Quill’s Triple Threat Turns the Tide
Senior forward Declan Quill scored three second-half goals to erase a 2-0 deficit and lead Virginia Tech men’s soccer to a 3-2 comeback victory over Cal at Thompson Field. After Cal took an early lead via a penalty and another goal before halftime, the Hokies dominated possession and shots after the break. Quill’s first headed finish off a corner kick in the 54th minute set the rally in motion, followed by a tap-in off a turnover and a dramatic ricocheted strike in the 81st minute. Virginia Tech now boasts four wins in five matches and travels next to historic Riggs Field to face Clemson on Oct. 31 with ACC Network coverage at 7 p.m. ET.
Who knew all it took to restore Hokie pride was unleashing a forward who apparently won’t stop scoring until his legs fall off? Declan Quill turned what looked like a casual stroll into a demolition derby, reminding everyone that the only thing better than a hat trick is making your opponents question their life choices. Cal’s defense paid for every misstep, proving that in soccer you either score or spend the rest of your life justifying missed passes at family gatherings. Onward to Clemson, where Tuesday’s trick-or-treat might involve more trick than treats for any team daring to cross Quill’s path.
ACC Power Rankings: Hokies’ Rollercoaster Ride
The ACC enters Week 10 of the 2025 college football season with five teams above six wins and four in the AP Top 25. Georgia Tech remains undefeated and sits eighth behind one-loss teams, led by quarterback Haynes King’s consistent play. Miami bounced back to a 42-7 win over Stanford but slipped in the poll. Louisville’s Isaac Brown returned to form with a 200-yard rushing game. Virginia eked out a 17-16 win over North Carolina, showcasing late-game poise. Pitt’s freshman QB Mason Heintschel dazzled in a 53-34 win. Wake Forest pulled off a 13-12 win over SMU, while Duke, SMU, NC State, California, Clemson, Stanford, Florida State, Virginia Tech and others shifted in a middle pack filled with unexpected outcomes.
Nothing screams “college football” quite like a weekly reshuffle of a dozen teams, each claiming they’re the real deal until next Saturday’s inevitable butt-whooping. It’s like watching musical chairs but with more helmets and fewer choreographed dance moves. The Hokies’ overtime victory over Cal is being hailed as a potential turning point, which is reassuring unless you consider the past two seasons of wildly fluctuating defensive performances. And let’s not forget Georgia Tech, bounding along undefeated while the rest wonder if their playbook was written in crayon. Strap in, ACC fans—these rankings are about as stable as a freshman’s GPA after midterms.
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