Story of the Statlines: Virginia Tech Claims the Commonwealth Cup

WOW, THAT WAS AWESOME!

This game was probably over before it even started, let's be honest. If you remember, a certain man by the name of Anthony Colandrea said some words to the media prior to the Commonwealth Clash last Saturday. These words, while they held some meaning before the game, are now just an afterthought to laugh about after the 55-17 win for Virginia Tech over Virginia. It’s always easier to talk before you have faced the music, and face the music Colandrea and the Hoos did. From the get-go, this game turned into a Hokie party in Lane Stadium North, and Tech stepped on the gas all night long, claiming their sixth win of the season and a bowl berth. Virginia Tech displayed complete dominance in every facet of the game and claimed the Commonwealth Cup for the 22nd time in 24 games.

Scootin Tuten, Rootin Tuten, The Tuten Train, whatever you want to call him, he signed, sealed, and delivered one of his best games of the season when it mattered most. Tuten has always benefited from playing from ahead because it opens up the run game even more, and after last week's odd limitation of touches for him, he got right back into the driver's seat and kept trucking.

Tuten was one yard shy of his season high in rushing, but he probably doesn't really care about that much after such a huge win. Not only did he dominate the run game, his presence on special teams was especially felt when he returned a kick-off 94 yards right after a Wahoo field goal, just to let them know they weren’t getting back into the game.

Da’Quan Felton (x2), Stephen Gosnell, Bhayshul Tuten, Tucker Holloway, and Malachi Thomas all got into the endzone last Saturday for the Hokies. This stat might not mean much to some, but it shows how the offense for Tech has evolved this season and how it all came together in the final game when it really mattered too.

Looking back to the beginning of the year, when Virginia Tech was 1-3, some would say the offense lacked some creativity. But this all turned around when ACC play began, and aside from a couple games against tough conference opponents, this offense has been firing on all cylinders, the most it has been in years.

With a mix of transfers and tenured players, the touchdown pot was being stirred all Saturday night long.

Obviously, going 6-6 is not the greatest thing in the college football world, but for a rebuilding team with a second-year coach attempting to make strides every year, this is huge for Brent Pry and Co. After doubling their win total from last year as well as winning four more conference games, the Hokies are going back to a bowl game after missing out the prior season.

And what better way to clinch a bowl game than demolishing your rival in their own house. With the potential to win their bowl game and go 7-6, Virginia Tech could very well be making their way back to the national spotlight slowly but surely.