In a high-energy matchup at Lane Stadium, the Virginia Tech Hokies showcased a dominant performance on both sides of the ball to fend off a second-half rally by the Boston College Eagles, securing a 42-21 victory. Led by an outstanding game from Bhayshul Tuten, who broke the single-game school record for rushing yards with 266, the Hokies jumped out to a commanding lead. Despite Boston College mounting a comeback attempt in the third quarter, Virginia Tech’s resilience and explosive plays in the fourth sealed the win, improving their position in the ACC standings. Let’s dive into the action-packed game quarter by quarter.
First Quarter: Hokies Strike Early, Eagles Stumble
After the Hokies deferred to the second half, Boston College opened on offense, starting from their 25-yard line following a fair catch on the kickoff. They quickly earned a first down on the ground, but the Hokies’ defense soon stood firm, forcing a punt. The Hokies began their offensive drive deep in their territory at the 12-yard line. Methodically, they marched down the field, stringing together a series of first downs. The drive culminated with a powerful touchdown run by Kyron Drones, giving Virginia Tech a 7-0 lead.
Boston College’s second possession ended abruptly when, on the third play of the drive, they fumbled the ball. The Hokies recovered and benefitted from an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Boston College, placing the Hokies in the red zone. Four plays later, Virginia Tech found the end zone again, stretching their lead to 14-0. The Eagles responded with a big 26-yard completion from Thomas Castellanos to Ryan O’Keefe to flip the field. They gained two more first downs before the clock ran out, with the Hokies leading 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Second Quarter: Tuten’s Electrifying Run Extends Hokies’ Lead
The second quarter began with Boston College knocking on the door of the Hokies’ end zone. However, just a few plays into the quarter, Castellanos scrambled and was hit late out of bounds, putting the Eagles at the 5-yard line. Disaster struck on the next play as the Eagles fumbled once more, with Antwaun Powell-Ryland recovering the ball for the Hokies. Virginia Tech wasted no time, as Bhayshul Tuten broke free for an electrifying 83-yard touchdown run, capping a two-play, 94-yard drive to extend the lead to 21-0.
Pinned deep on their next possession, Boston College started from their 8-yard line, struggling against a loud Hokies student section. They went three-and-out, giving the Hokies a favorable field position. Virginia Tech pushed into Eagles’ territory and faced a 4th-and-short at midfield. Drones’ fumble during a scramble attempt was recovered by the Eagles, giving them a glimmer of hope. Aided by the running of Turbo Richard, the Eagles reached midfield, but the Hokies’ defense stood tall, forcing a punt. Virginia Tech then mounted a 6-play, 65-yard drive, highlighted by key plays from Benji Gosnell and Tuten. Drones connected with Tuten for a touchdown, increasing the Hokies’ lead to 28-0.
Third Quarter: Eagles Surge, Hokies on Their Heels
Virginia Tech, starting the second half after deferring, earned a quick first down but was soon forced to punt. Boston College, eager to shift the momentum, handed the ball to Richard, who ripped off a 30-yard run. A few plays later, they found the end zone on a 25-yard touchdown pass to Treshaun Ward, narrowing the deficit to 28-7.
Momentum shifted again as the Eagles’ defense made a critical play. Drones, under pressure, threw an interception on the next Hokies possession. Boston College capitalized quickly, scoring another touchdown to pull within 28-14. The pressure was mounting on Virginia Tech, and on the first play of the ensuing drive, Tuten ran for 12 yards but fumbled at the end of the run. The Eagles took advantage once more, scoring after six plays to make it a one-score game at 28-21. The Hokies, now feeling the heat, went three-and-out, punting the ball back to the surging Eagles as the third quarter ended with Virginia Tech clinging to a 28-21 lead.
Fourth Quarter: Tuten’s Record-Setting Performance Seals the Win
Boston College opened the final quarter at their 33-yard line and quickly advanced to midfield. A near first down on a pass to Kamari Morales was overturned after review, leaving them facing a 4th-and-1. The Eagles gambled but failed to convert, giving the ball, and momentum, back to the Hokies. Virginia Tech needed just three plays to capitalize, with a big run from Tuten and an end-around by Ayden Greene setting up another Tuten touchdown, pushing the lead to 35-21.
The Eagles, desperate to respond, found a spark with a 46-yard pass to Reed Harris, placing them in the red zone. However, the Hokies’ defense came up with a critical stop, forcing a field goal attempt. In a chaotic moment, Boston College mishandled the snap, leading to a fumble that was scooped up by Dorian Strong, giving the ball back to the Hokies. On the next play, Tuten broke free for a 61-yard touchdown run, further extending the lead to 42-21.
Boston College tried to muster a late rally, advancing deep into Hokies territory. However, the Hokies’ defense held firm again, forcing a turnover on downs. On Virginia Tech’s next possession, history was made. Tuten, already having a career day, broke free for a 17-yard run, surpassing the single-game school record for rushing yards with 266 yards. The Hokies ran the clock out, sealing the 42-21 victory.
Closing Thoughts: A Statement Win for Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech’s 42-21 victory over Boston College not only showcased their explosive offensive capabilities but also demonstrated their ability to withstand pressure and momentum shifts. Bhayshul Tuten’s record-breaking performance will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest individual efforts in program history. While Boston College rallied in the third quarter and cut the lead to just seven, the Hokies’ resilience and ability to respond quickly in the fourth quarter ensured they stayed in control.
Defensively, Virginia Tech capitalized on Boston College’s miscues, forcing multiple turnovers that swung the game early. Though the Eagles fought back valiantly, the Hokies’ defense made key stops in critical moments, proving to be the difference maker. With this win, the Hokies gain confidence as they head deeper into conference play, while Boston College will need to regroup and clean up their execution if they hope to bounce back in the coming weeks.
This game was a testament to the Hokies’ ability to dominate early and respond when their backs were against the wall, making it a statement win as they aim to solidify their place among the ACC’s top contenders.
