Virginia Tech's Heartfelt Huddle: Brent Pry Reflects on a Season-Ending Battle

Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry faced the media after a hard-fought battle against the South Carolina Gamecocks, a game that saw the Hokies fall short. While the sting of defeat was palpable, Pry's reflections were a blend of raw disappointment, honest self-assessment, and an unwavering commitment to the future of his program.

He didn't shy away from addressing the critical moments that cost his team, but also highlighted the resilience and spirit that will define the Hokies going forward.

Pry opened by acknowledging the tough loss, crediting South Carolina for their strong performance, particularly in crucial situations.

"Obviously, a tough loss," Pry stated, emphasizing the frustration of not capitalizing on opportunities. He pointed directly to turnovers as a major culprit, noting how they disrupted the team's rhythm and handed momentum to the Gamecocks. Two critical interceptions and a fumble were particularly damaging, halting promising drives and putting the defense under immense pressure.

"You turn the ball over on the 30-yard line, you're obviously not going to win," he lamented, highlighting the direct impact of those mistakes on the scoreboard.

Despite the first-half struggles, Pry expressed pride in his team's second-half fight. The Hokies showed significant improvement, making adjustments that allowed them to compete more effectively.

"I thought we played well enough in the second half to win the game," Pry observed, praising the defensive effort that limited South Carolina's scoring and the offensive pushes that kept them in contention. This resilience, according to Pry, is a testament to the character developing within the squad, a trait he values deeply as they build for long-term success.

Addressing the quarterback situation, Pry confirmed Kyron Drones started the game, making a strategic decision based on his readiness and performance during the week.

He also touched upon the unfortunate injury to Pop Watson, who was a potential option. "Kyron started the game and did some good things," Pry noted, while also acknowledging the challenges Drones faced under pressure. The coaching staff's approach to quarterback development remains a key focus, ensuring that each player is prepared to step up when called upon.

Beyond turnovers, Pry detailed the team's struggles in the red zone.

Converting drives into touchdowns proved elusive, a theme that has plagued the Hokies at times this season. He pointed out instances where execution fell short, costing them valuable points. "We had some opportunities, obviously, we just didn't finish," he explained, underscoring the need for precision and focus when nearing the goal line.

These missed opportunities, coupled with the turnovers, ultimately decided the outcome.

As the season draws to a close, Pry's gaze is firmly fixed on the future. He emphasized the ongoing process of building a sustainable program rooted in discipline, consistency, and a relentless pursuit of improvement.

"We're laying a foundation," he asserted, making it clear that while progress has been made, there's still work to do. Pry took full accountability, stating, "It's on me." This leadership message resonated, showing a coach ready to lead from the front and guide his team through the inevitable ups and downs.

The commitment to developing a winning culture, both on and off the field, remains his paramount goal, promising a dedicated effort to refine execution and foster a championship mindset within the Virginia Tech football program.