James Franklin Repeats 'Hey Michael' 5 Times in Virginia Tech Zoom Presser

Q: Could an awkward viral Zoom moment be the perfect distraction from the brewing coaching rivalry between Franklin and Locksley?

Yes, but only briefly. Franklin’s awkward “Hey, Michael” Zoom exchange is the kind of harmless viral clip that can soak up attention for a news cycle and momentarily soften the buildup around him and Maryland coach Mike Locksley. Because reporter Michael Howes later explained that he could not see Franklin and thought there was an audio issue, the moment reads more as a technical misunderstanding than a character-defining gaffe. That makes it a low-stakes distraction rather than a real controversy. The larger story, though, is unlikely to stay buried for long. This game already carries multiple layers: Franklin’s long history at Maryland, his 9-2 record against the Terrapins while at Penn State, and the lingering memory of Locksley’s anger after Penn State scored on the final play of last year’s 44-7 game. Even if both coaches publicly downplay any friction, the history gives the matchup natural edge. On the field, there is too much substance for the Zoom clip to dominate the conversation for more than a day or two. Virginia Tech is 2-0 and averaging 58.5 points, but it has done that against modest competition and now faces a Maryland defense that has allowed only 14 points and piled up sacks early. Maryland, meanwhile, sees this as its first real test, especially in the trenches against Tech’s front seven. So the viral moment may briefly ease the temperature, but kickoff will return the focus to the rivalry, the recruiting overlap, and what is at stake for both coaches.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 16

Five straight "Hey Michael" calls from Virginia Tech coach James Franklin turned a routine Zoom press conference into an awkward exchange before Saturday's trip to Maryland.
Michael Howes of the Baltimore Sun later said on X he could not see Franklin on the call and assumed an audio glitch, explaining why he kept talking through the greeting.
Franklin appeared to be trying to exchange pleasantries before taking the question, but the repeated interruption quickly became a cringeworthy viral moment.
The episode comes with Virginia Tech at 2-0 after scoring 117 combined points against VMI and Old Dominion, ahead of a tougher test against unbeaten Maryland, which has allowed 14 points.