The start of the game was rough with Virginia Tech’s offense on the first two drives going three-and-out; however, our defense never let Middle Tennessee get past the 25-yard line on its first two drives as well. Even having lost quarterback Braxton Burmeister on our third drive to a hard hit from Blue Raider Gregory Gate, we were given an automatic first down and the band roared with the student section: “You can’t do that!”
The Sax section screaming along with the student section during the MTSU Game; Source: Nayha Pochiraju
Connor Blumrick was sent in during the second quarter in place of wide receiver Tavion Robinson and was able to secure the Hokies a second touchdown. The band played on with hits like Megalovania and Twilight Zone. Unfortunately, with five minutes left in the first half, Middle Tennessee was able to score a touchdown with the score entering halftime 14-7.
The HTs lined up front in front of the MVs to create a beautifully large sound; Source: Emery Poulsen
Meredith Smith posing with her batons in front of the band during the halftime performance; Source: Nayha Pochiraju
As halftime rolled around, the Marching Virginians were joined by the Highty Tighties, some intermixed within the civilian marching band and some lining up down front by the drum majors. The two bands opened halftime with a classic American banger GOD BLESS THE USA. The stadium came alive with voices, singing along to the lyrics with each other. The Armed Forces Medley soon followed, with drum majors addressing each branch of the United States Military by clapping. As the medley concluded the stadium took a moment of silence to remember those impacted by the events on September 11th, 2001. The stadium came alive one more during John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever. And as always, the bands ended their half time with every Hokies’ favorite song, Tech Triumph!
Even MV Alumni came out to enjoy the game day performance; Source: Beau Wong
The Hokies picked it up after halftime, reinvigorated with the Spirit of Tech to win. By the end of third quarter, Virginia Tech was sitting at four touchdowns total for a score of 28-7. The MVs quickly played a shorter rendition of All of the Lights and by the fourth quarter, we scored another touchdown. Middle Tennessee edged one more touchdown in for themselves with 45 seconds left on the clock for a final score of 35-14.
Chloe Tenembaum (far left), Maria Carillo (center), and Marian Parong (far right), cheering on the Hokies with all their heart; Source: Nayha Pochiraju
It certainly was a great game to be a Hokie!