Bitter: 10 Things As Virginia Tech Finally Kicks Off The 2026 Season

Andy Bitter

Senior Staff Writer

September 01, 2026 86

Picture day is over. The season's here for Virginia Tech. (Ivan Morozov)

I think I think these 10 things as Virginia Tech finally kisses the college football offseason goodbye.

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2026 Preseason Football 10 Things I Think 2026 VT-VMI Football

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86 Comments

11hokie September 5, 2026 at 7:37 AM

Keep em coming Andy! Top 5 World War II movies or top 5 military based movies of all time. I hate the FCSBS as well but they do all do it. I would prefer much better OOC game 1 with an offseason to prepare and a ton of hype but likely not going to happen. I’m on the fence with the lights. I see it other places and often think it’s a bit campy and high school for me but people seem to like it. I’m much more interested in the new video board and music being played between plays. The hype machine in Blacksburg is usually great and I think this will upgrade the whole experience. I am looking forward to what they are going to do with Enter Sandman, BUT, don’t mess with it too much and F it all up.
BGHokie13 September 4, 2026 at 1:24 PM

You are probably getting bombarded with the “backing into a parking spot” comment more than anything. A few points: 1). If you can’t back your truck up, don’t. I am with you on that. 1.5) How many people in trucks or cars do you see who can’t PULL their vehicle in? Crossing lines or taking up multiple spots. (I am of the view people are just not as skilled at driving as they used to be.) 2.) significantly more cars have backup cameras (required now) than 360 views. Backing in is actually easier because of the camera. 3,). Safety first. In an emergency, your first move is always forward. I work for a company whose plants require you to back in for this reason. The emergency comes when you are leaving, not when you are pulling in.
TECH87 September 3, 2026 at 8:02 PM

While I usually park head in, backing out of a parking space safely, even with a backup camera, requires the driver to look in more directions at the same time than is humanly possible. No issue with anyone who backs in.
sattebf19 September 2, 2026 at 3:15 PM

Regarding scheduling: I would have preferred a ‘27 or ‘28 opener vs. Norfolk State in Lane. Keep the money in the state, and the juice of Michael Vick returning would make it more interesting than just a simple cupcake stomp.
91HokieBob September 2, 2026 at 2:50 PM

I love backing my truck into parking spots. I'll be on the lookout for you and give you a wave as you wait! ;)
Hokie2Architect September 2, 2026 at 2:46 PM

Keep em coming Andy! I like these types of opinion articles. If some people don’t then they’re free to not read ‘em. Also as someone who drives a pickup it’s way easier to back in but trust me I don’t go out of my way to do it if I can pull straight through much quicker. But if I’m in a vehicle that isn’t a truck or large van then I agree just park the dang thing and get out my way especially if you clearly have no clue how to back in. If it takes you multiple attempts to back it in then you have no business backing in. Also, top 5 Simpsons episodes or Simpsons quotes or Simpsons treehouse of horror bits…..
1. Femoyer79 September 2, 2026 at 8:17 PM
  
  Homer Simpson: "The turkey - the only animal smarter than man" has to be the top of any list.
Aero81Hokie September 2, 2026 at 1:25 PM

I absolutely love it when Andy has some saltiness in his article. I don’t know if it was a Red Bull before writing but please do it again! 😁
1. Andy Bitter September 2, 2026 at 1:52 PM
  
  Saw some kids wearing backward hats and it set me off!
  1. Satkins September 2, 2026 at 2:15 PM
    
    😂😂😂
  2. HokieR September 2, 2026 at 4:55 PM
    
    LOL
AbsolutVT03 September 2, 2026 at 12:35 PM

I knew you would catch some blowback on the backing into parking stuff but I agree with you 100%. And like you said, it is almost always someone with a massive vehicle that they almost certainly don't need and are unable to properly operate. I'd go farther and say the issue isn't backing into spots. That's merely a symptom. The issue is people driving giant trucks and SUVs that aren't made to maneuver in tightly packed parking lots with spaces designed for normal sized cars. All that to say, if you're willing to die on that hill, I'm right there with you.
1. Andy Bitter September 2, 2026 at 1:51 PM
  
  Oh, Captain! My Captain!
RustyHokie94 September 2, 2026 at 9:25 AM

I get backing in to a spot but not when the parking lot is empty. It happens all the dang time. Stop it. I hereby request the next article include a rant about airports--from security, to the pajama wearing idiots, to the cornholes who listen to their phones on speaker or face time right next to you. These subject are made for you, Andy. MADE FOR YOU.
1. Andy Bitter September 2, 2026 at 9:36 AM
  
