Virginia Tech Football: 3 takeaways from loss to Purdue

By Scott Roche | Sep 9, 2023

Sep 9, 2023; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Purdue Boilermakers tight end Max Klare (86) runs down field after a first quarter catch as Virginia Tech Hokies safety Jaylen Jones (15) and cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) attempt tackle at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lee Luther Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 9, 2023; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Grant Wells (6) looks to throw a pass in the first quarter against the Purdue Boliermakers at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lee Luther Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /

Injuries on offense caught up with Virginia Tech

Last week against Old Dominion, transfers Jennings and Jaylin Lane played a big part in the win and gave quarterback Grant Wells more options than he had all of 2022. That changed before and after the weather delays on Saturday.

First Jennings went down, then Lane, who had a very productive first half in place of Jennings, went down with a hamstring injury and did not return. Then the third transfer, Da’Quan Wright also left with an injury. Not good. As the second half went along, no Jennings and no Lane became more evident as Wells and the offense struggled to move the ball.

To make matters worse, the Hokies running game was non-existent, literally. They finished the game minus 2 yards rushing before backup quarterback Kyron Drones entered the game for the final drive and he scrambled for 13 yards.

Going forward, injuries are going to happen, but this early in the season can be devastating for the Hokies, especially if they can’t run the ball. Going on the road to Rutgers and Marshall the next two weeks with injuries are not going to be easy games.

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