Virginia Tech’s season opener against Vanderbilt was a challenging one, showcasing both some positive moments and several glaring issues. The Hokies faced off against a team expected to finish at the bottom of the SEC, but the final score of 34-27 in overtime reflects a game that was far from satisfactory. Despite a valiant second-half effort where Virginia Tech briefly took a 27-20 lead, they ultimately fell short as Vanderbilt rallied to tie the game and win in overtime. While this loss isn’t catastrophic for the season, it certainly tightens their margin for error moving forward.
3 Positive Observations from the Vanderbilt Game
1. Bhayshul Tuten
Although Bhayshul Tuten’s stats might not stand out—34 rushing yards, 18 receiving yards, and two touchdowns—his playmaking ability was evident. His contributions in the second half were crucial, and he clearly has the potential to be a more significant factor in the offense. Tuten should see more touches moving forward.
2. Kyron Drones
Kyron Drones had a solid performance despite significant pressure. He passed for 322 yards and two touchdowns on 22-of-33 passing. The interception he threw was deflected by an unblocked defender, and an injury in overtime further hampered him. His play was one of the few bright spots in a challenging game.
3. Ali Jennings & Stephen Gosnell
Ali Jennings had a standout moment with a crucial 62-yard touchdown catch late in the game, proving his importance as a target. Stephen Gosnell also had a notable performance with three catches for 72 yards, including a 44-yard reception. Both players need more opportunities to impact the game, particularly given the team’s struggles in the first half.
3 Negative Observations from the Vanderbilt Game
1. Mansoor Delane
Mansoor Delane had a rough outing, consistently targeted by Vanderbilt and struggling to contain their receivers. His performance was a weak link in the Hokies’ secondary, and improvement is necessary for the defense to become more reliable.
2. Tyler Bowen’s Play Calling
The offensive play-calling, particularly in the first half, was questionable. Efforts to establish the running game were ineffective, and short throws and screen passes led to an interception that Vanderbilt converted into a touchdown. Although the offense improved in the second half with more downfield passes, the initial strategy hindered their performance.
3. Coaching Decisions
Head Coach Brent Pry admitted to mistakes, but some decisions were particularly costly. A crucial error occurred in the third quarter when a delay of game penalty on a Vanderbilt field goal attempt was followed by a miscommunication that allowed the Commodores to kick the field goal after a punt. Additionally, the lack of adjustments in the first half contributed to the team’s 17-3 halftime deficit. Allowing a lower-ranked team to stay competitive ultimately led to Virginia Tech’s defeat.
Overall, the Hokies’ opening game showcased both potential and problems. While there are positive aspects to build on, significant improvements are needed to avoid similar pitfalls throughout the season.
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