The Hokies huddle in the North endzone during pre-game warmups. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

The Corps of Cadets carry a staff into Lane Stadium with a carving of Growley II on the head. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Skipper is fired at the conclusion of the national anthem during pre-game ceremonies. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

The Hokies run onto the field during Enter Sandman. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

The Virginia Tech cheerleaders get ready for kickoff. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

QB Hendon Hooker surveys his wide recievers before the first snap of the game. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Defensive lineman TyJuan Garbutt chases Rhode Island WR Aaron Parker in the first quarter. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

VT defensive coordinator Bud Foster meets with his players during a media timeout. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

A young fan is carried on shoulders in the East Stands during the game. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Fans dance to music from Hokievision during a media timeout. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

WR Tayvion Robinson runs with the ball after a catch. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

QB Hendon Hooker prepares to recieve the snap. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

QB Hendon Hooker runs with the football near the sideline in the first half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

A Virginia Tech fan with a unique hat stands up in the West stands during the game. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

WR Damon Hazelton catches the ball in the enzone for a touchdown in the first half. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Growley II gets head rubs by members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets in the South endzone. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

WR Damon Hazelton stiff arms Rhode Island's Malik Wilder on a touchdown catch and run in the second quarter. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

WR Damon Hazelton celebrates with fellow WR Tayvion Robinson after Hazelton's touchdown catch. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Defensive coordinator Bud Foster signals a play to his defense. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Virginia Tech cheerleaders perform for the crowd during a media timeout. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

QB Hendon Hooker surveys the field before the snap. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Head coach Justin Fuente looks on during a play in the South endzone. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

TE Dalton Keene runs in a touchdown after a short pass in the third quarter. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Head coach Justin Fuente congratulates QB Hendon Hooker after his touchdown pass in the third quarter. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

The Virginia Tech spirit squads perform for the crowd after the end of the third quarter. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

QB Hendon Hooker runs a read option with RB Deshawn McClease in the fourth quarter. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

RB Deshawn McClease runs with the football in the fourth quarter. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

The Virginia Tech cheerleaders run out onto the field after a Hokies touchdown in the fourth quarter. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

A pair of young fans try to get onto Hokievision during a media timeout. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

Chamarri Conner closes in on Rhode Island QB Vito Priore late in the game. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)

The Virginia Tech High Techs perform for the crowd as the game comes to a close. The Hokies defeated Rhode Island 34-17. (Mark Umansky/TheKeyPlay.com)