James Franklin's big-game narrative survives the move
Context
The show gives James Franklin credit for immediately making Virginia Tech more interesting. A new job, different expectations, and a different ACC path all warrant a fresh evaluation.
But a fresh evaluation is not the same as a cleared record. Franklin was fired after a Penn State contender bottomed out, and Virginia Tech's schedule contains exactly the kind of proof games that keep the label alive: road spots at Clemson, SMU, and Miami. The question now becomes what would actually retire the narrative in Blacksburg.