Virginia Tech Takes Control in 21-6 Victory Over Georgia Tech (10-26-24)

By: Joey Raymond

Headline Photo Credit: Jason Wiley-LMS Network

Blacksburg, VA –In a pivotal ACC showdown, the Virginia Tech Hokies welcomed the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to Lane Stadium for homecoming. Both teams looking to build momentum in a tightly contested season. From the outset, the game showcased fierce defensive efforts from both sides, highlighted by early turnovers and key stops. As the game unfolded, the Hokies capitalized on big plays and strong defensive stands to take control, while the Yellow Jackets struggled to find consistency on offense. With both teams fighting for bowl eligibility, this matchup promised to be a hard-fought battle, and it certainly delivered. Let’s get into the game breakdown. 

First Quarter:

Georgia Tech won the toss and deferred, giving the Hokies the ball to start the game. The Yellow Jackets immediately set the tone with a defensive highlight, forcing a fumble on the first play, though Kyron Drones recovered it for Virginia Tech. Unable to capitalize, the Hokies punted. On Georgia Tech’s ensuing drive, they converted two crucial third downs to reach the red zone, but the Hokies’ defense held firm, forcing a field goal. Georgia Tech took an early 3-0 lead. Virginia Tech’s next drive showed promise with a first down from Bhayshul Tuten, but they too had to punt. Both teams traded possessions with little offensive momentum as the quarter ended.

Second Quarter:

The second quarter began with Georgia Tech punting, giving the Hokies another opportunity. After a quick 7-yard pass, the Hokies gained significant ground on Ayden Greene’s 14-yard run, followed by a 31-yard pass to Benji Gosnell. Drones connected with Gosnell again for a 20-yard touchdown, putting Virginia Tech ahead 7-3. The Yellow Jackets struggled on their next drive, going three-and-out, and the Hokies also stalled on their following possession.

Late in the quarter, Georgia Tech drove to the Hokies’ 33-yard line but settled for another field goal, cutting the deficit to 7-6. Virginia Tech responded with a game-changing play—Bhayshul Tuten ripped off a 41-yard run, flipping field position. With two minutes remaining in the half, the Hokies executed a “Philly Special,” to perfection with Jaylin Lane throwing a touchdown pass to Kyron Drones, extending the lead to 14-6. The Philadelphia Eagles would be proud. After a quick Georgia Tech punt, the Hokies ran out the clock to take their eight-point lead into halftime.

Third Quarter:

Georgia Tech opened the second half but struggled to gain any offensive traction, going three-and-out. Virginia Tech followed with a three-and-out of their own, and the defensive standoff continued. Midway through the quarter, Georgia Tech muffed a Hokies’ punt, but after review, it was ruled they hadn’t touched the ball, allowing the Yellow Jackets to keep possession, much to the disgust of the Lane Stadium crowd. A few plays later, Hokies linebacker Kelly Lawson intercepted Georgia Tech quarterback Zach Pyron, setting up the Hokies in prime position. Virginia Tech capitalized, with Drones finding Steven Gosnell for a 28-yard pass, and then finding Felton to get it to the 1-yard line. The Hokies would be punching it in from 1 yard out to push the lead to 21-6 just moments later.

Georgia Tech turned to true freshman quarterback Aaron Philo but despite a 57-yard pass to Eric Singleton Jr., the Hokies defense continued to stifle any momentum as the third quarter ended.

Fourth Quarter:

Starting from their own 26-yard line, Georgia Tech looked to strike quickly but was stopped on a crucial fourth-and-1, shifting momentum to the Hokies. Virginia Tech took over but went three-and-out, punting the ball back. The Yellow Jackets, also unable to find a rhythm, failed to convert on another fourth down, handing the ball back to the Hokies at their 39-yard line. The Hokies couldn’t capitalize and punted again. Georgia Tech, starting from their 7-yard line, managed to keep their drive alive with a fourth-down conversion and a 21-yard pass that pushed them past midfield. However, the Hokies’ defense held firm, forcing three incompletions at the 24-yard line before Georgia Tech’s fourth-down attempt fell short.

Virginia Tech ran down some clock but had to punt again. Despite muffing the return, Georgia Tech recovered. They quickly moved the ball to the Hokies’ 41-yard line before a pass from Aaron Philo was tipped and intercepted by the Hokies, sealing the game. Virginia Tech then ran out the clock for a 21-6 victory.

Final Thoughts:

Virginia Tech’s resilience and clutch playmaking were the keys to their 21-6 victory over Georgia Tech. A balanced offensive attack, highlighted by Bhayshul Tuten’s explosive runs and Kyron Drones’ efficient passing, kept the Hokies in control. Drones’ connection with Benji Gosnell and a perfectly executed trick play for a touchdown by Jaylin Lane showcased the Hokies’ ability to capitalize on big moments.

Defensively, Virginia Tech dominated, forcing multiple turnovers, including two key interceptions—one by Kelly Lawson that set up a third-quarter touchdown, and another late in the game that sealed the win. The Hokies consistently shut down Georgia Tech in critical situations, particularly in the red zone, holding the Yellow Jackets to just two field goals.

For Georgia Tech, the loss is a tough setback in their quest for bowl eligibility. Despite flashes of promise from freshman quarterback Aaron Philo, the Jackets struggled with consistency, failing to convert on key fourth downs and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Head coach Brent Key now faces a challenge in rallying his team for a difficult stretch of games ahead.