BLACKSBURG – After this past weekend's win versus Wofford, Virginia Tech football met with media Monday to discuss this week's matchup against West Virginia. Read below to see what head coach Brent Pry, linebacker Dax Hollifield and tight end Nick Gallo had to say.
Head coach Brent Pry
Opening statement:
"I can't say it enough but thank you to our fans. It was impressive. I can't say that I am not necessarily surprised, but at 11 a.m., it was a great feeling in that stadium. Our players appreciate it. It was a great atmosphere. Obviously, there's a super big build-up to Thursday night. I'm sure Lane will be electric. We're looking forward to that. Everybody, download your tickets and get ready to go. We want everybody in there nice and early. It's a national TV game. We'll have tons of prospects watching, and we want to ensure that we showcase the environment and put our best foot forward."
On his mindset going into to this week versus West Virginia:
"We're about being 1-0. That's the approach we use at home or away. We definitely have an advantage of being at home, with our fan base, in our community, having our families, everybody being able to pack it in and support one another. To cheer on these guys is obviously an advantage for us."
Linebacker Dax Hollifield
On what he feels like has improved for him this season:
"I've been trying to take what I do in practice throughout the game. That's where I feel like I have improved, and I am trying not to overcomplicate things. What I do in practice is what I am going to do gameday. Having that mindset and trusting my practice habits will translate to every game. Then, just a lot of film study. Just getting comfortable with the defense. It feels like it's finally really clicking on all cylinders. So, we are just trying to keep doing that week in, week out."
On what the fan base means to him:
"I was very happy with the turnout. I am very proud of our fan base. It really means a lot to us as players, especially me. Just look up in the student section and see them rocking with us. It was an 11 o'clock game. I know that's tough for a lot of the fans."
Tight end Nick Gallo
On if he feels like the offense is geared more towards the passing game than last year:
"I think in this offense, we look towards the tight ends a little more. In early downs as well on third downs. I would say that's the main difference."
On how he improved this offseason with a new coaching staff:
"I think we've done a great job through the offseason. We have a lot of older guys with experience and leadership. I think it's just us taking the experience, and then we go on the field much more confidently."