  Oh yeah, airport complaints? Right in my wheelhouse.
  1. TurnYourselfAround September 2, 2026 at 11:08 AM
    
    Perhaps you should rank the most annoying habits in airports.
downjerseyhokie September 2, 2026 at 9:13 AM

Was backing out of a spot slowly one time, looked one way, clear, turned the other way and someone came flying down the aisle on their phone and I hit them. Police came and said he sees accidents almost every day with people backing out of parking spaces. He always pulls through or backs in. My takeaway, back up quickly so the person flying down the aisle hits you, back in, or pull through.
1. Freddyburg Hokie September 2, 2026 at 12:12 PM
  
  My wife works for a large energy utility in Virginia, which shall remain nameless. It's their policy for employees to back into parking spots, to the point where the drivers of their company vehicles get gigged if their first motion is backwards. They do this for the exact same reason: the vast majority of accidents in parking lots are from backing OUT of spaces. Show a little patience, give people time (and space) to back in.
HokieBoyz September 2, 2026 at 8:56 AM

Enjoyed the article! I disagree on the truck parking - I drive a truck and unless there's a lot of open spots, I almost always back in because it's easier to park that way. It's harder to pull into a spot because only the front wheels turn, so you don't have enough space to get the right angle. I'm doing a poor job of explaining, but if you pull into a spot with a truck, chances are you have to back out and pull in again to straighten out. When I back in, I'm good to go on the first try, so it's actually faster.
3TechFanz September 2, 2026 at 8:50 AM

No problem with "stealing" ideas from other columns, Andy - just know that this practice has stirred up nostalgia, and I think that ALL READERS of this column should do so with Andy Rooney's commentary voice from 60 Minutes as we read your thoughts.
1. Andy Bitter September 2, 2026 at 9:37 AM
  
  Or the Dennis Miller "Not to go off on a rant here, but ..."
3TechFanz September 2, 2026 at 8:47 AM

as a F250 driver, you'd rather me back into a spot than watch a 4 point back and forth to pull in directly. Turning radius on a truck isn't what it is on Will's Miata.
1. moneal September 2, 2026 at 11:16 AM
  
  Maybe y'all should just learn how to drive those boats
PFHokie September 2, 2026 at 6:01 AM

There is no way that was the best catch this year. Look back at the plays that the center fielder for the A's made early this year.
1. hokiepro September 2, 2026 at 6:37 AM
  
  Yeah but this was a walk off catch preventing a walk off HR loss
HaymktHokie September 2, 2026 at 12:42 AM

Good thing the season is starting, boring opponent and all, so we can potentially (hopefully) read something outside of this "filler" content.
1. DADEC52 September 2, 2026 at 9:23 AM
  
  Gotta agree, this one was certainly not my favorite. Someone surely must have peed in Andy's cornflakes!
MrPapaSquats September 1, 2026 at 11:06 PM

I have been enjoying reading your 10 things. Perhaps you could rank the top 5 sports journalism moments, either personally or the profession as a whole.
ancient alien 2018 September 1, 2026 at 10:37 PM

You too are a Twins fan. sigh!! Not as frustrating as being a Cubs fan but I go back to the Kellebrew days and most seasons are OH WELL.
Jasonh September 1, 2026 at 10:32 PM

Random Rankings Top 5 best gas station food
1. hokiepro September 2, 2026 at 6:38 AM
  
  1) Buc-ee’s 3 meat sandwich The rest don’t matter
HokieJ September 1, 2026 at 10:05 PM

These unwatchable “pre-season” openers are even more egregious when you factor in the fan investment. These are priced like real games and the cost continues to skyrocket. NFL presesason games are a joke and sparsely attended for a reason. Quit screwing college football fans.
1. hokiepro September 2, 2026 at 6:39 AM
  
  They’re not priced like other games though with single game pricing 1/2 of that of ACC games
Matthew-Shaughnessy September 1, 2026 at 9:47 PM

“Getting all huffy” – nice line. Speaking of, you seemed a little huffy about the FCS week 1 game in thoughts 1-3 … I enjoyed the article nonetheless. Looking forward to this in season.
Seikoh_04 September 1, 2026 at 9:44 PM

I hate cream puff scheduling. But, I will continue to hold you up while I back my truck into a parking space (assuming no pull thru spaces are available). If in a smaller car, I might be considerate to someone behind me and pull into a space.
VTScanlo September 1, 2026 at 9:30 PM

