Going into the season opener against VMI, all that was discussed was the Keydets' running game with the option. While nobody was overlooking what Virginia Tech had in the backfield, it was Tech's running game that was the story.
Virginia Tech's offensive coordinator, Ty Howle, featured the running game early and often, and it was impressive. I know a lot of people are going to say it's VMI, but regardless, Marcellous Hawkins and Jeffrey Overton Jr. ran with purpose and it was good to see.
Virginia Tech's running game sends an early message in the rout of VMI
The Hokies found the end zone on their first four possessions of the game, and they racked up 145 yards rushing in the opening half. Overton Jr. found the end zone on his first carry of the game in the first quarter from 50 yards out. Overton Jr. finished the first half with five carries for 82 yards and two touchdowns. Hawkins scored two touchdowns in the opening half as well nd had eight carries for 57 yards as the Hokies led 45-0 at the break.
Hawkins, who finished with 69 yards rushing, added a third touchdown in the second half, while Overton Jr. finished with 104 yards rushing in the game. Not to be outdone, Penn State transfer quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer finished 17-for-20 for 224 yards and a pair of touchdown passes in two-plus quarters.
There is no doubt that the Virginia Tech offense is going to be much better this season under Howle and Franklin. That is, if everyone stays healthy, which is always key. Again, before you say it was VMI, I understand it was VMI. There will be a step up in talent next Saturday when Old Dominion comes to Blacksburg.
Truth be told, the Hokies' running game did what it needed to do; it dominated, but given how many upsets there are in college football, and really, an upset wasn't really something that anyone saw happening after the Hokies were a 55.5-point favorite going into the game.
All in all, it was a successful beginning to the James Franklin era at Virginia Tech, and Franklin was able to go deep into his depth chart in the opener. As far as the running game goes, it could be sneaky good in 2026, and hopefully Saturday night was just the beginning; it needs to carry over week to week all season long.
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