The 2024 Virginia Tech football schedule is doable, but it includes two challenging stretch runs.

The schedule for Virginia Tech football in 2024 was made public on Wednesday. We were aware of the format for the first four weeks going in, but we were unaware of how the ACC schedule would be organized. Based on the teams on the schedule, I assumed it would be manageable; however, now that we know, a few difficulties are making my head swim.

Since this post would seem to be largely a complaint, let me start by saying that, in general, I think the timetable is doable. I predict that the Hokies will win more games than they lose because they are a better football team than the majority of the teams they play. Not even at ODU, they shouldn’t have any issues with their first three opponents. UVa is their season finale, and we all know how that one usually ends. Virginia Tech will be the home team against Georgia Tech and Boston College. Duke ought to be inferior. If we can win those seven games and then two of the remaining five, the score could be 9-3. Though there are still a few stretches, I still believe the Hokies can accomplish that.

The mayor of Blacksburg discusses how the increase in Virginia Tech enrollment has affected Blacksburg housing.

WDBJ – BLACKSBURG, VA Leslie Hager-Smith, the mayor of Blacksburg, notes that Virginia Tech’s enrollment approaching capacity is nothing new and has been discussed previously, but that if this problem isn’t resolved, neither the town nor the university will grow. Mayor Hager-Smith stated, “Almost all of the students are staying here within the Blacksburg boundaries, and that puts pressure on our neighborhoods.”

According to CNN, Blacksburg’s schools and reputation for parklands and recreational opportunities draw visitors from outside of Virginia Tech. “But we have to accept and make plans for that if they are unable to live in town.”

According to Hager-Smith, the main issue is that families in Blacksburg are being forced to relocate as a result of students overcrowding family communities. “Not only do students do this, but football fans as well, who can purchase a second, third, or fourth home, which takes homes off the market for young families,” said Hager-Smith.

According to town officials, in order to address this issue, more housing has been added to Blacksburg. “To relieve some of the pressure on neighborhoods and build up in greater density where we already have students living on transportation lines and in the vicinity of the campus, we’ve added over 3,000 apartments in the last several years,” Hager-Smith stated.

“While we disagree with some of the characterizations the Mayor has made, the university has been and will remain 100 percent committed to working with the town and other local partners to address concerns that are raised,” Virginia Tech said in response to this issue.

In addition to harming Virginia Tech’s chances of recruiting and retention, this lowers our standard of living, according to Hager-Smith.

The mayor adds that Virginia Tech has started a planning endeavor with the town and other organizations, albeit the nature of the project is still unknown.

We’ll keep you informed as this story develops.