If your Random Rankings have to be sports, how about top 5 NFL non-HOF RBs? If non-sports is allowed, then how about top 5 Power Ballads?
HokieHi71 September 1, 2026 at 9:24 PM

Amen brother on the back up parkers ( porkers?) - hire parking lot police to give these time consumers $500 fines!
1. `lag September 3, 2026 at 5:15 PM
  
  Seriously, don't get me started on people that back into spaces. Especially the one's that look like they're taking off and just as you start to pull in yourself...their brake lights come on. Also, there's the double driver's side door effect, one side is backed in the other pulls in, I usually give the doorside a little more room but can't do that when both sides are driver's doors.
TwoWhiteCards September 1, 2026 at 9:10 PM

Enjoying the columns and the new format. Keep ‘em coming. As an aside, I’m in the middle of the latest episode of the podcast (Talkng with Teel), and you went through #1-3 on the show and then I just read them again. So much Bitter.
HokieHuddle September 1, 2026 at 9:01 PM

A co-worker pointed this out to me years ago, and I just verified with ChatGPT using the prompt: “Are there stats or studies that show backing into a parking spot reduces accidents (by pulling out on exit vs backing out)?” Long story short, accident rate is nearly triple when you pull-in/back out. Worse, of serious injuries in parking lots the ratio is more than 10x. Back in, and don’t apologize for it…the stats told you so…
1. dmspartans54 September 1, 2026 at 11:00 PM
  
  FSU seemed to lose their spirit after that 13-0 year and getting stiffed in the playoff. Name the top five teams to fall off a cliff after feeling cheated by circumstances beyond their control
TomTurkey September 1, 2026 at 8:08 PM

VT intends to renew the sword thing with VMI. It'll never leave Blacksburg. Rate any other traditions as lame and untimely as this one.
1. 3TechFanz September 2, 2026 at 9:11 AM
  
  i'll bite - the empty trophy case
middletennhokie September 1, 2026 at 7:58 PM

Andy, would love for you and the family to visit Cape Charles, but it's probably not in the cards. On our main street VDOT requires all parking to be back in only (as Delmarva Hokie can attest). For fun we hang out on the sidewalk bench and enjoy watching the parking rodeo (with some beverages). Enjoyed the article!
xhokiehurler19 September 1, 2026 at 7:53 PM

I think people who complain about people who drive trucks backing into a parking spot probably drive Priuses and have no idea that it’s actually much easier to park a long framed/wide axle vehicle that way. Also, that home run robbing catch was great, but not even in the vicinity of the greatest catches of all time. Just do some YouTube surfing and you’ll understand.
VPI4Life September 1, 2026 at 7:45 PM

Understand your point in item 1 re FCS opponents. Specifically regarding VMI, chances are we will never play them again so this is the last roundup. As an alumnus and fan from the late 60’s and early 70’s, this game means a lot to me and brings back fond memories. I can understand if you did not live in that era you could see it otherwise.
Vtskier1 September 1, 2026 at 6:13 PM

A good Hokie alum, Brian Sullivan, reports for CNBC and has a great Random But Interesting type of stat for each of his articles. RBI has some good stuff from time to time....
delmarva hokie September 1, 2026 at 6:07 PM

I'll defend one aspect of reversing into a parking space. I drove my Dad's van as a teenager and the visibility was so bad in backing out of a parking space that I would always put myself in the position of pulling forward out of a parking space. In most cases, I'd use pull through spaces in the far corners of the parking lot and walk some extra steps, but in smaller lots or when pull throughs weren't available, I'd back into an available space.
1. Andy Bitter September 1, 2026 at 6:21 PM
  
  But everything has backup cams nowadays!
2. GoneFishin Hokie September 1, 2026 at 6:58 PM
  
  It is a requirement of my job that we always park so that we can pull straight out into traffic. I've been doing that for 28 years and will not stop. And, yes, I drive a pickup. BUT! I am not one of these people that tries to get as close to the door as possible to wherever I'm going. I park towards the rear of a lot because the extra walk is good for my tired, 71 year old butt. Plus, there are fewer cars around that will throw open their doors, dinging mine in the process. If I can, I try to find a spot that I can pull straight through into the space. All of this doesn't mean that I don't ever have to stop in the lane and back up. Don't like it? Maybe you should have left 15 seconds earlier and you could have been ahead of me.
  1. DADEC52 September 2, 2026 at 9:36 AM
    
