After a day that began with breaking news that we all knew on College GameDay, it ended with another whimper for the Virginia Tech football team in 2025. Trailing Florida State, 10-7, at halftime, the Hokies were outscored 24-7 in the second half on their way to a 34-14 loss to the Seminoles.
The loss dropped the Hokies to 3-7, and it means that they won't be going to a third straight bowl. FSU improved to 5-5 and moved one step closer to becoming bowl-eligible and saving Mike Norvell's job. After Tech's seventh loss of the season and all eyes turn toward the James Franklin watch, let's fire up the latest Virginia Tech Football report card.
Offense: C-
It was good to see the Hokies' running game rack up 238 yards, but they only passed for 125 with quarterback Kyron Drones going 10-for-18 with a touchdown pass and an interception on the game's first drive. Scored on a 4-yard run in the second quarter for a 7-3 Hokies lead. In the second half, he had an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ayden Greene.
POINTS IN THE BANK: First TD of the game goes to KYRON DRONES ‼️#ThisIsHome | Brought to you by @carter_bank pic.twitter.com/hP64lJ1b78
— Virginia Tech Football (@HokiesFB) November 16, 2025
It was another good game for Marcellous Hawkins, who rushed for 101 yards on 12 carries for an average of 8.4 yards. Drones picked up 79 yards on the ground on 18 carries. Bowling Green transfer Terion Stewart had 43 yards rushing. It was another game of some bad throws from Drones, and the offense simply not making big plays.
Defense: C-
It was a good first half, but the second half was a disaster as FSU scored touchdowns on their first four possessions, and penalties hurt throughout the night for the Hokies on their way to 24 points over the final 30 minutes. Thomas Castellanos lost both games against Virginia Tech when he was at Boston College, but it was a different story with the Seminoles.
He played well, but the Hokies were unable to get off the field in the second half. They are thin on this side of the ball with all the injuries and opt-outs, as well as players entering the Transfer Portal. Some young guys, who might or might not be around after the next coach is hired, are getting some valuable snaps.
Special Teams: C
It was a rough night for the special teams. They jumped offsides in the third quarter on an FSU field goal attempt, which kept the drive alive when the Seminoles went for it on fourth-and-short. The drive ended with a touchdown. John Love missed a first-half field goal when he came up short. It was a forgettable night all around.
Coaching: C+
Honestly, when push comes to shove, it's a matter of talent vs. talent, and Virginia Tech doesn't have a lot. Credit to Philip Montgomery for keeping things together after Pry was fired, as his team is battling hard for him each week, but they are just not talented.
Overall: C-
See above. Virginia Tech isn't too talented compared to its opponents. It doesn't get any easier over the final two weeks against Miami and Virginia. They could help themselves by limiting the mistakes, but bad tackling, turnovers, and penalties continue to be an issue in 2025.