Drones Out With Injury; Orange Stun Virginia Tech in Thriller

© Mark Konezny - Imagn Image

It was an exciting Atlantic Coast Conference game under the JMA Wireless Dome on Nov. 2. Syracuse shook off a mediocre first half to come back and down the Virginia Tech Hokies 38-31 in overtime. Led by the legs of running back LeQuint Allen and the big plays from receiver Justus Simmons-Ross, the Orange clawed back into the game and bowl eligibility in head coach Fran Brown’s first year. Allen scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime.

No Drones, No Tuten, No Problem

One of the ACC’s most exciting, elusive backfields is quarterback Kyron Drones and running back Bhayshul Tuten of Virginia Tech. The duo has been a matchup nightmare for teams all season but at 12:01 PM EST on Nov. 2, Hokie fans and spectators were informed that both Drones and Tuten were out for the game. Tuten dressed and took the sidelines, but his duties were split between wide receiver Jaylin Lane and backup running backs Jeremiah Coney and Malachi Thomas. Drones was unavailable for play and backup Collin Schlee stood tall in Drones’ absence.

The first quarter was all Virginia Tech as they attempted to quiet the Orange faithful with an early lead. Schlee was active early finding receiver Stephen Gosnell on a 48-yard strike on the Hokies’ second drive of the game. That pass set up the end around to Lane, giving the Hokies a 7-0 lead. Syracuse would have no answers on the responding drive. They failed to create any headway and gave the ball back after a quick 3-and-out. The next drive for the Hokies was much the same as Schlee and Gosnell connected again, this time on a 44-yard strike to Gosnell, putting the Hokies in scoring position. Schlee would dive into the end zone on a 1-yard run two plays later, making the score Virginia Tech 14-0.

© Mark Konezny - Imagn Images

The second quarter tested the mettle of both defenses and both would respond in turn. Syracuse added 3 points when kicker Jackson Kennedy capitalized on a field goal just as the quarter began. The Orange defensive line was active and effective at creating pressure when the Hokies dropped back to pass. Syracuse’s linebacker Marlowe Wax caused plenty of ruckus in the backfield, recording 1.5 sacks in the second quarter. Virginia Tech cornerback Mansoor Delane was a menace for the Orange. He picked off McCord and forced a fumble late as the Orange tried to score before the half.

Orange on the Comeback

Virginia Tech’s opening drive in the second half was a 10-play drive led by the domineering running of Malachi Thomas. Thomas set up the scoring TD with his legs and it was Ali Jennings with a 12-yard reception to make the score 21-3 Hokies.

The Orange responded quickly when wide receiver Justus Ross-Simmons took a hitch route 55 yards to the end zone. That made the score 21-10, still in Virginia Tech’s favor. The TD rejuvenated the team and on the next Hokie drive, they amassed one total yard before surrendering the ball back to Syracuse. The Orange would respond again with a TD, this time as back LeQuint Allen stepped into the end zone after a 41-yard screen to Trebor Pena put the Orange on the Hokies 2-yard line. A 2-point conversion made the score 21-18 Virginia Tech. The momentum of this game was swinging.

The following Virginia Tech drive was halted when cornerback Duce Chestnut stripped the ball from Coney. This play shifted the game immediately as the Orange used the momentum and completely changed the game’s flow. McCord and Ross-Simmons made the Hokies pay for a second time when they connected for a 28-yard touchdown to take their first lead 24-21. The extra-point try was blocked to keep the Orange from going up four points.

Virginia Tech’s next possession was a heavy dose of designed runs from Schlee and Thomas. The power ground game boded well for the Hokies as Thomas scored on a 15-yard run to regain the lead 28-24. The defense forced a quick 3-and-out for the Orange. Eight plays later, kicker John Love added a field goal to increase the Hokie lead to seven. With 5:16 left, McCord and the Orange take the field down 31-24.

Syracuse marched down the field methodically and was assisted with a pass interference call on 3 and 1, putting them at the Hokie 28-yard line. McCord finds his top target, Pena, to get the ball to the Virginia Tech one-yard line. Allen steps into the end zone two plays later to score and tie the game at 31, leaving 29 seconds on the clock. The Hokies ran out the last seconds and settled for overtime.

Orange Win in OT

Virginia Tech won the coin toss in OT and elected to play defense first. The Orange wasted no snaps as the first went for 15 yards to Allen. The back was rewarded on his next carry, spinning off defenders into the end zone. With the score Syracuse 38-31, the Hokies had to respond.

The Hokies were halted on their second snap when Syracuse linebacker Marlowe Wax made his second big play of the game. This time he stripped the ball from Schlee and defensive end Fadil Diggs recovered the fumble, securing the Orange comeback.

Players of the Game

WR Justus Ross-Simmons | 4 Recceptions, 88 Yards, 2 TDs

Simmons entered the game with zero receptions, but his big plays kept the Orange in the game and jump-started the second-half comeback.

RB LeQuint Allen - Syracuse | 21 Carries, 121 Yards, 3 TDs

Allen is typically the second fiddle in this offensive orchestra. This was his day, however, as he recorded his best game this season when they needed it most.

Looking Forward

Syracuse is officially bowl-eligible with this victory and can wash the taste of an utterly poor performance versus Pitt out of their mouths. They will need some help to have a chance at the ACC title game but this victory helps keep them alive in the conversation. They meet No. 5 Miami in their final regular season game. 

Virginia Tech welcomes No. 11 Clemson next week. They still have to play a defensive-minded Duke team and their rival Virginia to finish the season. The Hokies must win their remaining games to keep their outside ACC title chances alive.