    The other thought would be to buy something that you can park easier! Certainly as reasonable as thinking the rest of us should leave earlier to accommodate your vehicle. 90% of pickups I see have nothing in the bed so what's the point.
3. 4VaTech September 1, 2026 at 7:30 PM
  
  JMO, no defense for big pickup trucks invariably backing in to a space so that they can pull straight out. so aggravating!
hokiesteve01 September 1, 2026 at 6:02 PM

Very entertaining read I don’t have to agree with all of it to find it enjoyable!
NokieHokie September 1, 2026 at 5:15 PM

Love it! Keep railing against the terrible scheduling and self-important coaches sniffing their own farts thinking they smell like roses.
Diehard Hokie September 1, 2026 at 5:08 PM

I have very little faith that the cell reception will be any better. Verizon user here and haven't been able to send a text or pull up a web page once in the past 10 years plus. Will be thrilled to be surprised and get some sort of service.
1. Andy Bitter September 1, 2026 at 5:26 PM
  
  Feel like I’ve heard that they’ll have better cell service before, and it’s always been bad. Need a WiFi solution.
Raleigh Hokie September 1, 2026 at 5:05 PM

I'm an Orioles fan and that was a tremendous catch. Given the situation, it has to rank as one of the greatest. One of greatest catches I ever saw is underrated and doesn't get talked about enough. It was by the Braves' Otis Nixon to rob Andy Van Slyke of a HR. URL below. Note the fence he scales is 10 feet high. https://www.mlb.com/braves/video/nixon-s-spectacular-catch-c20173935
1. Freddyburg Hokie September 2, 2026 at 12:19 PM
  
  Nice pull, Raleigh. I remember watching that game live on TBS. Still one of the most incredible catches I've ever seen.
VintonHokies September 1, 2026 at 5:04 PM

10 (D)…top 5 characters in your opinion following up on the series you listed a couple weekend ago. My 5 and in no particular order would be Tony Soprano, Walter White, Al Swearengen, Cullen Bohannon and Don Draper.
HokieCrazy1994 September 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Clearly Huff has never watched Ted Lasso!
pgaiser1 September 1, 2026 at 4:51 PM

I want good noncon games in general, and I would rather they schedule a MAC school than an FCS one... but as a fan I am fine with week 1 tune-up games. Week 1 is a kaleidoscope for the rest of the season. A year ago, the main debate after week 1 was whether FSU should be in the top 10. This past Saturday, TCU and NC State looked thoroughly unprepared to play. Stupid stuff happens. I get it's a zero sum game -- you can win a slopfest as easily as you can lose one -- but unless it's a big upside play (i.e., a very strong opponent), I would rather play the cupcakes to start the year.
1. Andy Bitter September 1, 2026 at 5:37 PM
  
  Why is it always the fear of the downside, though? UVa won, looked prepared, is off to a 1-0 start in ACC play and is probably feeling as good as it has in years. There’s a risk/reward that goes into these games. They can benefit you.
  1. pgaiser1 September 1, 2026 at 6:32 PM
    
    why is it always the fear of the downside? because that's human nature, Andy!
  2. Freddyburg Hokie September 2, 2026 at 12:21 PM
    
    There is the lost upside, though. Where would the 1995 team have been if they scheduled easier teams in the first few games? Undefeated and probably in the National Championship game against....[checks Wikipedia]....Nebraska, and probably getting our doors blown off. ;^)
    1. Andy Bitter September 2, 2026 at 1:54 PM
      
      But Boston College went 4-8 that year and Cincinnati went 6-5. Those *were* relatively tame matchups.
Two4VT September 1, 2026 at 4:47 PM

For the "Get off my lawn" item, take a page from Peter Griffin, "You know what really grinds my gears..."
GO_HOKIES_GO September 1, 2026 at 4:41 PM

Nice article - completely agree on scheduling the sisters-of-the-poor as home openers. My favorite catch is Oakland A's outfielder Joe Rudi against the wall to rob Cincinnati Reds batter Denis Menke of a hit in Game 2 of the 1972 World Series. Didn’t save a home run, but it was an important play.
Chasesfish September 1, 2026 at 4:32 PM

After backing into a neighbor's car when exiting my driveway, I'm firmly on team "back into your parking spot". Don't let distractions in the road cause an incident. In the "get off my lawn", come on neighbor friends, use the driveway, don't randomly park on my street across from my driveway. There's some level of justice they have to deal with my insurance to fix the car.
BK82 September 1, 2026 at 4:30 PM

