Virginia Tech Football: 3 takeaways from impressive win over BC

To say that things on the road for the Virginia Tech football team have been a struggle under Brent Pry for the last two seasons would be a major understatement. They entered Saturday’s game at Boston College, 1-9, under the former Penn State defensive coordinator, including 0-4 in 2023.

Non-conference road losses at Rutgers and Marshall in September were disappointing, then their other two road games were against the top two teams in the ACC, Florida State, and Louisville, and those are not easy games for anyone.

Sitting at 4-5 overall following last weekend’s 34-3 loss at Louisville last Saturday, the Hokies one remaining goal for this season was to find a way to win in Chestnut Hill against an already bowl-eligible Eagles team that entered 6-3. Virginia Tech fans have been waiting for a road win, but they were treated to a much-needed dominating 48-22 victory over Boston College at Alumni Stadium.

Offense, defense, special teams, you name it, the Hokies excelled at it. Dorian Strong set the tone with an interception of Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos on the game’s first play and from there, Chris Marve’s defense frustrated the Eagles offense all afternoon in a convincing victory.

Here are three takeaways after the Hokies get back at .500 at 5-5 with two games remaining to win one and become bowl-eligible.

Kyron Drones was simply magnificent

It has been a struggle for Baylor transfer Kyron Drones on the road this season, but against the Eagles, the sophomore was ready to go and put together a dominating opening half with his arms and legs to set the tone.

Virginia Tech put up 31 points in the opening half, racking up 340 total yards of offense, 158 rushing, and 182 passing. Drones accounted for 286 total yards and did a good job on the read option and used his big frame to run over and through some defenders.

Late in the first half and the Hokies facing a third down deep in their territory, Drones knew he had a free play down the field after the Eagles jumped offside and he connected with Da’Quan Felton for 70 yards down to the Boston College 10-yard line. For the game, Drones was 12-for-17 for 217 yards in the air and a pair of touchdown passes.

One thing that made it easy for the Hokies offense was their ability to play ahead of the sticks, eliminate pre-snap penalties, and not allow multiple sacks. It was a big-time performance for Drones on the road in a game where they needed him to be as good as he was.

Virginia Tech beat Boston College at their own game

All week, the talk surrounding the game was the play of Castellanos at QB for BC and his ability to scramble and make plays with his legs. The Eagles entered the game with the top rushing attack in the ACC and were in the Top 10 in the country.

Pry knew coming into the game that the defense was going to need to contain Castellanos, get off the field on third downs, and create turnovers, some things that have been an issue this season, especially on the road. Saturday, they excelled in all of those and had ball control and a furious rushing attack themselves.

They picked off Castellanos on the game’s first play, buckled down, and allowed Castellanos just 46 yards rushing through three quarters before he was replaced by Garrett Moorehead. Dorian Strong had a second interception in the first quarter and Pry sent a message late in the opening quarter after his team took the lead. He stunned the Eagles with an onside kick that was recovered by Virginia Tech. That set up a second-quarter touchdown and allowed the Hokies to set the tone.

Virginia Tech led in total yards with 600, ball control (35:59-24:01) and on the scoreboard. An all-around dominating performance from Pry’s team who did not allow explosive plays and tackled really well all afternoon long.

Bhayshul Tuten ran the ball well

With each game he plays, Bhayshul Tuten gets better and better and shows more confidence. Since offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen committed to run after the loss at Marshall, the North Carolina A&T transfer has been a key piece of the offense.

Against Boston College, he rushed for 78 yards on 16 carries and found the end zone three times. What was impressive was the way he was able to continue to gain yards after contact and drag defenders with him, including into the end zone on a second-quarter touchdown.

In reality, whoever carried the ball was effective for the Hokies and a lot of that had to do with the offensive line. Malachi Thomas added a fourth-quarter rushing touchdown on the first play from 35 yards out.

Now the Hokies’ attention turns to NC State at home next weekend with an opportunity to become bowl-eligible, something that didn’t seem possible a month and a half ago. It’s going to be the final home game for the Virginia Tech seniors and an emotional afternoon.