VMI Keydets Gear Up for Senior Day Showdown Against ETSU
LEXINGTON, Va. – The excitement is in the air as the VMI Keydet Football Team prepares to cap off their 2024 season this Saturday, kicking off at noon against the ETSU Buccaneers at the beloved Foster Stadium. This isn’t just any game; it’s a special Senior Day celebration. The team will take a moment to honor its 17 seniors along with the fifth-quarter players who chose to return for another year. It’s all about love and gratitude this weekend!
Senior Day and Special Uniforms
Fans are in for a treat! Not only will the Keydets be playing their final game of the season, but they will also sport their sleek grey uniforms, a design first introduced back in 2022. These uniforms are a unique tradition, worn only once a year, making it all the more exciting for both players and fans alike. A fascinating twist this year is the addition of the word “Keydets” on the sides of their helmets, replacing the traditional VMI logo. It’s a fresh look that’s sure to stand out on the field!
Head Coach Danny Rocco expressed heartfelt sentiments about the senior class, saying, “It’s a really quality group of young men that are committed to the Institute, the team, and each other.” Coach Rocco emphasized that this last game is dedicated to these players, appreciating all their hard work and dedication throughout the season.
How to Follow the Game
Fans eager to cheer on the Keydets can catch the action via ESPN+, tune in to Radio – 96.7 FM 3WZ, or keep up with live stats and Southern Conference notes. It’s going to be a day filled with emotion and energy!
About the Teams
This season has been a challenging one for the VMI Keydets (1-10, 1-6 SoCon), with their last outing ending in a tough 28-58 loss against Western Carolina. The Keydets showed promise by outscoring the Catamounts in two of four quarters, but a rough second quarter where they were blanked 35-0 proved to be a turning point. Standout player Hunter Rice shined, recording 109 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while JoJo Crump threw for 138 yards and a touchdown during the second half.
On the other side of the field, the ETSU Bucs enter the game with a record of 6-5 (4-3 SoCon). Despite a recent setback, losing a close match last week against Furman (21-24), the Bucs bring a fierce competitive edge. They have a whopping 42 transfers on their roster this year, many from Gardner-Webb, and they excel on defense, ranking fourth at the FCS level in both stopping the run (102.2 ypg) and rushing the quarterback (3.18 sacks per game).
Series History
The rivalry between ETSU and VMI has been lively over the years, with the Bucs holding a slight edge at 18-11. However, when playing in Lexington, VMI has tasted victory in seven of the 15 matchups. The last encounter last year ended in a nail-biter as VMI held off ETSU in a thrilling 31-24 finish.
As the Keydets ready themselves to take the field, the atmosphere is bound to be electric. With a special focus on their seniors and a fierce determination to perform well one last time this season, it’s shaping up to be a memorable day for players, coaches, and fans alike.
So mark your calendars and join the Keydets for a day of celebration and football that promises to encapsulate the hard work and dedication of these incredible young men. Let’s go, Keydets!
