Commonwealth Clash Recap: Virginia Tech vs. Virginia

Evan Bainer

Dec. 3, 2024

The Hokies became bowl-eligible Saturday with their 37-17 Commonwealth Clash victory over their visiting in-state rival UVA.

The first Commonwealth Clash in Lane Stadium since 2020 was a sight for sore eyes for many Virginia Tech fans. Though temperatures below freezing, a sold out crowd packed Lane Stadium to watch the Hokies defeat the Virginia Cavaliers.

What was arguably the most notable storyline heading into this game was if Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones would be able to play due to a lower body injury he sustained earlier in November. Drones, however, would be ruled out for the game, so the Hokies turned to redshirt freshman William “Pop” Watson III. Watson, who was the third-string quarterback for most of the season behind Drones and Collin Schlee, saw some playing time the week prior against Duke when Schlee was also sidelined due to injury. ​​

As the Hokies sat at 5-6 heading into rivalry week, there was some uncertainty as to whether the team could finish out the season with a win, especially behind a quarterback with little playing time at the collegiate level. Nonetheless, Watson excelled against the Cavaliers, as he completed 14 of 21 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown. A large amount of this passing yardage came off long throws that were essential to Tech’s momentum in the victory. Watson would also rush for 48 yards and a touchdown in the game. 

Bhayshul Tuten, as he has done for most of the season, led Virginia Tech’s rushing attack against UVA. Tuten would record 124 yards and two touchdowns on the night, with his longest run going for a 58-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. With Tuten leading the Hokies’ rushing scheme throughout the season, the lead back was at the helm of the team’s scoring against the Cavaliers.

While there were only 14 completions in the game, the Virginia Tech receivers made the most of the passes they caught. Three of Tech’s receivers averaged over 20 yards per catch in the contest, and Jaylin Lane led the group with four catches for 91 yards and a touchdown. Lane’s touchdown catch came off a 66-yard reception towards the end of the first half. Virginia Tech’s high yards per reception rate against UVA not only allowed it to establish its passing game early on, but it also allowed the Hokies to keep their momentum going through big plays throughout the game.

Virginia Tech’s defensive line was key to disrupting UVA’s offense on Saturday. Antwaun Powell-Ryland had a strong finish to his impressive regular season, as he led the way with three sacks in the game. He would end the year with 16 sacks, the second most in the ACC. Aeneas Peebles, another strong actor on defense, would record 1.5 sacks against the Cavaliers. The Hokies’ secondary also limited UVA’s passing attack in the game, as safety Jaylen Jones and cornerback Mansoor Delane each had an interception. With Tech’s defense being able to stop UVA’s passing, it was able to limit the UVA’s ability to complete long throws and keep its energy going throughout the game.

As Virginia Tech looks to go to a bowl game for its second straight year, the main question for the team will be how it can finish up the season and identify strong points for next season. If Drones is unable to go for the bowl game, Watson will likely be the quarterback the Hokies turn to. Additionally, seniors like Tuten and Powell-Ryland, who have acted as a backbone for the team this season, will look to finish out the strong seasons they have both had at their positions.

Although this season may be seen as a letdown by many Virginia Tech fans, there could very well be a reevaluation for the team heading into next season. As many of the starters are seniors and/or are graduating at the end of this year, the program will likely look towards the younger players to step into new roles. Virginia Tech will also likely look towards the transfer portal in the offseason, as the portal has brought the program a significant amount of success in recent years.