Story of the Stat Line: Virginia Tech at Stanford

Evan Bainer

October 8, 2024

STANFORD, CALIFORNIA - After what many Virginia Tech fans would call a disappointing start to the 2024 season, the Hokies looked to pick up the win in its “get right” game against Stanford on October 5th.

Like most other games this season, Virginia Tech’s focus to start the game was on the run. Bhayshul Tuten led the way for the Hokies in that sense, totaling 21 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown. Though that is a solid line statistically, the fact that Tuten had 21 carries meant he only averaged 3.5 yards per carry. While Tuten has proven himself to be a strong option in the backfield, the heavy workload in this game for minimal results illustrated how running the ball wasn’t the key to winning this game for Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech’s passing attack has been the difference maker in games so far this season, and against Stanford was no exception. Quan Felton proved his threat as a deep-pass catcher, hauling in 4 catches for 84 yards and a touchdown. Stephen Gosnell also continued his offensive reliability, catching 3 passes for 53 yards and a touchdown.

While Jaylin Lane was relatively quiet against Stanford, Virginia Tech fans should expect to see more of the leading receiver for the Hokies along with Felton and Gosnell in the second half of the season.

Kyron Drones also had a solid game himself, going 14/19 for 201 yards and 2 passing touchdowns. He also picked up 17 yards on 8 carries from the ground, and added on a rushing touchdown in the second half. While Drones has struggled with passing accuracy over the past few games, his performance on Saturday could be a bit of a reset for the quarterback heading into the second half of the season.

The Hokies win on Saturday was also in large part because of the defensive play from the team. Virginia Tech’s defensive line helped shut down the Cardinal offense, accounting for five sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Additionally, a late interception in the fourth quarter by linebacker Keonta Jenkins helped further solidify the win for Virginia Tech. With the defense locking down Stanford’s offense, it allowed the Hokies to cruise to a win on offense. 

While the expectations have been high for Virginia Tech's defensive line, the quality of play from the trenches, and even the defense as a whole, has given Tech fans more to look forward to for the rest of the season. 

As previously mentioned, this contest against Stanford was one for the Hokies to regroup on since losing back-to-back games the past two weeks. With the victory, Virginia Tech is able to enter its upcoming bye week with an even record. This next game will be a crucial one for the Hokies, as they take on a Boston College team that’s currently 4-2 on the season in a crucial primetime matchup on Thursday on October 17. As it will begin the second half of the season for Virginia Tech, the matchup against Boston College will be a test for this team looking to salvage an ACC championship game bid.