After routing VMI and Old Dominion at home to begin the 2026 season, the Virginia Tech football team hit the road for their first game away from Blacksburg, and it was going to be a tough one at Maryland. Both teams entered the game 2-0 and were looking for an early-season statement victory.
Just about everything that could have gone right in the first half for the Hokies did. The only two negatives were a John Love PAT blocked and the secondary getting carved up on the Terrapins two scoring drives. However, in the second half, they took their foot off the pedal and almost paid for it.
Offensively, the playcalling became conservative, and Maryland quarterback Malik Washington got hot and started making plays, but in the end, the Hokies made enough plays and ran out the clock for a 35-26 win in College Park. Here are five observations after Virginia Tech improved to 3-0. The win snapped a 15-game losing streak to non-conference Power 4 opponents.
Virginia Tech's offense was clicking in the first half
What a first half offensively for the Hokies. They marched down the field on the game's opening drive for a touchdown; quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer scored on a scramble on third down, and Jeffrey Overton Jr. caught a swing pass and raced 49 yards for a touchdown.
Virginia Tech scored touchdowns on four of their five drives, and really, the early touchdowns gave the Hokies enough separation to keep it at multiple scores. In the second, the playcalling was a little suspect at times, however, after scoring a touchdown on their opening drive of the second half, they were able to run out the clock after Maryland cut the deficit to 35-26 with just over five minutes left.
Ethan Grunkemeyer is that dude
Questions were going into the season about whether or not Penn State transfer Ethan Grunkemeyer was the dude who was ready to lead the Hokies. That was put to bed against Maryland. He was 31-for-39 for 314 yards, three touchdowns through the air, and he had a touchdown run. He managed the game perfectly and didn't make a mistake. He made some big throws and was on target with most throws. What a game on the road.
Mike Locksley's head-scratching decisions
Now, it really did not affect the game, but what was Mike Locksley doing going for two points after a fourth-quarter touchdown to make it 35-20? Honestly, they missed it, and then needed to go for two points again and missed it later in the quarter. Maryland was already chasing points in the fourth, and Locksley had them chasing more. Make it make sense.
Virginia Tech has secondary concerns
When Maryland scored both first-half touchdowns, they were drives that were too easy, and Washington carved up the Virginia Tech secondary. Then in the second half, Washington again carved up the Hokies on their scoring drives. Thank goodness the offense was able to run out the clock on the final drive.
The Hokies' secondary was a concern going into the game against the first Power 4 Conference opponent this year, and it played out that way. Brent Pry needs to get things figured out back there going forward, as it could be a concern.
Injuries overshadow huge road win
Virginia Tech suffered a pair of injuries in the first half that were big losses and could be extended injuries. Offensive lineman Justin Terry suffered an injury and was seen on crutches by Andy Bitter of Tech Sideline in the second half. Wide receiver Ayden Greene left in the first half after drawing a pass interference penalty and hitting the ground. Both would be tough long-term injuries to deal with for the Hokies.
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