Turning the Page: Virginia Tech Routs Stanford Ahead of Bye Week
Virginia Tech played their second straight game of quality football on Saturday, giving the Hokies real momentum entering their bye week.
Momentum in football is an odd thing — it’s entirely immeasurable, yet clearly tangible.
After taking to Miami to the wire and throttling Stanford 31-7 in the California heat, Virginia Tech has all the momentum they could ask for as they enter their off weekend.
For the second week in a row, Virginia Tech’s offense was efficient and effective. The Hokies may have only mustered 337 yards of total offense, but they also scored on five of their nine possessions and eclipsed the 30-point threshold for the fourth time in five weeks.
Kyron Drones was particularly efficient, completing 14-of-19 pass attempts for 201 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions. He added another 22 rushing yards (excluding sacks) and a third score. For the second consecutive week, Drones posted a QBR of 82.5 or better.
Once again, Tech remained committed to the run game. The Hokies finished with 136 yards on 36 attempts just one week after running it 32 times for 206 yards.
The Hokies’ defense effectively pressured the quarterback and forced turnovers, just like they did against Miami. After sacking Cam Ward three times and forcing him to throw two interceptions, Virginia Tech sacked Stanford’s Justin Lamson five times and forced two turnovers, including a critical forced fumble that prevented a Stanford score in the first quarter.
Efficient quarterback play, a commitment to running the football, and an aggressive and opportunistic defense — this is how the 2024 Hokies will win football games. For the second straight week, Virginia Tech checked these three boxes and in turn, have played their two best games of the season.
Maintaining this momentum through an off week would speak volumes about Brent Pry and his staff. The coaches have rightfully received heaping amounts of criticism this season for slow starts, poor game management, and inconsistent play. The Hokies seem to have “aggressively” turned the page on those issues, but how will things look on Oct. 17 when Boston College comes to town?
Saturday gave fans a lot to like. The victory over Stanford will linger for a little longer than normal. But next Thursday night’s showdown is another inflection point for Virginia Tech as they dig themselves out of an early hole.
As impressive as the win in Palo Alto was, Virginia Tech must once again turn the page. Boston College is better coached, should have their starting quarterback, and has been better than advertised up to this point. The Hokies must not rest on their laurels, but instead build on the progress they’ve made over the last two weeks.
Virginia Tech has all the momentum. Retaining it through an off week will be difficult. If the Hokies are able to exit the bye week and give another performance similar to their last two games, Uncle Mo won’t be going anywhere.