Hokie ClubNORFOLK, Va. – Virginia Tech heads into the second half against Old Dominion with a 14-10 lead in its third matchup at S.B. Ballard Stadium. Both teams have yet to secure a road victory in the six-game series, but the Hokies are determined to change that on the Monarch's home turf.
Tech struck early on its opening drive with a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kyron Drones to wide receiver Jaylin Lane. Wearing this game’s honorary No. 25, Lane has been a key playmaker, leading the Hokies with 108 receiving yards. His biggest highlight so far came on a short pass from Drones at the VT 23, which he broke for 46 yards, weaving through Old Dominion’s defense to the ODU 34. The fifth-year wideout has been the primary target, catching six of Drones’ passes with more to come.
Drones added the Hokies' second touchdown with a one-yard run. The Pearland, Texas native has been solid, accumulating 164 passing yards and 24 rushing yards to this point. Notably, he connected with receiver Stephen Gosnell on a key 21-yard completion that boosted the offense. Receiver Ali Jennings is making an impact with receptions of 11 and 15 yards while running back Bhayshul Tuten continues to excel in the rushing game, amassing 59 rushing yards and breaking off a 19-yard sprint.
On the other side of the ball, the Hokies shut out the Monarchs in the first quarter. Antwaun Powell-Ryland has been particularly disruptive, notching two sacks against both ODU quarterbacks Colton Joseph and Quinn Henicle. APR’s first sack resulted in a five-yard loss and a forced fumble, while his second sack early in the second quarter added a six-yard loss. Linebackers Caleb Woodson and Sam Brumfield also teamed up for a tackle for loss, forcing the Monarchs back two yards. Woodson currently leads the team with five tackles, and linebacker Kaleb Spencer added a pass break up to the mix.
Old Dominion will begin the second half with possession of the ball.