Football at Virginia Tech: Immediate response to a commanding victory over BC
For the Virginia Tech football team in 2023, Saturday afternoon at Boston College was, if there was ever a must-win scenario, it was that one. Although the Eagles were 6-3 going into the game, they
were not your usual 6-3 ACC team. Running back Pat Garwo missed the kickoff, which made BC coach Jeff Hafley’s situation worse. Additionally, quarterback Thomas Castellanos was left without his two best running backs when Kye Robichaux was declared out
By scoring 31 points in the first half to take a 31-7 lead at the half and going on to win 48-22, Virginia Tech made the most of the Eagles’ absence of their two backs and played their best first half on the road since Brent Pry’s arrival.
The Hokies were able to maintain possession of the ball and gain a lot of players’ experience and road time in the second half. In the last quarter, Pop Watson and Grant Wells were both able to get some reps under center.
The Hokies immediately established the tone and demonstrated their seriousness. The Eagles were completely taken aback by 10 points and an onside kick in the first quarter thanks to two interceptions of Castellanos by Dorian Strong. It was as though we were reliving “Beamer Ball.” Well observed.
The offense’s ability to stay ahead of the chains and avoid pre-snap penalties or sack accumulation is astounding. Tyler Bowen, offensive coordinator
had some of his best calls for the game while traveling this year.
What an offensive first half that was. With 158 rushes and 182 passes, they amassed 340 yards. Of those yards, 286 were recorded by Kyron Drones.
The offensive line of Virginia Tech was outperforming the defensive line of BC. Big gaps existed all afternoon, whether it was Bhayshul Tuten, drones, or someone else running the ball.
The Hokies won all of the breaks. Not one greater than at the half’s conclusion. When Bowen got the ball at their 15-yard line, they moved it to midfield rather than taking a knee. However, on third and long, Drones tried to make a short pass to the flat, but the ball slipped out of his hands. At the Tech 40, he was able to outpace three Eagles to the ball and prevent a costly turnover prior to the half.
With 6:10 remaining in the game, Tuten’s third touchdown run of the game came from a 75-yard run by Virginia Tech when they got the ball to start the second half. All day, I had excellent ball control.
Should there be any drawback, it would be the kicking game. Not punter Peter Moore or place-kicker John Love, but Kyle Lowe and his kickoffs. His kickoffs twice went out of bounds, giving the ball to the BC at the 35-yard line. For the first time, Boston College drove down the field in hopes of scoring a touchdown. Even though it’s minor, it’s something to watch in the future. Opponents cannot be given
that would be a good field position.
Despite having a 58-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, Drones player Grant Wells fumbled the ball out of the end zone, giving Boston College possession of the ball.
For the Hokies, it was an extremely important game. Similar to their home victories against Pittsburgh and Syracuse earlier in the season, they had a dominant first half. They now have two chances in the next two weeks to meet the requirements to play in a bowl game, starting at home against North Carolina State the following weekend.
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