Virginia Tech Football: 3 takeaways from frustrating loss to Marshall

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Sep 16, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive lineman Josh Fuga (6) celebrates a defensive stop during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Virginia Tech’s defense gave them a chance

Was it a case of too little, too late for the Virginia Tech defense? Maybe, however, for as bad as things were in the second and third quarters, the Hokies’ defense buckled down in the fourth quarter and gave them a chance to steal a victory on the road.

Let’s set one thing straight, they still face up the big plays, especially in the first half on a Rasheen Ali 56-yard touchdown run, then the 98-yard drive in the third quarter that turned out to be the game-winning touchdown, but in the fourth quarter, they came up with stops when needed and the offense couldn’t capitalize.

Tech’s defense forced three straight three-and-outs and got an interception from Keonta Jenkins. The only first down the Thundering Hurd picked up was on a very questionable personal foul penalty on third down for hitting Marshall’s quarterback Cam Fancher. Well, knicked him trying to avoid him. Even Roddy Jones from ESPN agreed it wasn’t a penalty.

Virginia Tech did end up getting a stop and forcing a punt, but the offense was not able to score on their final drive, turning the ball over on downs.

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