Homecoming at VCU is a little different this year. It’s not the theme, it’s not the candidates for king and queen. Homecoming is different this year because of the men’s basketball team, which is off to an 8-0 start in the conference, and 16-3 overall. They need to win at home.
Homecoming, which is generally a time of celebration for schools, is a time to play easy opponents. Georgia State, the team scheduled to play on homecoming, certainly fits the bill. The Panthers (3-6 CAA, 7-12) have losing records in the conference and overall.
At this point, you are probably wondering what I am getting at. What is it about VCU’s game with Georgia State that makes homecoming so different, and why must VCU win this game?
To answer this question, we must look at the basketball schedule. The game that precedes Georgia State is a match in New York with the Hofstra Pride. The two games following homecoming are versus George Mason and rival Old Dominion. Out of those four opponents, the Panthers are normally the easiest to forget about. And because of that, they are the most dangerous.
While head coach Anthony Grant has been adamant about his team being prepared for every game, it is easy for any team to look ahead on the schedule. George Mason and Old Dominion are both very tough teams with strong traditions. George Mason is coming off of a Final Four run; ODU is looking for revenge after their eighth loss in the Siegel Center.
The game against Georgia State just doesn’t fit the same billing as the previously mentioned games. However, it is more important.
A win over the Panthers on Homecoming will achieve two things. One, it will give the students something to cheer for in between the announcement of king and queen and the after party. Two, it will better prepare the Rams for the two difficult games ahead. The Panthers will be most dangerous with the distractions of Homecoming and the schedule that looms ahead.
THAT is what makes this year’s Homecoming different.