Virginia Tech Football: 5 plays that defined the 2023 season

2. Onside kick at Boston College

When Virginia Tech traveled to Chestnut Hill, Mass. to play Boston College, the Hokies were winless on the road in their previous four opportunities against Rutgers, Marshall, Florida State, and Louisville. In fact, the Hokies were coming off a 34-3 loss against the Cardinals in what was a showdown for a berth in the ACC Championship game against FSU. The Hokies were dominated by Louisville and were looking at needing to win at least one game away from Blacksburg to get to six wins. Against the Eagles, the Hokies were leading 10-7 near the end of the first quarter and Pry knew that he needed to change something after BC went down the field on their second possession to score a touchdown.

Dorian Strong picked off BC quarterback Thomas Castellanos twice in the first quarter, which led to the 10 Virginia Tech points. After a Bhayshul Tuten touchdown run gave the Hokies the lead, Pry called for a surprise onside kick and his team executed it to perfection. Jaylen Jones recovered the ball and set the Hokies up near midfield. Early in the second quarter, Drones connected with Stephen Gosnell for a 22-yard touchdown that started a run of three consecutive touchdowns in the quarter that allowed Tech to take a commanding 31-7 lead into halftime on their way to a 48-22 victory to improve to 5-5.