With two wins at Lane Stadium to open the James Franklin era, Virginia Tech is about to face a different kind of test.
The Hokies will hit the road for the first time this season when they travel to Maryland, matching up with a Terrapins team that has impressed on both sides of the ball through the opening weeks of the season.
Monday's media availability featured Franklin, OL Brody Meadows and CB Jaquez White, with plenty of discussion surrounding Virginia Tech's first road trip, the offensive line's struggles against Old Dominion and the challenge Maryland presents.
Here are some of the biggest takeaways.
Franklin's Return to Maryland
There might not be another opponent on Virginia Tech's schedule that Franklin has as many personal connections to as Maryland.
Franklin spent two different stints with the Terrapins earlier in his career, and he credited his time working under Ralph Friedgen as one of the most important developmental periods of his coaching career.
"That's probably where I grew the most as a coach," Franklin said. "My time with Ralph Friedgen, one of the better coaches I've ever been around."
Franklin was retained by Friedgen after previously serving on Ron Vanderlinden's staff, giving him an opportunity to learn under a coach who would eventually lead Maryland to an ACC championship.
"I learned a ton of ball in a short period of time, not only offense but just also kind of how to run a program — a tough, disciplined, hard-nosed program," Franklin said.
The connection is personal as well. One of Franklin's daughters was born in Maryland, his family spent a significant portion of its childhood there and Franklin still has friends and family throughout the area.
He also has extensive history with current Maryland head coach Mike Locksley. The two worked together with the Terrapins, and Franklin spent several minutes Monday discussing his respect for Locksley's career.
"I've known Locks personally and professionally for a long time," Franklin said. "I know that Maryland program and that area is very personal to him, which I think has been important too."
Franklin's own career could have unfolded differently in College Park after he was previously designated as Maryland's head coach-in-waiting. More than a decade later, however, Franklin isn't spending much time wondering about what could have been.
"I'm fortunate and blessed to be the head coach of Virginia Tech, and don't take that for granted," Franklin said. "I'm not sure if I would be here if my path was different."