I fell asleep last night with the tarp still still on the field in Denver. Didn't see the catch until this morning. Unbelievable. Go O's!!!!
VTBuck20 September 1, 2026 at 4:29 PM

I'm not a fan of the DQ Smith thing, assuming it is a thing. Sacrificing long-term morale for shoring up the safety room short-term seems like a bad trade. Plus, if I don't like it at LSU, I can't like it here.
1. vahokiedog September 1, 2026 at 4:38 PM
  
  +1
2. dbc05 September 1, 2026 at 5:43 PM
  
  LSU situation is not the same, DQ never declared for the draft and never signed any NFL contracts. This is a 5 for 5 deal, not an NFL player coming back deal.
  1. VTBuck20 September 1, 2026 at 8:47 PM
    
    He reportedly tried out for the Vikings. Close enough for me. Either way, he wasn't here for camp and someone who was will now get cut. I get that I'm pining for at least a little integrity from a sport that is bleeding what little it might have had. But I can't like this.
    1. Freddyburg Hokie September 2, 2026 at 12:23 PM
      
      The difference is he never made the 90-man roster or appeared in a game. It's a tryout. Teams bring people off the street for tryouts all the time, most don't work out.
Stork September 1, 2026 at 4:28 PM

Wait, did Bob Malinaro just start writing for TSL? Hadn’t read that much sports whining since he retired from the Va Pilot. Time to get over the scheduling. This is no longer 1995, 2004, or 2010. That was a whole world away in college football than today. Probably best to put the more, somewhat positive points at the front of the piece then at the end.
1. hokietony September 1, 2026 at 4:42 PM
  
  Agree on all points.
2. MidloHokie September 1, 2026 at 4:57 PM
  
  Ditto. WTH was that????
  1. Andy Bitter September 1, 2026 at 5:39 PM
    
    It’s a column, guys. I’m not writing it so that you agree with everything. I’m writing it to make my opinion known.
3. Andy Bitter September 1, 2026 at 5:28 PM
  
  I’m not going to get over the scheduling. It stinks for fans. You’re the ones paying for those meaningless games.
  1. SCHokie1103 September 1, 2026 at 9:32 PM
    
    I just personally think you criticizing scheduling, you took it way too far. I mean, spending the first three points criticizing, VT about scheduling. But you’re right that’s your opinion and I don’t agree with you at all. And the point about other schools, especially many blue bloods playing these type of games is a valid point since we have no preseason games. I don’t like it in the middle of the season or late in the season, but I don’t have a problem with it for an opening game again since we don’t have preseason games like they do in the NFL to give teams an opportunity for a warm-up for the rest of their schedule. I like to see a couple of them and have the schools be able to charge admissions to raise additional money for the football program. But like you, Andy, myself and others have an opinion too. I just don’t agree with yours and spending that much time criticizing the issue. I believe you have other things you could’ve talked about that are much more interesting and enlightening. Your argument, kind of gets a little old too. But I respect it, even though I don’t agree with it. It’s all good though because no matter what you think. You’ll still have something to write about after the game and criticize and the season will go on.
    1. Freddyburg Hokie September 2, 2026 at 12:25 PM
      
      I don't think he did take it too far. It's his opinion, and one in which I share. These games are nothing better than a scrimmage, and for a sport that only has 12 games, I'd rather see one with some juice, even to start the season.
    2. Andy Bitter September 2, 2026 at 1:57 PM
      
      That's going to be the structure of this "10 Things" column, though. Sometimes I have more to say on a particular subject than just what fits in a regular-sized thought. So I'll break it up into three. Really, it's just a way to opine on a bunch of things in one story, spending more time on some things than others. I'm still feeling my way through it, ironing out some kinks, but I'm sure there'll be other issues where I go at it for a couple of bullet point rather than having one big 600-word thought. That would kind of bog things down.
  2. Satkins September 2, 2026 at 2:29 PM
    
    Would a loss to JMU made the fan base feel better about this new regime?
1990 Hokie AE September 1, 2026 at 4:14 PM

Good article. I continue to like this format, even though this week's is more 7 Things than 10 Things given the rant that crosses items #1-3.
RhinoVT September 1, 2026 at 4:13 PM

The only comparable catch to Cowser's was by DeWayne Wise saving Mark Buhrle's perfect game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk9nLy-A0qI
TomTurkey September 1, 2026 at 4:11 PM

#1 - Playing for the sword seems anticlimactic. Will the game be scored on a curve or prorata based on talent etal?

Bitter: 10 Things As Virginia Tech Finally Kicks Off The 2026 Season

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