Virginia Tech Football: ODU coach Ricky Rahne talks Hokies

Saturday night at Lane Stadium, the Virginia Tech football team opened the season with a 36-17 non-conference win over Old Dominion. Was it a perfect performance? No, however, it was a performance that got the job done and a much-needed season-opening victory.

Offensively, the Hokies did some good things and some not-so-good things, but on Monday, Monarchs coach Ricky Rahne had some praise for Tech.

ODU coach Ricky Rahne praises Hokies offense

Rahne, who was an assistant coach with Virginia Tech coach Brent Pry on James Franklin’s staff at Penn State, spoke about quarterback Grant Wells’ performance in what Tech hopes will be a bounce-back year for the senior signal caller.

“I thought he executed really well in that game,” said Rahne. “He’s always been able to throw it. His guys got open for him.”

Wells finished the game 17-for-29 passing for 251 yards and two touchdown passes. He also rushed for 27 yards and a touchdown. It could have been a better night for Wells as he had some overthrows to receivers and missed some open receivers, but in the overall picture, it’s a win and should instill some confidence in him and the offense.

Rahne also spoke about the three new receivers, Ali Jennings, Jaylin Lane, and Da’Quan Felton, that Pry brought in from the transfer portal and they made an immediate impact against Old Dominion.

“Those three wide receivers changed the dynamic of that offense,” Rahne said. “I thought Coach Pry and Coach Mines did a great job of going out there and getting guys who can make plays.”

Rahne knows first-hand how good Jennings is as he coached him last season and against his former team, he finished with five receptions for 72 yards and two key touchdowns. Lane had four receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown and Felton’s one catch was for 34 yards down the left sideline after he shook off a tackle to get into the open field.

Coaches are always going to praise the opponent, but Rahne was right about both opinions, Wells played well and the receivers have the potential to be a game-changer this season for the Hokies.