Story of the Stat Line: Virginia Tech at Syracuse

The Hokies traveled to Syracuse with uncertainty at multiple positions. Starting QB Kyron Drones was sidelined due to a back injury, putting backup Collin Schlee into the starting role. 

Schlee stepped up admirably in his first start of the season, completing 16 of 24 passes for 206 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Additionally, Schlee showed his dual-threat ability by rushing for a touchdown, adding to his overall impact on the game.

His performance was a bright spot for a Virginia Tech offense that was also missing starting running back Bhayshul Tuten, who was also out due to injury. Schlee’s efficiency kept the Hokies in the game, despite a later collapse that would take the game into overtime.

With Tuten unavailable, the Hokies' running game was placed in the hands of freshman Jeremiah Coney and junior Malachai Thomas. Both backs rose to the occasion and played pivotal roles in keeping the offense balanced.

Coney, in particular, had an impressive outing, rushing for 96 yards on just nine carries. Meanwhile, Thomas added 73 yards on 14 carries, including a touchdown. His physical running style provided a nice complement to Coney's burst, as the duo combined for 169 rushing yards.

The one con that rose with the running game was a fumble by Coney with under three minutes left in the third quarter, becoming a momentum shifter for the Orange.

While the Hokies' running backs carried much of the load, wide receiver Stephen Gosnell also contributed to the well-flowing offense. He had a breakout performance, recording 118 yards on 5 receptions. This was Gosnell’s first career 100-yard game and a significant milestone for the junior receiver.

On the other side of the ball, Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord had a productive afternoon, throwing for 280 yards on 24 of his 35 passing attempts. He also threw two touchdowns and one interception.

On the receiving end of McCord's passes, the dynamic receiving duo of Justus Ross-Simmons and Trebor Pena, who made their mark. Ross-Simmons was the star of the receiving corps, hauling in four catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns. Pena also contributed with seven catches for 83 yards.

While McCord and the receivers did their part, it was running back LeQuint Allen who truly put the Syracuse offense on his back. Allen rushed for a season-high 121 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries. He scored the game-tying touchdown at the end of the fourth quarter, as well as the game-winning touchdown in overtime.

Virginia Tech falls to 5-4 with the loss, losing all four games by one-score. They will travel back home for their next game against the No. 23 Clemson Tigers (6-2).