Virginia Tech football report card offers mixed grades through six games

Six weeks into the season the Virginia Tech football team gets their first of two byes for the 2024 season following a 31-7 victory over Stanford on the road last Saturday. Sitting at 3-3, the Hokies still have a lot of their goals from the beginning of the season in front of them over the final six weeks if they can take control of what they control. Here is a report card for the Hokies through the first six games.

Virginia Tech football report card through first 6 games

I mean, what else would this grade be? Home or away, Virginia Tech fans show up and they have sold out next Thursday’s game against Boston College to mark all six games being officially sold out.

Before ACC play began, this grade would have been a lot lower, but despite losing to Miami and rolling over Stanford, there were some strides made on both sides of the ball, including head coach Brent Pry. Now the question is, can it continue over the final six games? If so, then becoming bowl-eligible is well within reach for the Hokies.

To say that some of the mistakes made with this unit whether it’s a coaching decision or execution have been costly would be a big understatement. It cost them valuable points against Vanderbilt. Rutgers and Miami in their losses, while it was costly in wins over Old Dominion and Marshall. They played a flawless game against Stanford with the special teams and need to continue that going forward.

Kyron Drones has been good this season, but could he be better? Yes, and he would be the first to admit that. He has made some big plays with both his arm and legs, but he also has missed some receiver in crucial moments where one or two more completions might have got a different result. Against Stanford, he got away with trying to make a play at the end of the half that almost turned in a turnover and points for the Cardinal who were reeling. Protecting the ball and making plays will go a long way for the Hokies over the second half of the schedule.

This grade is mostly for Bhayshul Tuten and the start he has this season. He has become one of the top 10 backs in the country with production and has improved his blocking and protection for Drones as well. He is tough to wrap up and bring down and he bounces off of the first contact a lot of the times, like he did at Miami for a 55-yard run two weeks ago. When he gets his hands on the ball, good things usually happen.

One of the more frustrating aspects with this group has been the health of Ali Jennings. Injuries have taken over his time in Blacksburg and limited his snaps. Stephen Gosnell has turned into a good receiver and option for Drones while Jaylin Lane has made some big catches and runs on reverses. Da’Quan Felton had a nice touchdown reception aaginst Stanford while Ayden Greene is earning more reps.

Benji Gosnell has been a nice safety valve for Drones and got wide-open against Miami to haul in an early first-quarter touchdown pass. Like Jennings, injuries have hampered Nick Gallo’s ability to get on the field the last two seasons. 

Let’s not sugarcoat it, the offensive line has been shaky this season. Parker Clements has struggled big time, while it has taken Braelin Moore time to get settled in at center. This offseason, the transfer portal should be used to bring in some players along the line for 2025.

This unit has really come on as the season has gone along. Antwaun Powell-Ryland has carried over his success from 2023 to this season, Aeneas Peebles has been starting to make an impact, and Josh Fuga had a good game against Stanford. Losing Kemari Copeland for the season is a tough loss, but Cole Nelson and others have been making some big plays.

Kaleb Spencer has stepped in and made some big plays recently while Middle Tennessee State transfer Sam Brumfield has had his moments. Keli Lawson and Caleb Woodson have stood out at times with Lawson picking off Stanford quarterback Justin Lamson on Saturday.

The back end of the Hokies defense has played well this season. Mansoor Delane had a tough opener against Vanderbilt, but he quickly rebounded. Mose Phillips has really come on after a good spring practice and camp. Dorian Strong has played well after coming back following a very good 2023. This unit will get tested more in the second half of the season than they did in the first half against some quarterbacks who like to throw the ball all over the field.

Virginia Tech gets four of their final six games of the season at home and anything less than becoming bowl-eligible would be considered a failure. The opportunity is there.