Virginia Tech Football: Kyron Drones monster effort wins over Hokies fans

The first two starts for Kyron Drones in a Virginia Tech uniform were good, but not great. The Baylor transfer quarterback showed flashes of his ability and the different dynamic he brings to the offense and what opposing teams need to prepare for. Saturday night at Lane Stadium, the sophomore played a tremendous game and let’s just say, he has won over the fanbase and the ones that were still questioning him.

In the third quarter with the Hokies leading 21-7 and at the Pittsburgh 10-yard line following a fumble recovery, Drones kept the ball on 4th-and-goal and bullied his way through the Panthers’ defense and into the end zone for a touchdown. Following the run where he broke multiple tackles to find paydirt, Hokie fans had seen enough for them to call him their quarterback going forward, and why not?

Just how good was Drones against Pittsburgh and the ACC opener? He was consistent all night. He finished the game 12-for-19 passing for 228 yards and three touchdowns and had 86 yards rushing on 21 carries and two touchdown runs. In the first quarter, he was 3-for-6 for 74 yards passing and a touchdown, then in the second quarter, he was 5-for-8 for 58 yards passing and a touchdown. In the third quarter, he was 3-for-4 for 66 yards and a touchdown, before he took over the fourth quarter with his legs. He rushed for touchdowns in the second and third quarters.

Yes, Drones was good, but you have to give credit where credit is due and that is with the game plan that offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen drew up. There was much more mixing in the run and pass and the Hokies went ahead and stuck with it and established the running game with Drones and Bhayshul Tuten. It was a night where Virginia Tech picked up a second win in 2023, but also a night where Kyron Drones’ monster effort won over the fanbase for one week and outplayed sixth-year senior Phil Jurkovec.