Hokie Defense Shuts Down Georgia Tech, Improves in ACC

© Peter Casey - Imagn Images

The matchup between Virginia Tech (5-3, 3-1 ACC) and Georgia Tech (5-4, 3-3 ACC) on Oct. 26 was all Hokies as Virginia Tech, led by quarterback Kyron Drones, defeated the Yellow Jackets 21-6 in a critical Atlantic Coast Conference game in Blacksburg, Va. Georgia Tech QB Zach Pyron made his second start of the season and the Hokie defense was intent on making the game difficult for the signal caller.

The Houdini Hokies

The first quarter was a grind for both teams, as their strong defenses made finding any rhythm on offense difficult. Each team had two drives in the first quarter, with the only points of the period coming on an Aidan Birr 34-yard field goal which gave the Yellow Jackets an early 3-0 lead.

However, the Hokies broke out the chicanery in the second quarter, and Georgia Tech was left to watch in bewilderment. The Hokies opened the second quarter with a 14-yard reverse to wide receiver Ayden Greene, which put the Hokies in Yellow Jacket territory. The momentum from the reverse served Virginia Tech well, as on the next play Drones found tight end Benji Gosnell for 31 yards down the sideline.

The Hokies’ next play was football sleight-of-hand that left the Yellow Jackets dazed, confused and behind on the scoreboard. Virginia Tech lined up in an off-balance formation with Gosnell as an eligible receiver in the tackle position, and the crafty tight end snuck by a confused secondary for the Hokies' first touchdown.

Both teams would trade punts before Birr recorded his second field goal on the day, a 50-yard career-long kick to bring the score to 7-6. Virginia Tech responded immediately with a 9-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. The score was set up by a 41-yard run by RB Bhayshul Tuten and ended with more Hokie magic. When the smoke and mirrors cleared this time, Drones received a pass from WR Jaylin Lane, and the Hokies entered halftime up 14-6.

Defense Dominates Second Half

The second half was no relief for the struggling Yellow Jackets offense. Running back Jamal Haynes spent the rest of the game fighting through an undisclosed injury that sent him to the locker room early in the first half. His return, albeit heroic, was moot as the Hokies’ defense stood strong every time the Yellow Jackets showed any promise. Georgia Tech made a change at quarterback late in the third quarter, with freshman Aaron Philo playing well in his short time on the field, connecting with WR Eric Singleton Jr. on a 57-yard completion for the longest play of the game by either team.

Georgia Tech was still kept off the scoreboard, however, and Pyron suffered an interception to stall Georgia Tech’s best drive on the day. The Hokies' offense continued their deception from the first half and set up their final touchdown with a flea flicker to WR Stephen Gosnell followed by a Drones TD off a perfectly executed option play, cementing a 21-6 Hokie victory.

Player of the Game

Kyron Drones, QB, Virginia Tech —Drones was a problem all over the field for the Yellow Jackets. He recorded touchdowns on the ground, as a passer and as a receiver today.

Stat Line: 14/24, 138 yards, 1 TD | 1 Rushing TD | 1 Receiving TD

© Peter Casey - Imagn Images

Looking Ahead

The Yellow Jackets fall to 3-3 in the ACC and are mathematically eliminated from the ACC title game. They can still secure their sixth win and be bowl-eligible, but it will not be easy as they still have No. 6 Miami, a fiery NC State Wolfpack, and No. 2 Georgia remaining on the schedule.

The Hokies improve to 3-1 in the ACC, and they have a clear path to the conference title game if they can upset No. 9 Clemson on Nov. 9th. They have a favorable schedule but must play quality football in a conference littered with parity.