The Virginia Tech Hokies fell to the Old Dominion University Monarchs by a score of 20 to 17 on Friday night, September 2, in the Hokies season opener. This game also marked the first game of the Brent Pry era, so Hokie fans did not truly know what to expect out of the team in this first game, although it is safe to say that most fans were cautiously optimistic of pulling out a victory.
But the Hokies lost, and there will be a lot of finger pointing in Blacksburg this coming week, as the team did not do itself any favors with the penalties and interceptions being the main takeaway from the game. Grant Wells’ first game as a Hokie came with optimism that the former Conference USA Freshman of the Year would be able to use his experience to add some stability to this important position. Even before the game, the main problem was expected to be Wells’ turnover issues, as he had 22 interceptions in two years at Marshall. This foreshadowed the problems that Wells would have against ODU, as he threw four interceptions on the night – especially important given that the Hokies only had 12 interceptions in the entire previous season.
Overall, the defense played well and helped to stop ODU up until the last few minutes of the game. Linebacker Dax Hollifield was the Prime Time Player on defense, doing a little bit of everything and showing that he will be a leader of the Hokie defense this year. Hollifield finished with 11 tackles, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles. Running back Keshawn King was the Prime Time Player on offense, having a big night with 111 yards rushing on 19 carries, with a touchdown reception from Grant Wells.
However, the story of this loss will be the interceptions from Wells, the 14 penalties for 100 yards, as well as the bobbled snap that not only took away the chance for Tech to put 3 points on the board, but led to a Monarch touchdown. This one play turned out to be the deciding factor in this loss, and demonstrates the lack of execution from a Hokie team trying to come together with a new coaching staff, new schemes and players. The Hokies will try to get back on track against Boston College in Game 2.
GAME SUMMARY – 1ST QUARTER
- The game started with a throw by Wells to Gallo for a 4 yard pickup.
- VT was assessed penalties from the outset, ultimately leading to 14 penalties in the game for 100 yards.
- ODU started with a 3 and out on their first possession.
- Wells completed a 40 yard pass to Caleb Smith for a large gain, after Wells took a hit but was able to get the pass off.
- VT scored first on a keeper by Wells as he rushed 19 yards for a touchdown.
- ODU also was assessed penalties that negated big plays, including on a VT punt return where the Monarch player touched the Tech player who had signaled for a fair catch.
- Wells threw his first interception at the 35 yard line, the first of 4 interceptions in the game.
- At the end of the first quarter, ODU quarterback Blake Wolff threw an incomplete pass on 3rd and 4, but Tech got a pass interference call that gave the Monarchs a first down.
- At the end of the first quarter, the score was VT 7, ODU 0.
GAME SUMMARY – 2ND QUARTER
- ODU was in the red zone on 3rd and 3, and VT tackled the ODU running back for a loss, likely saving a touchdown.
- ODU settled for a field goal, making the score VT 7, ODU 3.
- VT received a holding call on a punt return, resulting in a 10 yard penalty.
- ODU intercepts Wells at the 20 yard line as Tech was approaching the red zone, preventing a scoring opportunity for the Hokies.
- Keshawn King broke several long runs of 14 yards, 5 yards and 35 yards, on his way to an 111 yard performance.
- Tech had a first down called back due to offensive pass interference.
- The most egregious play of the game was a bobbled snap when Tech was trying for a field goal, which led to an ODU touchdown.
- After the bobbed snap, the score was VT 7, ODU 10.
- Dax Hollifield made a great play obtaining a fumble recovery in the second quarter.
GAME SUMMARY – 3RD QUARTER
- The second half was delayed for, of all things, VT assistant coaches being stuck in an elevator in the press box. The 3rd quarter started about 15-20 minutes late as a result.
- Overall, Tech outgained ODU 198 to 101 in the first half.
- King picked up where he left off with a 15 yard and then a 5 yard run.
- Wells pass was negated by an illegal motion penalty.
- Wells had a nice run of 10 yards that set up a field goal for Tech.
- Score VT 10, ODU 10.
- ODU fumbled the football, which was picked up by linebacker Dax Hollifield, although Tech had a false start penalty on the next play.
- King had a nice run to the 5 yard line, and Wells passed to King for a touchdown reception on the next play.
- Score VT 17, ODU 10.
- The quarter ended with two VT penalties, illegal block and pass interference, resulting in a first down for ODU.
GAME SUMMARY – 4TH QUARTER
- VT starts the quarter with a delay of game penalty.
- ODU scores a field goal, making the score VT 17, ODU 13.
- ODU started making big plays, with a 35 yard reception with 8:14 left in the game.
- ODU also went for it on 4th down, and VT stopped them and took over on downs.
- Tech then had an illegal formation penalty.
- Wells was then intercepted on 3rd and 13, for his third interception.
- A key play was when the ODU quarterback Wolff ran just shy of a first down, when Tech popped the ball out – the play went under review, where it was determined that his knee was already down, so ODU kept possession.
- ODU receiver Ari Jennings then caught a long pass to the 1 yard line – Tech had a pass interference call that was declined. ODU was then in scoring position, down 17-13 in the last minute and a half of the game.
- ODU running back Blake Watson then ran in for a touchdown, making the score VT 17, ODU 20.
- VT then tried to get in field goal position in the last 30 seconds, after Coach Brent Pry failed to immediately call a timeout.
- Wells threw a Hail Mary at the end the game, which was picked off for his fourth interception.
- ODU wins 20 to 17, with their second ever win over a Power 5 conference opponent – both of these wins have been against the Hokies.