Brent Pry addresses 'regrettable' halftime incident between John Love, Syracuse band

Virginia Tech kicker John Love received widespread backlash on Saturday for disrupting the Syracuse marching band’s halftime performance. Love took the field and began to attempt to kick practice field goals in the middle of the performance.

At the time, Virginia Tech was ahead 14-3. However, Syracuse ultimately came back and defeated the Hokies 38-31 in overtime. On Tuesday, Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry addressed Love’s actions.

“Disappointed in what happened at halftime with John Love and the situation with Syracuse’s marching band,” Pry said. “John’s apologized. It’s certainly not who we are as a program. It’s not who John is.

“We have tremendous respect, not just for our bands, but for bands across the country and what they bring to college football. So, unfortunate situation, regrettable situation, but lesson learned certainly.”

In the loss, Love connected on a 27-yard field goal — his lone attempt of the day. He also drilled all four of his extra-point attempts. Love is a redshirt sophomore this season and kicked in all 13 of Virginia Tech’s games last season, converting 22-of-his-24 field-goal attempts.

Further, he was a perfect 47-47 on extra-point attempts. For his efforts, he was named a 2023 All-ACC Honorable Mention. Love has made 10-of-his-12 field-goal attempts this season, with two being from 50 or more yards.

On Monday afternoon, Love released an apology for his actions during halftime on Saturday.

“I would like to apologize to the Syracuse University community as well as my teammates and coaches for my actions at halftime of Saturday’s game,” Love wrote. “I understand the work that goes into halftime band performances, and it was not my intention to detract from that with my warmup. I am sorry for what happened and how it has reflected on our team and school.”

Syracuse’s fans and marching band members weren’t the only ones upset. After the game, Orange head coach Fran Brown discussed the unusual conflict.

“Our band was out there doing their thing and he was kicking in the middle of our band. I don’t like that,” Brown said. “Those kids go to class, they practice every day, they do all that. So when I seen and heard that, I was really pissed about that, don’t nobody disrespect our band and do those things. I’m happy it went the way it went.

“That’s no disrespect to their coach (Brent Pry) or whatever like that, but there’s certain things you don’t do. You don’t disrespect the Syracuse band when they’re out there doing their stuff.”