Needing a win to become bowl-eligible, the Virginia Tech football team, down to their third-string quarterback in freshman Pop Watson, played as about a complete game that they have in 2024 when it mattered the most in the Commonwealth Cup.
Virginia Tech jumped out to a 20-3 halftime lead and built a lead to 30-17 early in the fourth quarter when Bhayshul Tuten put the game away with a touchdown run of 58 yards to seal a 37-17 victory to improve to 6-6 while ending Virginia's season at 5-7. It remains to be seen which bowl the Hokies will go to later this month, but it's time for the final regular season report card.
Virginia Tech football report card from win over Virginia
Despite a very disappointing season, one thing never changed, Hokies fans supported their team whether it was at Lane Stadium or on the road. With the way the season went, Hokies' fans deserve better than what they got this season with all the preseason hype.
It was one of the better 60-minute efforts this season for the Hokies as Pry and his staff had them ready to go. Tyler Bowen made adjustments and called a very good game, but in the second half, defensive coordinator Chris Marve struggled to make adjustments and allowed the Cavaliers to hang around.
John Love was perfect on field goals anfd extra punts and Peter Moore was excellent punting the ball. It was a perfect night for the special teams unit and it was needed.
Virginia Tech offensive report card from win over Virginia
Pop Watson got his first college start on a big stage and he didn't disappoint. The Massachusetts native was 14-for-21 through the air for 254 yards and a 66-yard touchdown pass to Jaylin Lane in the second quarter. He also had 11 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown run early in the third quarter. The win means we get one more game of Pop Watson who is someone who could be special in Blacksburg.
If the Hokies were going to win the game, they would need a big night from Bhayshul Tuten in his final game at Lane Stadium. The North Carolina A&T transfer did not disappoint. He rushed for 124 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns, including the game-clinching 58-yard dash to paydirt in the fourth quarter. If this is his last game as a Hokie, he went out with a bang.
Another key to the game would be the wide receivers making catches and plays for Watson and they did. Lane had the deep touchdown reception and finished with 91 yards on four catches. Ali Jennings only had two catches, but picked up 51 yards with a 40-yard grab. Da'Quan Felton had a big catch on the opening drive and also had two catches for 50 yards. Ayden Greene had three receptions for 36 yards and Stephen Gosnell had two catches for 17 yards.
It was a quiet night for the tight ends with Benji Gosnell having just one catch for nine yards, but the blocking in the running game was key on this night.
For a group that had a rough season, they had one of their better games against Virginia. They protected Watson well, opened enough holes for Tuten and allowed Watson time to throw the ball down field. Improvment.
Virginia Tech defensive report card from win over Virginia
Antwaun Powell-Ryland finished with three sacks in his final game in Blacksburg and Duke transfer Aeneas Peebles had 1.5. Aside from a couple drives in the second half, they got pressure on Virginia quarterback Tony Muskett all night and made life difficult for him, especially in the first half.
The second level had another strong game with Caleb Woodson leading the group with nine tackles, while Jaden Keller had eight and Keonta Jenkins had six. Middle Tennessee State transfer Sam Brumfield had four and they were physical all night.
For the most part, they were good all night, playing a lot of man coverage and Jaylen Jones had an interception late in the first half that led to a field goal and Mansoor Delane sealed the game late in the fourth with a pick.
Now Brent Pry and his staff turn the page to recruiting and getting ready for a bowl game. It's a big month again for the Hokies in terms of the future for the young players.