7 winners and 2 losers from Virginia Tech football's thrilling win over Clemson

Looking for a signature win on the road on Saturday night at Clemson, the Virginia Tech football team went toe-to-toe against the Tigers in Death Valley. Leading 10-3 at halftime, the Hokies once again struggled in the third quarter, but when push came to shove, they were able to make some big plays and pick up a 20-16 win.

The win improved Virginia Tech to 6-2, and it doubled their win total from 2025. Heading into a bye next week, the Hokies are already bowl-eligible. Here are seven winners and two losers from Virginia Tech's upset.

Winner: Luke Reynolds

For one night, Luke Reynolds numbers are not going to jump off the screen at you, but man, when a play needs to be made, he makes it. That was the case against Clemson. He had seven receptions for just 44 yards, but two huge touchdowns. He had his first one in the opening half, then he hauled in the game-winning touchdown late in the game, somehow uncovered in the back of the end zone. Big-time players make big-time plays.

Loser: Clemson's defense not covering Luke Reynolds on game-winning touchdown

I'm not sure how you let a future NFL tight end run free in the end zone on fourth down, but yikes. They did. It was a great play drawn up by Virginia Tech offensive coordinator Ty Howle, but leaving him wide open was certainly a decision.

Winner: Ethan Grunkemeyer

Say what you will about quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, but he made some big plays under pressure and was the big reason, aside from Reynolds, as to why the Hokies offense was able to drive late to pickup the win. He was just 20-for-32 in the game for 156 yards and two touchdown passes, but despite being sacked six times, he was able to step up and make some big throws. There is a calm presence about him, and he is impressing each week. He has 17 touchdown passes to two interceptions. Not too bad.

Loser: Virginia Tech's offensive line

Sure, they were great on the game-winning drive, but allowing six sacks and Grunkemeyer to get hit as many times as he did by Clemson's defense. Again, it's a unit that is dealing with injuries, and the Tigers have a tremendous defensive line, but if Grunkemeyer is going to stay healthy this season, something needs to change.

Winner: James Franklin

If there is one thing that James Franklin isn't, he isn't afraid to make some tough decisions. That's what he faced on a 4th-and-1 from the Clemson 5-yard line with just under two minutes left. Instead of kicking the field goal to tie the game and give the ball back to the Tigers to look to drive for a game-winning field goal attempt, he decided to go for it. It paid off with Grunkemeyer's touchdown pass to Reynolds to win the game. He sent a message to his team, and they should be a confident bunch going forward.

Winner: Brent Pry

It wasn't easy for Brent Pry to walk through the same doors three months after being fired as head coach to the football offices. However, he did so to be Franklin's defensive coordinator, and after being under pressure from their recent play, he responded with his unit in South Carolina. They held Clemson to 288 yards of total offense and came up with some big plays on Clemson's final drive to seal the win. The pressure is off for one week, and he can enjoy his bye week.

Winner: Jaquez White

Troy transfer Jaquez White had a lot of hype surrounding him going into the season, but he really hasn't lived up to it. That was until Saturday night. He recorded a game-high 11 tackles, eight solo, and a sack. He came up with the big play on fourth down that sacked Clemson QB Tait Reynolds to seal the victory. What a time for a big night for White.

Winner: Kaleb Spencer & Noah Chambers

Along with White, Hokies' linebacker Kaleb Spencer had a big night with nine tackles, seven solo and two for a loss. Fellow linebacker Noah Chambers had six tackles, four solo and two for a loss. Keon Wylie had five tackles, four solo. Just an overall great night when push came to shove for the Virginia Tech defense, which really needed that type of effort.

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