Virginia Tech football opponent benches starting QB after loss to Hokies

Entering last Saturday night’s road game at Virginia Tech, it was unclear as to who was going to be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Panthers. Just under twelve hours before kickoff, ESPN reported that Boston College transfer Phil Jurkovec was going to start against the Hokies.

After struggling at his two previous stops, Notre Dame and BC, injuries have been a thorn in Jurkovec’s side. The week before coming to Blacksburg, he was injured against North Carolina in the first half and did not return. Christian Veilleux replaced him and struggled turning the ball over and completing passes. Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Jurkovec is being benched.

Phil Jurkovec benched following loss to Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Chris Marve had a game plan for the Panthers and Jurkovec and they executed it to perfection in their 38-21 victory. They got after the quarterback early and often, finishing the game with four sacks, and one big forced fumble that resulted in a third-quarter Hokies touchdown by quarterback Kyron Drones.

Jurkovec was 11-for-22 passing for 235 yards, but truth be told, he had a 75-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, then a 61-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, but other than that, it was a frustrating night for Jurkovec and his teammates in what was the without a doubt the best defensive effort from Virginia Tech in the Brent Pry era.

Pittsburgh sits a 1-4 and they make the change as they are entering their bye week. They return to action on Oct. 14 at home against Louisville at 6:30 p.m. with Veilleux under center. The Panthers have lost four consecutive games since beating Wofford in their season opener, losing to Cincinnati, West Virginia, North Carolina, and the Hokies. To be honest it was surprising that coach Pat Narduzzi did not make a change during the game Saturday night in the second half, waiting instead until their bye week.