Virginia Tech Football: Hokies have found their man

Going into Saturday’s non-conference battle with Rutgers, Virginia Tech football coach Brent Pry did not name a starting quarterback. Instead, he listed his starter in the first two games, Grant Wells, as questionable with an ankle injury. Despite the coach not naming a starter, all signs pointed to Baylor transfer Kyron Drones getting the start.

That’s what happened and it appears for this week against Marshall, the Hokies have a starting quarterback.

Kyron Drones played well against Rutgers

Say what you will, but if there is one thing to take away from the 35-16 loss to the Scarlet Knights, it’s that Drones needs to be the starting quarterback going forward.

Yes, there were mistakes made by Drones and the offense, however, you can’t say that the offense didn’t look good compared to their first two games. They moved the ball downfield, Drones looked comfortable standing in the pocket and throwing the ball. Tech had the ball for 20 minutes in the opening half, compared to 10 for Rutgers. A fumble on the game’s second play and a shanked punt that gave the Scarlet Knights the ball near midfield played a big role in the Hokies trailing 21-3 at the half. Drones was 10-for-17 for 84 yards in the opening 30 minutes with one interception.

In the third quarter, Virginia Tech’s offense played well and Drones threw his first touchdown pass as a Hokie with a 39-yard pass to Da’Quan Felton. For the game, Drones was 19-for-32 throwing the ball for 190 yards and he had 84 yards rushing on 22 carries while being sacked four times.

It was clear that Felton and Drones formed a connection as the Norfolk State transfer had six receptions for 84 yards and a 39-yard touchdown reception. Jaylin Lane was limited in the game and with Ali Jennings injured, Stephen Gosnell and other players need to step up to help up their QB.

One thing that the Hokies need to do is watch the pounding that Drones takes running the ball. Yes, his ability to run the option is a nice addition to the offense, but if he rushes the ball 22 times a week, either Pry is going to have to go to an injured Wells, or look to freshman Pop Watson. For now, Drones is the guy who should be under center against Marshall next Saturday.