‘That Call Was Horrible’ — CFB Fans React As Virginia Tech HC James Franklin Calls Out Refs for Controversial Decision
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Virginia Tech is off to a sensational start in the James Franklin era after cruising to a 73-3 victory over VMI. The new Virginia Tech head coach watched his team deliver a dominant performance in its season opener and praised several aspects afterward.
However, one moment during the blowout victory genuinely irritated Franklin. Officials penalized the Hokies for a celebration, and their head coach did not hesitate to express his frustration with the call, leading to plenty of reactions from college football fans.
College Football Fans Rally Behind James Franklin After Controversial Virginia Tech Penalty
College football has specific rules governing excessive celebrations, and Virginia Tech found itself on the wrong side of one of them in its opening game.
Officials flagged Virginia Tech running back Marcellous Hawkins Jr. for unsportsmanlike conduct after he scored his third touchdown and immediately made his way toward a large group of cadets.
Hawkins proceeded to high-five several of them, but an official in the end zone determined that the celebration warranted a penalty.
Franklin clearly disagreed with the decision. The first-year Hokies coach openly questioned the officials and criticized the call, particularly because Hawkins celebrated with members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets.
“We got a penalty for high-fiving one of our members of the corps,” Franklin said. “Not a huge fan. I don’t know why we can’t high-five somebody in the military. It seems somewhat un-American to me.”
Franklin’s comments quickly sparked a discussion among fans, with many supporters entering the comments to agree with the coach.
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One fan said, “He’s right. That call was horrible!!!!!”
“Gotta remember, common sense doesn’t exist in college football,” a fan wrote.
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Another remarked, “Can’t stand James Franklin. But I’d fight for him on this.”
“Not a Franklin fan but he’s right,” a fan chimed in. “Referees hate America?” a fan joked.
“Why would high-fiving anyone be flag-worthy?” a user remarked.
Virginia Tech has suffered losing seasons in five of the last six years. It then hired Franklin with the hope of changing that trajectory, and his first game has already provided plenty of reason for optimism.
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The Hokies’ 73 points marked their highest-scoring performance since putting up 77 points against Akron in 1995. Their defense was equally impressive, recording 18 tackles for loss, the most by the program since Virginia Tech began officially tracking the statistic in 1987.
Penn State dismissed Franklin last October during his 12th season with the program. Just 36 days later, Virginia Tech hired him to lead the Hokies.
Now, after an emphatic opening victory, Franklin appears determined to leave his own mark on the program.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
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