When it comes to the Virginia Tech football team and their season-opener against VMI, the Hokies did what they needed to do; they sent an early message and left no doubt as to who was going to win the game.
Virginia Tech led 21-0 after the first quarter, 45-0 at halftime, and coasted to a 73-3 win over the Keydets. Things are going to get much tougher as things go along, beginning next weekend at home against Old Dominion. As far as James Franklin's first game as head coach in Blacksburg, there were not a lot of things to take away from the game, but there were three players who opened some eyes and made a name for themselves.
3 Virginia Tech players who made a name for themselves against VMI
It was announced before kickoff that true freshman Davion Brown was going to start against the Keydets at wide receiver with Ayden Greene and Duke transfer Que'Sean Brown. He did and made three catches for 31 yards, but he looked very good running his routes and proved that he belongs on the field as a true freshman. He will catch a lot of balls this season and will find the end zone eventually, likely not before too long. He did muff a punt that led to VMI's only points, but it's a learning experience, and if he were back there fielding a punt, it would show that the coaching staff has faith in him.
Yes, I know, Ethan Grunkemeyer is QB1 and looked good; however, it was vital that North Carolina transfer Bryce Baker got into the game and got some valuable experience. That was the case, as he played most of the second half, and he looked good. He was 10-for-12 for 127 yards and a touchdown pass to Que'Sean Brown. Franklin spoke about how big it was for him to get some action should something happen to Grunkemeyer. You have to feel good about Baker after that performance.
During camp, there was a lot of talk about defensive end Aycen Stevens and how good he looked. He has put in his time over the last couple of years in practice, and all of that hard work is paying off. Against VMI, he was part of the relentless pass rush from the Hokies and finished with four tackles and 1.5 sacks. He was quick and in the backfield, causing problems. There is a reason the defensive coordinator, Brent Pry, spoke highly of him. He looked really good.
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