Hokies Continue Their Football Dominance Over UVA (11-30-24)

By: Joey Raymond

Headline Photo Credit: Katie Raymond & Jason Wiley-LMS Network

Blacksburg, VA – On a frigid evening at Lane Stadium, where the kickoff temperature of 31 degrees made this the sixth coldest game in Virginia Tech’s history, the Hokies squared off against their in-state rivals, the Virginia Cavaliers, in the annual battle for the Commonwealth Cup. With pride, bragging rights, and postseason aspirations on the line, Virginia Tech delivered a near-flawless performance in front of an electric home crowd that braved the icy conditions. From the opening possession to the final whistle, the Hokies left no doubt about their dominance. Let’s break into what happened Saturday night in Blacksburg. 

First Quarter: Hokies Set the Tone

Virginia deferred after winning the toss, giving Virginia Tech the first shot on offense. After a strong special teams play by Virginia pinned the Hokies at their 10-yard line, Virginia Tech orchestrated a methodical drive. Mixing power runs and quick passes, they advanced steadily before Pop Watson connected with Da’Quan Felton on a 42-yard strike. Bhayshul Tuten then punched it in from six yards out to give the Hokies an early 7-0 lead.

Virginia’s first drive went nowhere as Antwaun Powell-Ryland’s sack helped force a quick punt. The Hokies’ offense picked up where they left off, moving the ball efficiently before a holding penalty slowed their momentum. John Love’s 44-yard field goal extended the Hokies’ lead to 10-0.

The Cavaliers’ next possession began at their own 7 after a penalty, but Virginia managed just three yards before the first quarter ended with Virginia Tech firmly in control.

Second Quarter: Hokies Extend Their Lead

The Cavaliers opened the second quarter with a spark, picking up a pair of first downs before the Hokies’ defense clamped down and forced a punt. Virginia Tech’s offense struggled momentarily, punting the ball back to Virginia, but an uncalled offside on the return gave the Cavaliers a prime starting position.

Virginia capitalized with a field goal to make it 10-3, but the Hokies responded emphatically. Pop Watson launched a 66-yard bomb to Jaylin Lane, electrifying the crowd and stretching the lead to 17-3. Just before halftime, Mansoor Delane’s interception set up another scoring opportunity for the Hokies, and Love’s 31-yard field goal sent them into the locker room with a 20-3 advantage.

Third Quarter: Hokies Dominate the Second Half

Virginia’s offense began the second half with promise, but a fourth-down stop by the Hokies’ defense shifted momentum. On the ensuing drive, Watson and Tuten led a quick march downfield, capped by Watson’s 5-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 27-3.

Virginia finally found the end zone midway through the quarter on a Muskett scramble, followed by a successful two-point conversion, cutting the deficit to 27-11. However, the Hokies answered with another efficient drive, highlighted by a 40-yard pass to Ali Jennings and capped by a Love field goal to make it 30-11.

The Cavaliers moved into Hokies territory as the quarter ended, setting up a critical fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter: Hokies Seal the Deal

Virginia opened the final frame with a Muskett touchdown run, but their failed two-point conversion kept the Hokies’ lead at 30-17. The Cavaliers attempted an onside kick, but Virginia Tech recovered and quickly reasserted control.

Bhayshul Tuten delivered the dagger with a breathtaking 58-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 37-17 and effectively sealing the game. The Hokies’ defense closed the door with another interception by Delane and relentless pressure that stifled Virginia’s final possessions.

Final Thoughts: Commonwealth Cup Stays Home

As the final seconds ticked away, the Hokies celebrated a commanding 37-17 victory, keeping the Commonwealth Cup in Blacksburg. Virginia Tech’s dynamic offense and stifling defense overwhelmed the Cavaliers, delivering a performance that electrified the resilient home crowd braving the icy conditions. The win capped the Hokies’ regular season on a high note, reaffirming their dominance in the rivalry and adding another chapter to their storied tradition.

Yet, for many Hokies fans, the season as a whole feels like a disappointment. Despite securing bowl eligibility, Virginia Tech ended the regular season with the same record as last year, leaving questions about whether significant progress has been made. The offseason promises to be pivotal, as fans eagerly await potential changes to push the program forward.

For Virginia, there’s a different perspective. While the Cavaliers also face tough questions about their trajectory, their year-over-year improvement offers a glimmer of hope for the future. In contrast to their rivals, Virginia took tangible steps forward this season, setting the stage for what could be a more promising path ahead. Both programs, however, will enter the offseason with much to evaluate as they look to build toward brighter days.