CHARLOTTE, N.C. – While expectations at the start of the season were a bit higher for the Hokies, in college football you can’t take anything for granted. With that, Virginia Tech is hoping to make the most of its opportunity in a place that’s become like a second home--Charlotte.
Friday will mark the third time Virginia Tech will be bowling in the Queen City. The proximity to Blacksburg makes it a easy trek for Hokie nation to show up as it did in both 2016 and 2019. While the fans have made a difference, so too have the Hokies on spreading their brand.
“We’ve had a ton of high school coaches at each and every practice,” said Hokies head coach Brent Pry. “We’re in this area and recruit very hard down here. It’s too close to Blacksburg for us not too. A lot of good high school football in this area and a lot of good relationships with coaches.”
Those relationships has led to nearly a dozen current Hokies native to North Carolina that now call Blacksburg home. But while the Hokies are ready to stand on their “This is Home” sentiment and end the season on a high note, the Golden Gophers are ready to put a wrinkle in those plans--aiming to extend their bowl win streak to 8 games--the best in the nation.
“It’s just something we take pride in, in winning the game,” said Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor. “It’s a privlege to be here and you don’t always get the opportunity to be here.”
Other Bowl Games in Charlotte Virginia Tech has played:
-2016 Belk Bowl vs. Arkansas
-2019 Belk Bowl vs. Kentucky