Friday night, we were in Charlotte at one of the unique FBS stadiums. The stadium capacity is the smallest in FBS (if you exclude that the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are playing in temporary digs) at 15,314. Building an on-campus stadium this small is either pessimistic or genius, depending on your perspective. For most Group of 5 programs with larger capacities, empty seats tend to be plentiful. For example, the Odyssey was appalled at the vast swaths of empty seats at the September 16, Thursday night game when Louisiana hosted Ohio, particularly when Louisiana is one of the most ballyhooed Group of 5 teams. One further element in the decision to have a smaller stadium: Charlotte is an NFL town. Generally, this saps the energy and the fan base for the local college team. That the Washington Huskies draw reasonably well in Seattle is a case of the exception proving the rule.
Even though the Middle Tennessee-Charlotte did not rate to be must-watch football, in addition to being saddled competition from local Friday night prep games, the atmosphere was of a well attended game despite attendance of 11,000. Chalk up one vote for genius. Further, the fans went home both entertained and happy as the 49ers held off Middle Tennessee, 42-39, Both Chase Cunningham and Chris Reynolds passed for over 300 yards in a tilt with ample offensive fireworks to the tune of 1,059 yards.
The second unique aspect of Charlotte’s stadium is that its omnipresent bricks strongly suggest design and construction by a mason. Even the Engineering Halls that overlook the North end zone conjure memories of the Commodores’ “Brick House”.
Saturday, we eagerly looked to “Enter Sandman” as Virginia Tech’s players enter Lane Stadium to perhaps college football’s most passionate welcome. If only the Hokies were able to retain such passion for FCS foe, Richmond. Virginia Tech’s opening TD drive was as easy as a knife through better. Two series later, Justin Fuente stuck in his backup quarterback, Knox Kadum What could go wrong in a game where the QB of an FCS team has already gone down? Turns out, plenty! A Richmond pick and a very short field resulted in a 7-7 score.
The Hokies slept walked through a 21-10 triumph over the Spiders. The offense proved a massive disappointment, as one of their TDs was provided courtesy of a 60-yard punt return by Tayvion Robinson. Braxton Burmeister throws a ball as pretty as his hometown of La Jolla but we wonder if is capable of being the field general needed by Virginia Tech to win the ACC.
Richmond suffered some terrible luck on their first drive which seriously put into question any chance of an upset. Their run-first QB, Joe “Macho Man” Mancuso, galloped wild for 29 yards on Richmond’s second play from scrimmage. Dinged up on the hit, his initial carry also proved to be his last carry. At least he can brag to his grandkids that he averaged 29 yards a rush at Lane Stadium.
If the day provided any consolation to Virginia Tech, more proof was provided that Clemson is no longer a super team as they fell at NC State in double overtime. With their key victory over North Carolina in hand, the Hokies have a lot to play for in coming ACC contests.