 2026 at 4:22 PM
    
    Got no argument out of me on those. They always land in the Top 3.
ColoVT82 August 19, 2026 at 3:20 PM

I think I like the harken back format! Re: the Love situation on the ST watch lists - thats a crime. Who's going to be the eraser?!
hokie_311 August 19, 2026 at 3:10 PM

The Wire is objectively the best show ever.
1. hokies1579 August 19, 2026 at 3:30 PM
  
  1,00000%
HokieByWater August 19, 2026 at 3:08 PM

Ok, you convinced me. I'll check out The Wire. Biggest question is whether my wife will like it. We're both in our 50's. I enjoyed the new format!
1. Andy Bitter August 19, 2026 at 3:50 PM
  
  I recommend reading Alan Sepinwall’s recaps as you go. He has a spoiler free version. The show just kind of throws you into it without any hand holding like other TV shows. Sepinwall’s analysis helps you keep some characters straight
FaceMask August 19, 2026 at 3:07 PM

Coincidentally - just started watching The Wire for the first time, finished up S1 E4 last night
1. Andy Bitter August 19, 2026 at 3:50 PM
  
  Then you’ve seen the kitchen scene where they just use one word.
  1. FaceMask August 19, 2026 at 3:52 PM
    
    great scene
J2KHokie August 19, 2026 at 3:05 PM

Enjoyed this! Yes-make it a staple!!
WestyHokie August 19, 2026 at 3:00 PM

I miss Peter King, but bring back this format and the pain will fade. Good stuff. BTW, Chambers and the D are rocking the best VT uni combo in that pic. Ban the orange!
VTVOICE August 19, 2026 at 2:57 PM

Very interesting. I wish the optimism were higher than 7-5, but why they play the games? :-)
HokieDelNorte August 19, 2026 at 2:56 PM

The format is great when you have great info. That worked today. Congrats!
wsmallwood2005 August 19, 2026 at 2:49 PM

Good stuff here, Andy! I enjoyed this format, and I totally agree with you about The Wire!
rpotts12 August 19, 2026 at 2:37 PM

Great format, Andy. Can't go wrong emulating Peter King. That was a lot of information. Nice job, once again.
TomTurkey August 19, 2026 at 2:32 PM

Enjoy and appreciate whatever format you use.
OakHillHokie August 19, 2026 at 2:20 PM

The Wire never disappoints.
1. gemrooty August 19, 2026 at 3:28 PM
  
  The Wire is at the top of my "stream the great stuff I missed" shows. Just finished season one. Excellent.

Bitter: 10 Things I Think I Think So Far About Hokies Preseason Camp

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